Thailand Luxury Hotels

The Peninsula consistently ranks as a top three property in all of Asia, but the hotel has been our favorite in Bangkok over many years for several reasons including its riverfront location, stunning high tower views, and spacious outdoor grounds. The Peninsula is ideally located, with convenient boat dock for cruising to Bangkok's riverside attractions, including the Grand Palace, Chinatown, flower market, and temples.

It's a perfect hotel for families, but there is also a pleasant piano lounge and fabulous outdoor dining along the river. The spa was extensively renovated and is the finest in the Bangkok. The Peninsula has a large pleasant outdoor pool with Thai-style lounging pavilions. There is also a modern fitness center. The incredible tower views of the river and to downtown are unparalleled by any other hotel in Bangkok. For those with curiosity about the Oriental, which lies across the river, a direct ferry takes three minutes and we recommend enjoying afternoon tea in the Author's Lounge (below).

Top end dining options include Mei Jiang for fine Cantonese cuisine, Thiptara for Thai on the outdoor veranda surrounded by majestic banyan trees and lush tropical garden for a captivating dining experience by the river. As with other Peninsulas, room technology is state-of-the-art, with most aspects of room functions and hotel services seamlessly controlled by an tablet with simple, easily-to-use interface.

Our take: Consistently rated a top-three property in Thailand and with it's unique, high-tower balcony rooms with views over the river and city and easy access to The Oriental directly across the river, the hotel has always been a favorite. For a dramatic arrival, transfer from Bangkok International Airport to the rooftop of the Peninsula by helicopter (above).

Too young, too hip for the Oriental? Founded by one of Thailand's most popular pop star and his family, the chic Siam was Bangkok's most celebrated hotel opening in years and has arguably trounced the Oriental as the city's most attention-getting property. The 39-suite luxury boutique retreat overlooking the eastern banks of the Chao Praya riverfront near the Grand Palace features individually-designed rooms and pool villas with soaring ceilings and original antique oriental artwork and furnishings. Dedicated butlers mark top-notch and attentive service.

Interiors and landscaping by Asia starchitect Bill Bensley feature his award-winning work everywhere, marked by subdued elegance and "without the fuss of the Oriental and like luxury properties" notes Condé Nast, while Art deco design reflect the European architectural styles adopted during the reign of King Rama V during the 19th and 20th centuries. Polished wood floors

The vibrant waterfront location offers mesmerizing views of the bustling river action, easy to join hopping onto a ferry at the property's private pier, from where we will arrange your klong tour of Bangkok's famed canals.

Highlights of The Siam are the lush greenery which decorates hallways, atrium and courtyards against stark white walls, the hundreds of Thai antiquities, wood carvings, and original artwork, tranquil vintage library, and the large infinity pool facing the river.

Facilities include a fully-equipped gym with Thai boxing ring where lessons can be arranged, outdoor yoga terrace, luxury spa, riverside infinity pool, and private pier for river excursions. Consider this property as a more intimate and newer alternative to other boutique properties, and a top recommendation for honeymooners.

Our take: Keep in mind the Siam is a further outside the central river sights where many other hotels are located. While the hipster and design factor is high, you should expected more gaps the condition of the hotel and service than other top luxury properties, while rooms though stylish, are on the smaller side as is total size of the hotel.

The Oriental is like Jim Thompson—you can't visit Thailand without hearing about either one. The legendary 1887 hotel is the known as the public palace Bangkok with world-famous service that is equally part of the Oriental experience. Few other hotels in the world inspire such loyalty of past clients (the hotel is famous for remembering guest's preferences decades after their last stay). Now with an adjacent, modern tower, most rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly onto the bustling river tableau. If prestige is paramount or you're curious to experience what the fuss is all about, then by all means this should be your first choice in Bangkok.

The busy lobby is a popular meeting point for the city's social and business elite and world-class restaurants include Le Normandie for gourmet French cuisine, Lord Jim's for the city's finest seafood and Sala Rim Naam for traditional Thai cuisine featuring a nightly classical Thai dance show. Before or after dinner, the atmospheric Bamboo Bar features live jazz.

Two outdoor pools, and via a quick ferry ride across the river, are the hotel's tennis and squash courts, premier health and beauty spa, children's day care center, and renowned cooking school.

The standard of personal service is incomparable, marked by a personal butler, many who have served here for decades, who efficiently manage your every whim.

The Mandarin Oriental features the ultimate midday oases for kids to escape the typically high heat and cacophony of the streets. The Oriental ice cream cart which cruises the pool area, features fresh hand made cream.

Our take: The Oriental was once one of the world's most famous hotels in the world, and should be a primary reason for staying there. If not important, then Bangkok offers dozens of other luxury places for a perfect stay—contact us. The boasts the longest serving staff of any property in the world, many serving for decades and can be invaluable their local knowledge, such as local tailors. The best breakfast in Bangkok is served on the terrace with fabulous views on the river (try the Thai style omelet). Even if not staying here, we recommend a visit for afternoon tea service in the splendid Author's Lounge or drinks at the Bamboo Bar with live jazz.

Over pandemic, the Four Seasons opened two new luxury properties on the banks of the Chao Phraya riverfront—The Four Seasons Bangkok and a luxury boutique property next door, the Capella. Both properties share a large riverfront area, and guests may access dining venues and other spaces of either.

The vibe at Capella is exclusive but understated, with subdued design and modern, minimalist spaces though smaller of course than the adjacent Four Seasons.

The atmosphere is purposely tranquil, ideal for those looking for a more peaceful stay than larger hotels. Most spaces feature wonderful views of the river, from broad terraces, rooms, and pool area.

Dining venues feature Michelin-star Côte, one of Bangkok's top restaurants (reservations recommended in advance)

Our take: The Capella is purposely tranquil with subdued design, and feels more like a private modern villa than hotel. Ideal location on the river, which we always recommend. Service is top-notch, Aman-level. Space is minimal, and if an issue - opt for larger properties such as the Four Seasons or Peninsula.

Renowned, world-class property on par with the now-closed Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, this enchanting resort oasis lies in a picturesque valley, 20 minutes north of Chiang Mai. Landscaped gardens, water lily ponds, and terraced rice paddies surround the 98 large and distinctive guest pavilions and villas. These feature spacious teak-floored bedrooms, separate dressing areas, oversize baths (garden soaking tubs and shower stalls), and inviting gazebos.

Thai and Continental restaurants are augmented by a casual café and charming Elephant Bar pavilion and excellent cooking school. Amenities include a 65-foot infinity lap pool, tennis, a fitness studio and sophisticated spa.

Championship golf is available nearby. Upstairs pavilions offer rice paddy views. Childcare and kid's activities offered daily 9am to 5pm for children ages 4 to 12.

Our take: A spacious setting with abundance of nature throughout. Good for families, with children's activities and one of the best values for a luxury hotel in Southeast Asia. Still, consider one the many charming boutique properties closer to the action in town, which Chiang Mai excels in.

An hour and half north of Chiang Rai and world's away from the cacophony of Bangkok, the world-famous tented Camp is situated in the remote mountains and furthest reaches of the Golden Triangle. The sublime "jungle camp" is set on a lush hillside with views through the jungle off into Myanmar and Laos.

With only just over a dozen luxurious "tented" rooms, the tented camp is one of the most exclusive retreats in Asia, featuring hand crafted teak furniture and floors with safari chic amenities such as two-person hand-hammered copper bathtubs, leather-and-hardwood bush chairs, paddle fans and hardwood desk. Tented rooms are air-conditioned with indoor and outdoor rain showers, spacious deck area, and travelers will experience the warm and attentive service the Four Seasons and Thais are known for.

The camp also has free-form pool, whirlpool, spa pavilion, and dining venues, including a panoramic treetop bar and wine cellar, serving Thai, Laotian, Burmese, and Western favorites. Private meals can be arranged, including a picnic in the jungles further afield, candlelight dinner with Thai music, dinner atop a neighboring peak, and a private sunrise breakfast with the elephants at the Camp Peak.

Resort experiences feature elephant trekking (learning to bathe, feed and drive an elephant, before climb aboard for a ride through the jungle), Mekong River excursions, journeying on a riverboat to meet local hill tribes, and a new herbal adventure in which the camp chef and a botanical expert take you foraging into the Camp's natural surroundings, where you'll learn about-and gather-a variety of plants used for local cuisine and traditional medicine.

Three-Night Adventure Packages for one or two, all meals, open bar, camp activities and airport transfers included. Other packages available in conjunction with Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Note: Children under 10 years not permitted.

Our take: A sublime jungle escape for those looking for solitude and pure relaxation, this is not the place for active couples nor those interested in local culture. For shorter trips, consider either the islands or this jungle oasis for your down time, but not both. If you are looking for more for a combination of resort with local culture, we have better recommendations where to spend your time. Let us plan an overland drive from Chang Mai, a scenic four-hour journey through the mountain valleys of the north, pausing at temples and villages along the way.

A mountain sanctuary perched on a hillside in the heart of the Golden Triangle with sweeping views of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. This Anantara features tradtional Lanna-kingdom inspired architecture, delicious northern Thai cuisine, world-class spa and an elephany camp along the river with a population of mahouts (trainers) and elephants where guests may learn all about Asian elephants along with up close encounters.

Within over a 150 acres of tranquil, lush hills and grasslands, the resort is siutated at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar join together. The local town of Sop Ruak is minutes away. Other local higlights include the fascinating Hall of Opium, a museum which covers the infamous history of the opium trade in the Golden Triangle during the 1970s & 1980s.

Lanna kingdom art and design a featured in the Anantara's décor and architecture, including wooden vaulted ceilings, rich teak flooring, golden sculptures, and Golden Triangle hilltribe textiles. Public spaces are spacious and include a large infinity pool with views of the surrounding valley and forests.

The resort's partner, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, is home to over two dozen endangered elephants cared for by villagers next to the resort. Enjoy a Walking with Giants excursion, accompanying the elephants on a causal trek alonng the river as they eat and are bathed. Learn from onsite experts about the elephants, including behavior, care, and conservation efforts.

At the three-storey spa, treatments include Yam Khang Therapy, in which the masseuse warms her feet on a heated ploughshare before using them to knead tired muscles. Yoga and muaythai kickboxing training are available. The ample staff caters to guest needs and requests in an attentive yet relaxed fashion.

The resort has 61 rooms and suites that have undergone extensive renovation recently, and are decorated with hardwood panelling, local fabrics and northern Thai art. Every room and suite features a veranda with views over the landscapes. Bathrooms include a deep terrazzo tub with a partition that slides open to take in the view.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort offers the best dining in the area with authentic northern Thai dishes including kid's favorite, green chicken curry with young coconut shoots and wild betel leaves. A more elegant and intimate Baan Dhalia venue serves creative Mediterranean and Italian cuisine paired with wines from a well-stocked cellar. White truffles foraged around Chiang Mai are a unique house specialty.Drinks and lighter fare, from pad thai to burgers, are available all-day from the Elephant Bar and Opium Terrace. The morning buffet in Sala Mae Nam encompasses a varied selection of well-prepared Asian and international dishes as well as fresh fruits and juice.

Our take: The Golden Triangle's only large resort, terrific for families with an adjacent elephant camp and adventures along the river, mountains, villages, and forests. A pleasant alterantive to the busy islands in the south.

Phuket's finest resort for over 30 years is this spectacular Aman. Renowned for its service, tranquil vibe, and wellness focus that attracts celebrity guests, the visually stunning Amanpuri is terraced into palm-shaded hillside above an exquisite white-sand beach cove.

A maze of walkways and steep stairs through the lush surroundings provide access to the 40 luxurious all-suite lodging. In addition, there are 30 multi-bedroom luxury Villa Homes dotted around the 75+ acres of the surrounding hill scape and jungle cover.

Two informal open-air restaurants offering Continental, Thai, and Italian cuisine flank a serene 100-foot freshwater pool. Energetic guests may enjoy the facilities including tennis, a sophisticated indoor/outdoor spa and a fitness gym, and on the water, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skiing, and snorkeling await. Rise early for a cycling tour of the local roads pedaling through jungle cover. Championship golf at one of six courses is available nearby, sprawling over coconut plantations, coastal landscapes, and lush tropical landscaped gardens.

Further afield, and off shore, enjoy world-class ocean adventure from renowned scuba diving excursions, cruises to the striking Phi Phi Islands, and Phang Nga Bay can be arranged by the Amanpuri's yachts and speedboats. Explore Phuket’s lush jungle, trekking through pristine rainforest. Enjoy a half-day morning hike in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park through a variety of exotic jungle foliage, including rare white-backed palms and waterfalls, while spotting wildlife, including colorful birds such as the red-billed malkoha, the greater racket-tailed drongo and red-backed sea-eagle, and spotting wild gibbons in the jungle.

For couples and families, special resort experiences include sunset cruises, and spaces and activities for children, including a family cooking class, nature workshop, ocean biology Discovery Center, Thai cultural arts and crafts, and junior culinary and wellness workshops for children under 12 years old, resort "Hot Spot" for children over 12, including its half pipe, climbing wall and digital room.

Our take: If budget is a not issue, the Amanpuri should be a top choice for it's convenience (30 minutes from Phuket Airport), sublime setting, space, privacy and gentle service conveys the tranquil ambiance of monastery grounds. A close by private beach cove (Pansee beach) is steps away. For more privacy, consider the Six Senses on Koh Yao Noi. Combine the Thai islands with our popular Angkor and Vietnam trips before arriving into the resort for R&R.

Opened in 2010, the Six Senses "sanctuary" is located an hour offshore from Phuket on the rural "secret" island of Koh Yao Noi situated on a cliffside jungle with astonishing views above Phang Nga Bay's magnificent limestone peaks. This is a rustic, cozy escape in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Soul soothing guaranteed.

A wellness theme permeates the resort and is the ultimate stress escape as one visitor notes: "days quickly fall into a rhythm of treatments, organic food, workout sessions and alternative therapies from iridology to blood analysis. The day is followed by perfect rest and deep, deep sleep. It can be hard to get to early morning yoga or kayaking because the bed is so comfortable." If feeling energetic, enjoy a yoga class or take one of the resort's bicycles for a pedal around the island through local fishing villages and farms. There are a few small cafes scattered on the water as well.

Rooms feature Gilligan-Island style signs made with coconut husks, sugar palm leaf thatching, earthy tones, textured walls and natural light. There are 61 villas built from rich teak wood, with palm-leaf roofs, colorful Thai linens and accessories resembling what a castaway would have. There are two ubervillas, the Enclave and the Retreat, on the Hill that are palatial compounds used by the Thai Royal family.

 Read more about Koh Yao Noi.

Our take: Privacy, tranquility, and wellness are paramount at this remote resort.

Belmond resort property located on a tranquil part of the island at Maenam, on the quieter northern coast of Koh Samui in one of the most unique and private locations with magnificent ocean views.

Napasai is a more intimate and value choice than other luxury resorts on Samui, even the luxurious Four Seasons (on the other side of the island) and the more rustic Anantara. As is the Belmond style, the resort features local traditional motifs, the 69 spacious rooms and suites are tastefully decorated in traditional Thai cottons and silks, wood and bamboo. The large baths are pleasant for relaxing after a long day of exploring the surroundings or water activities.

Choose from a luxurious 2 bedroom Private Villa with pool, a Beachfront Family cottage (sleeps four), a Spa Cottage, a Beachfront Cottage (one bedroom) or a Seaview Cottage (one bedroom) for more dramatic views of the area.

Thai cuisine, or seafood prepared with French. With a cooling exotic drink, relax at the bar or by the large free-form pool. The pool area is a standout, spacious with stunning views over the water and private beach.

Or take: This sprawling resort feels quiet even when full, with generous outdoor spaces for privacy. On the most tranquil stretch of coastline on Samui. The Napasai also features the best gym of any other resort and plenty of children's activities.

 See Full Video Tour of the Belmond Napasai

Krabi's and even all of Thailand's most dramatic resorts settings is situated at the heart of the stunning Phranang Peninsula on the edge of Krabi Marine National Park. Rayavadee is nestled discreetly amidst tropical gardens and coconut groves against a backdrop of sheer cliffs, lush jungle foliage and the clear waters of the Andaman Sea.

The secluded 28-acre resort is an oasis of lush gardens, meandering paths, ponds and just over one hundred stylish lodgings in idyllic setting are a perfect couple's or honeymoon escape, although families can be accommodated. Circular two-story pavilions feature spacious living rooms with full bars, entertainment centers, large bedrooms and baths with soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Family pavilions have two bedrooms; spa pavilions include outdoor Jacuzzis; hydro-pool pavilions have private pools.

Four beach side villas each have a large pool, a master suite and one or two guest bedrooms. Krua Phranang, one of four restaurants, serves traditional Thai dishes. A luxurious spa provides a complete range of treatments.

Our take: One of the most striking settings of any resort in the world, more remote and remove from more developed Samui and Phuket. In addition to the resort's setting, The Grotto Restaurant on Phra Nang Beach offers an equally incredibly picturesque location with fine food.

Thailand offers an unparalleled selection of fully-staffed, oceanfront private villas on the islands, some regarded the very finest in the world. Contact for the perfect place to accommodate your family, friends, or a sublime end to your Thailand honeymoon.

Many villas feature dramatic hillside and cliffside locations, with harmonious blend of luxury and nature, with enchanting views of and direct access to the ocean. Secluded villas are havens of peace and privacy, offering peak tranquility.

Pool, outdoors showers, hot tubs and broad terraces offer sublime outdoor time.

With direct ocean access to a coral reef in the cove in front of the villa, the idyllic Andaman Sea becomes your own private playground.

Villas offer full-service ensuring experiencing the ultimate leisure stay, including on-site amenities and services such as day spas, a full-time in-house chef, wet-bar and gaming tables, and other service staff.

The renowned luxury train journey through the exotic landscapes Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Laos. Step into a world of elegant glamor from a bygone era as you travel between ancient wonders and two of Asia's most interesting cities, Bangkok and Singapore. A trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express combines adventure with comfort and relaxation traveling aboard classical green and gold carriages featuring magnificent cherrywood paneling with colorful Thai silks and Malaysian embroidery. Marvel at the views as you Raise a toast as you meander through lush jungles, picturesque farmland and quaint villages, along riverways, past rustic ancient temples.

Two to six-day journeys are offered, with stops that include Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, verdant Kachanaburi, and one of our favorite small towns in Asia, Georgetown, in Penang.One of the world's most legendary train lines featuring vintage opulence on journeys of meandering over three nights along the Malaysian peninsula through rice plantations, jungle forest, passing ancient temples and small villages. During stops along the route, exploring Penang's foodie capital, Georgetown, and tropical island paradise, Langkawi.

Traversing the scenic landscapes of Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, the Eastern & Oriental Express epitomizes the quintessential Southeast Asian rail adventure. Adorned with opulent wooden interiors, the train boasts a Presidential Suite, State Rooms, and Pullman Cabins available with either single beds or bunks. This journey is a nod to vintage elegance, reminiscent of an Agatha Christie narrative, but seamlessly integrated with contemporary comforts.

Dining on the Eastern & Oriental has been designed by Thailand's premier chef, Ian Kittichai, of the famed Issaya Siamese Club and featured in our Culinary Capitals of Asia journey. Join chef Kittichai for visit to a local food market in Kachanaburi, learning about Thai food ingredients and cooking styles. Read more about Thai cuisine.Enjoy afternoon tea service in your private compartment, before moving about the elegant public spaces, including observation, saloon, piano bar, and dining cars.

Our take: Southeast Asia's only luxury train, transporting travelers into an elegant past. Start or end your Southeast Asia with this exceptional rail journey, spending time in Singapore and Bangkok before and after on one of unique itineraries with unique sights, activities and world-class dining. The Eastern & Oriental is also featured in our Grand Tour.

Koh Kood • Soneva Kiri

Unlike other Thai Island destinations which have experienced dramatic developed over decades, Koh Kood has retained its remote and pristine setting of empty white-sandy beaches, lush jungles, pristine beaches and local village charm. Koh Kood, Thailand’s fourth biggest island, is its least populated with only about two thousand inhabitants, and therein lies much the island's attraction over busier places like Phuket and Koh Samui. Koh Kood is known for having some of the most vibrant natural ecology in the country.

The amount of different ecosystems, combined with the island’s low population and relatively unspoiled environment, mean that Koh Kood supports a large diversity of life – it has more biodiversity than the entire United Kingdom. The sea around the island teems with marine life, while the interior is home to wild animals, lush flora and an exotic butterfly population.

Access to the remote island entails a bit more travel than other destinations, but the journey is smoothed by private plane and speedboat. Once on the island, there are only three dozen private and palatial villas spread over a wide area, offering peace and privacy.

The resort features deserted beaches, ice cream shop, cheese room, and chocolatier, weekly cocktail receptions, yoga and mediation programs, and other spa activities, non-motorized water sports, language classes, and wellness assessments from the resident Ayurvedic doctor. There are four restaurants, including Khun Benz, featuring upscale yet authentic Thai menus.

A romantic idyll, Soneva Kiri is a perfect escape for a honeymoon, anniversary, or couple's getaway. Wellness is a priority at the resort and the Soneva Kiri's spa is comprehensive, and all the restaurant menus have plenty of healthy options. (And even the less healthy ones tend to be organic.) They profess a “slow life” philosophy and have a “no news, no shoes” motto. While they don’t ban devices, and the rooms and main lodge have fast Wi-Fi, other venues have none. They don’t hand out a newspaper fax at breakfast, and the rooms' well-hidden TVs only show DVDs. There’s no enforcement on the shoes, though many guests choose to do without, as do a lot of staff.

Our take: Transit to Koh Kood is made easy with hotel check-in at the airport, short 1 hour 15 minute private plane flight from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Mai Si (Soneva Kiri's Airport Island), with a 5-minute luxury speedboat transfer to Soneva Kiri's jetty. Along with the Six Senses on Koh Yao Noi, the Soneva Kiri is place for getting away from everything (but also lacking the distractions and diversions of other destinations, with few outside restaurants, markets, or nightlife). The resort's children's program is one of the most comprehensive in Thailand, from massive play areas and programs, to private exam tutoring.