Best Historical Hotels in Thailand

137 Pillars House Chiang Mai is an award-winning boutique hotel nestled in a lush residential area near Chiang Mai’s historic Wat Gate Temple and the Ping River. The hotel’s rich colonial heritage is rooted in the original teak homestead from the late 1800s, painstakingly preserved by architectural historians and conservationists. The hotel offers 30 luxurious suites, each featuring high ceilings, spacious walk-in wardrobes, exquisite bathrooms with Victorian bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and four-poster beds. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including personal butler service, pillow menus, Bluetooth sound systems, and an indulgent in-room trolley stocked with premium brand spirits and Nespresso coffee machine. Dining options include The Dining Room for breakfast, Palette for gourmet evening meals, and Jack Bain’s Bar for the best-handcrafted cocktails in Chiang Mai. The hotel also offers a serene spa, fitness centre, and a stunning 25m swimming pool positioned alongside a jaw-dropping vertical plant wall. 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai offers a blend of classic colonial charm and modern luxury in a historical setting that is ideal for exploring the city.

This is a brand and hotel that needs no introduction. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok dates back to 1876 and sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historical Charoenkrung district close to Chinatown. With 4.5 staff to each and every guest, nine restaurants a spa (which is accessed via a romantic boat trip across the river) an entire team of pastry chefs, a flower team, butlers and more, your every wish is granted.  There are 393 rooms and eight restaurants, and in 2016 it underwent large renovations unveiling a whole new wing, paying homage to its illustrious past. These interiors by Design Wilkes are truly regal and ornate, making this hotel the pinnacle of luxury hospitality

Once the home of the British Consulate, the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort enjoys a riverfront position, onto which the pool backs and on which the hotel’s own boat carries sightseeing guests. Much of the interior design here takes its cue from the building’s past life, with a contemporary twist. So too does the restaurant, The Service 1921, a decorative homage to its heritage, serving contemporary Asian cuisine and cocktails. Wellness is a focus at the property; there’s a spa, holistic classes, Lanna Rituals and Shirodhara massages on offer. In addition to its open-plan tropical themed bedrooms, guests can opt to stay in a serviced suite.

Found conveniently centrally in the Ratchaprasong neighbourhood, this is Anantara’s flagship urban resort. All of the rooms — from deluxe to club level — feature Jim Thompson fabrics, while suites bring Kasara Executive Lounge privileges. Book the Presidential Suite for your own private garden entrance, outdoor space, a massage room, a formal sitting room, dining for 12 and powder rooms, as well as many complimentary experiences. The resort includes a spa, a leisure club, cafes, restaurants, a secret garden bar, a patisserie and a terrace. Cooking classes, cruises and many other activities are offered.

Originally the Hua Hin Railway Hotel, the Centara Grand Beach Resort dates back to the coming of the railroad, and today it’s considered a classic. Renovations and extensions have tastefully maintained its colonial-style rooms with wood furnishings, complementing its beach-side setting and landscaped gardens, while its central location in a popular part of town makes it ideal for sightseeing and shopping. A fitness centre and spa have brought the resort up to date, with restaurants, bars and a grill completing the process.

This boutique hotel has a romantic back story and so encourages its guests to discover ‘eternal love’ for themselves when staying. It also has strong connections with forestry. The area has played a significant role in conservation, a theme that’s echoed in the hotel’s decor and a giant 100-year-old Rain Tree sits within the grounds, a definite talking point for visitors. The top range of suites face onto the river and are named: Harmonious British-Indian, Burmese Dream, Enchanted Chinese and Siamese Love, reflecting the hotel’s connections with neighbouring countries. Also beside the Ping River, is the property’s industrial vintage-style restaurant and there’s a rooftop wine bar with wonderful views.