Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Rising 47 storeys above Rajadamri Road and towering above its surrounding neighbours, The St Regis Bangkok embodies urbane elegance with its fusion of Thai cultural elements and classic St Regis traditions. Ideally located for both leisure and business travellers to the city, with direct views over the manicured greens of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and within easy reach of Bangkok’s premier shopping and dining districts. But with a Michelin-starred restaurant, signature cocktail bar, sky-high infinity pool and world-class wellness hub, The St. Regis Bangkok is far more than just a place to stay, it’s a destination in itself. Part of the illustrious St Regis brand, originally established by John Jacob Astor IV in 1904, the brand has long represented the pinnacle of luxury hospitality. The Bangkok property opened its doors in 2011 as part of this prestigious portfolio and was the first St. Regis hotel in Southeast Asia. Echoing the refined sensibilities of the Astor family and with interiors by Brennan Beer Gorman Architects, the hotel offers a modern residence-style feel which permeates throughout communal spaces and guest quarters, supported by signature touches such as the evening sabrage ritual and the local interpretation of the Bloody Mary, known here as the Siam Mary. Central to the guest experience is its signature butler service, an enduring symbol of the brand’s commitment to individualised attention.

Set right on the edge of the powdery white sand of Nai Harn Beach, this cool and contemporary resort commands one of the most desirable positions on the whole of Phuket. The hotel originally opened its doors to guests in the ‘80s and has received a large number of international celebrities over the years. The infinity pool is set with floating sun loungers where guests can unwind and take in stunning views as the sand slowly gives way to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, where a wide range of aquatic activities are just waiting to be enjoyed.

Rising 216 metres within One Bangkok, the city’s landmark lifestyle district, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok offers a contemporary retreat with sweeping views over Lumpini Park. Inspired by the theme of a “Meeting of Two Civilisations”, the design blends Thai heritage with modern elegance, from marble and polished wood finishes to floor-to-ceiling windows and private loggias in select rooms.

Dining is a highlight, with Duet by David Toutain delivering an inventive eight-course tasting menu in a striking glasshouse setting, Lily’s offering relaxed all-day dining with signatures like floral-pressed waffles and Thai crab curry, and Caleō serving cocktails and afternoon tea in a glamorous lounge inspired by legendary social clubs. Leisure facilities include two outdoor pools, a Ritz Kids club, a state-of-the-art gym and the seventh-floor Ritz-Carlton Spa, while the 23rd-floor Club Lounge provides a private sanctuary with tailored service. Blending cultural resonance with modern luxury, the hotel is already a defining addition to Bangkok’s skyline.

Located on the banks of Chao Phraya River, Shangri-La Bangkok is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious hotels in the capital. It’s a 5-star hotel offering excellent value, convenience, as well as stunning interior design. Guests enjoy eclectic views of the river, while many of the bedrooms are strategically located by the quieter poolside. This is perfect for those who prefer large-scale hotels – Shangri-La has a whopping 802 rooms housed in two adjacent towers, the Shangri-La Wing and Krungthep Wing. Set in a prime area close to Bangkok central business district, just next to the sky train at Saphan Taskin BTS station, it’s ideally suiting those visiting for work. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is less than 40 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

As soon as guests touch down at Phuket International Airport they are greeted by hotel staff and whisked away to the enchanting Slate Hotel at Nai Yang Beach, which is backed by a stunning palm grove and faces a private strip of golden sand. Each of the rooms and suites here is spacious and luxurious and surrounded by tropical gardens. This huge lush space is set with palm trees and a number of swimming pools, with jacuzzis and swim-up bars where guests can unwind while enjoying the intense natural beauty of this luxurious playground for as long as they desire. If you want to go all out on the luxury book one of their fabulous private pool villas and a trip to the Slate isn’t complete without dining at the incredibly romantic Black Ginger.

Set on a 58-acre plot on the north-east of the island, the resort was once a coconut plantation and continues to use the fruit’s fibres in its architecture. It’s home to Thailand’s only sea pool (open seasonally), as well as two beaches, a beachfront infinity swimming pool and a swim reef where you can spot more than 50 species of fish. You’ll find a Muay Thai ring, tennis, basketball, volleyball, mini golf, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, jogging, cooking classes, a Ritz Kids programme and multiple restaurants onsite. Plus there’s an entire Spa Village, with eight treatment suites, a yoga pavilion and a lap pool with cabanas. 175 bedrooms, suites and pool villas are decorated in neutral colours.

Located on the west side of the Chao Praya River, this hotel offers a haven-like atmosphere and a huge pool by Bangkok standards. Guests can take Muay Thai boxing classes, sign up for cooking lessons, play tennis, sightseeing on a river cruise or dine as a couple on a restored rice barge, listen to live music beside the water, drink in the swim-up bar and enjoy Elemis treatments in the spa. The kids club offers a cultural and engaging programme of activities. Dining options include Italian cuisine, a global buffet, a cafe and patisserie and freshly cooked delights from a Chinese wood-fired oven (a rare experience).

Stay in a royal-inspired suite in the sky, at this boutique hotel on the upper floors of a high-rise in the Phrom Phong district. And you won’t be just sleeping in the sky, you’ll feel like you’re swimming in it, in the jaw-dropping rooftop infinity pool which appears to hover over the city; it’s edged on one side by cabanas, a bar and a vertical green wall. Further facilities include a golf studio with an outdoor putting green and indoor simulator, the Nitra Serenity Centre, a second pool on 27 and dining venues including the colonial Bangkok Trading Post, Nimitr and Baan Borneo Club.

Built right into Kata Beach, this sleek aparthotel exudes a modern and minimal Balearic style and is the fanciest you’ll find in the neighbourhood. 34 apartments come with expansive terraces and infinity pools beside the ocean, some suiting couples, others catering to families and groups, with Natuzzi furnishings and Snaidero kitchens. While the resort is right on the coast, it borders a rocky beach (hence the name), however, those in search of sand need only take a five-minute stroll to the main area of Kata Beach. The hotel also has a Mediterranean poolside eatery.

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.

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.

Banyan Tree Bangkok is the city’s only 5-star all-suite hotel with each suite boasting views of the city or Chaophraya. Conveniently located in the Sathon/Silom area guests can immerse themselves in the vibrant buzz of the city.  The award-winning destination spa is the tallest in Asia found on the 51st and the 54th floors. It’s a true sanctuary where you can rejuvenate all the senses and enjoy a range of holistic treatments. The hotel is also home to world-class dining experiences, including  Vertigo, the iconic rooftop bar and restaurant and other gourmet restaurants offering everything from Thai street food to international and Asian gourmet experiences and for something a little different enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Other facilities include; unique event spaces, an outdoor swimming pool and a health centre.