Best Hotels in Thailand 2026: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & the Islands

Bangkok has one of the world's most exciting hotel scenes — a city where a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the skyline costs less than a budget hotel in London. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (from £300/night) is the most legendary hotel in Asia — a 148-year-old riverside institution with extraordinary service and the finest afternoon tea in Southeast Asia. The Peninsula Bangkok (from £250/night) is the most glamorous riverside hotel — a 37-storey tower with a three-tiered pool and extraordinary Chao Phraya views. The Capella Bangkok (from £400/night) is the most design-forward luxury hotel — a collection of pavilions and residences on the river. Mid-range: the SO/ Bangkok (from £80/night) is a brilliantly designed lifestyle hotel in the Silom business district — the rooftop pool is spectacular. The Riva Surya Bangkok (from £60/night) is a beautiful boutique hotel on the river in the Phra Arthit neighbourhood — the best mid-range riverside option. Budget: the Lub d Bangkok Silom (from £15/dorm, £50/private) is the best hostel in Bangkok — rooftop pool, excellent social scene.

Chiang Mai's best hotels are often converted traditional Lanna-style houses or boutique properties in the old city moat area. The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai (from £300/night) is the most spectacular hotel in northern Thailand — a 60-acre resort designed as a Lanna royal city, with rice paddies, a working farm, and extraordinary spa. The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (from £400/night) is set in rice terraces north of the city — the most serene luxury hotel in the region. The Rachamankha (from £150/night) is a beautifully designed boutique hotel in the old city — Lanna architecture, a courtyard pool, and an excellent library. Mid-range: the Tamarind Village (from £80/night) is a charming boutique hotel in a 200-year-old tamarind grove in the old city — the best mid-range option. The Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel (from £70/night) is a beautifully restored colonial building on the Ping River. Budget: the Bodhi Serene (from £25/night) is a well-run guesthouse in the old city — excellent value.

Phuket: the Amanpuri (from £800/night) is the most exclusive resort in Thailand — a collection of pavilions on a private headland with a private beach and extraordinary service. The Trisara (from £600/night) is a clifftop resort with private pool villas above the Andaman Sea — one of the most romantic hotels in Asia. The Rosewood Phuket (from £400/night) is a dramatic clifftop resort on Emerald Bay. Mid-range: the Sala Phuket (from £150/night) is a well-designed resort on Mai Khao Beach — the quietest and most natural part of Phuket. The Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (from £120/night) is the best mid-range resort on Kata Noi Beach. Krabi: the Rayavadee (from £500/night) is the most spectacular hotel in Krabi — a resort on Railay Beach, accessible only by longtail boat, surrounded by limestone cliffs. The Phra Nang Inn (from £80/night) is a well-run mid-range hotel on Railay Beach. Budget: Krabi has excellent guesthouses in Ao Nang from £20–40/night.

Koh Samui: the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (from £500/night) is the finest resort on the island — private pool villas on a hillside above the Gulf of Thailand, with extraordinary views. The Conrad Koh Samui (from £300/night) is a clifftop resort with infinity pool villas — the most dramatic setting on the island. The Samui Buri Beach Resort (from £100/night) is a well-run mid-range resort on Chaweng Noi Beach. Budget: Koh Samui has hundreds of bungalow resorts from £20–50/night — the north coast (Mae Nam, Bophut) has the best budget options with a more relaxed atmosphere. Koh Tao: the Koh Tao Cabana (from £80/night) is the best mid-range hotel on the island — a boutique resort on Sairee Beach. The Jamahkiri Resort & Spa (from £120/night) is a clifftop resort with extraordinary views. Budget: Koh Tao is a backpacker island — excellent bungalows from £15–30/night, often including free diving courses.