Thailand is one of our favorite countries: we have been there many times. During our 3-week trip, from Bangkok all the way to Koh Lipe, we stayed in small boutique hotels, resorts with a pool and a hut on the beach. In this post we list the best hotels in Thailand from our own trip: we stayed in every one of them ourselves.
Curious about the full route? Then also read our Thailand 3-week itinerary.
How we chose these hotels
This is not a list copied from the internet: we stayed at every hotel ourselves. We mainly look at the location, the vibe and a pool, because after a hot day in Thailand a pool is almost a must. We prefer to book directly with the hotel, so most links go to the hotel’s own website. For a few hotels we link to Agoda.
Best hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok is big and busy, so a good base makes a real difference. Want to know more about the city? Read our Bangkok guide.
lebua at State Tower
Looking for something special? lebua at State Tower is the hotel from the movie The Hangover. The breakfast buffet is fantastic, and from the Sirocco rooftop sky bar you get an amazing view over Bangkok at sunset. A cocktail is way too expensive, but you are clearly paying for the view.
Nanda Heritage Hotel
Looking for something small in the center? Then Nanda Heritage Hotel is our tip. There is a small pool, Khao San Road is within walking distance and there are plenty of big malls nearby. Perfect if you want to do some last-minute shopping on your final day.
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok
We spent our last night in Bangkok, the evening before our flight home, at Avani+ Riverside on the Chao Phraya River. On top of the hotel is an infinity pool with views over the river and the skyline, right next to the Attitude rooftop bar. A great place to end your trip with a cocktail.
Best hotels in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai it is best to stay in or close to the Old City, with temples, markets and restaurants around the corner. Find more tips in our Chiang Mai guide.
Lamphu House Chiang Mai
Lamphu House is a lovely small hotel right in the middle of the Old City. We had a poolside room with a little seating area out front to cool off. On Sundays you can walk straight from the hotel into the Sunday Market: a must.
The Warehouse Chiang Mai
A more affordable option is The Warehouse. Here too we had a room next to the pool, with our own seating area out front. Backpackers can pay to spend a day by the pool, but that did not bother us at all and it was mostly a fun atmosphere.
Rimping Village
Want a bit more luxury? Then go for Rimping Village, our favorite in Chiang Mai. The hotel is just outside the center, within walking distance of nice restaurants, the nightlife and the night market.
Best hotel in Pai
Pai is a laid-back mountain town with a lively Walking Street. Read more in our Pai guide.
Family House Zen Boutique Resort
We stayed at Family House Zen Boutique Resort, just outside the center on the other side of the river. There used to be only a wooden suspension bridge, which regularly washed away in the rainy season. Now there is a concrete bridge, so you can always get to town. The pool is great and so is the breakfast, although we often skipped it for the many nice spots in the village.
Best hotels in Ao Nang and Railay Beach
Ao Nang is the base, and Railay Beach with its limestone cliffs is close by and only reachable by boat. Find more tips in our Ao Nang and Railay guide.
Hula Hula Resort, Ao Nang
Hula Hula Resort is about 15 minutes from the beachfront, but the hotel takes you there for free by tuk-tuk. We had a pool access room: straight from the room into the water, and then on to the pool bar. We were very happy with our choice. However, the latest reviews on hotel booking sites are not very positive. So seriously consider going for the other option: Railay Phutawan Resort below.
Railay Phutawan Resort
Maybe the most beautiful hotel of our trip through Thailand. You look out over the limestone cliffs, there are lots of monkeys in the trees around the pool and we even spotted a big monitor lizard. The hotel is on a hill, so you have to walk up, but every step and every drop of sweat is worth it.
Best hotel on Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is busy and lively, so a hotel just outside the crowds is nice. Find more tips in our Koh Phi Phi guide.
Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort
We could only book this resort through Agoda. It is right on the beach, just outside the crowds, with beautiful huts. Every evening we could hear the music from the nightlife in the distance.
Best hotel on Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is the last island on our route, all the way in the south. Find more tips in our Koh Lipe guide.
AKIRA Lipe Resort
AKIRA Lipe is a fantastic beachfront resort, with a pool overlooking the sea and a pool bar serving great cocktails. It is right next to the pier: the staff pick you up when you arrive by speedboat and carry your suitcases to your room.
Tips for your hotel in Thailand
Traveling in November? Then you are just ahead of the high season in December, and hotel prices are usually lower. Also look closely at the location: on the islands, a hotel just outside the crowds is often much quieter, while you are still within walking distance of restaurants and bars.
About the links in this post: we sometimes use affiliate links, for example for hotels you can book through a booking site like Agoda. If you book through one of these links, we earn a small commission. It costs you nothing extra.
