Thailand Hotels

Chosen by Aleem Raheem, Earth Trip co-founder and Thailand specialist · Updated November 2026

Where to Stay in Thailand: Hand-Picked Boutique Hotels

Thailand has some of the best-value hotels in Asia, from riverside boutique hotels in Bangkok to floating villas on the River Kwai and traditional Lanna-style hotels in Chiang Mai’s old town. We choose small, characterful places with good service, in locations that make sightseeing easy, and avoid big chain resorts wherever there is a better local choice.

Every hotel on this page features in our 17-day Thailand Highlights route and can be included in any Thailand bespoke holiday. For practical advice, read our Thailand travel guide.

How We Choose Our Thailand Hotels

• Location: on the river, inside the old town or close to the main sights, so you spend less time in traffic.
• Character: boutique and locally run hotels with a sense of place, rather than international chains.
• Comfort: air-conditioning, good beds and a pool wherever possible, which matters in Thailand’s heat.
• Responsible choices: hotels that employ local staff and work to reduce plastic and waste.

Our Thailand Hotels by Region

1. Bangkok

• Riva Surya Bangkok: a stylish boutique hotel on the Chao Phraya River in the old Phra Arthit area, close to the Grand Palace and a short boat ride from the main temples. A calm base away from the busy business district.

2. Amphawa and Kanchanaburi

• Asita Eco Resort, Amphawa: a peaceful eco resort with villas set in gardens, close to the canals, the floating market and the evening firefly boats.
• The Float House River Kwai: floating villas moored on the River Kwai, surrounded by jungle-covered hills. One of the most memorable places to stay in Thailand.
• U Inchantree Kanchanaburi: a riverside hotel close to the Bridge over the River Kwai, with views across the water and a pool in the garden.

3. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

• iudia on the River, Ayutthaya: a small boutique hotel on the river, looking across to the temple ruins, which are lit up at night.
• Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa: a calm resort near the Sukhothai Historical Park, set among rice fields and ponds, with a spa and pool. Perfect after a morning cycling between the temples.

4. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

• Tamarind Village, Chiang Mai: a Lanna-style boutique hotel inside the old city walls, built around a large tamarind tree. The old town temples, the Sunday walking street and the best restaurants are on the doorstep.
• The Riverie by Katathani, Chiang Rai: a resort on the banks of the Kok River with large gardens and pools, a good base for the White Temple and the Golden Triangle.

5. Krabi and the Andaman Coast

• Krabi Tipa Resort: a hillside resort above Ao Nang with views over the Andaman Sea and its limestone islands, close to the beach and the boats for island-hopping.

Thailand Hotels at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to stay in Bangkok?

For a first visit, we like the old town along the Chao Phraya River, close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with river boats instead of traffic. For shopping and nightlife, Sukhumvit and Silom are livelier but further from the temples.

What is it like to stay on the River Kwai?

The Float House has wooden villas floating on the river, with the jungle on both sides and no traffic noise. It’s one night most of our clients remember. It’s peaceful rather than luxurious in a city sense, and you reach it by road and a short boat ride.

Where should I stay in Chiang Mai?

Inside or just outside the old city walls, so you can walk to the temples, the night markets and the best local restaurants. The riverside area to the east is quieter, while Nimman to the west is trendy, with cafés and shops.

Where should I stay in Krabi?

Ao Nang is the easiest base, with a beach, restaurants and boats to the islands. Railay is car-free and dramatic but only reached by boat. For a quieter stay, islands such as Koh Yao Noi or Koh Lanta are close by.

How far ahead should I book hotels in Thailand?

For Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, book six to nine months ahead, especially for beach hotels. For the rest of the cool season, from November to March, three to six months is usually enough.

Are Thailand hotels good for families?

Yes. Most of our hotels have a pool and family rooms or connecting rooms, and Thai hotel staff are famously welcoming to children. We can choose the most family-friendly options for each stop.

Plan Your Stay

See how these hotels fit together in our 17-day Thailand Highlights itinerary, explore our Thailand bespoke holidays or read our Thailand travel guide. To start planning, request a video call with Aleem.