Thailand: Top 5 Boutique Hotels

As one of the most visited countries in the world, Thailand has a never-ending selection of places to stay: from all-inclusive family-friendly resorts in Hua Hin; to luxury city centre hotels in Bangkok or Chiang Mai; to simple beach huts on Ko Tao with a view to die for – Thailand has it all. Here, we’ve picked out the top five boutique hotels Thailand has to offer.

1.Arun Residence, Bangkok

The Arun Residenceis set inside an old colonial Sino-Portuguese mansion, perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The highly rated French-Thai Restaurant, Deck by The River, looks directly over the water at the iconic Wat Pho. There are six rooms in total; they are sleek and modern, with the best –and most popular – looking out over the river. Advance booking is essential as this small boutique hotel is very popular.

Read more about Wat Pho in our Top Five Must-See Temples in Thailand blog

2. Lanta Pole Houses, Ko Lanta

The Lanta Pole Houses can be found in Lanta Old Town, which also goes by the name of Ban Sri Raya. Largely undeveloped, Lanta Old Town is a traditional Thai fishing village - a welcome change from the many resorts on the island. Lanta Pole Houses is comprised of two wooden houses that have been converted into luxury suites on the apex of a charming bay. Called Coconut and Lychee, both rooms protrude over the calm waters beneath. Each room comfortably sleeps up to four, making the Lanta Pole Houses the most cost-effective place on this list. Inside, rooms are decorated in authentic Thai fashion, with dark, varnished wood furniture and floors, offset by colourful quilts made from Thai silk. Both rooms feature an outside decking area, where you can spend your evenings relaxing with a drink, watching the sun set over the Andaman Sea.

Ko Lanta features as one of our Top 5 Family-Friendly Places To Visit In Thailand blog

3. The Scent Hotel, Ko Samui

Found on Baan Nok-Klang beach, the Scent Hotel gets its name from the fragrant frangipani flowers that populate the gardens and grounds. The interior and exterior design are a chic blend of old and new: expect antique bird cages, wooden colonial features and vintage bicycles. There are 14 luxury suites in total. 11 of which face the pool, which takes pride of place at the centre of the hotel grounds, and three look out over the Gulf of Thailand and beach. There is also a small health spa, with two treatment rooms. The restaurant, La Jaroen, serves a luxury fusion of French and Thai cuisine that is among the highest rated on the island.

4. Avantika Boutique Hotel, Phuket

Located at the quiet, southern end of Patong Beach, Phuket, the Avantika Boutique Hotel boasts 31 rooms that all look out over the Andaman Sea. The luxurious rooms are spacious and elegant, with large windows and Thai silk upholstery, and come in five different categories. The pool here is large, and looks impressive when lit up at night, glistening turquoise and aqua blue. The in-house restaurant, Amrita, serves a range of gourmet international and Asian dishes, and looks out over the beach and ocean.

5. At Niman Conceptual Home, Chiang Mai

Located in Chiang Mai’strendy Nimmanhaemin district, At Niman Conceptual Homeis one of the most unique places to stay in Thailand. Commissioned and designed by famous designer Rachen Inthwaong, At Niman has 10 luxurious, chic rooms. The whole hotel is a melting pot of design styles and culture, influenced by Vienna, Nepal, China, Japan and India to name but a few. Colourful modern art adorns latticed walls; antique wooden doorways have been installed; the outdoor area resembles a Mediterranean courtyard. There is also a small outdoor pool. For art and design enthusiasts, there are plenty of galleries and craft shops nearby. The restaurant serves breakfast and light refreshments.

Going to Chiang Mai? Read our Top 10 things to do in Chiang Mai 

Take a trip: Family time in Thailand

Buy a book: Insight Guide Thailand

Read more: Temple art and architecture in Thailand