30 unique hotels in Thailand

Looking for inspiration for where to stay on your next trip to Thailand? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a selection of unique hotels you can stay at on your next Thai holiday. Whether you’d like to go glamping in the jungle, watch elephants from your bedroom or enjoy some of the best views in the country, our list is here to help. 

Our selection is shown here in alphabetical order according to location. We’ve included a cross-section of places to give you an idea of the kind of diversity Thailand has to offer. Although some of the properties featured are luxury hotels, we’ve also included some classic beach bungalows and other options that cover all budgets and travel styles.

BANGKOK

1) Avagard Capsule Hotel

If you need a room to stay that is close to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, they don’t come any closer than Avagard Capsule Hotel. Located on the basement level within the airport terminal, the rooms are in the form of ultra-modern sleeping pods. 

The thought of sleeping in a capsule won’t appeal to everyone and it’s worth noting that you need to use the airport’s facilities for washing and for the toilet. But in terms of location, this is as convenient as it gets if you need to rest between flights or just want to crash somewhere for a short time. 
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2) Bangkok Tree House

As the name suggests, staying here you will be surrounded by lush forest. The location of Bangkok Tree House by the Chao Phraya River is hidden and only accessible by boat, bike or on foot so it really is a quiet retreat amidst nature but still close to the city.

Guests can choose to stay in open-air treetop rooms with mosquito nets or opt to stay in the more luxurious rooms which also include a family room. All rooms have river views.
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3) Chakrabongse Villas & Residences

If you stay at Chakrabongse Villas & Residences you’ll be staying at a historic property with royal connections. The villa was built by Prince Chakrabongse in 1908 as a retreat from life in the nearby palace. 

The villa has taken on a new lease of life as a boutique hotel thanks to Prince Chakrabongse’s granddaughter, Narisa. Staying true to her family’s heritage, the buildings and gardens make for an intimate stay with superb views across to Wat Arun.
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4) Sook Station

The owner of this prison-themed accommodation was inspired by the movie, Shawshank Redemption. If guests choose to stay in one of the ‘cells’ they have their mugshot taken at check-in and are handed black and white pyjamas before being escorted to their room. ‘Prisoners’ are given an inmate number instead of a key which allows them to get in and out.

Not all of the rooms have this prison theme so there is the option to stay in more comfortable surroundings or simply visit and enjoy the facilities at the co-working space. The Sook Station website can be confusing to use, but rooms can be booked directly with them or via various online booking sites. 
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5) The Siam

An elegant retreat overlooking the Chao Phraya River, The Siam showcases the design talents of Bill Bensley and the ‘musical hoteliers’ of Thailand, the Sukosol family. Set amidst spacious gardens in the royal Dusit district, The Siam is a fine choice for discerning travellers.
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6) The Standard

The Standard is located within one of the most impressive landmarks in the Thai capital, the MahaNakhon building. With its distinctive jigsaw design, this was the tallest building in Thailand up until 2018. 

You’ll get all the facilities you would expect from a hotel of this calibre with the added bonus of memorable views. All of The Standard’s 155 rooms offer impressive views of Bangkok, with accommodation stretching across the 8th to the 18th floor. For the best 360 degree views, head up to Sky Beach, the highest alfresco rooftop bar in Bangkok. 
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CHIANG MAI

7) Chai Lai Orchid

It’s not every day you get to be greeted by an elephant as you wake up, but you can at Chai Lai Orchid. Ethical elephant experiences are the order of the day at this delightful resort in Chiang Mai province. 

Chai Lai Orchid was opened by Daughters Rising, an anti-human trafficking NGO that seeks to empower at-risk ethnic minority women and Burmese refugees. The resort now provides work opportunities and a safe place for members of these marginalised communities.
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8) Lisu Lodge

Lisu Lodge is part of a community-based tourism (CBT) project that strives to conserve the natural heritage of hill tribe communities in Chiang Mai province. Named after the Lisu hill tribe, the rooms combine traditional Lisu style with western comforts.

Lisu Lodge actively supports the local community by employing Lisu villagers and with all activities and tours run from the lodge operated in conjunction with the local hill-tribe community. In addition, food is sourced locally and grown in the lodge’s organic vegetable garden and rice field.
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9) Sukantara Cascade Resort and Spa

What makes this resort special is the waterfall location. And the locally run resort makes best use of the picturesque location with all 16 rooms and suites enjoying a position adjacent to the waterfall.
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10) The Bush Camp

With just 10 tailor-made, luxury tents, The Bush Camp is a magical place to stay. Beyond the accommodation there are a host of activities that support responsible tourism. This included The Bush Camp’s chain-free, hands-off elephant experience that takes place at the on-site Elephant Park.
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 CHIANG RAI

11) Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort is located in the glorious Chiang Rai countryside overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos. What is already a wonderful place to stay is made even more special with the option to spend the night at the Anantara’s Jungle Bubbles and the opportunity to observe elephants in their natural habitat as you relax in your luxurious accommodation.
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12) Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

More ethical elephant adventures await in North Thailand at the sumptuous Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Explore the jungle trails, admire the spectacular scenery and interact with rescued elephants as part of an unforgettable stay in the Golden Triangle region.
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CHUMPHON 

13) Retro Box Hotel

Chumphon is often overlooked by many travellers who tend to view the town merely as trahist point en route to the more celebrated locations in the Gulf of Thailand like Ko Tao, Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan. If you’d like to buck the trend and discover more about this underrated corner of Thailand, Chumphon is a good base. And with a convenient central location, the converted shipping containers that make up the Retro Box Hotel are a fun place to hang out for a few days. 
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KANCHANABURI 

14) Float House River Kwai

Set on the Khwae Noi River in Sai Yok National Park, the only way to reach this accommodation is by boat. Staying here you really are in the middle of nature, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego all mod-cons.

Float House River Kwai describes the design as being “contemporary boutique folk style’ and the river and jungle setting certainly makes for a memorable stay.  
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15) Hintok River Camp 

Another of Kanchanburi’s wonderful accommodation options, Hintok River Camp is an ideal choice for anybody in history. During the Second World War, this location by the River Kwai was the site of a POW (prisoner of war) camp with the notorious Hellfire Pass nearby. Hintok River Camp pays homage to the history of the area with some of the subtle design features.
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 KHAO SOK

16) 500Rai Floating Resort

Khao Sok National Park is one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand. And there are few better locations to enjoy the stunning scenery and immerse yourself in nature than 500Rai Floating Resort on Cheow Larn Lake. 

If you decide to stay here you should allow yourself to switch off from the distractions of the outside world and completely relax. There is no wi-Fi and no Internet here, but the views and  quality of the accommodation more than make up for that. 
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17) Elephant Hills

As pioneers of the luxury tented jungle camps in Thailand, Elephant Hills knows a thing or two about how to make this a special experience. Visitors have the choice of staying at two locations in Khao Sok: The Elephant Camp or the floating Rainforest Camp. Whichever option you choose, you will stay in tailor-made luxury tents which are ideal for couples or adventurous families.
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18) Khao Sok Tree House Resort

Be upwardly mobile with a stay at Khao Sok Tree House Resort. Some of the jungle tree houses are around 15 metres above the ground. With a range of different rooms to choose from and options for tours in and around Khao Sok National Park, this is another good option for anyone seeking to explore this area of Southern Thailand.
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KHAO YAI 

19) InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

Rail enthusiasts should make a beeline for gorgeous Khao Yai National Park and the unique train-themed accommodation at the InterContinental Khao Yai Resort. Award-winning architect and hotel designer Bill Bensley has used the golden age of train travel as his inspiration for the suites and architectural details throughout the resort. This includes an upcycled historic railcar complete with an outdoor Victorian era bathtub. 
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20) Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai

Overlooking a links-style golf course, this romantic resort with its European-inspired architecture is not what you would normally expect to see in Thailand. The resort is popular with Thai visitors, especially residents of Bangkok who visit Khao Yai on weekends or public holidays. With the attached wellness clinic, this is a good choice for anyone seeking to unwind and enjoy the cooler temperatures and natural beauty of Khao Yai.
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KO BULON LEH

21) School Bungalows

The lovely little island of Ko Bulon Leh in Satun province is the kind of place you visit and do as little as possible. Swim in the warm waters, swing in a hammock and forget about your worries. There is one school on the island which also has basic bungalows for rent (around 600 Baht) overlooking the school playing field.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, these unkempt bungalows have seen better days but do still retain a certain charm. Facilities are basic (cold shower, no wifi), but it’s a throwback to the classic backpacker accommodation found on the Thai islands before the advent of mass tourism.
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KO KOOD

22) Soneva Kiri

With 33 private villas, Sineva Kiri on Ko Kood is one of the most luxurious accommodation options in the Ko Chang archipelago. 

The optional extras help elevate the resort – literally in the case of the treepod dining pods – to another level. Take your seat in the bamboo pods before being gently hoisted into the air and amongst the treetops for a unique dining experience. The private Cinema Paradiso is another experience to savour with the chance to watch classic movies under the stars at the jungle auditorium in the middle of a tropical lagoon. 
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KO SAMUI 

23) Cape Fahn

Cape Fahn is proof that you don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy the good life on a private island. Situated off the east coast of Ko Samui, the tiny island of Ko Fahn is the setting for  the exclusive Cape Fahn hotel, a luxurious 5-star retreat.
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24) Miskawaan Beachfront Villas

Although there are many wellness centres in Thailand, Miskawaan on Ko Samui has the distinction of enjoying a true beachfront location. In addition to Miskawaan’s dedicated rehabilitation and wellness centre, there is the option to benefit from an extended stay at the luxury villas on Maenam Beach.
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25) Thai Fight Hotel

Thai Fight Hotel bills itself as the first Muay Thai hotel in the world. And if you are a fan of Thai boxing, you are in for a treat if you stay here. From punch-bags in the bedroom to special Muay Thai treatments at the spa, everything here is geared towards fight fans. With a quiet setting at the top end of Lamai Beach, the location is as impressive as the facilities.
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KO TARUTAO

26) National Park Campsites and Bungalows

There are various National Parks at locations around Thailand with many of them offering the chance to stay either in a tent at a campsite or in more comfortable lodges or bungalows.

A good example of the accommodation on offer can be found at Tarutao National Park on Thailand’s Andaman Coast. Part of the joy of staying somewhere like this is that you are getting away from it all so expect limited facilities in terms of where to eat. If you do stay at Tarutao National Park don’t be surprised to wake up and see wild boars or monkeys foraging around in the early morning. 

Accommodation at Thai National Parks can be booked in advance via the Department of National Parks (DNP) website. The process can be fiddly and an alternative is to wait until you arrive or, in the case of Tarutao National Park, book in person at the helpful DNP information centre at Pak Bara pier (departure point for boats to Tarutao).
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  KO YAO NOI

27) 9 Hornbills Tented Camp

With sublime views of Phang Nga Bay, the luxury safari-style tents at 9 Hornbills provide everything you need for a memorable holiday. Enjoy the serenity of the private beach or infinity pool and discover the joys of luxury glamping.
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28) Treehouse Villas

The 5-star TreeHouse Villas on Ko Yao Noi are another excellent option for anybody seeking an island holiday with a difference. The adults-only luxury resort features fabulous accommodation with unspoiled views of Phang Nga Bay.
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PHANG NGA (mainland)

29) Samet Nangshe Boutique  

Located on the Phang Nga mainland, the highlight of this boutique hotel is the jaw-dropping view of Phang Nga Bay. The  viewpoint area at Samet Nangshe has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years, but staying at this hotel means you can avoid the day-trippers and still enjoy those incredible views.
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PHUKET

30) Keemala

Located on a tropical hillside overlooking Kamala Village on Phuket’s western coastline, Keemala is a sanctuary renowned for its health and wellness facilities ???. The serene rainforest setting provides the best of both worlds with easy access to the beaches of Kamala and Patong. Stay in spacious villas with a private pool and unwind in the tranquil environment as you relax on the cocoon-shaped beds and loungers.
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We limited ourselves to 30 places, but it could easily have been many, many more. When it comes to finding amazing accommodation you are spoiled for choice in Thailand. Check out our article on hotels supporting responsible tourism in Thailand for more ideas on where to stay on your next trip.

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