Must-see hotels in Northern Thailand

  • Four Seasons Tented Camp

    Chiang Rai Province

    If you can fit it into your schedule (and budget), this safari-inspired resort is among the most unusual accommodation experiences in Thailand. The ‘tents…

  • Puripai Villa

    Pai

    This architecturally striking hotel feels like it should be in a city, rather than on a hillside overlooking the Pai Valley. Rooms are design-conscious,…

  • Bulunburi

    Pai

    Set in a tiny, secluded valley of rice fields and streams, the seductively bucolic location of this place is as much a reason to stay as the attractive…

  • Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa

    Chiang Rai Province

    On a remote bamboo-covered hilltop, this resort is the most unique place to stay in the Mae Salong area. The more you pay, the bigger your bungalow and…

  • Pai Island

    Pai

    This stylish and popular resort intertwines Pacific Island and African themes. Accommodation takes the form of 10 free-standing, private-feeling luxury…

  • Rai Saeng Arun

    Chiang Khong

    Located 22km from Chiang Khong on Rte 4007, this ecofriendly resort brings together 14 wooden bungalows in a breathtaking plot of land adjacent to the…

  • Ruean Thai Hotel

    Sukhothai

    At first glance, you might mistake this eye-catching complex for a Buddhist temple or a traditional Thai house. The upper-level rooms follow a distinct…

  • Auangkham Resort

    Lampang

    Not a resort at all, but rather an exceptionally well-run, boutique-style guesthouse. The 14 rooms feel bright, big and airy, and all have balconies…

  • Orchid Hibiscus Guest House

    Sukhothai

    This collection of rooms and bungalows is spread across two compounds; both have pools and are surrounded by a relaxing, manicured garden packed with…

  • Common Grounds Pai

    Pai

    The best and most social hostel in Pai, Common Grounds offers well-maintained, comfy, six-bed dorms with lockers and their own bathrooms. The split-level…

  • Sleeping Well Hostel

    Chiang Khong

    Housed in a stylish four-storey building connected by a winding staircase, the eight-bed dorm and rooms here are spotless and fresh, with white and wood…

  • Riverside Guest House

    Lampang

    This leafy compound of refurbished wooden houses is one of the more pleasant places to stay in Lampang. The eight rooms couldn’t be any nearer the river,…

  • Pattara Resort & Spa

    Phitsanulok

    This resort about 2km west of the city centre is Phitsanulok's classiest place to stay. Rooms feel vast and have huge bathrooms and wide balconies looking…

  • Ban Thai Guest House

    Mae Sot

    Ban Thai is a secluded and peaceful compound of seven converted Thai houses that feature spacious, stylish, suite-like rooms with big bathrooms, Thai…

  • Huern na na

    Northern Thailand

    Rooms at Phrae’s most sophisticated hotel are spacious, decked out in contemporary and Northern Thai–style themes and come with thoughtful amenities…

  • Thai Thai Sukhothai Guesthouse

    Sukhothai

    This place isn't a guesthouse but is instead a very comfortable hotel that gets rave reviews. The bungalows with their big balconies are especially…

  • Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

    Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai’s grandest upscale resort is about 2km outside the city centre on a beautiful stretch of the Mae Nam Kok. Rooms are immense and decked out in…

  • Cave Lodge

    Mae Hong Son Province

    This is one of the more legendary places to stay in Northern Thailand (and was probably the first guesthouse in Mae Hong Son Province). It's run by John…

  • Bamboo Nest de Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai Province

    The Lahu village that’s home to this unique place is only an hour's drive from Chiang Rai but feels very remote. Accommodation consists of simple but…

  • Little Eden Guesthouse

    Mae Hong Son Province

    The five fan-cooled A-frame bungalows around a small pool are compact but well maintained, while the four air-con rooms in the newer building are spacious…

  • Riverhouse Hotel

    Mae Hong Son Province

    The combination of teak and stylish decor – not to mention the riverside location – makes this boutique hotel the best spot in town. Rooms have air-con,…

  • Boklua View

    Nan Province

    By far the best place to stay in Ban Bo Luang is this attractive and well-run hillside resort overlooking the village and the river that runs through it…

  • Hug Lampang

    Lampang

    A former bank that's been converted into a stylish, spacious boutique hotel, the Hug is your best bet for midrange comfort at budget prices in Lampang's…

  • Phoomthai Garden

    Northern Thailand

    Although it’s a bit of a hike from the old town – 300m south of the former town wall – this is probably the best all-around choice in Phrae. Rooms are…

  • Navarat Heritage Hotel

    Northern Thailand

    The 'heritage' part of this hotel's name is a reference to its original 1970s incarnation. It's been extensively updated since then and the rooms are the…

  • Baan Hom Muen Li

    Chiang Rai Province

    Slap in the middle of town, this stylish place consists of 22 rooms artfully decked out in modern and classical Chinese themes. Go for the more expensive…

  • Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

    Chiang Rai Province

    This award-winning resort takes up a large patch of beautifully landscaped ground directly opposite the Hall of Opium. The rooms combine Thai and…

  • Sukhothai Heritage Resort

    Sukhothai Province

    Approximately 32km from Si Satchanalai-Chaliang Historical Park near Sukhothai Airport is this upscale yet rural and isolated resort. Seemingly a…

  • Legend of Chiang Rai

    Chiang Rai

    Boasting a tranquil riverside location, this resort is styled like a traditional Lanna village. Rooms are large and luxuriously understated, with…

  • Rim Pai Cottage

    Pai

    The tastefully decorated bungalows (which include breakfast from October to February) are spread out along a secluded and beautifully wooded section of…

  • Hotel des Artists

    Pai

    This traditional former Shan mansion has been turned into one of the most charming boutiques in town. The 14 slightly crowded rooms mingle pan-Asian and…

  • Pai Vimaan Resort

    Pai

    The highlights here are the five riverside tented bungalows. Huge and equipped with air-con, jacuzzi, big TVs and other modern amenities, this is superior…

  • Legendha

    Sukhothai

    Water, greenery and traditional structures come together at this lauded resort, culminating in the feel of a Northern Thai village. Other perks include…

  • Muang Pon Homestay Programme

    Mae Hong Son Province

    The residents of Muang Pon, a picturesque and traditional Shan village just south of Khun Yuam, have collaborated in this homestay programme for more than…

  • Homestay Programme

    Sukhothai Province

    The residents of Ban Na Ton Chan, a picturesque village in rural Sukhothai, have formed a worthwhile and award-winning homestay programme. Approximately…

  • Pai Treehouse

    Pai

    If you can’t score one of the six cute, compact treehouse rooms here (they’re popular), there are several other attractive and much bigger bungalows, many…

  • Phu Pai

    Pai

    This self-professed ‘art resort’ is an attractive, remote-feeling gathering of 40 locally styled, luxury bungalows. Views are the focus here, with most…

  • Wienglakor Hotel

    Lampang

    If you’re going upscale, this is Lampang’s best choice. The lobby is tastefully decorated in a teak and Northern Thai–temple theme, a design that…

  • Bueng Pai Farm

    Pai

    In a rural setting about 2.5km southeast of Pai, the 12 spacious, fan-cooled, wood and bamboo bungalows here are attractively positioned around a vast…

  • Sipsongpanna

    Pai

    The four adobe-style riverside bungalows here are rustic and quirky, with a mix of bright colours, beds on elevated platforms and sliding-glass doors…