Thailand is at the top of everyone’s luxury travel lists in 2025, thanks to the latest season of The White Lotus — here are our picks on the best places to stay.
Whether it’s an island escape in Phuket or you’re heading to the hills of Chiang Mai, there is a luxury resort that’s perfect for you.
There’s a saying in Thai — sabai-sabai — which roughly translates to ‘everything is good’. And you’ll find it to be true if you stay at one (or all) of these incredible places.
The best places to stay in Thailand in 2025
A pool villa at the Banyan Tree(Credit: Image: Getty)
Nearby attractions: Mai Khao Beach is a tranquil seven-mile stretch along the coast known for its sleepy, laid-back nature. Experience true local culture by visiting community projects. Buffalo Hub, for example, is a charming, sustainable set-up where farmers are finding new uses for buffalo outside of their traditional rice field labour. At the beach, you can dig for your dinner using traditional nets to try to catch the elusive sand crab – a local delicacy and treasure.
Wow experience: Peppered along Mai Khao Beach are vegetable farms where you can pick Pak Lin Han. This rocket-style, leafy veg is unbelievable in Tom Kha Gai, a traditional soup bursting with flavour. Make this dish in one of Meliá’s cooking classes then sit back and enjoy. It’s a great way to end the day.
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The resort: Snuggled alongside Dragon Crest Mountain National Park, Banyan Tree Krabi is its own little paradise, with stunning views of the islands in Phang Nga Bay. Take to the water and get involved in a range of activities such as stand-up paddle boarding or snorkelling, or book your spot in one of their Bird’s Nests – a circular seated area for drinks or dinner with incredible views of the water.
Nearby attractions: No trip to Krabi would be complete without visiting the magical islands in Thanbok Khorani National Park. Koh Hong, or Hong Island, is a short 20-minute ride from Banyan Tree. It is best enjoyed first thing in the morning. Catch a traditional longboat from the resort which will take you around towering limestone cliffs dotting the lush jungle. On Hong Island, you can swim in azure waters, sunbathe on pristine white sand, or hike up to the viewing platform for an unforgettable vista.
Wow experience: Continue on to Hong Lagoon in your longboat for a sight you will never forget. You may face a bit of boat traffic getting in as the arched, narrow entrance is one of the most photographed spots in the area. However, it’s well worth the bragging rights and will have your friends shrieking with envy.
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The resort: Situated on the southeastern peninsula of the popular island, Banyan Tree, Koh Samui, is the epitome of luxury. Here you’ll feel you’re in a world of your own. At first glance, its elegant villas look like small tree huts dotting the bushland. Yet they manage to convey a complete sense of privacy while offering unbelievable views of the entire property and ocean.
Nearby attractions: If you’re after a bit of adventure and some time in the sun, walk down to Banyan Tree’s private beach. There you can snorkel, paddleboard or kayak to your heart’s content or simply stay in your villa and float around in your 35 square metre infinity pool.
Wow experience: The Rainforest is a signature feature of Banyan Tree’s spa facilities and focuses on a series of hydrotherapy treatments. Ice scrubs, saunas, steam rooms, jet massages and heated stone loungers are just some of the therapies on offer.
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The resort: This towering new hotel is situated right in the thick of city life and has easy walking access to the old city, night markets and temples. Take in the stunning city vistas at Mai The Sky Bar on the 21st floor or unwind and relax at the open-air Tien Pool Bar. Nearby attractions: Chiang Mai, set in the mountainous north region, is a three-hour flight from Bangkok and is a central hub for the avid explorer. Start your day with a walk around the city. You’ll find many stalls full of incredible aromas and produce. Keep a nose out for the famous mangosteen, a juicy, flavourful fruit which is part mandarin, mango and lychee.
Nearby attractions: For history buffs, Chiang Mai abounds in rich culture and history. There are many beautiful temples scattered throughout. Head up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple built in the 19th century. Take part in Buddhist ceremonies and customs or simply admire the towering golden stupa in the centre.
Wow experience: After your day of activities, pull up a chair at a local restaurant and ask for a bowl of the local dish, Khao Soi. This delicious, chicken noodle curry soup will have you travelling back to the city every year for this dish alone!
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What’s the best time of the year to go to Thailand?
Thailand has three seasons: a wet season from May to October (and by wet season, we mean monsoon); a cooler “winter” season from November to February; and a hot dry season from March to May. And the hot season can be very hot. In the northern parts of the country, it can reach temperatures of close to 40ºC. Due to these somewhat uncomfortable temperatures, the most popular time to visit Thailand is from November to February. The weather is dry, a touch cooker and humidity is easier to deal with. So if you’re wondering when you should head to Thailand, consider a Christmas season in the country. But be warned, it’s also when everyone else is bound to go, so be sure to book early.
What’s the best region or place to go to in Thailand?
The best place to visit in Thailand depends on what you like to travel for. If you love a bustling city scene then central Thailand and the capital Bangkok should be on your bucket list. If you want to immerse yourself in the country’s history and see traditional villages, ancient temples and stunning scenery then northern Thailand to Chiang Mai should be your destination. And if you want be experience island hopping in the tropics with stunning beaches, and gorgeous diving spots then southern Thailand including Phuket and Krabi should be your holiday spot.
