P r e m i u m   H o t e l s   &   R e s o r t s

Thailand boasts some of the world’s best hotels and resorts. If you are seeking luxury and the ultimate pampering lifestyle, you find here below a collection of the best hotels and resorts in the country. Follow us on a journey rich with local color, luxurious surroundings and gracious service.

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|The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

“The Oriental” is probably the most famous hotel name in Bangkok. The history of this legendary hotel dates back 130 years when it first opened its doors as a seaman’s lodge along the fabled Chao Phraya River. Since that time, the Oriental is recognized as one of the world’s premier hotels.

Accommodation
Comprising 393 guestrooms and suites, the Oriental’s accommodation enjoy three different settings within it expansive grounds, each with its own character and style. The “old Oriental Hotel”, built in 1876, has been beautifully converted into The Author’s Residence, now home to four world-renowned Author’s Suites. The newly renovated “Garden Wing” houses unique split-level accommodation decorated in contemporary Thai style with magnificent views of both the plush gardens and the river (Premier Room, 35 sqm). The River Wing was the latest addition to the hotel and underwent a full renovation in 2000 and 2001. This building offers impressive views of the “River of Kings”. The room inventory of the River Wing includes Superior rooms (40 sqm/partial river view), Deluxe rooms (40 sqm/full river view), Mandarin Room (63 sqm), Deluxe Stateroom with balcony (63 sqm), Executive Suite (55 sqm), 2-Bedroom Family Suites (95 sqm) and 2-Bedroom Deluxe Theme Suites (125 sqm) and various other suites.

Dining
For dining you’re spoilt for choice at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. There are various venues to choose from, offering a wide range of international cuisine: French Fine Dining at “Le Normandie”, Seafood at “Lord Jim’s”, Cantonese at “China House”, Italian at “Ciao”. For casual dining the riverside terrace and the Sala Rim Nam (featuring Thai Traditional dances in the evening) are popular choices as much as the Author’s Lounge for High Tea and the famous Bamboo Bar are for late night drinks.

Recreation & Leisure
The hotel’s facilities include two swimming pools, state-of-the-art equipped sports centre, children day-care centre and an arcade of elegant shops. The hotel also has a highly regarded cooking-school that can be booked either by the day or for the complete course. The award-winning Oriental Spa is located across the river from the main hotel, linked by a 2 minute ferry. The setting is romantic, the treatments are unique. Being one of the most popular spas, early booking is essential.

|Shangri-La

Located on the city side of the Chao Phraya River, The Shangri-La Bangkok boasts a stunning riverfront and garden setting with convenient access to river cruises as well as Bangkok’s Skytrain system. Often voted as one of the top ten hotels in the world, the Shangri La Bangkok completed an extensive refurbishment program in 2009 that included a new Reception and Lobby Lounge, the refurbishment of its deluxe rooms, exciting new restaurants and a new pool. Focal point of the hotel’s main wing remains its stunning glass-fronted lobby lounge with unmatched river views, a fine place to unwind after a day of exploring or shopping.

Accommodation
The Shangri-La features 799 luxurious guestrooms in two adjacent towers, the Shangri-La Wing and the Krungthep Wing. All rooms have river or city views, and are decorated with classic Thai touches, including silk and teak finishings and feature separate bath and shower, flat screen television, in-house movie channels, DVD players and computer-to-TV connectivity. Room choice at the Shangri-La Wing includes Deluxe Rooms (36 sqm/ city and partial river view), Deluxe River View (36 sqm), Deluxe Balcony (42 sqm) & Executive River View (Fl 18-22, 36 sqm). Horizon Club rooms are located on levels 23-25 of the Shangri-La Wing and offer an enhanced level of service and comfort. Rooms in the exclusive Krungthep Wing feature balconies overlooking a private pool and the Chao Phraya River. The Krungthep Wing has its own lobby, riverside lounge for breakfast and swimming pool.

Dining
The Shangri-La offers an international range of culinary choices. Guest may enjoy traditional Thai food at the charming riverfront Thai-style house “Salathip”, Italian at “Angelini”, Chinese at “Shang Palace” or International Buffets at the riverside “Next2”. The hotel also operates the “Horizon”, a luxurious river cruiser offering dinner cruises as well as day trips to the ancient capital Ayutthaya (see details under “Bangkok / River Cruises”)

Recreation & Leisure
The Shangri-La has a superb range of recreational and leisure facilities that include two riverfront swimming pools (one at each wing), a fully equipped gymnasium, tennis courts and squash courts. The in-house Spa “Chi” is among the best in town and you should not leave the hotel without indulging in one of its signature treatments. Meeting and conference facilities are among the best in town.

|The Peninsula

Located on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, just across from the Oriental Hotel, The Peninsula is one of Bangkok's most luxurious hotels, winning many awards and accolades. The modern 36-storey high-rise building is combining an ultra modern exterior with a classic colonial style interior and offering panoramic views of Bangkok from every one of its rooms and suites.

Accommodation
All 370 rooms and suites have commanding views of the river and the impressive skyline of Bangkok. A variety of room types and suites are available: Deluxe rooms are on the lower floors, Grand Deluxe rooms on the higher floors with even better views, whereas the popular Balcony rooms are located in the middle of each floor. Rooms offer a minimum of 44 sqm, including an elegant bedroom with TV/CD player and bathroom with separate TV in the bathroom. Each room is refined with an efficient yet elegant combination of Thai tradition and high-tech luxury, featuring wooden panelling, silk wallpaper and attractive carpets. The Peninsula features also a number of suites: Deluxe Suites (4th – 9th floor) and Grand Deluxe Suites (10-35th floor) are located at the corners of each floor, the Thai Suite (150 sqm) is an appealing blend of contemporary and traditional Thai style. For the ultimate in lavish indulgence, Terrace Suites & Grand Terrace Suites features a large outdoor terrace with private outdoor jacuzzi (190 resp. 240 sqm). Located on the top floor of the hotel, the Duplex Suite features a two-story entrance hall and breathtaking from either of the suite's two terraces. (330 sqm).

Dining
Dining options include the River Café & Terrace for international all-day dining, the serene and elegant Mei Jiang (Chinese) and the casual Thiptara (Thai) located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River under a majestic banyan tree. The elegant lobby bar is a favourite day and evening lounge for light meals or afternoon tea and features live music throughout the day.

Recreation & Leisure
The impressive 88-meter, three-tiered outdoor swimming pool is lined with coconut palms and Thai salas for relaxation. Recreational facilities include the “Peninsula Spa by ESPA”, set in a three-story colonial style building offering full spa service with sauna, steam, massage and aromatherapy; fitness center, an arcade of elegant boutique shops as well as state-of-the-art banquet and conference facilities. A regular complimentary ferry service to various points across the river is available from early morning until late evening.

|Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

Opened in 2010 and located just steps from Siam Paragon, Bangkok’s premium shopping complex, Siam Kempinski is a resort-like oasis despite being in the heart of the city. Spacious pillar-free halls and corridors in grey marble are adorned with objects of Thai art and tasteful furnishings, radiating an exclusive aura of luxury. The circular hotel complex encompasses a landscape of tropical gardens with three inter-connecting free-form swimming pools.

Accommodation
Siam Kempinski offers a total of 303 rooms, including 42 suites and 98 serviced residences. Designed with the international business and leisure traveller in mind, all rooms and suites offer supreme comfort and convenience and feature flat-screen TV with satellite and cable channels, Internet access, minibar, coffee and tea making facilities.

A choice of room types with various sizes is available: Deluxe rooms (40-45 sqm, Royal Wing, 2nd to 8th floor), Premium rooms (45-60 sqm, Garden Wing, 1st to 6th floor), Executive rooms (40-48 sqm, upper floors of the Royal Wing, 9th to 16th floors with access to the Executive Lounge). Siam Kempinski’s signature rooms are the Cabana Rooms (40-48 sqm) located on the ground floor of the Garden Wing and offering a resort-style living that links with the garden and swimming pools outside.

Dining
A variety of outlets will ensure that all culinary wishes are fulfilled! Head to the “Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin” for contemporary Thai dishes created by Danish Michelin chef Henrik Yde-Andersen, or to the “Brasserie Europa” for Traditional European cuisine, to “Rotunda Outdoor Poolside Cafe and Bar” for light meals and snacks or the “T Lounge” for afternoon tea and coffee. For pre-dinner drinks and to wind down after a long day, the “1897 Bar” is a perfect spot.

Recreation & Leisure
The unique feature of Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is the extensive garden with 3 free-form swimming pools, a kid’s pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. Recreational facilities include the Kempinski Spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.

Meeting & Conference
With its 900 m2 Grand Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel is the prefect venue for meetings, functions and events.

Chiang Mai |The Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

Located at the outskirts of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand, this truly stunning resort, open since December 2005, is a member of the famous Mandarin Oriental Group and the sister hotel of the world-renowned Oriental Bangkok. Spread over 60 acres of natural landscapes, the resort offers a self-contained world of luxury and beauty, incorporating serene paddy fields, lush tropical greenery and the magic of the ancient “Lanna Kingdom”. The Dhara Dhevi is one of Asia’s most exclusive resorts, offering ultimate privacy and luxurious lifestyle enhanced by the exceptional standards of the legendary Mandarin Oriental tradition. Throughout the resort you will enjoy an atmosphere of culture and calm while the design of the resorts offers a visual journey through the history of the region.

Accommodation
The resort offers a choice of 69 free-standing two-floor teakwood villas and 54 colonial-style suites, combining traditional style and décor with state-of-the-art technology and exquisite luxury.

The spacious Colonial Suites are located in a beautiful colonial-style two-storey building in the north-western area of the resort. All luxuriously appointed guest rooms overlook a landscaped pool and tropical garden; boast high ceilings, lavish furnishing and a rich décor resplendent with teakwood, marble and Thai silk.

Various choices of Villas are located around the resorts paddy fields and overlook lush tropical garden. The 2-story free standing teakwood villas come with an open space of living area on the ground floor that opens to a specious terrace connecting to the bedroom(s) on the upper floor. Some of the villas feature private plunge pool, outdoor Jacuzzi or swimming pool.

Dining
For wining and dining the resort offers a choice of restaurants with marvelous settings and highly valued reputation. “Le Grand Lanna” is a renowned Chiang Mai establishment for authentic Thai cuisine; “Farang Ses” combines French cuisine with beautiful views and décor; “Fujian” is styled as a 1930s Shanghai mansion and offers fine regional Chinese cuisine while “Akaligo” is creating flavours from the Mediterranean each evening. During the day you may want to lounge by the Colonial Pool Bar or enjoy the magical setting of the Loy Kham Bar for light snacks.

Recreation and Leisure
For recreation the hotels offers two exquisitely landscaped pools, two floodlit tennis courts, a fitness centre and 60 acres of space to jog through. Guests can enjoy informative lectures or book Thai cooking classes as well as a range of Yoga classes and fitness programmes

Dheva Spa
No visit to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi would be complete without some time spent at Dheva Spa, one of the world’s most beautiful spas and unique in design. Inspired by an ancient Mandalay Palace, the seven tiered roof is representative of the seven steps to nirvana and the attainment of spiritual and physical perfection.

Chiang Mai |Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Located just 30 minutes outside Chiang Mai, The Four Seasons Chiang Mai is the ideal place to unwind and recharge. Here, in a lush setting of gardens and terraced rice fields you will find yourself pampered by the renowned Four Seasons staff and the idyllic environment that promotes a physical and spiritual sense of well-being. Relax by the pool, learn the secrets of Thai cooking or tee-off at one of the nearby golf courses. At your doorstep you find a wide range of tours and activities. And after a day in the countryside, it’s heaven to enjoy a spa visit or a sunset cocktail on your terrace.

Accommodation
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers 64 elegantly appointed pavilions, 12 new pool villas and 22 private residences surrounded by landscaped tropical gardens. Housed in 2-storey villas of four suites each, the choice of accommodation offers a variety of views: Garden Pavilions, Lanna Pavilions and Lower and Upper Rice Terrace Pavilions, each with a space of 70 sqm. All pavilions feature high ceilings, polished teak floors, a bedroom with its own sitting area and a private outdoor Thai "sala," perfect for taking in the exotic surroundings or a quiet hour of reading.

Private residences feature large living/dining areas and a personal housekeeper. On the lower and ground levels, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom residences include a fireplace and kitchen, with views of the garden and mountains. One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom residences with plunge pool boast similar views from the ground floor and feature a private terrace with plunge pool. For the ultimate in luxury and opulent space, the Three-Bedroom Penthouse Residences occupy two levels and offer panoramic views of the mountains and countryside, with one bedroom accessed by a spiral staircase.

New: Pool Villas
Available as of 15th October 2009, Four Seasons Chiang Mai is offering 12 new Pool Villas located opposite the resort proper to provide a maximum of privacy while allowing easy access to all resort facilities. With 403 square meters of indoor/outdoor living space including a 24 sqm private pool and whirlpool guests may choose to spend a considerable amount of their time in their own private villa.

Dining
Dining venues include the main restaurant “Sala Mae Rim” which specializes in northern Thai cuisine, “Terraces” for international cuisine and the open-air “Elephant Bar” serving light snacks and refreshments and the new “Ratree Bar” overlooking the swimming pool and paddy fields. A private dining venue exclusively reserved for two, the “Rice Barn” is the perfect place to savor an exquisite five-course meal under shimmering moonlight by the Resort’s rice paddies and lake.

Recreation & Leisure
Recreational facilities include a 20-metre infinity-edge swimming pool with beautiful views across picturesque rice terraces, two tennis courts and a health club with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Leisure activities include early-morning balloon rides, garden tours, horse-back riding and introductions to rice planting or kick-boxing.

Learn Thai Cooking
1-day to 6-day interactive cooking courses for beginners or advanced enthusiasts alike can be booked in advance, or during your stay. The program has been created by the resort’s culinary team and provides a fun and interesting hands-on learning experience. The attractive combination of the impeccable cooking facilities, combined with the tempting cuisine and the charming Thai staff makes for a truly mouthwatering experience. Daily classes are from 9 am to 2 pm and include lectures, traditional kitchen set up, herbs and spice garden tours, exploration of paddy fields and of course, preparation and creation of delicious Thai dishes.

Indulge at the Spa
Since it’s opening in late 1999, the resort’s luxurious spa continues to receive worldwide recognition and awards. The Spa is a palatial three-storey villa designed in the ancient "Lanna" style of northern Thai temples, offering treatment suites for couples or individuals. It features an exotic array of ancient Thai relaxing rituals and rejuvenating treatments.

Chiang Rai |Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

The Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, open since 2006, is a luxurious camp hidden away in think bamboo forest overlooking the so- called “Golden Triangle” where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Furnishings and décor are reminiscent of 19th-century adventure expeditions while amenities are 21st century.

Accommodation
The 15 free-standing tented accommodations, spaced at a comfortable distance from each other, allow for total privacy. Built on elevated ground along a one-kilometre hillside trail and overlooking the small Ruak River, each tent is designed as an open space with a large outdoor deck. Furnishings are handcrafted and custom-made, in styles reminiscent of 19th-century adventure expeditions. Each tent features one king or two twin beds complete with hand-hammered copper bathtubs, shower and walk-in wardrobe.

Dining
Dining at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle is all-inclusive and an integral part of the Camp's activities. Guests share their dining experiences in locations that may vary from day to day. Breakfast is served at Nong Yao, the main restaurant. Lunch may be a picnic in the jungle. After late-afternoon activities, enjoy a sundowner, 30 minutes of snacks and refreshments, while you watch the sky turn golden. Dinner may be an event at the camp, too. It may be a private barbecue under the stars, a five-course formal meal or a dinner by campfire at Elephant Camp. For day excursions, picnic baskets are served in Four Seasons style, complete with folding camp table, stools and linen napkins.

All-inclusive Packages
The resort offers all-inclusive 3days/2 nights & 4days/3nights packages that include accommodation, all meals and beverages as well as daily activities and tours. During your stay, you will have the choice of various day activities; you will be trained to drive and trek an elephant through tropical jungle, hike on mysterious mountain trails, venture on a river excursion down the mighty Mekong River or discover local cultures. For a longer stay in Northern Thailand, we recommend a 2-destination package together with the Four Seasons Chiang Mai (see above).

Recreation & Leisure
Overlooking the Ruak River are two pools and amidst the bamboo forests of the Golden Triangle are two open-air salas featuring double spa treatment rooms for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Location
The Four Seasons Tented Camp is located at the “Golden Triangle”, about 1-hour drive from Chiang Rai Airport, or 4 hours by road from Chiang Mai.