Thailand, in Southeast Asia, is rammed with relaxed tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate Buddhist temples. All this, as well as a renowned friendly welcome, exceptional cuisine, and a promise of a more relaxed pace of life, make it top of many must-visit lists. Although some Thai resorts are ultra-luxurious with a price tag to match; generally, this is an affordable destination, and finding luxe-for-less resorts and hotels is more than possible; read on for our top 5…
1. Aonang Cliff Beach Resort
The four-star Aonang Cliff Beach Resort overlooks the serene limestone cliffs nestled next to the pristine Andaman Sea. The closest major airport is Krabi Airport (a one-hour flight from Bangkok), which is about 37 minutes by car, or Phuket International Airport is a three-hour drive. The resort is a five-minute walk from Aonang Beach and is surrounded by plenty of shops, banks, street food vendors, and restaurants. There are 160 rooms, but it’s the new wing with its Panorama Suites that are truly exceptional with spacious 45 m² rooms featuring panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, a bathtub on the balcony, and access to the hotel’s private beach, among other luxuries. There’s a popular street-front buffet restaurant with live nightly entertainment, two breathtaking infinity pools, a pool bar, and a spa that does an incredible hot stone massage. Don’t miss the private Beach Club, about ten minutes away from the hotel. They provide complimentary transportation.
2. Sai Thong Resort, Koh Tao
The small island of Koh Tao is popular for diving and marine activities due to its shallow waters, easy currents, stunning corals, and whale sharks. With a casual, chilled-out vibe Sai Thong Resort, Koh Tao is the perfect place to get away from it all. Sai Thong Resort is the only resort on the tiny almost-private white sand beach of Sai Nuan. Accommodation consists of delightful wooden fan-cooled bungalows; furnishings are simple, and they enjoy balconies, hammocks, and private bathrooms. The food at the restaurant is delicious, and there’s plenty of inviting spots to laze around and enjoy that beach.
3. Relax Bay Resort
With a fabulous beachside location, Relax Bay is home to Relax Bay Resort, a rustic-chic resort with 48 secluded and comfortable wooden thatched-roofed beachside bungalows and several large tents. The resort lies on the island of Koh Lanta, 3km from Phra-Ae Beach, 6km from Mo Koh Lanta National Park, and 12km from Island Community Museum. For extra home comforts, upgrade to a VIP room to take advantage of air-conditioning and spectacular sea views. The service is warm and genuine, and they certainly endeavor to ensure that you relax, much as their name suggests! The open-sided Manao Restaurant is set right by the beach and serves a complimentary breakfast and a mix of Thai and International dishes. There’s also a charming infinity pool, a dive center, and you can take yoga classes on the beach or truly indulge in a Thai massage.
4. Amari Boulevard Bangkok
For an excellent central location in the heart of dazzling Bangkok that continues the theme of luxe for less, check out Amari Boulevard Bangkok. You have located just a 2-minute walk from the lively Nana Skytrain station and 5 km from Pratunam Market. The rooms are spacious, and the staff is friendly and professional. Opt for an upgraded room for a balcony or terrace or even a suite with a separate living room. There are 2 restaurants and a lobby bar, plus an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and a fitness center. The business facilities are good here too.
For extra benefits for your next hotel booking, it is worth requesting a quote from our Luxury Travel Concierge to get special rates and benefits such as upgrades, free breakfast, hotel credit, and late check-out.
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