From mountain eco-lodges and colonial-era heritage hotels to beachfront luxury on far-flung islands to remote jungle tent camps, we hope our selection of the best boutique hotels in Southeast Asia will inspire you on your travels. We’re pretty sure that these boutique gems are some of the best places to stay in Southeast Asia!
Azerai Can Tho
Secluded in lush greenery on Au Islet along the Hau River, Azerai Can Tho offers a luxurious and tranquil retreat in southern Vietnam’s beautiful Mekong Delta. Yet it is just a short boat ride via a canal to Can Tho, the region’s main city hub. The five-star resorts’ design comes inspired by local traditional architecture and materials, interwoven with contemporary interpretations and sustainable practices.
All the guestrooms and villas open out to a terrace overlooking the pretty gardens, lake, or river. Enjoy the exceptional service levels, high-end facilities, and leisure activities with a focus on wellness in the heart of the ‘Delta. Azerai is one of those places that can turn any tour of the Mekong Delta into a marvelous holiday.
Set in manicured tropical gardens fronting Thu Bon River, amid Hoi An’s atmospheric French quarter, Anantara Hoi An offers a prime riverside sanctuary mere footsteps from the World Heritage-listed, Ancient Town of Hoi An. This old port is a must on your Vietnamese vacations and the Anantara Resort is our favorite to stay in.
All the 94 guestrooms and suites come housed within low-rise buildings, inspired by the 16th-century port town’s European, Chinese and Japanese architectural influences and provide an open porch or terrace with comfy daybeds to lazily watch the boats chug past.
The one-of-a-kind Anantara River View Suite is ideal for families. Don’t miss sunset river cruises from the hotel’s private jetty and magical riverfront dining.
Topas Lodge
Perched atop two cone-shaped hills in Vietnam’s mountainous north-west, far from the madding crowds of Sapa town, Topas Ecolodge takes accommodations to dizzy new heights, literally. If you yearn to get away from it all and have a sense at one with nature, this Vietnamese-Danish boutique ecolodge will succeed expectations along with some of the most jaw-dropping mountain views imaginable.
Constructed from local granite, all 41 mountain bungalows offer a blend of contemporary Scandinavian minimalism and ethnic minority rustic texture along with all creature comforts, while maintaining pioneering sustainable initiatives. From the privacy of your balcony, drink in the raw natural beauty of sweeping valleys marked with ethnic villages and terraced rice fields, ringed by soaring peaks. Alternatively, go trekking, mountain biking, or dine on fresh organic produce at the stilt house restaurant.
There is no holiday in Laos without spending time in Luang Prabang. Positioned atop Phou Vao Hill, known as ‘The Hill of Kites,’ this serene boutique gem reveals spectacular views of mist-shrouded mountains, while its traditional French-Laotian design echoes that of the enchanting royal town of Luang Prabang, which is spread out below.
Interiors are tastefully appointed with teak woods, rich silks, and hand-woven Lao textiles. The spacious suites and one sumptuous rural mountain retreat feature private balconies and are nestled amid beautifully tended gardens. This award-winning five-star hotel is also celebrated for its superior spa and gastronomic fine-dining.
Secluded in a remote setting within Laos’ southern-most province, this boutique ecolodge offers travelers both a unique travel experience and destination. Backed by the Bolaven Plateau, Kingfisher Ecolodge edges Ban Kiat Ngong Wetlands, part of the Xe Pian Natural Protected Area and one of the most bio-diverse rich areas in Laos.
Here, it is possible to be immersed in the authentic Laotian lifestyle and stunning nature, while based in a low impact, eco-committed resort that features just 16, stilted bungalow accommodations. Families will love the choice of nature activities available, including bird watching, jungle trekking and responsible elephant experiences.
Touring the Angkor Temples proves to be as fascinating as tiring and there is no better way to end a day of adventure than a relaxed evening in a historic stunning hotel. Set in Siem Reap’s charming old French Quarter and deemed the last bastion of Cambodia’s ‘Golden Age of Travel,’ Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has welcomed guests since 1932. After meticulous renovations, this Indochina-era landmark hotel has successfully retained its colonial charm, heritage, and architectural grandeur, yet still accommodates the discerning needs of modern-day travelers.
Rich in Cambodian history, the historic five-star displays original Angkorian architectural elements and period features throughout, including art deco-style furnishings and is secluded within exquisitely landscaped gardens dotted with palms. Other notables cover the legendary Raffles Butler Service and authentic royal Khmer cuisine.
Fronting a pristine white sand beach on idyllic Song Saa Private Island, in the far-flung Koh Rong archipelago, (a speedboat ride from Sihanoukville), this carefree tropical hideaway invites guests to detach from the world and tune into simple barefoot luxuries and a deep connection with nature and the local community. Built by island artisans with reclaimed timbers and materials, the exclusive resort’s design highlights a strong sustainability commitment.
All the 24 rustic-style and ample-sized villas, a choice of Jungle, Ocean View or Overwater, provide a gorgeous private sanctuary complete with a plunge pool – the ultimate romantic retreat. Activities include snorkeling the preserved coral reef and hiking rainforest trails.
Deep amid Thailand’s legendary Golden Triangle, this Tented Camp offers an adventure reminiscent of a 19th century explorers’ expedition yet extends the Four Seasons brand signature hospitality and luxurious comforts (note only for guests aged 10 and over). Positioned on elevated ground encircled by mist-shrouded mountains, the Camp simultaneously overlooks the confluence of two rivers and three countries – Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Within an intimate setting and bamboo forests, an air of exclusivity abounds with just 15 Tent accommodations and one, two-bedroomed Explorers’ Lodge, which is ideal for families; all are fully air-conditioned and generously spaced apart for privacy. Don’t miss interacting with the camp’s rescued elephants amid a natural jungle habitat.
A ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ member, Rayavadee nestles on the fringes of Krabi’s National Marine Park at the tip of Phranang Peninsula, exclusively accessed by a short speedboat transfer along the Andaman coastline. Expect five-star luxury in harmony with stunning natural beauty.
The award-winning property is surrounded by towering jungle-topped cliffs and three protected beaches, two of which are considered amongst Asia’s finest, while transparent azure seas reveal pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life. The sumptuous two-storey pavilions and seven villas are camouflaged amongst lush tropical gardens and coconut groves.
Amanjiwo
Super-exclusive Amanjiwo overlooks mystical Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary and World Heritage Site. ‘Amanjiwo’ means ‘peaceful soul’ and this is exactly what you may become during your stay in this strikingly beautiful resort, designed to mimic Borobudur’s distinct architectural style. All the palatial suites, topped with stupa-shaped roofs – some, providing private plunge pools – are embedded in two crescents radiating around a majestic, rotunda-like main building.
Amanjiwo’s unparalleled location, secluded in serene hills ringed by volcanoes and positioned in direct line with the Buddhist temple complex, sets the scene for jaw-dropping vistas. Cultural immersions include Gamelan-led Javanese opera performed at the refined restaurant, while the stellar guest service welcomes like a village home.
Viceroy Bali
Secluded above a rainforested valley amid Ubud’s highlands, this award-winning five-star resort is a member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World,’ yet is independently owned and operated by an Australian family. With just 40 private pool villas and unrivaled service levels – guests are personally greeted by the owners on a daily basis – this boutique retreat lends a sense of exclusivity and an intimate, home-from-home feel.
All accommodations, including a luxurious two-bedroom villa perfect for families, are sumptuously appointed with teak woods and marble, incorporating the finest Balinese aesthetic traditions. From private terraces, enjoy magnificent views of the jungle ravine – so too, from the infinity pool. Other highlights cover a day spa, helicopter pad, and two acclaimed restaurants.
Viceroy Bali is one of those places that make the amazing Bali vacations even more magical.
Conveniently located in Yangon’s leafy diplomatic quarter, near to the landmark Shwedagon Pagoda, Belmond Governor’s Residence is redolent of a slower-paced, bygone era when it was once home to the ruler of Burma’s southern states. Housed in an exquisite teak mansion dating back to the 1920s, this grand yet welcoming property is where old-world colonial elegance meets rich Burmese beauty and culture.
Embracing the past yet moving with the times, today’s guests are accommodated with fan-cooled verandas, intricately carved teak wood details, sumptuous silks, glossy timbered floors and all the latest in modern amenities. An expansive fan-shaped pool and lush tropical gardens surround the 49 gorgeous guestrooms and suites, with terrazzo baths just some of the indulgences to expect.
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