Don’t let White Lotus fever scare you… luxury holidays in Thailand are cheaper than you ever imagined
Once synonymous with backpackers earning their traveller stripes on the Khao San Road and families bundling in slightly tatty resorts on a very large island that we won’t name, the past few years have seen Thailand artfully deliver a post-pandemic rebrand as the luxury destination in Asia.
And it’s a campaign that continues to roll out oh-so-elegantly this winter peak season, as flames are stoked by trailers for the third series of the award-winning satire show The White Lotus, which will finally air from 25 February 2025. With a stellar cast, including the Thailand’s own sweetheart, ‘Lisa’ Lalisa Manoba, who despite rapping for a South Korean K-pop group, Blackpink, is actually Thai herself (a masterful bit of casting from Mike White). The Thai luxury hype will only grow from here on out.
It’s fair to say the show has all of us in Thailand poised in anticipation for huge visitor numbers in 2025. Flight bookings have already soared 30 per cent higher than this time last year, perhaps thanks to British Airways reinstating a direct route from London to Bangkok in October, coupled with the show, which was predominantly shot in Four Seasons resort in Koh Samui and the Anantara branches in Koh Samui and Phuket.
Thai luxury isn’t exclusively for the super rich though, and it’s much more than just minimalist design and swanky toiletries these days. The evolving scene is taking eco-issues to heart, while local hotels increasingly provide unique perspectives on their location, whether that’s honing in on identity that’s steeped in tradition, culinary treats or the lush natural surroundings. Luxury in Thailand might be rich in culture but it’s a lot more affordable than you would think – with price tags up to 50 per cent less than their European and North American counterparts.
Here’s where to go for high-end living with a low price.
Read more: Ditch Phuket’s crowds for these beautiful Thailand islands instead
The beachside, leafy Avani+ Khao Lak Resort is an opulent tropical paradise on the Andaman Coast that’s relatively new but already known as the kingdom’s swankiest family-friendly stay. Lounge by one of the four vast pool areas, including a children’s water playground, or the beach while the young ones are kept busy at art classes, the climbing wall, skate park, retro computer games arcade or Muay Thai ring (don’t worry, these youth-friendly zones and activities are open for guests of all ages) or aim for whole team activities and culinary success at their Thai cooking classes, followed by a wander around their lakeside petting zoo. Prices start from as little as £70 a night which really beggars belief; it’s a real stunner that you won’t want to leave.
Read more: Where is The White Lotus season three set? Thailand filming locations revealed
Koh Samui, the largest island in its archipelago and the only island in the Gulf of Thailand to have its own airport, has been a luxury foothold in Thailand for decades. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is undoubtedly one of the best stays in the world, but comes at a punchy price tag. Luckily the island is a hub for affordable high-end stays, whether you’re in need of something in the way of wellness at Kamalaya or a decadent boutique spot like Buri Rasa Village Samui (both starting from under £200 a night).
Samui’s sister islands are worth checking out, too. The Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas come with the highest of top-tier service at Thailand’s classiest chain, starting at £300 per night for idyllic sea views, or for something more boho but equally as serene, check out yoga resort Baan Ta Lay on Koh Tao, where £70 a night gets you gorgeous rooms or glamping tents.
Read more: Why you should visit Thailand during the off-season
Bangkok is, if you’d believe it, one of the most well-priced stops in Thailand for luxurious stays and fine dining, with five-star rooms easily found for between £100-£200 per night, perhaps due to the density and availability of all of the above in the capital. No one does posh mid-century modern like The Standard, and their Asia flagship branch in Thailand’s tallest building, the King Power Mahanakhon, comes with incredible views of the city. Guests get a free evening pass to the skyscraper’s rooftop lounge, where you can enjoy a cocktail while gazing over the hustle and bustle far, far below. Prices start from £150 a night, which is an absolute steal for a stay where the gym, pool and three restaurants knock high quality out of the park. For gourmet food, be sure to reserve a table at the new spot in town, Khaan, where chef Sujira ‘Aom’ Pongmorn is flexing her chops, serving an 11-course tasting menu that sheds light on ingredients from across Thailand’s regional provinces from £90 a head.
Read more: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Bangkok
For a holiday that feels like you’ve stepped into a David Attenborough television series, look no further than the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. This slice of heaven perched above the Mekong River is where luxury meets jungle, and it is a vibe to say the least. The resort sits at the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, so you’re graced with misty Myanmar views in the distance every morning, while the rescued elephants, cared for by their mahouts and the resort, meander through the valley below. While the elephants are the real stars here, Anantara’s elephant programme isn’t about Instagram moments (though you’ll get those). It’s all about ethical interactions: walking alongside these majestic creatures and learning about their conservation. The food here is next level, too. Whether you’re craving authentic Thai flavours or just a poolside snack with your cocktail, they’ve got you covered. Don’t skip the khao soy noodle soup, it’s basically a hug in a bowl. Deals including four nights (two here and two at the gorgeous Anantara Chiang Mai Resort) start from £840, available directly from hotel group’s website.
