1. The Tropical Inn, Chiang Mai
Located in old city, the Tropical Inn is a new, sustainable establishment with 12 rooms, a saltwater pool with a pool bar, and a cafe serving all-day breakfast. The inn itself only uses upcycled furniture and recycled wood, where every piece of wood used to construct the floorboards, walls and furniture holds its own piece of history. Average room rates range from THB1,300-2,000 ($51-$80) depending on if you want a shared bungalow or a private deluxe rooms.
The Restro, Hua Hin
2. The Restro, Hua Hin
The newly-opened nine-room boutique hotel
The Restro has a retro-style interior with a bright, playful decor and the rooms are outfitted with restored thrift-store furniture. There’s plenty of natural light, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows and it also overlooks the hotel’s cozy garden. The hotel is located 200 meters from the beach, and price per room vary by type and season, but range from THB2,500-3,200 ($99-$127) and includes breakfast.
The RoManee Classic, Phuket
3. The RoManee Classic, Phuket
Located in the heart of Phuket’s Old Town, The RoManee Classic is a brand new Sino-Portuguese-style drugstore-turned-guesthouse that combines heritage charm with modern furnishings. Guests can choose between old-school and modern-style bedrooms with prices ranging from THB990-1,200 ($39-$48). Overnight guests also have access to Wi-Fi and cable TV.
2W Urban Retreat Escape, Phuket
4. 2W Urban Retreat Escape, Phuket
Tucked away in the non-touristy area of Chalong, the 2W Urban Retreat Escape (089-757-7770) is a boutique hotel boasting an airy, spa-esque atmosphere. Located by the lake, the establishment offers both dormitories and private sleeping arrangements, a Japanese-style stone garden, as well as spacious living, cooking, dining and movie screening areas. On top of the free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, guests can also take part in activities like boxing, meditation, massages and cooking classes. Dorms start at THB385 ($15) a night per person, while private rooms with a shared bathroom cost TH850 ($33) per night. A private bedroom with your own bathroom and a view of the lake costs THB1,500 ($59) per night.
Monkey Dive, Khao Lak
5. Monkey Dive, Khao Lak
High-end beach destination Khao Lak recently welcomed an alternative accommodation option,
Monkey Dive.
Focusing on a dive theme, the stylish hostel is decked out in vibrant colors and graphics of underwater creatures, offering three room types: a private fan room for two people that starts at THB500 ($20) per night, an air-con dorm room with four beds at THB350 ($13) per bed and a bungalow with air-con and private bathroom for two people at THB900-1,000 ($35-$39) per night. There’s also a cafe on-site.
