The 21 Best Hotels in Thailand To Book With Points [Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Hyatt]

Thailand’s hotel scene is as eclectic as the country itself. From luxury beachfront properties and jungle-canopied camps to urban high-rises and family-friendly resorts, visitors have endless accommodations to stay for idyllic vacation experiences.

The same philosophy applies to using your points to stay for free in Thailand. Choose from budget Holiday Inns, midrange Le Méridiens, or luxury Conrad or St. Regis resorts. Many properties offer superb value when using points, while it may be a better choice to spend in cash for others and earn points for your next trip.

Whether you’re visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, or one of the country’s many beautiful islands, you can earn or redeem points with brands like Marriott, IHG, Hilton, and Hyatt at these top hotels in Thailand.

Here’s where to stay on your next trip.

What To Know About Visiting Thailand

Thailand is a country where you can explore and enjoy without breaking the bank. Although it’s far away from the U.S. and can take some effort and money to get to, there’s plenty to do and see once you get there, and the country is affordable, diverse, and welcoming.

Where To Go in Thailand (And When To Visit)

Thailand is large, with many different areas worth discovering. Some of the most popular destinations to visit include:

• Bangkok: The Thai capital is a busy and bustling city and an excellent starting point for your trip. It has an expansive street food and market scene, cultural highlights, and the famed Chao Phraya River, which you can explore by boat.
• Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: These northern cities are surrounded by lush jungles and hills. Visit temples, wander street markets, and explore the outskirts — just be sure to interact responsibly with the wildlife, including the elephants.
• Phuket: One of Thailand’s most popular islands, Phuket is lively and fun, perfect for all types of travelers who want to enjoy the beach and nightlife.
• Koh Samui: If it’s rainy season in Phuket, head to Koh Samui, an island that’s dry when it’s raining in Phuket. Nearby, explore islands like Koh Phangan (famous for its full-moon party) and Koh Tao.
• Pattaya and Hua Hin: These coastal cities are popular with Thai travelers and easy to reach from areas like Bangkok.
• Other Islands: From Krabi to Koh Chang, Thailand’s islands are exotic and beautiful. Some are quieter, while others are larger and more accessible.

When deciding where to go, consider the rainy and dry seasons (especially for island or beach vacations), as well as the burning season, when the air quality is low.

Thailand Logistics, Vaccines, Safety, and Entry Requirements

Thailand uses the Thai baht as its currency, and $1 equals about ฿0.32. It’s a good idea to carry some local currency in Thailand, especially if you want to shop at street markets or buy street food.

No specific vaccines are required when traveling to Thailand, but the CDC recommends getting your routine vaccines, plus hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines. You may also want to take additional protection against mosquitoes, like wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and applying mosquito repellent, especially when visiting certain areas or during the rainy season. This can help you avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue or Zika.

The U.S. Department of State currently marks Thailand as a Level 2 travel advisory, meaning you should exercise increased caution. Most parts of Thailand are generally safe to visit, but it’s best to avoid the Thai-Cambodian border, where increased conflict has recently taken the travel advisory from 1 to 2.

Your passport must have 6 months of validity and a blank page for a stamp. U.S. visitors don’t need a visa to stay for fewer than 60 days, but prearrival registration is required. Be aware of travel scams, and it’s best not to drink tap water.

Getting Around Thailand

Getting around is relatively easy in Thailand. Bangkok has public transport options like the BTS system, and ferries can take you to many of the country’s islands. National flights can transport you around the country and to some islands, and you can rent a car or motorbike, take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or moto taxi. Trains also run between some major cities and towns.

Hot Tip:

Thailand’s monsoons can ruin a trip, especially a beach break. To ensure your Thai vacation goes as planned, learn more about the best times to visit Thailand by season, air quality, festivals, and heat.

The 6 Best Marriott Hotels in Thailand To Book With Points

Marriott has dozens of hotels in Thailand to book with points, but some of our top picks include luxury Bangkok and Koh Samui hotels, a private island hideaway, and an affordable beachy escape.

1. W Koh Samui

You can find plenty of budget accommodations on Koh Samui, but the W Koh Samui is worth the points or cash splurge. Stay in suites and villas with private pools, which feature either jungle surroundings or stunning ocean views. Don’t miss the best hangout spot, Woobar, which has inviting, circular in-water sofas that overlook the sea, complete with entertainment like DJs and nightly fire shows.

Rates start around $450 or 78,800 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

2. St. Regis Bangkok

Get a little bit of greenery into your city vacation at the St. Regis Bangkok, which overlooks Lumphini Park, the Bangkok Sports Club, and the accompanying golf course. The hotel is especially family-friendly — staff will put a tipi in your room filled with toys and games for the little ones. The 15th-floor outdoor deck offers beautiful views and a refreshing pool where you can escape the city’s heat.

Rates start at $290 or 67,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Hot Tip:

Bangkok is an excellent city if you want to stay at luxury hotels without breaking the bank. Some of the best hotels in Bangkok belong to points programs, which means you might end up with an extremely luxe Bangkok stay for free.

3. Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort

The Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort sits on the banks of the Kok River. The hotel incorporates Lanna culture into its design and furnishings. Guest rooms come with balconies and garden, pool, or river views. If your room doesn’t come with that iconic river view, you can enjoy scenic vistas of the Kok River from the pool or dine riverside at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Favola.

Rates start at $135 or 25,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

4. The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket

If you’re hoping for a quieter and more private Phuket vacation experience, the Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, is on a tiny island just off Phuket, Koh Yaka Nai. The resort offers a peaceful and elevated escape, and it’s the only resort on the island. Rooms come with separate living rooms, and some have private pools, sea views, or are beachfront. And if you get tired of relaxed island living, Phuket is just a quick speedboat ride away.

Rates start around $400 or 87,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

5. Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa

You don’t have to head to a Thai island for an exotic beach experience. The Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa is near Surat Thani along the white sands of the Andaman Sea. Near 2 national parks, with a kiddie water area and 2 kids clubs, this hotel is ideal for families wanting to explore and enjoy the hotel’s beautiful location. Some guest rooms have pools, and others have bunk beds and can accommodate up to 6 people.

Rates start around $200 or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

6. Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi

It’s worth upgrading to an ocean pavilion room at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Krabi, for its balcony, which overlooks the stunning limestone karst island of Phang Nga Bay. Some villas come with hot tubs, private pools, and outdoor decks. Nearby, you can explore the white sand beaches, boat or kayak in the sea, take jungle treks, discover temples, or participate in traditional monk blessing ceremonies.

Rates start around $800 or 140,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Marriott offers a few co-branded credit cards, so determining the best Marriott card takes some analysis. Ask yourself what fits your needs in terms of perks, benefits, and annual fees, and then choose the right one. We love the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card, which gives you Gold Elite status and 2x to 18.5x points, depending on the spending category.

The 6 Best IHG Hotels in Thailand To Book With Points

From Holiday Inn to Kimpton, IHG has a large presence in Thailand, offering affordable and family-friendly resorts, chic boutique properties, and large, comfortable hotels. Just know that while Thailand does have a few Six Senses (one of IHG’s most luxurious and expensive hotel brands), it’s tough to find points redemptions there. Instead, plan to earn IHG One Rewards points on your Six Senses stays.

1. Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin

Thailand’s Holiday Inn properties are some of the most family-friendly you’ll find in the country, and the Holiday Inn Resort Vana Nava Hua Hin is no exception. Kids 12 and under eat for free, and guests get free and unlimited access to Vana Nava Water Jungle Park, home to 20 rides. Many guest rooms include toys and bunk beds for kids (and beautiful views for the adults). While the children play at the kids club, the adults can enjoy the rooftop infinity pool that overlooks the sea.

Rates start at $111 or 16,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

2. InterContinental Khao Yai Resort

The InterContinental Khao Yao Resort is only a few hours’ drive from Bangkok, but it feels worlds away, set in verdant jungle landscape near the Nong Chok River. The entire property is train-themed, from the lobby, made to resemble a vintage train station, to the guest rooms, which are in renovated and refurbished luxury boxcars. There’s plenty to do in the area and on the property, from seeing elephants in the wild to afternoon tea at the hotel’s tea carriage.

Rates start at $280 or 39,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

The InterContinental Khao Yao Resort appears on our list of best family-friendly hotels around the world.

3. Dinso Resort & Villas Ko Chang, Vignette Collection

Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s quieter, more pristine islands. It is home to the Dinso Resort & Villas Ko Chang, Vignette Collection, which offers a boho chic, Thai-inspired stay complete with bamboo furnishings and rustic decor. Besides a kids club, there’s also a craft studio where guests of all ages can discover and create. Some guest rooms have private pools, but you can also hang out on the inviting golden sands or the main outdoor pool.

Rates start at $226 or 38,000 IHG One Rewards points.

4. Kimpton Kitalay Samui

Once a fisherman’s private home, the Kimpton Kitalay Samui is now a 138-room hotel where many of the rooms come with private pools. With a kids club, kiddie splash pad, playground, fitness center, bike rental, spa, yoga space, and peaceful outdoor pool and beach, it has plenty to do for all members of the family. The hotel also has several restaurants and bars, so booking a half-board rate may make sense.

Rates start at $245 or 39,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

5. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Down the street from Lumphini Park and the U.S. Embassy, the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is sleek and stylish. Its guest rooms feature oversized bathtubs, park views, Vifa Helsinki sound systems, and illustrations by local artist Phannapast. Active travelers will love the in-room yoga mats and free-to-borrow bikes. There’s an infinity pool, and the gym even has a rock climbing wall.

Rates start at $263 or 49,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

6. InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping

The spacious and luminous guest rooms at the InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping offer stunning views of Chiang Mai’s green hills and cityscape. Each room is uniquely designed and decorated, incorporating elements from the founder of Chiang Mai, King Mengrai, such as drawing, modeling, carving, wood turning, engraving, sculpting, plastering, lacquering, molding, and metal beating. Relax in an in-water lounger at the pool, or sip a cocktail at the Sky Bar, which offers incredible sunset views at golden hour.

Rates start at $248 or 34,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

You have a choice when it comes to getting an IHG credit card — there are a few lucrative options. However, our top pick is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, as you can get 1 free night each year on your cardmember anniversary.

The 6 Best Hilton Hotels in Thailand To Book With Points

Boutique hotel lovers have a choice of numerous Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) properties, and there are dependable Conrad and Hilton properties. Here’s where to stay if you’re a Hilton loyalist.

1. Conrad Koh Samui

The idyllic, all-villa hotel Conrad Koh Samui features 81 villas, ranging from 1 to 3 bedrooms. Each has a private infinity-edge pool and outdoor terrace that overlooks the Gulf of Samui. The hotel also has a private beach, main infinity pool, and the Little Explorers Academy, which has activities like pizza making and junior yoga for the kids. Meanwhile, adults can also take yoga, or use complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, or snorkeling equipment.

Rates start at $439 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

2. Millennium Hilton Bangkok

Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Millennium Hilton Bangkok offers easy access to explorations of the city by Skytrain or ferry. Guest rooms have city and river views, and you can also find Crabtree & Evelyn bath amenities. Don’t miss the outdoor infinity pool, where you can sit in in-water loungers and admire panoramic views over Bangkok.

Rates start at $163 or 93,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

3. Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua Hin, an SLH Hotel

Each of the 23 thatched-roof villas at Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua Hin, an SLH Hotel, has private Jacuzzi plunge pools, sundecks, and gorgeous garden, beach, or ocean views. The resort is for adults and teens 12 and up looking for a boutique Thai vacation experience. One amenity the villas don’t have is televisions, but you can instead stargaze, visit the on-site chicken coop, lounge at the beach or pool, cycle along the coast, or indulge in a treatment at the Ayurah Spa.

Rates start at $226 or 75,000 Hilton Honors points.

4. The Retreat Koh Chang, an SLH Hotel

The Retreat Koh Chang, an SLH Hotel, is a true escape, with 4 swimming pools and an organic farm. Use the complimentary bikes to explore the nearby Koh Chang National Park, then head back to your room, decorated in calming, muted tones and teakwood with large balconies overlooking gardens or the sea. The hotel focuses on ecologically conscientious living, and its Ocean Terrace offers sustainably sourced seafood and items grown in the hotel’s own gardens.

Rates start at $243 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points.

5. Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket, an SLH Hotel

For a nature-inspired stay, head to Twinpalms Tented Camp Phuket, an SLH Hotel, a space for guests 16 and up. You glamp in luxury tents, which have king beds, rainfall showers, and sometimes even private pools. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy: You can do yoga at sunrise, wander the beach, or enjoy the indoor-outdoor living experience. There’s also a fitness center and a spa.

Rates start at $451 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

6. Keemala an SLH Hotel, an SLH Hotel

Keemala, an SLH Hotel, is one of the most unique hotels on this list, as you can stay in treehouses, clay cottages, or tented pool villas amid the treetops. But you won’t be roughing it, as accommodations offer things like king beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and outdoor space so you can enjoy the gorgeous jungle forest location. Dip into the pool, get a Thai massage, or take a Thai cooking class during your stay.

Rates start at $734 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

Some of the Hilton properties on this list don’t require that many points per night. Amex has several co-branded Hilton cards, but the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns up to 14x points at Hilton properties and complimentary Diamond status, which provides upgrades and other perks.

The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The 3 Best Hyatt Hotels in Thailand To Book With Points

Hyatt has numerous Mr and Mrs Smith properties throughout Thailand, but it’s difficult to find award availability at many of them. If you love boutique hotels and want to earn World of Hyatt points, consider a stay at one of those. If not, choose from the Hyatt properties below, where it’s easier to find award redemptions.

1. Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

The Hyatt Regency Koh Samui deems its guest rooms “ocean-inspired sanctuaries,” and we agree. Many rooms have gorgeous views of the Gulf of Thailand or tropical gardens, and some come with private pools and outdoor showers. There’s even a pool with dreamy, in-water tables and chairs where you can enjoy a drink and admire the ocean views.

Room rates at the Category 5 hotel start around $180 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

2. The Standard Hua Hin

Guest rooms at the Standard, Hua Hin, are bright and fun, decked out in golden textiles and wicker furniture. The lobby is its own stylish art deco paradise, with funky wall hangings, live plants, and quirky rocking chairs. The golden yellow theme doesn’t stop indoors, as sunshine-inspired umbrellas and lounge chairs line the outdoor pool, which overlooks the sea.

Rates at this Category 3 hotel start around $150 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

Love Standard properties? You’re in luck, as many Standard hotels have recently joined the Hyatt portfolio. Consider staying at the Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, a Category 4 hotel where you can get award rates as low as 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

3. Park Hyatt Bangkok

Each guest room at the Park Hyatt Bangkok has a unique configuration, so no 2 are the same, though they all feature massive windows with city views. Bathrooms come with soaking tubs, separate rainfall showers, and Le Labo bath amenities. The Penthouse Bar + Grill offers excellent views and an infinity pool that seems to drop off right into the skyline. But the best hangout spot is the secret whiskey bar, where you can taste bespoke cocktails.

Room rates at the Category 6 hotel start around $300 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

Wondering if The World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth it? We think so, especially if you value benefits like a free anniversary night and complimentary Hyatt Discoverist status.

Final Thoughts

Thailand’s points hotels are affordable and beautiful, offering stays that won’t break the bank. From exotic jungle glamping to island living and urban exploring, the country has numerous hotels where you can earn or redeem points, which is ideal for any traveler.