Must-see hotels in Southeast Asia

  • Sara Resort

    The Southern Islands

    Occupying prime real estate near the central pier, Sara has a row of boxy bungalows with air-con and glass doors extending back from the beach. They are…

  • 137 Pillars

    Chiang Mai

    This elegant resort is built around Baan Borneo, an old teak house once managed by Louis Leonowens, Rajah Brook and others as a timber trading centre…

  • Ban Van Guest House

    Mai Chau

    Ban Van village is only 800m east of central Mai Chau, but is noticeably less developed for tourism. Three or four stilt-house homestays dot the village,…

  • Surf Houses Lakey Peak

    Sumbawa

    Bertrand Fleury, a world-class kitesurfer, hosts kite pros from July to November for the wind season. When he's gone, he rents out his two excellent…

  • Double Leaf

    Phnom Penh

    There are precious few hotels in the newly hip Russian Market area, but this stylish boutique makes up for it with its luscious L-shaped pool, curio…

  • Mad Monkey Hostel

    Boracay

    The party rarely stops at this fun and raucous hostel with whitewashed, simply furnished rooms a short walk from Bulabog Beach. Because of its popularity…

  • Pilok Hill House

    Kanchanaburi Province

    This welcoming and well-managed guesthouse, tucked into a leafy hillside garden on the village's east fringe, is arguably the best lodging in E-Thong…

  • D’Coconut Lagoon

    Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast

    D’Coconut Lagoon, the island’s best accommodation, has two separate areas, joined by a forest track, each with its own private beach, restaurant, bar and…

  • Hotel Duta

    Sumatra

    The Duta features compact rooms with modern decor and snazzy bathrooms. Flat-screen TVs – with plenty of English-language content – and a wildly…

  • Wild Orchid Villa

    Banglamphu

    The cheapies here (fan-cooled and with shared bathrooms) are some of the tiniest we've seen anywhere, but like most of the rooms at Wild Orchid are clean…

  • Centara Grand

    Ko Samui

    Centara is a large, manicured beachfront compound right in the heart of Hat Chaweng, where you will feel a million miles from the bustle of the strip. The…

  • Code

    Ko Samui

    Sleek modern lines and the stunning chalk white architecture contrast the turquoise sea and large infinity pool as this resort cascades down a quiet green…

  • Hillside Residence

    Northern Laos

    Set in a lush little garden, this replica half-timbered mansion looks like it belongs in a colonial-era hill town in Myanmar. Rooms are petite but…

  • Les Fleurs House

    Hat Khao Lak

    The bright rooms at this small hotel are spotless and decorated in pastel colours. There's a small garden, and potted plants give it a homey feel. Rooms…

  • Seri Resort

    Gili Meno

    It's a tough call, but we think this beachfront resort is just that much whiter than the surrounding sand. There is an interesting range of 75 rooms here,…

  • Corto del Mar Hotel

    Coron Town

    Tucked away at the end of a narrow road lined with sari-sari (neighbourhood) stores is this tasteful Spanish-style villa with a rambling pool in the…

  • Bali Ubud Guesthouse

    West Java

    About 4km south of the entrance to Kebun Raya Cibodas, this Balinese-owned place has attractive rooms with balconies that enjoy spectacular valley views…

  • Wanderlust BKK

    Chinatown

    An almost clinical-feeling industrial vibe rules at this hip hostel. The dorms span four to eight beds, and the private rooms are on the tight side, with…

  • Coto Center Homestay

    Bai Tu Long Bay

    There are just six comfortable, modern rooms in this well-run homestay in the middle of the island. The location is rural, 4km from the ferry and 2km from…

  • Flying Fish

    Cebu City

    Flying Fish has an eye-catching design that makes heavy use of upcycled and recycled materials, a mellow bar-cafe, a plunge pool and superb-value air…

  • Dragonfly Guesthouse

    The Southern Islands

    This chilled-out spot in M'Pai Bay operates at a languid pace, with a scenic check-in area and papasan chairs overlooking the frothy sea. Accommodation is…

  • Wanderers Guest House

    Manila

    In the heart of Malate, Wanderers knows precisely what backpackers want and delivers beautifully with a mix of clean dorms and private rooms (some with…

  • Stone Creek House

    Western Visayas

    This sophisticated stone townhouse is the most fully stocked rental you can imagine, and sleeps six. The design is smart and guests get the run of the…

  • Ayumni House

    Pulau Perhentian

    This pretty wooden house rises over a series of low-slung, teak bungalows. It's popular with domestic tourists and those seeking a budget backpacker vibe…

  • Khrisna Home Stay

    East Bali

    This friendly nine-room homestay is surrounded by organic fruit trees and has a cute pool area. The rooms are comfortable, although the singles are very…

  • VI

    Malaysia

    Plump modern beds set against a pared-down industrial aesthetic…always a satisfying combination. The 48-room VI is one of Kuala Selangor's more…

  • Rosa’s Ecolodge

    East Java

    Rosa's spacious rooms have woven bamboo walls, private bathrooms and shady front porches. The place is geared towards guests who join its Baluran tours …

  • Boracay Beach Club

    Boracay

    The 'BBC' is across the road from White Beach, but don't let that deter you. It has a lovely pool area with plenty of shade less than a minute's walk from…

  • Nirvana

    Ko Chang

    Luxury Balinese-style bungalows hidden away on a rocky, jungle-filled peninsula make this a secluded spot in Ko Chang's deep south. Spacious rooms feature…

  • De Solo

    Solo

    There are some nice touches to this expanding modern hotel (boutique is pushing it) with its selection of uncluttered but smallish rooms in a quiet,…

  • @Hua Lamphong

    Chinatown

    Not only does this hostel provide the most handy access to Bangkok's main train terminal, it's also clean and very well run. The private rooms, some of…

  • Classy Hotel & Spa

    Battambang

    This popular monolith on the east bank of the Sangker River draws a loyal crowd thanks to its amenities, which nonguests can also enjoy. It has an…

  • Sarikantang Resort & Spa

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Cream-coloured cabins, framed with teak posts and lintels, are sprinkled among swaying palms and crumbling winged statuettes on one of Hat Rin's best…

  • Cafune Coffee Culture Homestay

    Nha Trang

    Perfect for java-heads or budding baristas, this likeable cafe doubles as a hostel. Double rooms have king-size beds and dorms en suites. Cafe staff are…

  • 21 Hostel

    Yangon

    This hostel, unique to Yangon, dispenses with dorms in favour of 'pods': cubicle-like spaces that give travellers more privacy. The pods are very compact …

  • Batu Jimbar

    Sanur

    Just north of the old Hyatt, this villa compound has a colourful history: it was redesigned by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in 1975, Mick…

  • Homestay Gunung Tujuh

    West Sumatra

    Homestay Gunung Tujuh is one of the few places to stay in Pelompek village. Overlooking the market and a block away from the main street, it has spacious…

  • Kuree Hut

    Semporna

    This guesthouse, a short walk from the waterfront, is part a row of shops. Rooms are spotless and furnished either with a bunk bed, a bunk bed and a…

  • Hotel Venezia

    Bicol

    One of the classier hotels in town has 40 contemporary rooms decked out in muted greys, beautiful linen and private balconies with views of Mt Mayon. It…

  • Zoolut Stay 278

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Boutique stylings on a budget come to this well-located pocket of HCMC. The modern yellow hues make spaces feel fresh and clean. Regular rooms are large…

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