CHIANG RAI

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

From B75,150 per night, all inclusive. Ruak River, Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, 053-910-200. www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
One of the world’s most luxurious tented camps (it won the top prize from Conde Nast Traveler in 2010), this places takes “glamping” to a whole different level. Fifteen spacious 54-sq-meter tents, which sleep two and come with their own copper bathtubs and air-con are scattered amid the lush forest of the Golden Triangle cape, on the banks of the river overlooking Burma. Excursions include visits to the nearby elephant rehabilitation camp, cooking classes and jungle trekking.
Getting there: Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, guests will have a 45-minute drive to the resort’s private pier before catching the slow boat up stream to the jungle resort.

TRAT

Keereeta Lagoon

B4,000 per night. 24/1 Moo 4, Koh Chang, Trat, 081-855-5004. www.keereetalagoon.com
Even though Koh Chang, the country’s second largest island, has proper roads the location of Keereeta Lagoon on the other side of a large canal means you can’t reach it by car. This tiny five-room boutique hotel sits on the banks of Klong Nam canal, just 200 meters from the beach. Rooms are cute with vivid colors and more than a hint of Moroccan influence, and include a small swimming pool and adjacent living area. If you really want to get away from it all then hire all five rooms and have the resort to yourself.
Getting there: Get a ferry from Trat to Koh Chang, and turn right from the pier. Keep going till you see the signs for Aana Resort. Turn into the soi, park the car, call the hotel, and they will come pick you up by small boat.

KANCHANABURI

The Floathouse River Kwai

From B3,750 per night. 55 Moo 5, Wangkrajae, Saiyoke, Kanchanaburi, 02-642-5497, 084-725-8686. www.thefloathouseriverkwai.com
The River Kwai’s latest floating resort lets you enjoy the stunning natural scenery of Kanchanaburi without having to slum it. Ten pretty opulent floating cottages come with teakwood furniture, big screen TVs and even free Wi-Fi so you never have to suffer true isolation, even as you relax out on the floating sun deck.
Getting there: Drive to Kanchanaburi and then follow the sign to Sai Yoke Noi waterfall. Resotel Pier is 8km from the fall’s entrance and is where you hop on a long-tail boat to the resort.

KRABI

Rayavadee

From B11,500 per night, for Thai residents only. 24 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi, 075-620-740. www.rayavadee.com
Due to the steep mountains that encircle it, Krabi’s most famous beach destination is simply inaccessible by any other means than long-tail boat. And the most luxurious resort on this isolated piece of the mainland is Rayavadee, a hideaway whose location manages to give you access to all three main beaches: Railay East, Railay West and Phranang. The 98 two-story cottages and their four villas, sat among 28 acres of coconut groves and verdant jungle, blend elements of colonial and Thai design. Just kick back in a hammock, explore the local islands or go kayaking through the mangroves.
Getting there: From Krabi Airport, you’ll travel to the private pier where the resort’s speedboat will whisk you to the resort in less than 20 minutes.

Hotel Hideaways in Bangkok 

Bangkok Tree House

60 San Phawut Soi 23, Phra Pradaeng, 02-995-1150. www.bangkoktreehouse.com
Bangkok Tree House is a cluster of three-story suites sitting a long way downstream in the green lung of the city, Bang Krajao. Featuring clean-cut architecture it combines mineral (metal, glass and lots of mirrors) and organic (wood and bamboo) materials to perfection. Ideal for a staycation, suites are B6,000, inclusive of breakfast, Wi-Fi, free ice-cream and bike rentals—useful as Bangkrajao is a great cycling spot.
Getting there: There are two options: (1) get a ferry from Sanpawut Pier (call upon arrival), 1.5km from BTS Bang Na, inside Wat Bang Na Nok or (2) go to Wat Bang Namphueng Nok, and then it’s a five-minute walk through a small soi.

Praya Palazzo

757/1 Somdej Phra Pinklao Soi 2, Bangyeekhan, 02-883-2998. www.prayapalazzo.com
The 1920s Italian-style mansion, once home to a noble family during the King Rama V era, was restored into a classy 17-guestroom hotel with one of the best views of Chao Phraya River overlooking Phra Sumane Fort. You’ll get to walk on century-old wooden floors, stay in a classically decorated room and dine on a selection of Thai dishes in an opulent ambiance.
Getting there: Get a ferry from Phra Arthit Pier or Wat Rachathivat Pier—the latter also provides a parking space. You’ll have to call upon arrival.