I’ve lived and worked in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for over two years, and during that time, I’ve traveled extensively and found my favorite stays in Southeast Asia. Some budget-friendly, some luxurious, and some completely unique (nestled in the mountains or 5 star food). Every place on this list is somewhere I personally stayed and loved, so you won’t find anything here that didn’t impress me. I know it can be so overwhelming to pick accommodation for a big trip like this, so I hope my picks make it a little easier! Let’s dive in!

check out my hidden gem guide to Bangkok & my solo trip to Chiang Rai

My favorite stays in Southeast Asia


Bangkok, Thailand

Luxe: Hyatt Place & Hyatt Regency

  • Stayed using credit card points with my chase sapphire preferred —totally worth it.
  • Free breakfast and rooftop pools/bars make it an amazing value.
  • Perfect for a comfortable stay in the heart of Bangkok.

Budget: HOP Inn

  • A super affordable, clean, and consistent hotel chain, around $30 / night.
  • Great option if you need a reliable and no-fuss stay.
favorite stays in southeast asia
THEE Vijit Lanna

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Luxe: THEE Vijit Lanna

  • Around $100 a night for a beautifully designed Lanna hotel.
  • Stunning rooms, amazing breakfast, and a peaceful retreat still in the heart of the old city.

IMG 1882
chadaporn rentroom

Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand

Budget: Chadaporn Rentroom (Mae Chaem)

  • Peaceful atmosphere with rice field and mountain views for ~30 / night.
  • Staying overnight lets you explore Doi Inthanon at a relaxed pace without rushing.
  • 100% recommend this hidden gem!
favorite stays in southeast asia
Villa de View

Chiang Dao, Thailand

Luxe: Villa De View

  • Breathtaking rice field views in a quiet, serene location. Around $100 / night.

Budget: Brown House

  • A simple and affordable stay with cozy vibes for $15 / night.

Railay Beach, Thailand

Mid-range: Railay Princess Resort & Spa

  • Clean rooms with AC, a rooftop pool, and a great deal overall for around $40 / night.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Budget: Serene Lanta Resort

  • Budget-friendly, clean rooms, strong AC, and just a short walk to the beach for $30 / night. Really nice local owners that you can rent a motorbike from as well.
SALA Samui Choengmon

Koh Samui, Thailand

Luxe: SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort

  • Luxe option with stunning pools, beautiful rooms, and top-tier service for $200 / night. The nicest hotel staff I’ve ever seen.

favorite stays in southeast asia
Mali House

Luang Prabang, Laos

Mid-range: Mali House

  • Owned by an American expat, Andy, who made me feel right at home in this traditional Lanna-style house for $40 / night.
  • Located in the heart of the local market, so you get the full Lao experience.
  • I loved it so much I stayed again on my second visit!

Nong Khiau Riverside

Nong Khiaw, Laos

Mid-range: Nong Khiau Riverside

  • Arguably the best place to stay in this peaceful village for around $40 / night.
  • Large, comfy rooms with a private balcony.
  • Surrounded by lush flowers and greenery, it felt like a garden oasis!

Hoi An, Vietnam

Mid-range: Volar Hoi An Homestay

  • Affordable, cozy, and run by the sweetest owners for around $35 / night.
  • Lush private pool and free bicycles—perfect for exploring Hoi An!
  • Close to the central market, making it a great base.

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Budget: Blue Garden Homestay

  • A super budget-friendly stay with warm, welcoming local hosts for $15 / night.

Plum Eco House

Sapa, Vietnam

Mid-range: Plum Eco House

  • The best homestay I’ve ever experienced.
  • Nestled in Ta Van village with panoramic mountain views.
  • The hosts made incredible farm-to-table meals—spicy eggplant, stuffed tofu, and fresh yogurt with granola for breakfast.
  • Perfect way to unwind after trekking.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Luxe: Hyatt Regency West Hanoi

  • Used credit card points for a fantastic stay. Mostly businessmen stay here, but the amenities are amazing and you can explore a new side of Hanoi.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Luxe: Hyatt Regency

  • A true 5-star hotel experience—absolutely amazing.
  • I booked with credit card points but without it’s around $150 / night.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Mid-range: Bayon Modern Residence

  • A fantastic mid-range hotel with a great breakfast and beautiful pool for $40 / night.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Luxe: Alila Bangsar

  • Stayed here twice because I loved it so much.
  • A sleek, modern 5-star hotel that made for the perfect staycation (thanks, credit card points!).
  • Around $90 / night without transferring points.
@gracies_guidee

after living & working in Chiang mai for over two years here are some of my favorite things to do! I hope you try out some of these while visiting my favorite place in the world! Enjoy Chiang Mai 🏔️🇹🇭 any questions? #chiangmai #chiangmaithailand #thingstodointhailand #thailandtravel #moveabroad #liveabroad #creatorsearchinsights

♬ カフェでボサノバを聴く休日 – ya-su

Final thoughts: My favorite stays in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is overflowing with incredible places to stay, whether you’re on a backpacker budget or splurging on a luxe getaway. From hidden homestays with the kindest hosts to five-star resorts that feel like literal paradise, these are the stays that stood out to me the most. I hope it’s helpful in the crazy frenzy of planning a trip to Southeast Asia!

If you’re planning a trip and need recommendations, hit me up—I could talk about these places forever! 🌏✨

If you liked my favorite stays in Southeast Asia, you’ll like my other posts:

3 best experiences in Vietnam

One month Thailand itinerary

7 best cafes in Chiang Mai

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