Affordable luxury hotels in Southeast Asia
Image adapted from: Expedia
Poolside lounging, breakfast buffets, and oceanside views – that’s practically everyone’s dream vacay. But luxuries like this don’t come cheap. While affordable luxury sounds like a massive contradiction, countries like Thailand and Indonesia make for a relatively cheap holiday – and yes, that even includes some of their best 5 star luxury hotels.
From Koh Samui to Siem Reap, here are some of Southeast Asia’s best luxury hotels that are all cheaper than your average weekend staycation.
1. Koh Samui, Thailand – Mantra Samui Resort, from $111/night
Their infinity pool comes with a bar, so you can enjoy martinis while sunbathing on a pool float.
Image credit: @mantrasamuiresort
Beach holidays are typically filled with sun and sand, and it’s no different at Mantra Samui Resort – well, except for its oceanfront views, infinity pool, and cook-to-order breakfast spread. No doubt that this is one of the fancier abodes: there’s even a pillow menu, where you can choose the firmness of your pillow.
Image credit: Expedia
The Wow Ocean View Room is their cheapest and starts from $111/night – it’s a whopping 51 square metres and has its own balcony for you to admire the sweeping ocean views. If you’re going all out, the Love Ocean View Room (from $203/night) has a sheltered patio and sunbathing deck to while away lazy afternoons.
Book Mantra Samui Resort here.
2. Sapa, Vietnam – Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa, from $167/night
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The tea plantations of Sapa are a glorious sight to behold, with rolling hills of green and the wafting scent of fresh tea. As one of Sapa’s newer hotels, Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa offers up a memorable stay that feels like you’ve travelled further than the 3-hour flight to Vietnam – what’s with the cool weather and luxe European-style furnishings.
Image credit: Expedia
A Classic Room starts from $167/night – be sure to ask for the ones that overlook the mountain peaks. Although no one has high expectations of quality food in such secluded areas, Silk Path has 2 inhouse restaurants: one that specialises in traditional Vietnamese food, and another that serves Mediterranean cuisine.
Image credit: Expedia
Book your room at Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa Sapa here.
3. Bali, Indonesia – Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa by L’OCCITANE, from $241/night
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When a hotel comes with a spa ran by L’OCCITANE, you can be sure that it’s luxurious in every way. Kupu Kupu Barong Villas and Tree Spa by L’OCCITANE is an exclusive property with just 39 rooms – each comes fully decked out in hand-carved teak furniture, a deep-soaking tub, and private terrace.
Image credit: @kupubarong
The Pool View Suite starts from $241/night which is on the slightly steep side, but there’s no doubt that it’s worth every penny.
Their “birdnests” are private gazebo dining spaces that overlook Bali’s lush greenery.
Image credit: @kupubarong
Book your room at Kupu Kupu Barong Villas here.
4. Koh Phangan, Thailand – Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa, from $198/night
Image credit: Expedia
Thailand’s filled with stunning resorts and island Koh Phangan isn’t any different – it’s known for its monthly Full Moon Party but is equally appealing in its abundance of luxury hotels. There’s certainly no need to shack it up when you have the likes of Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa.
Image credit: Expedia
A Superior Room starts from $198/night and it comes fully decorated in traditional Thai decor – but they’ve added some thoughtful touches too. For instance, there are blackout drapes so we can sleep in till noon. Those looking to splurge can choose the Pool Suite Sea View, which comes with majestic bed canopies and their own private pool.
Book your room at Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort here.
5. Phu Quoc, Vietnam – InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, from $268/night
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While Phu Quoc isn’t Vietnam’s most popular destination, locals head down for its sandy white beaches and crystal blue waters. InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort has some of the most picturesque oceanfront views – you’re right by the coast when the sun sets, glowing a dusky orange before vanishing into the sea.
Image credit: @intercontinentalphuquoc
A Classic Room starts from $268/night – there’s ample space and it even fits both a King bed and sofa. Guests can also soak in the standalone tub – there’s one in every room! – and enjoy the views from the comfort of their own room.
Book your room at InterContinental Phu Quoc here.
6. Siem Reap, Cambodia – Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, from $221/night
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Victoria Angkor Hotel has an undeniably regal air, with wooden furnishings and colonial-style decor. Spending a few nights here is unlike any of your other trips to Cambodia, especially if you last went down for a volunteer house-building trip.
Image credit: Expedia
The Superior Room (from $221/night) comes with free one-way airport pick-up so you’ll be arriving in utter comfort. Once there, head to their Healthysens Spa where they offer an array of massages, from deep-tissue to hot stone.
Book your room at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa here.
7. Rakhine, Myanmar – Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngapali, from $253/night
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While many tourists flock to Southeast Asian favourites like Phuket and Bali, only an adventurous handful venture to Myanmar. But with hotels like Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Ngapali, you can live up the luxe life by staying in their spacious garden villas.
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Take their Jasmine Garden View Villa Twin (from $253/night), which comfortably sleeps two adults. You’ll be tempted to stay indoors the entire day, but the resort also has a massive pool – poolside bar included.
Book your room at Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan here.
8. Nha Trang, Vietnam – Vinpearl Discovery 1 Nha Trang, from $231/night
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Wew, this is one grand resort that’s worth all 5 stars. Each hotel room is compact but thoughtfully designed, with plush furniture and a modern bathroom. Even though it’s within the secluded island of Nha Trang, the hotel has 8 onsite restaurants – most dish out international cuisines throughout the day. Their Deluxe Double Room starts from $230 and comes a free buffet breakfast.
Image credit: Expedia
It’s right next to an 18-hole golf course, but if practicing your golf swing isn’t your idea of fun, there’s also a private beach for water activities as well as free daily yoga classes.
Book your room at Vinpearl Discovery 1 Nha Trang here.
Affordable luxury hotels with Expedia’s Add-On
Luxury hotels seem far from affordable but it’s all budget-friendly with Expedia’s Add-On feature. Depending on the level of luxury, plenty of them are already cheaper than a weekend staycay in Singapore!
First things first: sort out all flight bookings through Expedia’s Flight Search Engine. Once you’ve cinched down your flight details, take all the time you need to browse Expedia’s range of luxury hotels in Southeast Asia. You’re bound to find the ideal hotel for you, no matter which Southeast Asian destination you’re heading to.
You can even leave it up to the day of your flight since it’ll still let you claim up to 57% off selected hotels*!
*T&Cs apply.
*All prices accurate as of 20 December 2018.
Book your luxury hotel with Expedia’s Add-On feature here!
This post was brought to you by Expedia.