8 Heritage Hotels in Thailand with a Rich Historical Background

8 Heritage Hotels in Thailand with a Rich Historical Background

Each of these heritage hotels in Thailand has a story to tell. Some of them date back to a century ago, while some more modern properties aim at adapting to the local area.

When travelling to heritage hotels, we envision about destinations with a historical background, or places that present a more local and cultural side to their guests. While being transported to a different era is the highlight of the experience, learning about the different cultures of bygone periods enriches any trip even more. Here are the best luxury heritage hotels to check into in Thailand.

[Hero image credit: 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai; featured image credit: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok]

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8 Heritage Hotels in Thailand with a Rich Historical Background

137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai

The story of 137 Pillars House dates back to the reign of King Chulalongkorn. It used to be the Borneo Company’s office in the 1880s with just about 137 teak pillars holding it up. The property since went through a change of hands and has become one of the most popular heritage hotels in Chiang Mai. The colonial air is still present, blended with Northern Thai design and materials. The accommodation ranges from a two-persons suite to a spacious family pool suite.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

This beautiful resort sat on Hua Hin land since the early 1920s, when the railway line from Hua Hin to Padang Besar was just built. The seaside escape was known as The Railway Hotel back then, and its heritage is still magnificently preserved a century later as the newer Centara Grand Beach Resort.

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Oriental was the first luxury hotel in Thailand built in 1876, and was favoured by King Chulalongkorn, who chose to accommodate the then-Crown Prince Nicholas of Russia here. The ten-storey Garden Wing which was added later is also home to Bangkok’s first fine dining restaurant, Le Normandie, the first cooking school at The Oriental Thai Cooking School, as well as the first spa within a hotel property at The Oriental Spa. The Oriental Hotel finally changed its name to Mandarin Oriental in 2008 when it was acquired by the Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Little Nyonya Hotel, Phuket

Translating to ‘little ladies,’ Little Nyonya reflects the influence of Peranakan culture, the descendants of Chinese immigrants in Indonesia, Singapore, the Strait of Malacca, and Phuket. The hotel is owned by a Phuket Thai-Peranakan family that exhibits their unique heritage through the renowned Sino-colonial architecture, custom-made furniture crafted by Peranakan artists, and most importantly, the Nyonya cuisine, served at The Two Grandmas Restaurant.

Praya Palazzo, Bangkok

Praya Palazzo has served unimaginable purposes throughout its existence. Built in 1923, the building was designed by Praya Chollabhumipanish, a noble of the Royal Court Custom who took inspiration from the Italian artists who travelled to the Kingdom of Siam during the reign of King Rama V. The then-called Baan Bang Yee Khan was his residence for a while, before being transformed into Rachakarun School for students of all religions. Assistant Professor Wichai Pitakvorrarat noted the importance of this heritage building and saved it from decay. Praya Palazzo came back to life as a heritage hotel in 2009 and welcomed its first guests in 2011.

Chakrabongse Villas

Image credit: Chakrabongse Villas

The riverside Chakrabongse Villas used to be a retreat, or an escape from palace life, for Prince Chakrabongse in 1908. The stunningly preserved villa, now taken care of by his granddaughter Narisa, exudes the noble’s way of life, and boasts glistening views of the Temple of Dawn. Apart from the Thai-style rooms and suites, the property also offers residences for short- and long-term rent.

Raya Heritage, Chiang Mai

The philosophy of Raya Heritage is based on Lanna culture, both in terms of physical space design and the approach towards the local community. The resort is decorated in a minimalist manner, inspired by the bygone Lanna period, adopting several one-of-a-kind furniture pieces created by local craftsmen. The natural fabrics are bought from one of the very few weaving cooperatives that use age-old methods and natural dyes only. The resort also has deep commitment to multiple charitable organisations, aiming to give back as much as it receives.

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai

Designed by Bill Bensley, this resort is perched on the ridge of a prime Chiang Rai location, overlooking the borders of Myanmar and Laos. On this historical site, the Anantara Golden Triangle is also an elephant camp that supports local mahouts and their giants. Guests have the chance to learn about their natural behaviours by joining activities like ‘Walking with Giants,’ ‘Elephant Learning Experience,’ and more.