Travellers seeking local immersion will also find upscale comfort at Best Western’s newest hotels.

Cool neighbourhoods in Thailand to explore in 2023

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Best Western Chatuchak greet guests with panoramic vistas at nearly every space.
Best Western Chatuchak greet guests with panoramic vistas at nearly every space.

Thailand has always been a top destination for tourists thanks to its unique history, culture, and nature offerings. The country saw a rapid recovery of tourism with 11.15 million foreign visitors in 2022, with international visitor arrival numbers projected to hit 30 million in 2023.

This strong indication backs the expansion of BWH Hotel Group — comprising WorldHotels Collection, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group — across Thailand and the rest of Asia.

“We’re excited to be unveiling so many new properties in the region,” says BWH Hotel Group’s Olivier Berrivin, Vice President, International Operations, APAC. “It reflects our confidence in Asia’s continued tourism growth and in providing more distinctive accommodation experiences.”

With 18 properties in Indonesia and 19 in Japan, the BWH Hotel Group is also ramping up its portfolio in Thailand with 17 hotels in total,  including four stylish new properties that highlight the best areas to explore in Thailand.

Bright lights in Bangkok

Panoramic vistas greet guests at nearly every space in Best Western Chatuchak.
Panoramic vistas greet guests at nearly every space in Best Western Chatuchak.

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a base from which to discover Bangkok’s bustling markets, temples, and restaurants. The recently opened Best Western Chatuchak gives guests easy access to the renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market and Or Tor Kor Market, but Thailand’s renowned creative flair permeates within the hotel as well. Spaces are decorated with works by local artists, including a feature wall at the reception counter made out of stacks of clothes.

Best Western Chatuchak is a short ride away from Don Mueang Airport and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, making it ideal for business travel. In addition to 192 rooms and suites — all with captivating city views — the hotel boasts a 280sqm pillar-free ballroom alongside a vast 3,200sqm outdoor terrace and garden, as well as a meeting room for up to 100 people, making it an attractive venue for meetings and gala events.

Best Western Chatuchak offers spacious rooms for both work and play.
Best Western Chatuchak offers spacious rooms for both work and play.

Shopping is also a top pastime for tourists to Bangkok, with areas like the up-and-coming Rama 9-Ratchada district drawing crowds to high-end malls, department stores, and the popular Jodd Fairs Night Market. The 120-key Best Western Ratchada Hotel, which will open in May 2023, will welcome visitors to spend the night and explore the local surroundings.

Fitted with a sleek flowing façade, Best Western Ratchada Hotel is an oasis of calm in the lively Rama 9-Ratchada district.
Fitted with a sleek flowing façade, Best Western Ratchada Hotel is an oasis of calm in the lively Rama 9-Ratchada district.

This stylish new hotel captivates at first sight with its flowing façade and bold modern lobby, while a saltwater pool invites guests to unwind after a day of shopping. Each guestroom is also equipped with a full-size fridge and microwave — perfect for a lie-in after partying the night away.

Tranquil beach getaways

Located just 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin has always been the place for a quick dose of sun and sea while exploring the capital city. At the pristine Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin, 380 rooms and suites offer unforgettable accommodation ranging from ground-floor rooms with direct access to the refreshing pool, to spacious family suites and amenities like the Aqua Play Zone with water slides.

Swimming pool with water slides at Best Western Plus  Carapace Hotel Hua Hin.
Swimming pool with water slides at Best Western Plus Carapace Hotel Hua Hin.

Set in the coastal enclave of Khao Tao, the hotel offers easy access to beaches, golf courses, and local attractions such as the Seven Kings Monument. For on-site dining, international cuisine can be found at the all-day dining restaurant Biscay, while guests can sip on sundowners at Carapace Beach Club.

Another perennially popular tropical haven is Phuket, Thailand’s largest island with dozens of beaches each boasting their own unique vibe. Visitors seeking another relaxing upscale experience will find it at La Green Resort: located close to Bang Tao Beach and Phuket International Airport, the resort will open in the latter part of 2023 as the first WorldHotels property in Phuket.

Opening in 2023, La Green Resort will introduce the WorldHotels brand and hospitality experience to Phuket.
Opening in 2023, La Green Resort will introduce the WorldHotels brand and hospitality experience to Phuket.

For eco-conscious travellers, this 420-room resort ticks all the boxes. The greenery-draped building is the first property in Thailand to obtain the EDGE Advanced green building certification, and its restaurants will also offer sustainable fare featuring locally sourced ingredients. The rooms, with their plush interiors and soothing muted palette, indulge guests in a sense of inner peace.

Endless exploration, with points that never expire

There’s so much to explore in Thailand that one stay is hardly enough — and that’s where Best Western Rewards shines. With 65 hotels in Southeast Asia alone, members can easily earn Best Western Rewards points and travel further. Best of all, there are no blackout dates and points never expire.

With Best Western Rewards, members can even use the points for more than just hotel stays. Outside of the hotels, Best Western Rewards can also be converted into shopping cards that can be redeemed with Asia’s leading retailers, including Starbucks, Tops Supermarket, H&M, Lotus's and more in Thailand (availability is subject to change).

For more information on Best Western Hotels & Resorts, click here.

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This article is brought to you by Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

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