Best hotels in Thailand

With the looks of a storybook house that was slipped into the lanes of downtown Bangkok, Ariyasom Villa is the picture of heritage and homespun hospitality. Built by the owner's grandparents in 1942, this old family home has taken on new life and provides the perfect bolthole between temple visits and trying every street food in the vicinity. The villa may be on the boisterous Sukhumvit Road but from its peaceful garden setting, you'd never know it. Greeted with a wai (bow) and refreshing drink, the staff make you feel like a cherished guest.

Where craggy-faced mountains, abundant valleys and relics from Thailand's ancient kingdoms meet, Chiang Rai is a picturesque village to relax for a few days. Perched along the river, The Legend was inspired by textured Lanna design while bringing its style a few centuries forward with breezy tropical rooms, manicured lawns and a freeform infinity pool (with a whirlpool hot tub!). There's plenty of rustic charm to go around with scenic hikes in search of a waterfall to swim below and the chance to spend time with members of a local hill tribe. After a day of temple-spotting, settle on the riverbank for a cocktail while the sun sets.

The crystaline waters, green-capped karsts and world-class beaches make Krabi a one-of-a-kind destination. And amidst the dancing palms, Rayavadee holds all the allure of an island getaway! Its natural surrounds are reflected in the bamboo-themed feature walls, sea life murals and mushroom-shaped villas. Chattering monkeys can be heard overhead as you stroll to the beach and, being in the heart of a marine reserve, schools of fish paint the water with colour as you snorkel off nearby reefs. Whether you spend all day on the beach, do as many water sports as you can, or zip across the bay to picnic on a sandbar, the view is sweet as coconut milk.

An oasis of urban style might not be what you expect from a family hotel in Phuket, and whilst it's certainly unusual, somehow The Slate just works. The space is perfectly suited to both adults and kids, with plenty of pools to splash in, a spa for parents to retreat to, a restaurant with exciting cuisine for big and small - and a bar for when the little ones are asleep! It's also very close to the airport, so there shouldn't be too many 'are we there yets?' from wriggly kids after a longhaul flight! But don't worry, the lush walled garden blocks most airport noise, and the private gate leading to silky Nai Yang beach and completes the holiday picture.