One of the best things about Southeast Asia is the affordable accommodation found across the region. The large cities and most popular resorts have luxury options, but nearly every deluxe, five-star hotel is matched with a budget option. Off the tourist trail lodgings become scarcer, with home stays common in rural regions.
The beach resorts of the region are booming with spas, a Southeast Asia specialty that has grown in popularity. No longer just a place where you go for daytime treatments, today’s spas offer everything from comfortable accommodation to onsite dining. Beachside bungalow operations are also a favorite choice.
While the quality of lodgings is typically high in countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, hotel standards are variable in the less developed countries of Laos and Cambodia. Booking your hotel ahead of time is wise if you plan on traveling in the high season, but it is usually possible to get accommodation on the spot in low-key areas.
Hostels: are popular among backpackers to the region, providing a cheap alternative to hotels. Standards of rooms vary considerably, however, and it is best to go by word of mouth or trust a travel guide when choosing which hostel to stay at. In contrast to hotels, hostels rarely require advance booking.
Hotels: the region’s capitals and popular beach resorts feature five-star high-rise hotels that cater for discerning visitors, while there are usually plenty of mid-range options too. It is best to book a hotel in advance, as some do not accept on-the-spot bookings. Prices are lower than European counterparts, with luxurious choices often offering good value for money.
Camping: is not very popular in Southeast Asia, but it is an option in some of the region’s national parks. It is necessary to bring your own equipment when camping, and camp sites typically charge at a nominal fee for a pitch. Campers should be aware of wild animals and take all their refuse away with them.
Bungalows: are the most common form of accommodation at Southeast Asian beach resorts. Ranging from cheap, makeshift bamboo huts to luxury brick buildings, bungalows vary greatly in price and facilities. The location of the bungalow can affect the price, with cheaper options usually available away from the beachfront.
Best of the best
Brunei
Empire Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan: This well-located Bandar plush hotel is the top accommodation in the entire country, with extremely high quality rooms and attention to detail. It is purported to have had a billion dollars spent on it.
Cambodia
Nagaworld Cambodia, Phnom Penh: Nagaworld is a casino-cum-hotel that is located in the heart of the Cambodian capital. It features five-star luxury, is decorated in the traditional Khmer style, and boasts exceptional entertainment value.
Hotel De La Paix, Siem Reap: Siem Reap’s fanciest hotel is situated right in the center of this tourist hotspot and is sumptuously turned out. The five-star rooms have stunning bathrooms that are decorated with terrazzo tubs.
East Timor
Hotel Dili, Dili: While East Timor isn’t known for its high quality hotels as a rule, the days of the UN presence here has left its mark. Hotel Dili is a stunning hotel with fine rooms and exceptional service.
Indonesia
Maya Ubud Resort and Spa, Bali : Bali’s Maya Ubud Resort and Spa has an enviable hillside setting above a picturesque valley and is easily one of the holiday island’s most beautiful resorts. The focus is on wellness and relaxation, with yoga and cooking classes available.
Gran Mahakam Hotel, Jakarta: The Gran Mahakam Hotel in the Indonesian capital is one of the finest hotels in the country. It can be found in the main commercial area and is well located for sightseeing, while the onsite facilities and restaurant are a boon.
Laos
Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel, Luang Prabang: Luang Prabang’s Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel is the place to head for high quality rooms and pampering. The Angsana Spa is highly regarded in the spa world, while the onsite poolside restaurant is also something to write home about.
Settha Palace Hotel, Vientiane: The Laotian capital’s best hotel has more of an intimate atmosphere over the big chain hotels, with its 43 rooms and French colonial appearance. It’s also good for sightseeing and is well within reach of Wattay International Airport.
Malaysia
Nikko Hotel, Kuala Lumpur: The five-star Nikko Hotel in Kuala Lumpur has hundreds of well-appointed rooms, impeccable service, and a massive range of facilities. These include a health club, swimming pool, and spa.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang: One of Penang’s best hotels, the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa can be found presiding over the popular beach resort of Batu Ferringhi. The rooms are spotless, while the range of leisure facilities is unrivalled anywhere else on the island.
Myanmar
The Strand, Yangon: Yangon’s number one hotel is a stunning downtown colonial hotel that was built at the turn of the 20th century and is on par with Singapore’s Raffles Hotel. There are only 32 suites, making it all the more intimate and special.
The Philippines
The Peninsula Manila, Manila: The Peninsula Manila hotel in the Filipino capital is a world-class hotel with an excellent location near shopping and sights. The rooms and service are impeccable while the gym, pool and restaurants add to the appeal.
Discovery Shores Boracay Resort & Spa, Boracay: This fantastic condo-style resort on the sublime island of Boracay has superb attention to detail and is well located. It has a stunning beach setting along with top-end facilities and service.
Singapore
The Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore: The Ritz-Carlton Millennia is now the de facto top-end hotel in Singapore, with its fantastic location and style. It is well positioned in the historic district with views of the harbor, features every type of amenity and facility, and has over 600 rooms.
Raffles : Built by the famous Sarkies brothers back in the day, Raffles is a Singapore institution and is still one of the city state’s best hotels. It features a huge 769 high quality rooms, great shopping and dining, and a good location.
Thailand
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok: Part of the high quality Mandarin chain, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bangkok has a stunning location on the Chao Phraya River, excellent conferencing and leisure facilities, and the dining is also top-notch.
Amanpuri Resort Phuket, Phuket: One of Phuket’s best hotels, the Amanpuri Resort Phuket is a classy resort famed for its excellent service and attention to detail. It has a number of suite and villa options, many swimming pools, and great cuisine.
Vietnam
Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City: One of Vietnam’s best hotels, the Caravelle Hotel on Lam Son Square has a view of the stunning Opera House. It has all the luxury you’d expect from a well-known, five-star hotel.
Value for money
Brunei
Brunei Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan: With its great central location and nice rooms, the Brunei Hotel in the capital, Bandar, is one of the city’s best value hotels, with surprising rates in the low season.
Cambodia
Cambodia Uncovered, Phnom Penh: This unique hotel in Boeng Keng Kong is classed as a boutique hotel with an apartment style. Rooms can host up to four people and are well equipped.
East Timor
Rocella, Dili: Dili’s Rocella is a great value East Timor hotel, where the rooms are traditionally decorated and the onsite family owners provide exceptional attention to detail.
Indonesia
Masa Inn, Bali: The Masa Inn on Kuta Beach is near to the main beach and nightlife and comes with clean rooms and a quiet atmosphere. There are a couple of pools onsite and some rooms can sleep six.
Laos
Beau Rivage Mekong Hotel, Vientiane: The Beau Rivage Mekong Hotel has a nice location on the river road Thanon Fa Ngum and comes with well-equipped rooms that sport wireless internet and great prices.
Malaysia
Oasis Guest House, Kuala Lumpur: The Oasis Guest House has a great location for sightseers in Kuala Lumpur, along with good prices and facilities. It’s just across the street from Petaling Street Market and is new to boot.
Myanmar
Classique Inn, Yangon: Classique Inn is one of the best value hotels in the Myanmar capital for sightseeing as is just up from Shwedagon Pagoda. Featuring teak wood and Burmese furnishings, the Classique Inn is a well-priced boutique hotel.
Peacock Lodge, Mandalay: The Peacock Lodge is a popular Mandalay family-run guest house with those looking for value for money in Myanmar’s second city. It’s a little out of town, but the staff and ambience are great.
The Philippines
Dave’s Straw Hat Inn, Boracay: Dave’s Straw Hat Inn is well within reach of the famous White Beach of Boracay and is one of the best value accommodation options on the island. The comfort levels and service from the onsite family is excellent.
Best Western Hotel La Corona, Manila: Despite the name, the Best Western Hotel La Corona is a good value hotel in the Philippines capital city, located as it is in the center of downtown and coming with nice rooms and facilities.
Singapore
The SHA Villa: This homey hotel is well located near the shopping mecca of Orchard Road and has dozens of well-appointed, value for money rooms. The level of hospitality at the SHA Villa is very good.
RELC International Hotel: The RELC International Hotel is another good value Singapore hotel within reach of Orchard Road. Its rooms are differently styled, come with balconies and are spacious for the money.
Thailand
Century Park Hotel Bangkok : If you are looking for value for money in Bangkok, the Century Park Hotel Bangkok is a good option, with its quality rooms and good locale near to Victory Monument and shopping areas.
Centara Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai: This centrally-located Chiang Mai hotel is in the three- to four-star range but with low-end three-star prices. It has every type of facility, along with good, spacious rooms.
Vietnam
Hong Ngoc Hotel, Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital has four Hong Ngoc hotels that are well priced and well located in the Old Quarter. Although the rooms are a bit on the tight side, they are spotlessly clean and the staff are very helpful.
Spring Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City: Ho Chi Minh City’s Spring Hotel is the best deal in town, located as it is in the downtown area and featuring clean and comfy rooms and a good level of service.