On the Map

On the Map: South and South-East Asia

18 September 2023

Comprising an intriguing patchwork of exotic, diverse, and welcoming countries, South and South East Asia includes (amongst others) India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

So if you’re looking for new sensory experiences – as well as some truly unusual places to stay – you’re bound to discover them here.

Palm-fringed, paradise-like beaches are de rigeur in this far-flung corner of the world, particularly in Thailand. And with over 20,000 islands to explore (Indonesia alone has over 13,500!) you’ll be spoilt for choice of tropical sun-spots.

But there are also some wonderful UNESCO-protected heritage sites to discover, 41 of which occupy South-East Asia alone. They include the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and Sumatra’s dense tropical rainforest, which buzzes with rare wildlife.

Vibrant cultural festivals and friendly locals promise to imbue your stay with smiles, while if it’s flavourful cuisine you love, you’ve come to the right place! Aromatic herbs and spices combine with the freshest vegetables and the fluffiest rice, to create dishes so mouth-watering, you’ll want to recreate them the moment you return home.

Why not browse our hand-picked selection of unusual places to stay in South and South-East Asia, and discover their endless array of sparkling gems for yourself?

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Aarunya Sky Suites | Sri Lanka

Aladdin Luxury Camp

Phuket, Thailand
An exclusive adults-only retreat that’s home to lavish tents and a deck that floats dreamily over the lotus lake, peacefully secluded in scenic, culture-rich Phuket.
Bedrooms: 1 per tent
Sleeps: 2
From
£145 /night

TreeHouse Villas

Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga, Thailand
One of Thailand's best kept secrets, TreeHouse Villas is a true island paradise. Escape to nature on an unspoiled island and savour every second of this astounding accommodation.
Bedrooms: 1 per villa
Sleeps: 2 per villa
From
£335 / night

Uga Chena Huts

Yala, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Experience an authentic sense of the exotic, surrounded by outstanding tropical luxury (and flamingos!) in the Sri Lankan jungle.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: Up to 3 per cabin
From
£810 / night

Villa Sweet Dream

Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
Timeless Balinese charm and beauty awaits, in a cloudlike retreat with a private swimming pool, just a minute's lazy stroll from the beach.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£460 / night

Keemala

Kamala, Phuket, Thailand
Escape to paradise at Keemala - a tropical wonderland of magical pool villas, spa indulgences, gastronomic experiences and a total immersion in Thai culture.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per villa
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per villa
From
£360 / night

Aarunya Sky Suites

Central Province, Sri Lanka
Get back to nature in soul-stirring style with a soaring suite set on a Sri Lankan mountain-top, complete with an infinity plunge pool, spa treatments, and scenic on-site dining.
Bedrooms: 1 per villa
Sleeps: 2
From
£520 /night

Sandat Glamping Tents

Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Experience the heady spirit of Bali, in a luxurious paradise camp set in the heart of the island's cultural centre.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Up to 4/5 per unit
From
£171 / night

DRYFT Hive Huts

Palawan, Philippines
Experience a one-of-a-kind glamping adventure set on one of the most breathtakingly beautiful islands in the Philippines, with artist-created huts and mouth-watering local cuisine
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£135/ night

Taj Lake Palace

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
A majestic marble retreat with lavish décor, fine dining, and an indulgent spa, nestled on a shimmering lake close to the bustling city of Udaipur.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: Varies
From
£450 / night

Equarius Ocean Suites

Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa, Singapore
Take in unique underwater views from the bed, in these two-storey havens with a personalised butler service, secluded on Singapore’s Sentosa island.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 3
From
£1,195 /nt

KINN Capsule Hotel

Central Area, Singapore
KINN Capsule Hotel is a relaxing, community-inspired haven conveniently set in the bustling centre of Singapore, with cosy capsules and shared spaces for making new friends.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 1
From
£70 / night

Tubotel

Pantai Cenang, Kedah, Malaysia
Experience Malaysia in quirky tubular technicolour, with a unique Langkawi hotel overlooking the ocean on a paradise island.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£19 / night

Bangkok Tree House

Bangkok, Thailand
A selection of three-storey fairytale retreats, with free ice-cream and a mouth-watering on-site restaurant, minutes away from Bang Namphueng Floating Market. 
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 2
From
£83 / night

Crazy House

Da Lat, Central Highlands, Vietnam
Crazy House is a jaw-dropping, world-renowned “fairytale house” built to resemble an enormous tree and boasting sculptured design elements throughout, secluded in the Vietnamese city of Dalat.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 4
From
£26 / night

Elephant Hills

Khao Sok, Surat Thani, Thailand
Get up close and personal with cared-for elephants in a lush tropical setting, with a stay in Thailand's first luxury jungle camp.
Bedrooms: 1 king size bed
Sleeps: 2-3 per tent
From
£314 (2 night jungle safari)

The Tree House Resort

Chandwaji, Jaipur, India
Experience the magic of the Indian jungle, with a childhood-fantasy treehouse that showcases the heart of nature.
Bedrooms: varies
Sleeps: 2
From
£245 / night

The City Palace Gudliya Suite

Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Live the regal life, in an opulent suite with a butler and a private indoor swimming pool, in Jaipur's iconic, 300-year-old royal palace
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£6,047 / night

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