Top 10 Resort Hotels in Southeast Asia Revealed by Our Readers for 2025

Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s most vibrant, dynamic cities: Bangkok, with its ornate architecture and youthful energy; the street food Valhalla that is Singapore; electric Kuala Lumpur; and imperial Hanoi. However, as mesmerizing as they are, one of the greatest joys of visiting this region is getting away from those urban environments to experience some of the best resorts on the Asian continent.

Every year, for the iBestTravel World’s Best Awards survey, readers weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels were rated based on facilities, location, service, food, and overall value. Consequently, properties were classified as city or resort based on their locations and amenities.

Top Resorts in Southeast Asia

Once again, Thailand dominates the list of top resorts in Southeast Asia, with six properties that span the beaches and islands in the south to the forests, mountains, and lush coffee plantations of the north’s famous Golden Triangle. One perennial favorite is the Six Senses Yao Noi, an all-villa property overlooking island-studded Phang Nga Bay. All of the respondents commented on the stunning views from their villas and, seemingly, every corner of the resort.

Alongside that popular destination are emerging tourism locations, such as the Philippines. For instance, No. 10 Amanpulo, situated on Pamalican Island, is a reason enough to visit; one respondent described it as having “the best beach in the world,” while another praised the “fantastic resort, fantastic service, and friendly staff.” Laos, particularly the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, is also a lesser-traveled but equally beautiful destination. In fact, Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, just outside the town, has been a premier property in the area for 28 years and has risen to No. 6 this year.

Many top brands in the business are represented (Four Seasons, Six Senses), but it’s notable that Anantara, a Thailand-based company, has properties in less typical tourist areas. With three properties on this year’s list—including one in the lesser-traveled Hua Hin region on Thailand’s Malay Peninsula, which comes in third—this brand is clearly one to watch.

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Readers’ No. 1 pick this year is a relative newcomer, earning recognition shortly after it opened. Read on for the full lineup of the best resorts in Southeast Asia.

15. JW Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand

Score: 90.00

More information: marriott.com

14. Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa, Thailand

Score: 91.16

More information: anantara.com

13. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Thailand

Score: 91.24

More information: anantara.com

12. Four Seasons Resort the Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam

Score: 92.33

More information: fourseasons.com

11. Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines

Score: 92.96

More information: aman.com

10. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Score: 93.28

More information: fourseasons.com

9. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Score: 94.13

More information: anantara.com

8. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand

Score: 94.71

More information: fourseasons.com/chiangmai

7. Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao, Luang Prabang, Laos

Score: 95.37

More information: belmond.com

6. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Danang, Vietnam

Score: 95.66

More information: danang.intercontinental.com

5. Six Senses Samui, Thailand

Score: 95.75

More information: sixsenses.com

4. Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Score: 96.13

More information: anantara.com

3. Anantara Hua Hin Resort, Thailand

Score: 96.24

More information: anantara.com

2. Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

Score: 97.74

More information: sixsenses.com

1. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam

Score: 98.56

More information: marriott.com

This property on Phu Quoc, an island near the Cambodian border, began life as a colonial university, established in 1880 to educate the budding scholars of French Indochina. In reality, this romantic backstory—rooted in naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck’s legacy and the influences of visiting Chinese and Japanese intellectuals—provides a whimsical narrative around which the entire resort is built. Elements of local Hoi An architecture, university aesthetics, and French-colonial style have been masterfully integrated into the design. The 234 rooms, suites, and villas occupy the “old halls” of various academic disciplines; guests can even stay in the Dean’s Quarters. The cocktail bar is also located in the Chemistry department. Of course, the resort boasts all of the modern comforts one would expect from a JW Marriott, including a palatial spa and a variety of French-inflected bars and restaurants. Therefore, it’s no wonder one reader expressed, “I’ve stayed here twice—it’s one of my favorite hotels!”

Discover more about our readers’ favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the iBestTravel World’s Best Awards.