Thailand

Thailand’s visual identity extends far beyond golden temples and tropical beaches. Traditional teak houses, ornate palaces and historic shophouses coexist with some of Southeast Asia’s most interesting Modernist and contemporary architecture. Bangkok is a restless mix of old neighbourhoods, concrete experimentation and increasingly ambitious design, while Chiang Mai’s craft traditions and the landscapes and islands of the south inspire hotels built around timber, stone, gardens and indoor-outdoor living. The best Thai design feels unmistakably connected to climate and place.

Food and drink are fundamental to travelling through Thailand. Bangkok’s street stalls, markets and family-run restaurants sit alongside sophisticated contemporary Thai kitchens and an internationally recognised fine-dining scene. Regional cooking changes dramatically across the country, from the herbaceous and spicy flavours of the north and northeast to seafood and coconut-rich dishes in the south. Cocktail bars, specialty coffee and a new generation of design-conscious restaurants add another layer, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thailand’s most interesting hotels reflect this diversity. Restored heritage houses and intimate urban retreats contrast with architect-designed beach hotels, jungle hideaways and resorts that reinterpret traditional Thai architecture rather than imitate it. At DNA Hotels, we curate the places where architecture, craftsmanship, food and landscape come together—hotels that reveal a more creative and individual Thailand beyond the familiar resort clichés.