Tropical Getaways: The Exclusive Resorts of Thailand

Between eclectic building traditions and distinct natural conditions, Thailand’s architecture has evolved alongside a growing tourism industry.

Eric Baldwin

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Thailand is known across the world for its stunning landscapes and geography. A diverse country that mixes many influences and traditions, Thailand also has a varied climate of tropical, savanna and monsoon weather. Between these eclectic building traditions and distinct natural conditions, Thailand’s architecture has evolved alongside a growing tourism industry. Rooted in Bangkok’s position as a crossroads of international air transport, hotel and retail industries created many new structures across the nation.

Building off our recent article on Thailand’s extraordinary learning spaces, the following collection explores Thailand’s rare resort architecture. Built along beaches, waterfronts and dramatic landscapes, these getaways promise spaces for rest and relaxation. Exploring widely varied formal expressions and material languages, the retreats are designed around Thailand’s unique culture and climate. So sit back, relax and prepare to soak up the sun with these exclusive getaways.

Baan Plai Haad by Steven J. Leach Architects, Pattaya, Thailand

Designed as a development for beachfront living, the Baan Plai Haad project is located in the heart of Pattaya. Built with 353 units formed across different building heights, the design was inspired by dramatic oceanfront views along the private beach.

X-Float by agaligo studio, Karnchanaburi, Thailand

X-Float is a project that takes its design language from the traditional floating rafts and houses of Karnchanaburi. Built upon the River Kwai, the project was made in tandem with the Project X2 River Kwai Resort development.

The Grand Pinklao Clubhouse by OfficeAT, Bangkok, Thailand

Formed alongside a luxury housing development in Bangkok, the Grand Pinklao Clubhouse was designed to be both unique and highly visible. The project was made with a post tension structure, external glass skin and a stone base.

Zensala Resort by IDIN Architects, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The Zensala Resort is sited along the Mae Ping riverbank in Chiang Mai. The three-story resort includes 14 guest rooms, a swimming pool, spa, offices and library space. Rooms were oriented to panoramic views of the river, while circulation was carefully organized to maintain privacy for guests.

Sala Phuketby Department of ARCHITECTURE, Thailand

Sala Phuket simultaneously blends eastern and western design elements. Located on a local beach but global in its scope, the project aimed to embrace a coexistence of culture through form, materials and space.

Baan San Kraam by Somdoon Architects, Hua Hin, Thailand

Located in Petchburi near Hua Hin, the Baan San Kraam project was designed around a beach resort town south of Bangkok. Mixing landscape, condominiums and shared facilities, the design aimed to connect the development with the waterfront. A continuous water feature joins these multiple features, while walkways and plantings tie the design to its beach location.

Baan Suan Mook Resort by Sook Architects Company Limited, Hua Hin, Thailand

Baan Suan Mook Resort was created as a hospitality project containing multiple spaces and shared facilities. Located in the middle of a pineapple field, the design explores the local vernacular of the surrounding agricultural landscape and countryside.

Casa de La Flora by Boonlert Deeyuen and VaSLab, Thailand

Sited along a palm tree-lined beach in Khao Lak, the Casa de La Flora was designed as a beachfront resort with 36 cube-shaped villas. Embracing the dramatic beauty of southern Thailand, the project maximizes ocean views while allowing warmth and daylight into the interior spaces.

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