Within Thailand’s lush landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich biodiversity, there are some of the most incredible eco-friendly accommodations in the world. Nestled in breathtaking locations, these stays promote sustainability and conservation. They are also a great option for immersing yourself in nature without leaving a footprint.

From the mountains of the North to the beaches of the South, here are seven sustainable stays that promise not only a serene escape but also a commitment to preserving the natural beauty and culture of their locales.

1. Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood

Address: 110, Tambon Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Soneva Kiri on Koh Kood combines luxury with eco-sustainability, featuring 34 spacious, green-designed villas with private pools, outdoor bathrooms, and beach access, plus a personal butler. This resort offers yoga, water sports, movie screenings, and children’s programs, along with unique chocolate and ice cream parlors. Its strong commitment to the environment is evident in its waste-to-wealth center, organic gardens, coral restoration efforts, a ban on imported bottled water, and funding for sustainability projects through a carbon levy.

2. Keemala, Phuket

Address: 10 88 Nakasud Rd Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand

Keemala in Phuket is an all-pool villa retreat set in the western forests, overlooking Kamala Beach and the Andaman Sea. This unique resort has 38 beautifully designed cottages and villas inspired by four fictional ancient tribes, featuring distinctive accommodations like the Bird’s Nest and Tree Pool Villas. It emphasizes ecological preservation and sustainability, using natural light and owning water treatment plants for each villa. With over half of its kitchen’s needs sourced from onsite organic gardens, Keemala supports a Zero Food Waste initiative. Although close to Phuket’s attractions, it offers activities such as sunrise yoga, spa treatments, and Thai cooking classes, focusing on serene and organic experiences.

3. Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai

Address: Si Kham, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort & Spa is located in Chiang Rai and spans over an 800-acre organic estate in Thailand’s Golden Triangle. The resort was designed by renowned M.L. Sudavdee Kriangkrai, and it emphasizes living “with nature, not above nature.” The resort features 33 red-clay cottages that are built with bamboo and local textiles. To promote disconnection and nature immersion, there are no TVs or alarm clocks in the cottages. Amenities at the resort include a hillside infinity pool, a spa, and a meditation center.

The resort is committed to using ultra-local ingredients in its own tea and essential oil production, strengthening its connection with nature and the local community. Additionally, the resort collaborates with local Hill Tribes to support community well-being. Guests can attend cooking classes to explore regional cuisines, highlighting the resort’s commitment to sustainability and cultural immersion.

4. 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai

Address: 2 Thanon NHA Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

137 Pillars House is a luxurious boutique hotel in Chiang Mai that opened in March 2012. This elegantly restored early 20th-century teak homestead offers 30 lavish suites close to Wat Gate Temple, the Ping River, and shopping areas. Suites feature amenities such as butler service, four-poster beds, Victorian bathtubs, garden-view verandahs, and the iconic 25-metre emerald pool. The hotel highlights sustainability with its no single-use plastic campaign, sustainable partnerships, and energy-efficient technologies. Its environmental efforts include organic waste conversion and a non-toxic mosquito control program, supporting a garden that provides fresh produce for its dining venues.

5. Six Senses, Koh Samui

Address: Baan Plai Laem, 9/10 หมู่ที่ 5, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Six Senses Samui, located on Koh Samui’s quiet northeast tip, features 66 luxury villas, 59 with private infinity pools, all offering butler service and constructed from local materials. Villas offer rustic-chic decor, modern comforts, privacy, and stunning ocean views amid lush surroundings. The resort includes a beach, dining options, a sunset-view infinity pool, and a bar with an open-air deck, alongside a spa with personalized wellness programs, yoga, and meditation. Committed to sustainability, it practices onsite water bottling, runs the Farm on the Hill for organic farming and guest-involved animal care, and participates in environmental initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and support community projects.

6. The Pavilions Anana, Krabi

Address: 1004 Soi Suan Tu Rian Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand

The Pavilions Anana, set amidst Krabi’s natural beauty, offers 59 minimalist guestrooms, including 10 Spa suites, with luxury beds and eco-friendly amenities. Committed to sustainability, the resort has UN endorsement and Green Globe certification, promoting a plastic-free environment. It features a one-acre Permaculture farm for its farm-to-table restaurant and natural material learning centers. Guests can indulge in wellness experiences, including yoga, a fitness center, spa treatments with a Himalayan salt room, a volcanic waters swimming pool, and carbon-neutral local shuttles.

7. Moken Eco Village, Koh Phra Thong

Address: Koh Phra Thong, Khura Buri District, Phang-nga 82150, Thailand

Koh Phra Thong, Thailand’s 7th largest yet underexplored island, is home to the Moken Eco Village, an eco-resort managed by the Moken people. Situated 170 km north of Phuket, this resort features 14 solar-powered bungalows designed for natural cooling. It offers fresh, locally sourced meals and organic produce from its garden. Guests can engage in activities like kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife exploration with guides, or diving trips to the Similan Islands, alongside relaxing on beachside daybeds to witness serene sunsets by the Andaman Sea.

Travel with a Sustainable Soul

Thailand’s eco-escapes offer more than just a place to stay; they provide an opportunity to connect with nature, embrace sustainable living, and make a positive impact on the environment. By choosing these eco-friendly accommodations, travelers support innovative green practices and conservation efforts, ensuring that Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage can be enjoyed for generations to come. So, pack your bags and set your compass to these sustainable stays for an unforgettable journey that aligns with your values and the spirit of adventure.

Source: The Hotel Journal