Anantara's superb setting on a sylvan hillside above the Mekong River, an hour north of Chiang Rai, is not the only reason to love this 103-room hotel. The accommodations, all with balconies, have teak floors and are decorated with northern Thai objects and textiles. The infinity pool has superb Mekong views, and there's a first-rate spa and two excellent restaurants, one serving spicy northern Thai and the other surprisingly good Italian. What really puts this place over the top, however, is the sweet, attentive, and welcoming staff, who fall all over themselves trying to anticipate your needs.
When to go: November through March, for the least rain and the most comfortable temperatures.
Which room to book: At these prices, splurge on a suite