5 Luxurious but Affordable Hotels in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is one of the most affordable places in the world to grab a little luxury at a reasonable price. Five star hotels which you would pay hundreds of dollars a night for in cities such as London, Sydney or New York sell for a fraction of the price in cities in S.E. Asia.

Not only are the prices cheaper, but the service is outstanding. Countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia rely heavily on tourism so luxury hotels have honed their service skills to secure their position as one of the most service-led locales in the world.

Here are 5 exclusive but affordable hotels in Southeast Asia to visit on your next luxury holiday.

1. The Layana Resort & Spa, Ko Lanta, Thailand

Winner of Best Luxury Destination Spa Thailand in the 2015 World Luxury Spa Awards, and consistently voted as one of the best resorts in the Southeast Asia, this small, adults-only resort is the perfect choice for a romantic honeymoon or some secluded quiet time by the beach.

Ko Lanta is still relatively undiscovered so you'll be able to enjoy this boutique resort and the surrounding island without the crowds. The hotel has a gorgeous beach-front infinity pool and huge jacuzzi, perfect for soaking in after a big day exploring.

The gourmet restaurant serves Thai food as well as international cuisine, all for reasonable prices, and the happy hour cocktails mean that you can watch the sun set with a drink in hand, without feeling guilty about the impact on your wallet. Make sure you try the 'Layana Signature' massage before you leave for total blissful relaxation.

Read more about Travel Hack team member Hayley's stay at the Layana here.

2. Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa, Hanoi, Vietnam

Image credit: hanoilasiestahotel.com

The hotel's location alone is enough to earn it brownie points – located smack-bang in the centre of Hanoi's Old Quarter, you're within easy walking distance to the best restaurants, bars, street food and shopping that the city has to offer. However, the 'La Siesta' certainly lives up to its name, and manages to keep a quiet ambiance so rarely found in Vietnam's big cities.

As well as a top-quality restaurant serving the best Pho around, rooms are plush and comfortable and the service is beyond incredible. The staff greet you by name and remember individual details about you which they'll casually bring up next time.

Read more: A Perfect 24 hours in Hanoi.

3. Shinta Mani Club, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Image credit: shintamani.com

If you're looking for a luxurious base as you explore the famed temples of Angkor, then this is your place. Rooms are modern, clean and comfortable but it's the service which people comment on most frequently when staying at the Shinta Mani.

A hotel which employs an in-house florist is, as you would expect a huge stickler for detail, and it's the small things which will really build your experience here. Complimentary massages and ice cream by the pool mean that even after a day of exploring this immensely hot city, you'll be left feeling relaxed and refreshed at the end of it.

4. The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort, Bukit Tinggi, Malaysia

Image credit: thechateau.com.my

Just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur will bring you to this truly unique French-inspired Chateau, where there is just one thing on the agenda. Pure downtime. As well as its 'hideaway' setting in the middle of a lush jungle, the hotel also offers free yoga classes to put you back in touch with your more spiritual side.

The French inspired vibe doesn't stop with the architecture either. There are sumptuous French restaurants serving award-winning food grown in its very own organic gardens. Plus a small French town close by which really have you wondering if you've landed in the Normandy countryside.

5. The Trans Resort Bali, Indonesia

Image credit: transresortbali.com

Bali is well-known for its luxurious selection of hotels, but it's hard to find one which balances exemplary service with fair prices. The Trans Resort Bali is definitely an exception, with beautifully decorated rooms and villas and outstanding service.

The real stand-out feature of this resort is its incredibly picturesque roof top bar, which serves noodle and congee 24 hours a day, in case you get a pang of hunger after a night out on the town in nearby Seminyak.

So why not head 'east' on your next luxury break, and take advantage of the warm weather, wonderful hospitality and great value accommodation in Southeast Asia?