8 Japanese stays in Thailand
Japan’s wide array of palaces, temples as well as modern structures that tell the nation’s story draw a plethora of Thai tourists to the island.
That is, until we’ve had to put a pin in our Japan trips.
If you’re still aching to get a taste of Japanese design elements, like tatami rooms and onsens, then we have good news for you. Thailand has a few establishments that resemble little pockets of Japan.
Here are 8 Japanese hotels, resorts, and hostels in Thailand with tatami rooms, onsen, or both.
Other hotels in Thailand:
- 10 resorts with personal outdoor bathtubs
- 8 Bangkok hotels with infinity pools
- 8 cheap beachfront hotels from $29/night
1. Haikin Ryokan – peaceful stay with a variety of bathtubs
First up on the list is none other than Haikin Ryokan. This Japanese-style hotel & restaurant is ideal for visitors who look for a hotel with a tranquil atmosphere as it places emphasis on peace and quiet.
Image credit: @doublechin.droppin
There are many room types for you to choose from such as Superior (No Window), Deluxe, Suite, and Standard Suite with prices starting from ฿1,500 (~USD46) – ฿2,500 (~USD77).
Each room provides yukata for guests to wear throughout their visit.
Image credit: Haikin Ryokan Hotel & Restaurant 灰欽旅館
All rooms feature a Japanese bathtub, but communal bathing rooms are also available.
Image credit: Wongnai
The hotel’s communal baths offering a variety of bathtubs: besides a hot spring, there’s also a Haikin tub, where users can adjust temperatures from warm to hot.
Image credit: Tripgether
Users can further their relaxation in the hotel’s jacuzzi or even the sauna.
The onsen room is split between men and women, and operates from 6PM to 11PM.
Haikin Ryokan
Address: 142 144 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Opening Hours: 1PM – 10PM, Tuesday – Sunday
Telephone: +66 9 1784 4130
Haikin Ryokan Facebook | Google Maps
Now that we’ve got you hooked with a ryokan that has various bathtubs you can enjoy in a day, let’s move down to more all-encompassing relaxation centres that resemble Japan.
2. Serenity Hotel & SPA Kabinburi – multiple premium onsen tubs
Serenity Hotel & SPA Kabinburi is a retreat with all you need to recharge your power, covering onsen, a spa and a fitness centre.
Image credit: Serenity Hotel & SPA Onsen Kabinburi
But, what sets this hotel apart from others is that its facilities were built to offer visitors a bathing experience as close as possible to what they’d experience in Japan.
Just look at those decorative Toros, traditional Japanese stone lanterns, situated along the pathway.
Each onsen’s water remains around 38°C to 42°C.
Image credit: Serenity Hotel & SPA Onsen Kabinburi
There are two types of onsen here. The first one is a wooden onsen, while the adjacent one, which offers a view of a small garden in front, is surrounded by rocks.
If you’re a first timer, we’d suggest soaking in the wooden one first, as the water isn’t too hot to chillax in.
Guests are also welcome to use the onsen without staying the night. The day-rates are ฿250 (~USD7.69) on weekdays and ฿300 (~USD9.20) on weekends.
Image credit: Serenity Hotel & SPA Onsen Kabinburi
There are four room types, and the prices are as follows:
- Cozy standard ฿2,700 (~USD83)/night
- Deluxe romance ฿3,000 (~USD92)/night
- Executive garden view ฿3,300 (~USD100)/night
- Executive pool view ฿3,500 (~USD107)/night
The hotel is currently running a special promotion and offering discounts for those participating in Phase Four of the Travel Together until 23rd May 2022.
Image credit: EDT Guide
Serenity Hotel & SPA Kabinburi
Address: 222 Moo 9 Suwansorn Road, Muang Kao, Kabin Buri, Prachinburi 25240
Opening Hours: 24H, Daily
Telephone: +66 6 3216 3668
Serenity Hotel & SPA Kabinburi Facebook | Google Maps
If you’re looking for another onsen resort that’s relatively close to Bangkok, then definitely read onto the next point.
3. Ma-Du-El Zen Resort – less than 3 hours from Bangkok
Ma-Du-El Zen Resort in Pattaya, Chonburi, is less than a three-hour drive and a short boat ride away from Bangkok.
Image credit: ไปทุกที่ : Paii Took Tee
Not only is the travel time low, but the prices are also wallet-friendly. The accommodation’s price starts from only ฿2,500 (~USD80)/night for two people, and includes breakfast and onsen access.
The price includes a shuttle bus that’ll pick you up from the pier and deliver you to the resort.
Image credit: นอนไหนดี (Left), ไปทุกที่ : Paii Took Tee (Right)
The hotel also makes sure that the water in the hot springs is set to remain at 40°C, a temperature that is said to relieve muscle aches.
Image credit: @kinteawpattaya
The resort also features ornamentation of ‘Sakura’ plants that’ll make you feel as though you were taking a dip in an onsen in Japan.
Ma-Du-El Zen Resort
Address: Koh Larn, 11, Khok Makham Road, 97, Pattaya City, Chon Buri 20150
Opening Hours: 24H, Daily
Telephone: +66 6 3163 6366
Ma-Du-El Zen Resort Facebook | Google Maps
Ma-Du-El Zen Resort provides a relaxing ambience that tricks you into believing that you’re not in Thailand. If you want to kick the travel up a notch and go back in time, then read onto the following place.
4. Archita Hostel – mini hostel or time machine old-time Japan?
Archita Hostel is a hostel that provides an experience that is beyond your expectations.
Image credit: Archita Hostel / ID Line : archi.artchi
The old-fashioned architecture combined with the peacefulness of the hostel’s remote location will bring you back to a historical period where Machiya, wooden townhouses, were inescapable.
To stress how secluded this hostel is, we’d like to note that they only offer four rooms. The Sakura Room, Momiji Room, Suisen Room and the Ajisai rooms are available with prices ranging from ฿480 (~USD15) – ฿2,699 (~USD83), depending on the season.
Image credit: WANDEE HOUSE
To get yourself as close to Japan as possible, we’d highly recommend booking the Sakura Room, whose interiors feature futon beds and tatami flooring.
Image credit: Archita Hostel / ID Line : archi.artchi
Another highlight within the hostel is a restaurant which serves traditional Japanese dishes like donburi and bento sets. To bring you even closer to Japan, the hostel requires all visitors to wear yukata into the restaurant.
Archita Hostel
Address: 3 Sam Lan 5 Alley, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200
Opening Hours: 24H, Daily
Telephone:+66 9 5459 2666
Archita Hostel Facebook | Google Maps
In case you don’t have the time to leave outside Bangkok, but really can’t wait to dip into a hot spring, read on to find yourself the nearest spot.
5. Mayu Bangkok Hotel – luxurious hotel with private Japanese bathtub
Even though Mayu Bangkok Hotel is located in Bangkok, an overnight staycation here will temporarily disconnect you from Thailand.
Image credit: BKKMENU
This Japanese hotel provides various room types -ranging from twin futon rooms to honeymoon suites – with prices ranging from ฿3,600 (~USD110) – ฿7,200 (~USD220)/night.
Also, Japanese-esque materials such as tatami mats and futon beds can be found in all 12 rooms.
Image credit: Mayubkk.hotel
Also, don’t forget to take a look at the windows into your personal garden. There’s a private onsen tub where you can jump in and steam in neck-high water that’ll help you leave all your worries behind.
Image credit: Megamaxx Journey
The hotel also includes other Japanese elements like traditional washbasins, or Tsukubai, that’ll trick you into believing that the hotel is located in Japan.
Image credit: ถนัดชิม
There’s no need to go out for breakfast elsewhere – the hotel also provides a Japanese breakfast set at only ฿490 (~USD15).
Mayu Bangkok Hotel
Address: Sukhumvit 49/2 Alley, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Opening Hours: 24H, Daily
Nearest Train Station: BTS Phrom Phong or BTS Thong Lor
Telephone: +66 6 2991 4666 | +66 8 1268 4624
Mayu Bangkok Hotel Facebook | Google Maps
We have five hotels with boutique vibes on the list already – so, it’s time to shift our focus towards larger establishments.
6. Suanphung Bonsai Village – Bonsai-embraced Japanese village
Perched on 119 acres of land in Ratchaburi, Suanphung Bonsai Village is one of the largest Bonsai gardens in Thailand.
It also presents an atmosphere similar to that of a small town in rural Japan.
Image credit: Tripgather
Designed by the famous Thai landscaper, Saroj Sopanangkul, the attraction is embraced by over 1,000 species of lush green trees. It’s also brimming with ubiquitous design elements that will remind you of Japan like toros, red bridges, and tori, traditional Japanese gates.
Image credit: Suanphung Bonsai Village
Tucked away within the garden is a two-storey Japanese house, that’s built to mimic a palace. So, it’s unsurprising that it offers 360° panoramic view of the village’s big pond and the Bonsai garden from the house’s terrace.
Image credit: Tripgather
The house’s – palace – interiors feature maple-wood furniture including a horigotatsu table and shoji doors.
Image credit: บ้านและสวน
This exclusive house is available at ฿10,000 (~USD306)/night.
If you’re not looking for an entire house to yourself, then check out the Japanese-style hotel rooms starting from ฿3,000 (~USD92) to ฿5,000 (~USD153).
Image credit: Suanphung Bonsai Village
Suanphung Bonsai Village
Address: G9H4+883, Ta Nao Si, Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi 70180
Opening Hours: 8.30AM – 5PM, Daily
Telephone: +66 6 1636 3222
Suanphung Bonsai Village Facebook | Google Maps
If you enjoyed reading about a large Japanese-style resort with a private home, then the next point will definitely be up your alley.
7. Onsen @ Moncham – mountainside resort with private onsens
Onsen @ Moncham is Thailand’s Japanese mountain resort in Chiang Mai that’s over 1KM above sea level.
Image credit: Onsen @ Moncham
Japanese-style buildings surrounded by rural landscapes with a skyline capped with seas of fog make this attraction a perfect spot for vacationers to immerse themselves in peace and tranquility.
Image credit: Onsen @ Moncham
We have good news for onsen lovers.The attraction has a communal bathhouse with indoor and outdoor tubs for visitors to relax and unwind in mineral-rich water that’s sourced from 100M underground.
Image credit: Onsen @ Moncham
But, if you prefer appreciating natural landscapes alone, the Grand Terrace Suite is available at ฿10,950 (~USD334) per night and provides an outdoor bathtub that brings you up close and personal with breathtaking scenery of mountains.
Image credit: Onsen @ Moncham
And, as promised, there’s also a four-bedroom emperor suite that offers multiple private tubs.
Onsen @ Moncham
Address: 293, Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180
Telephone: +66 5 3111 606
Onsen @ Moncham website | Google Maps
While this place sounds like a dream, don’t confirm your room reservations yet. We have one last gem in store for all readers here.
8. Chiang Rai Ryokan – ryokan in Chiang Rai’s rural haven
Located not too far from Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai Ryokan is an ideal Japanese getaway in Thailand for those who are looking to slow down from the city chaos.
Image credit: ไปคนเดียว+
Chiang Rai Ryokan was established after the attraction’s owners, Olarn and Phrompong Jindawong Netharn, returned from their trip to Japan. Feeling impressed by the customs and atmosphere of the Japanese countryside, they were inspired to replicate the environment in Thailand.
Image credit: ชิลไปไหน
With that inspiration, they transformed their cafe into a traditional ryokan. At their Japanese-style inn, tourists get the chance to experience a slice of life in Japan’s countryside.
Image credit: บ้านไอเดีย
The age-old-inspired inn here retains all characteristics of its original counterpart. Each room is complete with tatami floors, futon, and Shoji sliding doors made from Thai materials.
Image credit: ชิลไปไหน
The accommodation also provides an open-air hot spring, where you can fully ensconce yourself in the warm embrace of water.
Image credit: บ้านไอเดีย
Besides, there are also several chillaxing corners within the site such as a replica of a Japanese tea room and a floating pavilion.
Image credit: ชิลไปไหน
Only four inns are available within the site. Covering free breakfast, each room’s price starts at ฿4,500 (~USD138)/night for two persons. An additional visitor will be charged ฿750 (~USD23).
One more thing to note, no alcohol and parties are allowed within the attraction. This is to ensure that the accommodation is a quiet retreat for all vacationers.
Chiang Rai Ryokan
Address: RP9W+Q3G, Bua Sali, Mae Lao District, Chiang Rai 57250
Opening Hours: 9AM – 6.30PM, Daily
Telephone: +66 8 1868 3010
Chiang Rai Ryokan Facebook | Google Maps
Travel to Japan without a passport
We’re pretty sure that Thailand’s Japanese-themed stays – be it hotels, resorts, or hostels – above will give you an opportunity to fly across the ocean to Japan without having to show your passport to the airport’s authorities. In fact, you may not even have to book a flight.
So, if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway to ‘Japan’, we’d suggest heading over to one of these stays. Also, don’t forget to wear yukata to complete your ‘Japan trip’ experience.
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): Serenity Hotel & SPA Onsen Kabinburi, Tripgather, Onsen @ Moncham, บ้านไอเดีย
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