Railway Hotel (Centara Grand)

The Centara Grand Beach Resort, still known locally as the Railway Hotel, is one of the most atmospheric hotels in Thailand. Built in 1922 by the State Railways of Thailand to encourage domestic tourism to the new royal resort, it remains a masterpiece of colonial-era tropical architecture — white-painted teak pavilions, wide verandahs, manicured topiary gardens, and a beachfront pool that was there before anyone used the word resort.

Even if you are not staying here, the gardens are worth visiting — the famous topiary sculptures (elephants, giraffes, birds in elaborate shapes) are maintained to an extraordinary standard. The hotel bar serves good drinks in a setting that makes modern beach resorts look ordinary.

things to do sight architecture
A story
The Railway Hotel was used as a location in the 1984 film The Killing Fields. Director Roland Joffé chose it to represent the colonial-era Cambodia Hotel Le Phnom — the interiors, with their rattan furniture and ceiling fans, had exactly the right period atmosphere. The hotel has leaned into the connection since, and guests who have seen the film will recognize the poolside and lobby scenes immediately.