Punakha, Bhutan
andBeyond Punakha River Lodge
Riverside safari lodge
Punakha, Bhutan
Opened
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Local LuxeOutside the door
The house
andBeyondRiverside safari lodge
The lodge runs like an African bush camp on the Mo Chhu, balancing guided Himalayan hikes with fireside riverbank sundowners.
“Built on a bank of the Mo Chu River… AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge is equal parts welcoming and wild.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Canvas safari tents pitched inside traditional rammed earth frames with beaten brass bathtubs.
Remarkable
Surrounding rice paddies worked by local farmers supply ingredients for nightly kitchen tastings.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and Wallpaper*.
This intimate all-inclusive riverside retreat promises up-close wildlife-rich explorations… alongside every five-star perk.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
A suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu leads directly to walking trails. Punakha Dzong is twenty minutes away by car.
1 of 4
The rooms
Tented suites have beaten brass bathtubs beneath soaring skylights, and private timber decks look out toward the river.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Teal tiles line the heated outdoor pool, and sun loungers look out across the forested mountain valley.
The yoga pavilion
An open-air timber pavilion with carved pillars hosts daily morning yoga and meditation classes facing the forest.
At the table
Daily set menus use ingredients from the organic garden, served at timber tables beneath a glass chandelier.
this exclusive 20-hectare property has just six tented suites, designed in traditional Bhutan-style and set along the banks of the Mo Chu River
How it began
The riverbank property once belonged to a Bhutanese royal, and held an abandoned rafting camp before andBeyond took over.
Punakha
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.