Best Places to Stay in Puankha - Recommended Punakha Hotels
14 September 2022 Last updated at 09:43
With over 300 years’ history of being an ancient capital, Punakha is another popular tourist destination like Paro and Thimphu in western Bhutan. Whether for a classic itinerary in western area or further discovery to the central and eastern Bhutan, it’s always a great idea to get to Puankha to see Bhutan’s most beautiful Dzong - Punakha Dzong. After driving from Thimphu to Punakha, normally travelers accommodate in Punakha Town, enjoy night views different from the daytime, and start touring Punakha Dzong next day morning. A minimum of 3 star accommodations are included in a Bhutan tour package you booked (USD $250 per person per night in March, April, May, September, October, and November, and USD $200 per person per night in other months). If you want to get a more memorable experience, you can pay extra for upgrading your lodge in Punakha and other destinations in Bhutan.
Top Accommodation Area in Punakha
Punakha is a small town in Punakha Valley and most hotels are built in the river valley plain along the highways and Puna Tsang Chu, either close to tourist attractions or lies in central downtown area. There is a variety of accommodation provided in Punakha, ranging from luxury 5-star international brands, local 3 or 4-star resorts (most common) and cheap home-stays in traditional Bhutanese style, etc. Please rest assure that, whether you visit Bhutan in peak season (March to May, September to November) or off season (January, February, June to August), stay in any type of accommodation in Punakha, a clean, comfortable and warm room is always guaranteed with thoughtfulness, amicability, hospitality and eco-friendly elements during your entire trip in Bhutan.
Below are popular Punakha hotels we selected for you. You can choose from deluxe hotels, standard hotels and cheap home-stays to find the best suited one based on your own interests and budget.
Where to Stay in Punakha (click to enlarge)
1. COMO Uma Punakha ★★★★★
Location: west end of Punakha Valley, hillside of Mo Chhu River, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 10 km/20 mins’ drive from Punakha Dzong and 17km/30 mins’ drive from Chimi Lhakhang in the southeast; just 2 km/5 mins’ drive from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten in east; about 3.5 hours’ drive from Paro, 2.5 hours from capital Thimphu
Number of Rooms: 11 guest rooms (9 valley view rooms & 2 separate villas)
Highlights: Quiet location in nature, panoramic view of Punakha Valley and winding Mo Chhu River
Facilities & Services: Bukhari Restaurant (traditional Bhutanese dishes and international meals); Shambhala Retreat (yoga, meditation, massage, facial and body therapies, Bhutan’s famous hot-stone bath); customized events (like weddings, birthdays, honeymoons, outdoor picnic and other celebrations); WIFI, 24 hours front desk service, laundry, daily housekeeping, maid services and evening turndown, private cars and drivers, badysitting, English-speaking hotel staff, etc.
One-bedroom Villa Terrace in COMO Uma Puankha
Uma Punakha Villa Living Room
2. Amankora Punakha ★★★★★
Location: valley between Dochula Pass and Punakha Dzong, Habisa, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 6 km/15 mins’ driving from the south Punakha Dzong and 13 km/15 mins’ driving from Chimi Lhakhang and 3 km/ 8 mins’ ride from Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choeten; almost 120 km/3 hours’ ride from Paro and 80 km/ over 2 hours’ ride from Thimphu
Number of Rooms: 8 suits in three rammed-earth old building (all has wooden interiors, traditional wood burning stove, king-size bed, terrazzo-clad bath and daybed and are air-conditioned)
Highlights: traditional Bhutanese farmhouse with well-preserved wall painting, superb views of rice fields and Punakha Valley, idyllic courtyard and orange orchard
Facilities & Services: pool, spa (yoga/meditation room, treatment rooms, a steam room), restaurant (including anoutdoor dining terrace, Argentinian chef making western-style dishes and fresh Bhutanese dish), laundry, room service, WIFI, guide and driver, etc.
Entrance of Amankora Punakha
Suite Office in Amankora Punakha
3. Six Senses Punakha ★★★★★
Location: several hundred meters above Punakha Valley, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: just 15-min drive from north of Punakha Dzong, 30 mins’ driving from Chimi Lhakhang; over 3 hours’ driving from Paro and 2 hours above from Thimphu
Number of Rooms: 19 spacious villas and suites (16 Lodge Suits, a one-bedroom villa, a two-bedroom villa, and a three-bedroom villa)
Highlights: Flying Farmhouse Amidst Rice Fields, very close to Punakha Dzong
Facilities & Services: ARI restaurant, outdoor pool, library, yoga and meditation huts, spa, library, WIFI in public areas, children services, concierge, fitness center, Yoga classes, multilingual staff, safety deposit boxes, etc.
Paddy Terrace Seen from Pool of Six Senses Punakha
Most Popular Bhutan Tours
☞ 6 Days Last Shangri-La Highlights Tour
☞ 7 Days Bhutan Adventure Tour with Haa Valley
Popular 3 and 4-star Resorts in Punakha
In Punakha, 3 or 4-star local hotels or resorts are frequently-used accommodation. They are all strictly evaluated by Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and other official organizations to ensure the best living experience to each guest. Check the following recommended hotels in Punakha to find a relaxing rest.
1. Dhensa Boutique Resort Punakha ★★★★
Location: Wolakhat, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 10 km/20 mins’ drive to north Punakha Dzong and 4 km/10 mins’ drive to south Chimi Lhakhang; about 110 km/3 hours’ drive of Paro Airport; nearly 70 km/2 hours’ drive from Thimphu
Number of Rooms: 24 suits
Facilities & Services: cottage rooms with private balconies, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping and night turndown service, free WIFI, restaurants, SPA, room service, free car park, board room, business center, library, open air bon fire, foreign exchange, etc.
Courtyard in Dhensa Boutique Resort
2. RKPO Green Resort Punakha ★★★★
Location: Wolakhat, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 10 km/20 mins’ drive to north Punakha Dzong and 3 km/5 mins’ drive to south Chimi Lhakhang; about 100 km/2.5 hours’ drive of Paro Airport; nearly 60 km/1.5 hours’ drive from Thimphu
Number of Rooms: 38 guest rooms
Facilities & Services: restaurant, bar, library, free WIFI, bon-fire, business center, foreign exchange, extra-beds/cots for family travelers, laundry, housekeeping, breakfast, air conditioning, bar, room service, archery, bicycle rentals, playground, spa service, etc.
Unique Exterior of RKPO Green Resort
3. Kunzangzing Resort ★★★★
Location: Wolakhat, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 35 km/ 1 hour’s drive to Punakha Dzong and 8 km/ 15 mins’ driving to Chimi Lhakhang
Number of Rooms: 17 (including luxury rooms, suites and executive suites)
Facilities & Services: KuiZine Restaurant & Bar (offering multiple cuisines, Bhutanese, continental, Chinese and Indian delicacies), front desk service, laundry, room service, wake-up call, turn down service, luggage storage, business center, free WIFI, conference hall, currency exchange, library, jogging track and walking path, handicraft (gift shop), gardens, patio and outdoor fire place, bonfires, etc.
King Room in Kunzangzing Resort
4. Damchen Resort Punakha ★★★
Location: Khuruthang Punakha District, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 4 km/8 mins’ drive to north Punakha Dzong and 3 km/6 mins’ drive to south Chimi Lhakhang; about 110 km/3 hours’ drive of Paro Airport; nealy 70 km/2 hours’ drive from Thimphu
Number of Rooms: 34 guest rooms
Facilities & Services: rooms with flat-screen TV, private bathroom with shower, restaurant, a bar, a business center, continental breakfast, 24-hour front desk, free WIFI, no-smoking rooms, airport shuttle, room service, etc.
Double Bedroom in Damchen Resort Punakha
5. Khuru Resort Punakha ★★★
Location: South Punakha Valley, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 14 mins’ drive to north Punakha Dzong and 29 mins’ drive to south Chimi Lhakhang; about 2.5 hours’ drive from Paro Airport
Number of Rooms: 48 guest rooms
Facilities & Services: restaurant, free WIFI in all rooms and some public areas, continental breakfast, 1 bar, room service, spa, laundry, business center, 1 meeting room, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, outdoor garden, etc.
Restaurant in Khuru Resort Punakha
6. Zhingkham Resort Punakha ★★★
Location: West Punakha Valley, Punakha, Bhutan
Distance: about 10 mins’ drive to north Punakha Dzong and 30 mins’ drive to south Chimi Lhakhang; about 1.5 hours’ drive from Paro Airport and Dochula Pass; about 40 mins’ drive to wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Number of Rooms: 40 guest rooms
Facilities & Services:free WIFI, restaurant, business services, laundry, housekeeping, spa, breakfast, bar, room service, room service, pet friendly, 24/7 front desk, etc.
Zhingkham Resort Punakha
Except the above listed hotels, there are still many 3-star standard Punakha hotels usually booked for tourists. The licensed hotels include Meri Puensum Resort, Drupchu Resort, Vara Resort, Hotel Kingaling and Spa, Puankha Residency, Zangto Pelri Hotel, the Four Boutique Hotel, Hotel Sonam Gang, etc. It’s very flexible to arrange your accommodation in Punakha, and stay in where best fits your taste and itinerary.
Tips for Bhutan Accommodation
1. Tourist Lodging Condition in Bhutan - As a small inland country at high elections in Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is still predominantly agricultural. Accommodation condition and standard in Bhutan may be not equal to star-rated hotels in other developed countries, hotels in remote places is simple and basic, but the comfort, warmth, hospitality and nice service are guaranteed of all levels and areas.
2. Upgrade of Hotels - Only licensed hotels and homestays, farm-stays in Bhutan can receive international tourists. The minimum daily package of Bhutan tour only provides you a minimum of 3 star standard class accommodation. Additional premium to 4 star and 5 star hotels will be charged if you require so.
3. Catering during Your Trip - Most dining are buffets arranged in hotels. Vegetable dishes with chili are the local favorites. You can tell your tour guide about your needs, and they can arrange you meals with meat and less-spicy.
4. Internet Access and Cellphone Signal - Wired network can be used in Business Center in some Hotels. WIFI is not commonly used in Bhutan. Nearly all the luxury hotels offer free WIFI in guestrooms and public areas. In lower ranking hotels, WIFI maybe only available in public lobby. In remotes areas, you even don’t have internet service and phone signal. If you want a local phone card as standby, ask help from your tour guide.
How to Plan Your Bhutan Tour
A Bhutan trip usually starts from Paro where the Bhutan’s only international airport is located in, then travel eastward to Thimphu and Punakha, which is the most classic itinerary in Bhutan, taking 5~6 days to finish. Never miss the icon of Bhutan - Tiger’s Nest (the symbol of Bhutan) in Paro. If your time is quite limited, you can skip Punakha. If you want an in-depth Bhutan tour, we suggest you extend your trip to Phobjikha, Gangtey, Trongsa and Bumthang in central Bhutan, which costs you about 9~10 days. You can also spend more time in Bhutan to explore more features of Bhutan, such as trekking, birding, Tshechu festival, etc. It is strongly recommended to travel Bhutan with Nepal. Check Nepal Bhutan tours to find a suitable tour or contact us to customize your own unique experience.
☞ 5 Days Bhutan Classic Tour (Paro & Thimphu & Punakha)
☞ 9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
☞ 12 Days Nepal Bhutan Leisure Vacation Tour Package
Travel with Us
Traveling with Himalayas Discovery, you are assured to use our high-quality travel services, including vehicles, professional tour guide and experienced driver, well-organized itinerary, assistance of visa and permits application and other travel related services. We will settle all arrangements in advance to make sure you always enjoy a worry-free journey.
Our dear guests visiting Bhutan
Punakha Travel Guide
Bhutan Travel Guide
Most Recommended Bhutan Tour Packages
Following are 3 most recommended Bhutan tour packages that you may be interested in. All tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
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9 Days Bhutan In-depth Natural and Cultural Tour
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha / Phobjikha / Trongsa / Bumthang / Wangue Phodrang / Paro
