Holidays to Thailand are an excellent choice for so many travellers. With Thailand beaches offering a slice of paradise, fantastic snorkelling around Thai islands, Bangkok catering for shopaholics and some stunningly beautiful national parks the country has something for everyone. However, it can be challenging to know where the best places to stay in Thailand are.
Passport and Piano is here to help make planning your Thailand holidays a little easier. With the help of some great travel bloggers, I’ve compiled this guide on the best places to stay in Thailand.
You’ll find advice on the best cities in Thailand, the best Thai islands and some interesting places in Thailand you may not have thought to visit.
This article may contain compensated links. Please read my disclaimer policy for more info.
Once you’ve decided on which cities or islands you’d like to visit, I recommend using 12go Asia to book your transport. Through this website, you can book trains, ferries, buses, transfers and flights. It’s easy to use and makes planning your holiday itinerary simple.
Lonely Planet Guides
This post has lots of information on the best places to stay in Thailand, but I always like to have a lonely planet guide with me when I travel. You can get yours below by clicking on the images.
| Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thailand Cities |
| 2 | Bangkok |
| 3 | Ayutthaya |
| 4 | Chiang Mai |
| 5 | Kanchanaburi |
| 6 | Chiang Rai |
| 7 | Best Islands to visit in Thailand |
| 8 | Phuket |
| 9 | Khao Lak |
| 10 | Koh samui |
| 11 | Krabi |
| 12 | Koh Ngai |
| 13 | Koh Kraden |
| 14 | Koh Lipe |
| 15 | Koh Phangan |
| 16 | Ko Chang |
| 17 | Unique Places to stay in Thailand |
| 18 | Khao Yai National Park |
| 19 | Pai |
Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Thailand
Thailand Cities
Thailand has some fantastic cities. Most international travellers will fly into Bangkok, and although there is plenty to love about the capital, its, not for everyone. However, I believe that there is a Thai city for everyone. Whether you like more rural locations, ancient old towns or vibrant modern cities, Thailand has them all and below is a list of some of the best.
Bangkok by Passport and Piano
Bangkok
Bangkok is a city on an enormous scale, and for many, it’s one of the best places in Thailand to stay. The city has it all, from the most exquisite temples, fantastic rooftop bars and restaurants and some of the best hotels in Thailand.
I recently worked in Bangkok for several months, and although I found the city too frantic and big at first, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with it. To enjoy Bangkok, it pays to plan. As with most capital cities around the world, it’s hectic, and while getting around is not difficult, you can feel a little like a tiny fish in the ocean.
Sukhumvit
I stayed in Sukhumvit, which is where you’ll find the best luxury hotels in Thailand, outstanding restaurants and bars. This area of town has a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel and its home to many of the expat community. Getting around Bangkok from Sukhumvit is easy as the Skytrain runs the whole length of this very long main road.
Siam Square
If you like shopping, you may prefer to stay near Siam Square. The shopping malls here are phenomenal and have stores to suit all budgets. There’s also plenty of restaurants and useful links to the BTS sky train.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is the best place to stay in Bangkok if you’re a backpacker. This is the place to party in town and also where you’ll find the cheapest accommodation and food. It’s in the centre of the city and close to many of the main attractions; however, the area doesn’t have the best public transport links. You’ll be reliant on tuk-tuks if you stay here.
Chao Praya River
Staying in one of the 5-star hotels along the river Chao Praya River is also a treat. If these places are out of your price range, make sure you take a cruise up the river, to admire the spectacular views of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
Ayutthaya by Passport and Piano
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a Unesco World Heritage City and one of the best places to go in Thailand to see ancient temples. The city was founded in 1350 and became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. It was also the major trading capital of the world, and by 1700 it became the largest city with over 1 million people living there.
Today the city provides an insight into how remarkable life must have been here. Most of the remains are of Buddhist temples and palaces and its one of the best attractions in Thailand near Bangkok.
How to get to Ayutthaya
Trains regularly depart from Hualamphong station in Bangkok and its easy to hire a tuk-tuk for the day once you get to Ayutthaya. The tuk-tuk drivers are usually waiting at the train station in Ayutthaya, and you can negotiate a price for them to drive you around the main sites.
Some of the best temples to see include Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat which has the famous statue of a buddhas head in a tree and Wat Ratchaburana.
Chiang Mai by www.becular.com
Chiang Mai
Situated in the mountainous north, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city. It is home to over three hundreds temples, a wide variety of amazing local foods, and panoramic vistas of mountain and jungle. Chiang Mai’s “old city” is enclosed by a walled moat and is a dream to explore on foot.
Stop in the local shops for a delicious Thai Ice Tea or enjoy a locally brewed beer in the evening. The old city is the hub of Chiang Mai; you’ll want to stay near Tha Pae Gate or within the city walls if you’re visiting.
Within a few hours drive of the city centre, you can feed elephants, go on a hillside trek, or see the blossoming sakura.
Day trips to Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest mountain point) and the White Temple (in Chiang Rai) are convenient to organise.
Don’t miss out on hiking up to Doi Suthep (the holiest shrine in the north of Thailand), tucking into some Khao Soi (famous northern Thai curry made with crispy noodles, chicken, and coconut milk) at the many night markets.
Best time to visit Chiang Mai
The best time of year to visit is in early April for Songkran (Thai New Year). A substantial 3-5 day water fight takes ahold of the city. Locals and travellers alike congregate to shoot water guns, throw buckets, and view the processions to celebrate the new year.
Loi Krathong and Yi Peng Festivals are celebrated by hundreds of sky lanterns illuminating the sky to celebrate this Lanna (northern Thai) festival in November.
How to get to Chiang Mai
Serviced by an international airport, multiple bus routes, and a train station, Chiang Mai is easy to travel to and from with low-cost options aplenty. Chiang Mai is my favourite place in Thailand (yep, even more, recommended than the islands!) as the local community is so friendly and there are so many wonderful things to explore nearby.
Kanchanaburi by Passport and Piano
Kanchanaburi
If you’re a history enthusiast and looking for where to go in Thailand Kanchanaburi should be on your list. Made famous by the film Bridge over the River Kwai, the Kanchanaburi Province is steeped in World War II history.
The Thai-Burma Railway or Death Railway as its often referred to is an emotional journey that takes you along the railway built by the POW in World War II. You can also visit the war cemetery and Hellfire Pass.
You’ll find all the information you need for a fabulous getaway to Kanchanaburi here, including details on how to get there from Bangkok.
If beach holidays aren’t your thing and you’re put off by the size of Bangkok this area is worth visiting. This was one of my favourite places in Thailand as it’s got plenty of history, beautiful scenery and lots to see and do.
Aside from the war affiliation sites, the Kanchanaburi region is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. Erawan Waterfalls is renowned as one of the most stunning waterfalls in the country, with its seven levels and beautiful turquoise green water.
The area has accommodation to suit all budgets and if you’re looking for something unique I can recommend staying on a floating Bamboo Hotel Raft.
You can find more information on the best hotels in Kanchanaburi here.
How to get to Kanchanaburi
The easiest way is on a tour from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi although you can catch the train from Thonburi station. Click here for more information on Kanchanaburi and what there is do in the province.
Chiang Rai by Passport and Piano
Chang Rai
In the heart of the golden triangle, the point at which Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet is Chiang Rai. The city is renowned for its stunningly beautiful White temple (Wat Rong Khun) which is the main reason people visit here.
However, the area is surrounded by natural beauty and its a great place to go jungle trekking or visit the hill tribe villages. Chang Rai also has some of the best historical and cultural attractions in the country, yet it’s not one of the overpopulated tourist places in Thailand.
The city has a long history which dates back to 1262 when it was the capital of the Mengrai dynasty. Its much more relaxed than Chiang Mai and the tourist industry here is more subdued.
You’ll find the best luxury hotels by the riverside, but there’s plenty of affordable accommodation around town.
The clock tower is the focus of the town and the place to head to of an evening. It’s here you’ll find the night market and plenty of delightful Thai dishes to enjoy. It’s worth timing your visit at either 7 pm, 8 pm or 9 pm as the tower lights up with music at these times.
How to get to Chiang Rai
There are domestic flights regularly from Bangkok with airlines such as Thai Air Asia and NokAir. If you are travelling to or from Chiang Mai, you’ll need to catch the bus which is operated by the green bus company. Tickets are available at the bus station or 7 eleven stores in the area.
Best Islands to visit in Thailand
Thailands package tourism has ensured that Thai islands are now a popular holiday destination. If your looking for Islands near Bangkok, best snorkelling in Thailand or the best beach in Thailand this guide to Thai islands will help you find what you’re looking for.
Phuket by Dive into Malaysia
Phuket
How to get to Phuket
Secondly, it is a gorgeous island which is well set up for tourists. There is accommodation to suit any budget, and some of the best resorts in Thailand are here.
It’s a popular island, but it is big enough that it’s easy to either stay in an area with lots of people or to get away from it all – take your pick. It also has the cleanest and least busy beaches we have experienced in Thailand. I find them very easy to enjoy.
There are also many attractions in Phuket that are easy to visit. From water sports to discovering more of the jungle to museums and random attractions like an upside down house, there are many fun things to do here to suit all preferences.
It also has some areas with some very happening nightlife, so if you are a night owl, you will love it here.
But overall, I think Phuket is the best because it’s an easy, beautiful place to visit, which has something for everyone.
Booking.com
Khao Lak by Fair Dinkum Traveller
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is where you go when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Phuket, a place where the scenery is beautiful, and the white-sandy beaches are stunning. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.
It’s where you go when you want a getaway in the tropics, while, still enjoying the full holiday experience of Thailand.
How to get to Khao Lak
Khao Lak is located off the West Coast of Thailand and is only a 90-minute drive North of Phuket. You can get there by bus or taxi, although most significant hotels in Khao Lak will provide private transfer services to and from the hotel for easy convenience.
It’s the perfect holiday location for families and couples because so many enjoyable activities and attractions are no further than an hour away.
You can take a day trip to Phang Nga Bay and see the famous Thai islands from Khao Lak.
You can hit the rivers with a white-Water Rafting adventure or enjoy the thrills of zip-lining at great heights.
When you have had enough of adventure, you can take things a little relaxed, with a wander through the main town-centre, with shopping, restaurants and bars at your mercy.
You can drink cocktails by the pool and when the Thai heat gets the best of you, have a dip in the pool for respite. Not to mention beautiful beach walks and gorgeous sunsets over the Andaman Sea, which will become a daily treat.
Khao Lak is one of the best holiday destinations in Thailand because there are fewer crowds than other famous Thai destinations, and every day has a laidback atmosphere to it. However, there is always enough going on to keep you occupied for the duration of your holiday.
CLICK HERE to check the latest deals on hotels in Krabi.
Koh Samui by Passport and Piano
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of the best beach resorts in Thailand. You’ll find some of the best beaches in Thailand on the east side of the island. Unfortunately, this also makes them the busiest.
If your looking for somewhere more secluded, you’d be better heading to the north coast of the island. Here you’ll find beautiful white sandy beaches and restaurants that have by the sea dining.
The island has accommodation to suit everyone’s budget so whether your a backpacker or a luxury traveller Koh Samui has plenty of hotels to choose from.
The Angthong National Marine Park makes for a great day out from the Island. Here you can enjoy some fabulous snorkelling and diving. If you’re lucky, you’ll have dolphins and turtles swimming alongside you for company.
How to get to Koh Samui
Flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok and Phuket regularly go to the island, and many of the resorts will arrange transport from the airport.
CLICK HERE to see the latest prices on hotels in Koh Samui.
Krabi by Wyld Family Travel
Krabi
So many people had told us to avoid Krabi, Thailand. After staying there for a week, we think it would have been a huge mistake not to visit. We stayed at the City Hotel right across the road from the Krabi Town Night Market and by the end of our stay we had made friends with the stall holders.
We wandered the city and made a couple of easy day trips from our hotel. One was out to the famous James Bond Island, and the one was a sunset cruise with Krabi Sunset Tours (We did this from Ao Nang, but they have pick up points from Krabi).
We found Krabi one of the nice places in Thailand to walk around the city and its a food lovers delight. There are food markets in town that really do have something for everyone.
There are also temples and a nice paved path alongside the river with some street art and some play areas for the kids.
The thing we loved the most was the people. As we said after a few days, the stall holders at our local market had become our friends, and we loved seeing them every day.
How to get to Krabi
Krabi is approximately 800km south west of Bangkok. It can be reached by road, sea or air, which makes it one of the accessible Thai islands to visit. The easiest way, though is by plane. Domestic flights go from Bangkok, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai while international flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha and other parts of the far east are possible.
Koh Ngai by More Life in Your Days
Koh Ngai
Koh Ngai is definitely one of the best places to stay in Thailand and is probably our favourite place in all of Thailand. It is a small island in the Andaman Sea the views are to die for with stunning karst islands rising out of the perfect calm blue sea. You’ll see hornbills swoop overhead and monitor lizards marching around the fringes of the jungle.
Despite these natural wonders, the island remains quiet and is mostly unspoilt by tourist development. We’ve visited this tiny paradise a couple of times now and have loved every minute as you can see in our guide to Koh Ngai.
The beach here is the big draw, and you will find nice soft white sand, shallow water and a few snorkelling spots right from the beach.
For more adventure, you can hop in a kayak and explore the other beaches around the island, or head across the open waters to the karst islands that you have been staring at since you arrived. If you are feeling energetic, you can trek across the island to Paradise Beach and beyond to a spectacular viewpoint.
Koh Ngai also makes the perfect base to visit the other Trang, Thailand islands like Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and beyond. This can easily be arranged with diving or snorkelling options included, which will give you a chance to see the spectacular underwater world.
Koh Ngai is easy to get to, especially in high season, well-organised speed boats and ferries link the island to Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Phuket, Phi Phi and many other islands, as well as the mainland at Pak Meng.
How to get to Koh Ngai
The easiest way to reach Koh Ngai is to take a flight to Trang. However, there are also high-speed ferries from Phuket, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Hai, Koh Muk and Koh Kradan.
For more information on booking ferry tickets to Koh Ngai, click here.
Koh Kraden by Wanderlust Storytellers
Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is one of the many beautiful islands in Thailand. While it is known for its gorgeous white sand beach and its stunning views over the surrounding islands, we love this island because it is one of the few islands that are not filled to the brim with tourists.
The island is, in fact very peaceful and very laid back. Whilst you could easily hop over to islands close-by, or go for a snorkel or a kayak, most travelers come to this island to simply laze around. It is a really a nice break from the buzzing of packed-in tourist on other similar islands.
There are only two beaches in Koh Kradan and only around resorts. The main Koh Kradan beach is the long beach where all the hotels and resorts are located. The other beach is known as Sunset Beach because it is where the sun sets. This beach is tiny and only really worth the walk if you wish to see one of the amazing Thai sunsets.
Where is Koh Kraden?
The island is located in the Trang province of Thailand. You can grab a 90 min speedboat from Koh Lanta or a 3.5 hour one from Phuket.
We visited many islands in Thailand, and this beautiful island was the only one that wasn’t overfilled with tourists. No one was around to hassle us on the beach, and all we could hear as we lazed around in our hammocks was the sound of the waves – it was pure, peaceful bliss.
Check out the latest hotel prices for Koh Kraden on Booking.Com
Koh Lipe by Thrifty Family Travels
Koh Lipe
There are some stunning places to stay in Thailand, but for me, you can’t feed the gorgeous tropical islands. One of my favourite Thai islands to stay on is Koh Lipe.
Koh Lipe Island is the perfect place to visit in Thailand for an island getaway – this small Thai island is surrounded by gorgeous postcard-perfect beaches, brightly coloured turquoise waters and spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving.
The island is slow paced, and the atmosphere is chilled out, making for a fantastic setting for a perfect relaxed family holiday.
You can stay on one of three different Thai beaches on Koh Lipe – Pattaya, Sunset or Sunrise Beach. There are all stunning, and all offer something a little bit different.
Pattaya is where the action is (although still pretty slow paced), Sunset is very quiet and isolated, and Sunrise is somewhere in between.
The best thing to do on Koh Lipe is to swim, snorkel, kayak, eat and relax. That’s it! It’s a slow paced island and is just perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Koh Lipe is located in southern Thailand on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Marine Park near the Malaysian border.
How to get to Koh Lipe?
Koh Lipe is 60 km from the Thai mainland and even closer to the Malaysia mainland being only 30 km away. The best way to get to Koh Lipe is via a 90-minute ferry ride from Langkawi.
Koh Phangan by Hammockstories
Koh Phangan
I’ve been living on Koh Phangan on and off for so long so I know my way around it. It’s next to Koh Samui and Ko Tao islands which are both very popular also and can be reached from Bangkok by train, by bus or flying to Koh Samui and then a short ferry ride.
The island is super versatile. It’s not just about the Full Moon Party though. Unfortunately, many young people come here just for the party. It’s true, there are many parties around, but they are not all around the island.
You can join the fun or choose parts of the island that are very quiet, oriented for couples and families or concentrate on sports, for instance.
There is accommodation for everyone: there are cheap and simple bungalows on the beach, well-equipped houses to rent and high-class resorts for those looking for luxury escapes, Thailand. The choice is yours!
Are you looking to do some Yoga?
This island is a yoga mecca of Thailand, and it has numerous yoga schools and a few excellent detox retreats too.
Also, it offers excellent conditions for scuba diving, kiteboarding, snorkelling and more sweaty sports, such as Muay Thai and dance classes.
There are a few sights on the island, such as the waterfalls (excluding the hot season) and a few temples but the island is better for winding down, relaxing and sunbathing.
The food market is a busy night time spot where you can enjoy pretty much every major cuisine you can think of. What’s more, the island is a vegan heaven, so you don’t have to go hungry here even though you don’t eat meat.
The island has many fantastic restaurants in general, too, ranging from simple Thai eateries which offer cheap and delicious Thai food to stylish restaurants in upscale restaurants.
How to get to Koh Phangan
Although there are plans to build an airport on this Thai island as yet, there isn’t one. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Koh Samui. From Koh Samui airport you can get a taxi to the Big Buddha pier and catch the Haad Rin Queen Ferry to Koh Phangan.
Koh Chang by Lazy Travel Blog
Koh Chang
A true island getaway from the bustling city of Bangkok, Koh Chang is less developed and less touristy than other islands in Thailand such as Phuket and Koh Samui.
Just a few hours from Bangkok, the lesser known island has plenty to offer in the form of extensive white sand beaches and hiking trails. The accommodation here is also cheaper, allowing you to experience a luxurious holiday without going over your travel budget.
It is also the perfect home base for exploring the smaller islands in the area. One of them, Koh Wai, is known to have one of the best beaches in Thailand.
Getting to Koh Chang
The most convenient way to get to Koh Chang is by flying from Bangkok to Trat and taking a minivan or private transfer that will drop you off at your resort.
A cheaper option for budget travellers is taking a bus from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Ekkamai Bus Terminal, or the Victory Monument to the bus terminal in Trat.
From here, you can take a Songthaew to the district of Laem Ngop where you will find the two main ferry piers.
From here, the ferries depart every hour from 6 AM to 7:30 PM with each journey taking around 45 minutes.
Check the latest hotel deals in Koh Chang here.
Khao Yai National Park by Passport and Piano
Unique Places to Stay in Thailand
As well as ancient temples, cosmopolitan cities and stunning islands, Thailand also has some fabulous National Parks. There is plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching and birding in the parks and some stunning scenery.
Khao Yai National Park
This is one of the best places in Thailand for wildlife and bird watching. It’s the third largest national park in Thailand, and it’s only a 3-hour drive from Bangkok. Its also Unesco World Heritage site and a place of stunning beauty.
Situated in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, the park covers 2,168 km² and is home to elephant, deer, Gibbon, bears, porcupines and much more. Its also one of the places in Thailand where you’ll easily spot Hornbills, including the great hornbill.
You can read more about the Great Hornbill and other beautiful birds of the world here.
Wildlife Watching in Khao Yai National Park
You can drive around the park yourself, but if you want to spot wildlife, its best to go on a tour. The park has many trails, which cater for all levels of fitness and its a great place to go hiking in Thailand. There is also a visitors centre where to can hire bicycles if you wish to explore the park independently.
Khao Yai also has some beautiful waterfalls. Haew Suwat Waterfall is popular as it was made famous by Leonardo Dicaprio in the movie the Beach.
Khao Luk Chang Bat Cave is also one of the attractions in Thailand not to miss if your in this area. The cave is home to 3 million wrinkled-lipped bats, and at sunset, they fly out of the cave in a stunning formation. It’s a fantastic site to watch.
Getting to Khao Yai
While it is possible to take a day trip to Khao Yai from Bangkok, it does make for a long day. You’ll get to see and appreciate much more of the park if you stay for a couple of nights. It is possible to catch either a bus or a train from Bangkok to Khao Yai, and most of the hotels in town will pick you up from the station.
It’s also possible to book a tour of Khao Yai from Bangkok. Click here for more information.
Pai by Unearth the Voyage
Pai
One of the best places to visit in Thailand is a little town a couple of hours northwest of Chiang Mai called Pai. Pai is a cute small hippy town that sits in a valley on the side of the Pai river, and it’s most known as a hippy backpackers paradise.
Pai has a very sleepy, hippy feel until the sunsets and all of the party backpackers come out. People line the streets looking to have a good time and eat delicious Thai food. Although, there is a lot more to do in Pai besides just party.
Some of the best things to do are outside of the city, so learning to ride a motorbike is a must. You can visit the Tha Pai hot springs and spend the day soaking up nature and beautiful surroundings. There are also lots of waterfalls in the area to visit, the most famous being Mo Paeng Falls. Another fun thing to do while in Pai is tube down the river that runs right through the town!
If you are looking to get even more out of town- a few hours north of Pai is a secret North Thailands meditation retreat where you can spend some time learning about Buddhism and meditation.
How to get to Pai
Getting to Pai is an adventure in itself- as there are 800 twists and turns that you have to endure to get there. You can easily find a van in Chiang Mai that will bring you to Pai for a decent price. Pai is definitely the best place for people looking to experience more of Thailand’s nature while also partying the night away with fellow backpackers!
Check out the latest hotel prices in Pai by clicking here.
I hope you’ve found this guide to the best places to stay in Thailand useful. If you have any other suggestions please do leave a comment below.
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Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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