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Where to stay

Where to stay in Thailand

Picking the right base matters as much as picking the destination. For each place we compare the areas honestly: who they suit, what they cost, and what nobody tells you before you book.

By Kylian DevUpdated September 25, 2026

28 destinations covered
Area-by-area pros and cons
No paid placements

5 areas
Where to stay in Bangkok
For a first trip, Sukhumvit (between Nana and Phrom Phong) is the best all-round base thanks to the BTS, restaurants and every hotel category. Riverside suits couples and sightseers who want the temples close by, Banglamphu (Khao San) is the budget choice, and Silom/Sathorn works well for families and business travellers. For nightlife, stay in Sukhumvit around Thonglor or Ekkamai.
SukhumvitRiversideSilom / SathornBanglamphu (Khao San)
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5 areas
Where to stay in Phuket
Kata (with neighbouring Karon) is the best all-round area in Phuket: good beaches, restaurants and a relaxed feel, ideal for first-timers and families. Patong is for nightlife, Kamala and Surin for couples who want calm and comfort, Rawai/Nai Harn for longer, quieter stays, and Phuket Old Town for budget travellers and food lovers.
Kata / KaronPatongKamala / SurinRawai / Nai Harn
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5 areas
Where to stay in Koh Samui
Chaweng is the best area in Koh Samui for first-timers who want choice and nightlife, but Bophut (Fisherman's Village) is the best all-rounder for couples and families thanks to its charm and calmer beach. Lamai is the good-value alternative with a lively but smaller centre, Choeng Mon suits families wanting quiet, and Maenam is ideal for budget travellers and island hopping.
ChawengLamaiBophut (Fisherman's Village)Choeng Mon
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5 areas
Where to stay in Chiang Mai
The Old City is the best area in Chiang Mai for first-timers, couples and budget travellers: temples, markets and guesthouses are all walkable. Nimman is best for digital nomads and nightlife, the Riverside for upscale stays and couples, the Night Bazaar area for families wanting convenience, and Santitham for long stays at local prices.
Old CityNimmanRiversideNight Bazaar
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5 areas
Where to stay in Krabi & Railay
Ao Nang is the best base in Krabi for first-timers and families: plenty of hotels and restaurants, and longtails to Railay and the islands. Railay West is the most beautiful place to stay for couples, Tonsai suits climbers and backpackers, Krabi Town is the cheapest option, and Klong Muang is best for a quiet resort stay.
Ao NangRailay West / EastTonsaiKrabi Town
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6 areas
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
The best all-round area is the north-west coast (Haad Yao and Haad Salad): good swimming, sunsets and 20–25 minutes from the pier. First-timers and budget travellers do well around Thong Sala, yoga and wellness fans in Srithanu, couples and families in Thong Nai Pan, and party-goers in Haad Rin.
Haad RinThong SalaSrithanuHaad Yao and Haad Salad
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4 areas
Where to stay in Koh Tao
Sairee Beach is the best area for most visitors and first-timers: long sandy beach, sunsets, dive schools and restaurants within walking distance. Budget travellers and divers do well in Sairee or Mae Haad, couples and families in Chalok Baan Kao, and those wanting total quiet in Tanote or Aow Leuk.
Sairee BeachMae HaadChalok Baan KaoTanote Bay and Aow Leuk
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5 areas
Where to stay in Koh Lanta
Long Beach (Phra Ae) is the best all-round area and a good pick for first-timers, with restaurants and a long sandy beach. Families do best at Klong Dao, budget travellers and backpackers at Klong Khong or the cheaper end of Long Beach, and couples at Kantiang Bay. Koh Lanta has little real nightlife; Long Beach and Klong Khong are the liveliest.
Klong DaoLong Beach (Phra Ae)Klong KhongKantiang Bay
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5 areas
Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai Village is the most practical area for first-timers and budget travellers, with Loh Dalum right behind it for nightlife. Couples and anyone who wants to sleep are better on Long Beach or up the hillside, and families and honeymooners in the resorts of Laem Tong on the northern tip.
Tonsai VillageLoh DalumTonsai hillsideLong Beach (Haad Yao)
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4 areas
Where to stay in Koh Lipe
Pattaya Beach is the best area for first-timers, with the island's main restaurants and soft sand. Couples who want space and snorkelling do best on Sunrise Beach, those seeking quiet on Sunset Beach, and budget travellers in the centre around Walking Street. Nightlife is low-key and mostly on Pattaya Beach.
Pattaya BeachSunrise BeachSunset BeachWalking Street (centre)
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5 areas
Where to stay in Pattaya
Central Pattaya around Beach Road is the place for nightlife, shopping and first-timers who want everything on the doorstep. Families and longer stays do better in Jomtien or Na Jomtien, couples who want calm but central in Pratumnak, and those after upscale resorts and a cleaner beach in Naklua and Wong Amat. Budget travellers find the cheapest rooms on the sois between Beach Road and Second Road.
Central Pattaya (Beach Road)JomtienPratumnak HillNaklua and Wong Amat
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5 areas
Where to stay in Hua Hin
The town centre around Naresdamri Road is the best base for first-timers and anyone without a car, with the night market, restaurants and the beach all walkable. Families and couples looking for big resorts do well in Hua Hin south, those wanting a calmer, local feel in Khao Takiab, and luxury seekers or return visitors in Pranburi. Cha-am suits budget travellers and Thai-style weekend breaks.
Town centre (Naresdamri)Hua Hin southKhao TakiabCha-am
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5 areas
Where to stay in Khao Lak
Nang Thong is the best base for first-timers and budget travellers, with the most restaurants, shops and dive centres. Bang Niang is the best all-round choice for families and couples, with a wide beach and a lively market nearby. Khuk Khak and Pak Weep suit those wanting big resorts and quiet beaches, and Laem Pakarang is ideal for sunsets and peace. Nightlife everywhere is low-key.
Nang ThongBang NiangKhuk KhakPak Weep (Coconut Beach)
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5 areas
Where to stay in Koh Chang
Klong Prao is the best all-round area and a good pick for first-timers and families, with a long beach, waterfalls nearby and resorts in every price range. White Sand Beach suits those who want the most restaurants, shops and bars. Kai Bae works well for couples and families wanting calmer water. Budget travellers and backpackers head to Lonely Beach, which also has the island's liveliest nightlife. Bang Bao and Salak Phet suit slow travellers looking for fishing-village character rather than a swimming beach.
White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)Klong PraoKai BaeLonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam)
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5 areas
Where to stay in Koh Samet
Sai Kaew is the most convenient and busiest beach, a practical choice for short stays and first-timers. Ao Hin Khok and Ao Phai are best for budget travellers and nightlife, with beach bars and fire shows. Ao Wong Deuan suits families and couples wanting a sheltered bay with restaurants. Ao Prao is the pick for couples and upscale stays with sunsets. Ao Kiu, in the far south, is for those wanting real quiet. Expect crowds on weekends and Thai holidays.
Sai Kaew (Hat Sai Kaew)Ao Hin Khok and Ao PhaiAo Wong DeuanAo Prao
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4 areas
Where to stay in Khao Sok
For most travellers, the best plan is two nights in the Khao Sok village area near park headquarters, in a riverside jungle bungalow, plus one night on a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake. The village is best for budget travellers and first-timers, with restaurants, tour agencies and trail access. Riverside bungalows suit couples and families wanting jungle views without isolation. Treehouse and upscale lodges on the outskirts add comfort, and the lake rafts are unforgettable but basic. Rain is heavy from around May to October.
Khao Sok village (near park HQ)Riverside jungle bungalowsTreehouses and lodges on the outskirtsCheow Lan Lake floating rafts
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4 areas
Where to stay in Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle
The city centre around the clock tower is the best base for first-timers, budget travellers and anyone without their own transport, with markets, restaurants and buses on foot. Couples and families who prefer resorts with gardens do well on the Kok riverside, while those wanting countryside calm can stay near the White Temple. History lovers and slow travellers can spend a night or two in Chiang Saen near the Golden Triangle.
City centre (clock tower)Kok riversideNear the White TempleChiang Saen and the Golden Triangle
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4 areas
Where to stay in Pai
The walking street centre is the best base for first-timers, backpackers and anyone without a scooter, with the night market, bars and tour agencies on foot. Across the river offers cheap, social bungalows within walking distance of town, while the valley outskirts suit couples and families looking for views and calm resorts. Mae Yen is ideal for nature lovers and longer stays.
Walking street centreAcross the riverValley outskirtsMae Yen
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4 areas
Where to stay in Ayutthaya
The island old town is the best base for most visitors: the main temples are within cycling distance, and guesthouses, cafes and the night markets are close by. Couples and anyone wanting a treat should look at the riverside hotels, where evenings on a terrace over the water are the highlight. Backpackers on a tight schedule do well near the train station, just across the Pa Sak River. Bang Pa-In only makes sense if you want quiet or are visiting the Summer Palace.
Island old town (near the ruins)RiversideNear the train stationBang Pa-In
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4 areas
Where to stay in Kanchanaburi & Erawan
River Kwai Road is the best base for first-timers and budget travellers, with cheap guesthouses, restaurants and tour agencies close together. Couples and families who want river views and more comfort do well around the bridge, while floating raft resorts offer a memorable night on the water. For Erawan, Sai Yok and Hellfire Pass, staying upstream near the parks saves long drives.
River Kwai Road (Mae Nam Kwae Road)Bridge areaFloating raft resortsSai Yok and Erawan area
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3 areas
Where to stay in Sukhothai
For most visitors the Old City is the best base: you can cycle into the Historical Park at opening time, enjoy the ruins in the soft evening light and sleep somewhere quiet. Budget travellers and those arriving late by bus often prefer the New Town, which has the cheapest guesthouses, the night market and more restaurants. The road between the two suits travellers with their own transport who want a resort with a pool at a lower price.
Old City (Muang Kao)New Town (Sukhothai Thani)Along the road between the two
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4 areas
Where to stay in Khao Yai
Thanarat Road (Route 2090) is the best base for most visitors: it leads straight to the park's north gate and is lined with resorts, cafes and restaurants for every budget. Backpackers and anyone arriving by train or bus should stay in Pak Chong town, where tours to the park start. For wildlife lovers, camping at Lam Takhong or Pha Kluai Mai inside the park is unbeatable. Muak Lek suits families on a road trip who want farms and cool-air cafes more than jungle.
Thanarat Road (Route 2090)Pak Chong townMuak LekCamping inside the park (Lam Takhong and Pha Kluai Mai)
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4 areas
Where to stay in Koh Kood
Klong Chao is the best all-round area and a good pick for first-timers, with the most restaurants, a river for kayaking and the island's best-known waterfall nearby. Ao Tapao suits couples and families wanting a calm, sandy bay. Ao Bang Bao is the choice for couples on an upscale stay, with a long beach and some of the island's more polished resorts. Budget travellers do best around Ao Ngam Kho and the cheaper guesthouses near Klong Chao. Many places close or scale down from around May to October.
Klong ChaoAo TapaoAo Bang BaoAo Ngam Kho
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3 areas
Where to stay in Koh Mak
Ao Kao is the best all-round area and the obvious choice for first-timers, with the island's longest beach and the widest choice of resorts and restaurants. Ao Suan Yai, on the north-west coast, suits couples and families wanting a long, quiet beach with calm, shallow water. Ao Nid, on the east coast by the main pier, is for budget travellers and those wanting local village life rather than a swimming beach. Wherever you stay, a bicycle or scooter gets you across the island in minutes.
Ao KaoAo Suan YaiAo Nid
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4 areas
Where to stay in Koh Yao Noi
Pasai Beach is the best all-round area and a good pick for first-timers, with restaurants, shops and a beach facing the karsts. Long Beach (Klong Jaak) suits couples and families wanting a longer, quieter stretch of sand. Tha Khao is best for budget and slow travellers who want village life and easy boat connections. Koh Yao Yai, the larger neighbouring island, is an alternative for those wanting longer swimming beaches and even more space. Nightlife is almost non-existent.
Pasai BeachLong Beach (Klong Jaak)Tha KhaoKoh Yao Yai (alternative)
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5 areas
Where to stay in Trang Islands
Koh Mook is the best all-round choice, with a real village, good-value bungalows and the famous Emerald Cave nearby. Couples looking for postcard beaches should pick Koh Kradan, while families will like the comfortable resorts and shallow water of Koh Ngai. Koh Libong suits slow travellers interested in dugongs and local life. Trang Town is a practical first or last night, famous for its breakfast culture. Plan for November to April: most island resorts close or run reduced services in the monsoon.
Koh MookKoh KradanKoh Ngai (Koh Hai)Koh Libong
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5 areas
Where to stay in Mae Hong Son
The town centre around Chong Kham lake is the best base for most visitors: everything is walkable, from the lakeside temples to the night market and restaurants. Couples and families with a car often prefer the quieter resorts on the outskirts. For a memorable night, add a stay in Ban Rak Thai, a Yunnanese tea village by a reservoir, or camp at Pang Ung for misty sunrises. Mae Sariang is a useful stop on the southern half of the loop.
Town centre (Chong Kham lake)Outskirts and valley resortsBan Rak ThaiPang Ung
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4 areas
Where to stay in Nan
The old town around Wat Phumin is the best base for a first visit: the main temples, the museum, cafes and the weekend walking street are all within walking distance. Couples wanting a slower pace may prefer the riverside guesthouses along the Nan River. For nature, spend a night in Bo Kluea, a mountain village known for its ancient salt wells, or in the Pua area, gateway to Doi Phu Kha National Park and the rice terraces. You will need a vehicle for the mountains.
Old town (around Wat Phumin)Nan riversideBo KlueaPua
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