Best Places To Stay In Thailand: The Ultimate Guide

Looking for the ideal place to stay during your Thai vacation? From north to south, you won’t run out of the best places to stay in Thailand.

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations in the world. People travel to Thailand for tranquil beaches, magnificent temples, exotic cuisines, and more. The country has paradisiacal islands and beaches where you can enjoy the sunshine. 

Whether you prefer to commune with nature, move to the beat of a vibrant city, or chill out in a dream beach destination, you will easily find your special corners in the land of smiles.

We hope this list will help you determine your travel preferences, create your Thai itinerary, and thoroughly enjoy yourself in Thailand.

Best Places to Stay in Thailand – Northern Thailand

1. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is considered one of the most affordable places in Asia. If you are traveling on a budget or are a digital nomad, this is a good place to stay. Despite its affordability, it’s still a charming destination, with its temples and incredible food.

As the biggest city in Northern Thailand, it’s also the gateway to many off-the-beaten-track spots, such as Doi Suthep National Park. You will find some of the most authentic Thai food here if you love food. Chiang Mai is a great destination for art lovers, families, backpackers, and more.

Accommodation:

• Budget: At Pingnakorn Hotel
• Mid-range: Melia Chiang Mai
• Luxurious: Le Meridien Chiang Mai

2. Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a town in northern Thailand that offers an abundance of culture and affordable luxury. One of the town’s landmarks is Wat Rong Khun, a bright white temple known for its intricate and quirky designs.

Chiang Rai is a great destination for art lovers, sightseers, cultural enthusiasts, upcoming historians, and architecture lovers. Some sights you should visit in the town are Chiang Rai night markets, Wat Phra Kaew, Baandam Museum, Pong Phra waterfalls, and more.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Saikaew Resort
• Mid-range: The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention 
• Luxurious: The Riverie by Katathani SHA Extra Plus

3. Sukhothai

Sukhothai is a must-see spot for history lovers and culture fans. It was the original capital city of Siam back in the 13th Century, earning its reputation as the birthplace of Thai civilization. This ancient city charms visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and abundant greenery. At the heart of Sukhothai lies the Sukhothai Historical Park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visitors can explore numerous temples of Thailand, ornate monuments, serene ponds, and beautiful Buddha statues here.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort
• Mid-range: Na Sukhothai Hotel
• Luxurious: Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa

4. Lampang

If you need a city in the north without many visitors, you should go to Lampang. A great place to hang out with the locals, where you can witness the natural beauty of the scenic mountain view. The riverside city has beautiful architecture and some popular markets.

Another thing that makes Lampang unique is that it’s home to the oldest elephant conservation centers. You can also visit local temples such as Wat Si Rongmuan. The Doi Khun Tan National Park is also worth visiting. 

Accommodation:

• Budget: Villa Rassada Nakorn Lampang
• Mid-range: The Space Hotel Lampang
• Luxurious: : Lampang River Lodge

5. Mae Hong Son

Near the border of Myanmar, you will find Mae Hong Son, which provides the true beauty of nature. It has many natural attractions, including caves, waterfalls, hot springs, river spots, and more. This province is also the home to the Salween National Park, which is popular for camping and river rafting.

A visit to Wat Chong Kham is a great place to start. You can also visit the Mae Hong Son Living Museum to look at the historical items and artifacts.

We recommend being careful if you’re heading to the Thailand-Myanmar border areas in Mae Hong Son and Tak provinces because of the ongoing political instability in Myanmar.

Accommodation:

• Budget: ATOM Poshtel
• Mid-range: Chok-wasana Guest House
• Luxurious: The Imperial Mae Hong Son Resort

6. Pai

Located in Mae Hong province, Pai is another town only a three-hour bus drive from Chiang Mai. Its cool and beautiful atmosphere makes it a great destination. The town has a lot of water features that you can visit.

Another Thailand landmark in Pia is the White Buddha, a nice place for a stunning town view. The town is great for foodies to try the KhaoSoi, a delicious Thai noodle soup. 

Accommodation:

• Budget: Pai Country Hut
• Mid-range: Chang Pai Hill
• Luxurious: Reverie Siam

7. Phrae

Phrae is just next to Lampang province, a three-hour drive from Chiang Mai. Since Phrae isn’t within the tourism circuit, it is usually not very crowded. The town will give you a good feel of the local culture even as you enjoy the scenery.

Phrae is also the home of a few national parks, including Khao Yai National Park, Doi Inthanon National Park, and Erawan National Park, to name a few. It is also a great choice for nature lovers and adventurers as it has many teak forests. 

A Saturday walk through the street market is a good chance to explore the local foods and handicrafts and interact with the locals.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Come Moon Loft Hotel
• Mid-range: Baan I Inspire
• Luxurious: SuanGlangNa Homestay

Best Places to Stay in Thailand – Central Thailand

8. Bangkok 

Bangkok, the biggest city in Thailand, is where you will likely start your Thailand adventure. The city has amazing nightlife, shopping experiences, and cuisine. There are also some great temples in Bangkok and other historical landmarks. When in Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Lumpini Park in Bangkok.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Sourire at Rattanakosin Island Hotel
• Mid-range: Bangkok City Hotel
• Luxurious: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

9. Ayutthaya 

There was a time when Ayutthaya was the capital of Sia and is, therefore, still a great site where you can go for historical exploration. Located a one-hour drive from Bangkok, it’s the perfect place for a day trip. You can visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the floating market, or the water folk show when in the town.

Accommodation:

• Budget: OYO 465 Krung Kao Traveller Lodge
• Mid-range: Baan Veanglhek Residence
• Luxurious: iuDia Hotel

10. Khao Yai 

About three hours from Bangkok, Khao Yai is known for its national parks, including Khao Yai National Park, Thap Lan National Park, and Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary. The town is usually quiet and quirky and is a great choice for those looking for an off-beaten path. It boasts of the oldest national park in Thailand. 

You can visit the morning and night markets or different theme parks and resorts in Khao Yai. There is also an art museum with a sculpture garden worth visiting.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Yellowstone Camps Resort Khao Yai
• Mid-range: The Valley Khaoyai by Nancy
• Luxurious: Te Mata Glamping

11. Koh Tao

Another island with beautiful marine life, Koh Tao, attracts tourists for diving and snorkeling. It is a great place to stay for those looking to earn their PADI diving certificate. 

The island is also home to stunning beaches with white sands and clear blue waters. You can visit a viewpoint on the island to get beautiful views of the surrounding area or just relax on the beach in Koh Tao.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Koh Tao Heritage
• Mid-range: Pinnacle Koh Tao Resort
• Luxurious: Cape Shark Villas

Best Places to Stay in Thailand – Southern Thailand

12. Phuket

If your goal is to enjoy the pristine beaches in Thailand, one of your top destinations should be Phuket. One of the biggest holiday destinations in Thailand welcomes millions of travelers every year. When staying in Phuket, you can visit one of the iconic islands, such as Koh Phi Phi or Bamboo Island.

Some sights to visit in Phuket include Patong Beach, Wat Chalong, Thai Hua, Big Buddha Phuket, and Banzaan Fresh Market. The island is a great destination for foodies, beach enthusiasts, and more.

Accommodation:

• Budget: The Palms Residence
• Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
• Luxurious: Sinae Phuket

13. Ao Nang, Krabi

A great beach destination in the Krabi province is Ao Nang. This town has an international airport that makes it easy for travelers to reach the beautiful beaches. It is known for its long stretches of beaches along the Andaman coast.

Ao Nang is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving in Thailand. Other attractions in the area include Tiger Cave Temple, Ko Klang, Than Bok Khorani National Park, Viking Cave, a day trip to the Phi Phi islands, and more.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Anda Sea Tales Resort-SHA Plus
• Mid-range: Aonang Villa Resort
• Luxurious: Poonsiri Varich Pool Villa Aonang

14. Koh Samui

Koh Samui, found in the Gulf of Thailand, is Thailand’s second-biggest island. It’s famous for its gorgeous white beaches and stunning palm trees. The go-to spot on land is Chaweng Beach.

For cultural enthusiasts who want to enjoy the full Thai culture, visit Wat Phra Yai. This large golden statue of Lord Buddha is visible from afar. Other attractions include Wat Plai Laem, Na Mueang waterfalls, Fisherman’s Village, Bophut Beach, Alem Sor Pagoda, and more.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Hotel Ibis Samui Bophut
• Mid-range: Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
• Luxurious: Explorar Kor Samur-Adults Only Resort and Spa

15. Hua Hin 

Hua Hin is considered a luxury destination in the southern part of the central region. The area has amazing beaches, beautiful mountains, and dense rainforests. There are other unique attractions such as caves, waterfalls, and the “monkey mountain” where you can interact with monkeys.

When in Hua Hin, you can visit the Phraya Nakhon cave, which is located at the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The Pala-U waterfalls and the Bueng Bua Nature Observation Center are other places to visit.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Stardust Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range: Ayrest Hua Hin Hotel
• Luxurious: Dusit Thani Hua Hin

16. Koh Lanta 

Koh Lanta is an island worth exploring in the Andaman Sea off the Krabi coast. While Koh Lanta is popular with backpackers, this haven is large, quiet, and not too crowded, making it a great destination.

In Koh Lanta, you can explore various caves on land and sea. You can also relax at one of the beaches or visit the old town.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Lanta Pearl Beach Resort
• Mid-range: Lanta Miami Resort
• Luxurious: Layana Resort & Spa – Adult Only

17. Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi islands consist of six islands about an hour’s drive from Phuket or Krabi. When you take a boat ride around Phi Phi Leh, you will get a better view of Maya Beach. You can engage in many Koh Phi Phi Island activities, such as diving or snorkeling.

Accommodation:

• Budget: Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island
• Mid-range: Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort
• Luxurious: SAii Phi Phi Island Village

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Helpful Tips to Stay Safe During Your Thai Vacation

Certain tips can help you maximize your tour when visiting Thailand. These are:

• Check if you need a visa. While most nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Thailand, you need to confirm and be sure.
• Understand how to get around. If traveling between Bangkok, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc., air is the most convenient option. While there are overnight buses and trains, these spend long hours on the road or rail.
• Get a local SIM card. If you want to browse the internet, get a local SIM card for your mobile.
• Understand the scams. You should be wary of many notorious scams, such as fake Baht, tuk-tuk, jet ski, and closed tourist attraction scams. You wouldn’t want to spoil your trip, so read up about the most common scams in Thailand.
• Always haggle. Haggling is common in Thailand, so sellers often overprice their goods, expecting you to bargain with them. Don’t overpay, and always ask for a good price from the vendor.
• Peace of mind. Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Best Places to Stay in Thailand

Which Part of Thailand Is Best To Stay?

Your ideal destination will depend on your travel goals and personal preferences. Phuket and Phi Phi Island are arguably the best places to stay in Thailand, particularly if you love the beach. You can’t go wrong with Bangkok if you’re more at home in an urban area. 

Where Should I Stay in Thailand First Time?

If you are a first-timer in Thailand, I recommend you stay in Bangkok or Phuket, depending on whether you identify as an urbanite or a beach lover. Bangkok, the capital, is located at the center of Thailand, so it can serve as your base to explore surrounding areas. Phuket is Thailand’s biggest island, where hitting the beaches is the most popular activity.

Is Bangkok or Phuket Better?

Bangkok is a vibrant city packed with culture, shopping, and all sorts of experiences, while Phuket is famous for its stunning beaches, island adventures, and breathtaking scenery. Your decision between the two depends on what you’re into and the kind of vacation you’re looking for. Some travelers even hit up both spots during their Thailand getaway to taste everything.

Where Do Most People Stay in Thailand?

Most people in Thailand stay in Bangkok because it’s the largest city where creature comforts and exciting activities abound at every turn. 

Conclusion – Best Places to Stay in Thailand

Every location in the above list has its own charm and fun local experiences, be it white sand beaches, verdant mountains, majestic temples, or scrumptious delicacies. 

If time and money are not major considerations, you can explore all of Thailand from north to south while staying at your Bangkok base. In that way, you can enjoy the diversity of the country’s attractions.

---

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Related Reads:

• Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort – Your Dream Destination for a Perfect Getaway
• Experience Southeast Asia like Never Before: 10 Unforgettable Things to Do and Places to Stay