Where to Stay in Thailand: Browse by Destination
Figuring out where to stay in Thailand depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Bangkok suits city breaks and business travel. Koh Samui and Phuket are the go-to beach destinations. Chiang Mai is best for culture, mountains, and boutique stays. Krabi is for dramatic scenery. Pattaya surprises most people.
Every hotel reviewed on this site is based on a personal, paid stay. No press trips, no sponsored content. Each destination page below collects all the reviews for that area in one place.
For general travel information about each region, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has destination guides covering transport, weather, and local tips.
Thailand’s geography means the right answer to “where to stay in Thailand” changes depending on when you visit. The Gulf of Thailand coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) has its best weather from December to April. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) flips the calendar, with its peak season running November through April as well, though it gets heavy rain from May to October. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are year-round destinations, though Chiang Mai gets noticeably cooler and more pleasant from November through February.
If this is your first trip, Bangkok plus one beach destination covers most of what Thailand does well. A week in Bangkok followed by four nights in Koh Samui or Krabi is a solid starting point. For repeat visitors, Chiang Mai and the northern region offer a completely different experience from the south.
Where to Stay in Thailand: Quick Guide
Best for city breaks
Bangkok. Easy flights, world-class food, and a huge range of hotels from budget to ultra-luxury. Good base for day trips across central Thailand.
Best for beaches
Koh Samui for the Gulf coast, Phuket and Krabi for the Andaman side. Koh Samui has calmer water from November to April; Phuket is the reverse.
Best for culture and nature
Chiang Mai. Old city temples, night markets, elephant sanctuaries nearby, and a genuinely cooler climate than the south from November through February.
Best for a surprise
Pattaya. The reputation puts people off, but it has some of the best-designed resort hotels in the country — and rates that undercut comparable Phuket properties.
All Destinations with Hotel Reviews
Each destination below has its own page with individual hotel reviews, area breakdowns, and honest scores out of 10. Click any destination to browse all reviewed properties in that area.
Bangkok
From riverside luxury to boutique stays in the old city. Thailand’s capital has a hotel for every kind of trip.
Explore Bangkok Hotels
Koh Samui
Island resorts, clifftop pools, and beachfront boutiques. Some of the best hotels in Thailand are here.
Explore Koh Samui Hotels
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island — beach resorts, pool villas, and a wide range of options across every price point.
Explore Phuket Hotels
Chiang Mai
Boutique guesthouses in the old city, mountain retreats in Mae Rim, and design hotels in Nimman.
Explore Chiang Mai Hotels
Krabi
Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and the islands. Dramatic limestone scenery with hotels to match.
Explore Krabi Hotels
Pattaya
More than its reputation suggests. Home to one of the best-designed hotels in the country.
Explore Pattaya HotelsNew destinations are added as reviews are completed. All stays are paid for personally — no hotel provides complimentary accommodation in exchange for coverage on this site.