Thailand is often marketed as a backpacker playground, but it’s also one of the best destinations in the world if you prefer comfortable hotels, relaxing resorts and the occasional splash of luxury.
This guide is written for travellers who are:
If you like the idea of stylish boutique hotels, beachfront resorts and well‑located city bases—rather than bar streets and noisy nightclubs—this page will help you choose where to stay and what type of accommodation to book.
Thailand offers everything from simple guesthouses to ultra‑luxury villas. If you’re looking for comfort rather than the cheapest possible room, these options usually work best:
Boutique Hotels
Smaller properties with character, often in interesting neighbourhoods. Expect comfortable beds, air‑conditioning, stylish design and friendly service—ideal if you want charm without resort crowds.
Modern City Hotels
In Bangkok and Chiang Mai you’ll find plenty of international‑standard hotels with strong Wi‑Fi, soundproofing, good bathrooms and facilities like pools and gyms. Great if you want a reliable, comfortable base with easy transport links.
Beachfront Resorts
Along the islands and coasts, resorts range from simple bungalows to full‑service luxury. For a more relaxed stay, look for smaller or family‑friendly resorts on quieter beaches, rather than the busiest nightlife strips.
Serviced Apartments & Condos
Perfect for longer trips or if you enjoy more space. Many offer kitchenettes, a separate living area and access to a pool and gym. They suit independent travellers, couples and families who like a “home‑from‑home” feel.
Private Villas
If you’re travelling as a group or for a special occasion, a villa with a private pool can be surprisingly good value. Many include daily housekeeping and sometimes breakfast or a cook. Ideal if you want privacy, space and a touch of luxury.
This section helps you avoid the classic “party street” traps and choose areas that work for sleep, comfort, and easy exploring.
Bangkok Areas That Work Well for Comfort and Convenience
For most non‑backpacker travellers, these neighbourhoods strike a good balance:
If you’re not interested in late‑night bars and backpacker parties, avoid staying right by Khao San Road. It’s fun to visit once, but not ideal for peaceful nights.
Use the map below to get a feel for where the main areas mentioned on this page are located. Zoom in to see how close they are to beaches, old towns and transport.
Places we have stayed in Red and our recommended places to visit in Blue
Chiang Mai for Culture, Food and a Slower Pace
Chiang Mai is perfect if you enjoy temples, markets and cafés:
Further north, places like Pai and Chiang Rai offer a quieter, more scenic experience, with a growing choice of comfortable mid‑range stays.
Choosing the Right Beach or Island
Thailand has around 60 islands where you can actually stay, plus countless mainland beach towns. Well‑known destinations like Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui offer everything you’d expect from a major tourist hub: international restaurants, familiar fast‑food chains such as McDonald’s, upmarket shopping malls and a huge range of tours and activities.
If you like having plenty of facilities and choice, these areas are ideal. Even there, you can still find quieter beaches and low‑key neighbourhoods if you choose your location carefully and stay a little away from the main party strips.
If you’d prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and a stronger sense of everyday Thai life, consider some of the less developed islands and beach areas. Places such as Koh Lanta, Koh Chang and Koh Phra Thong offer plenty of guesthouses, hotels and small resorts across different budgets, but without the feeling of being in a big, built‑up tourist centre. These spots are great if you want comfort and good value while still enjoying quieter beaches, local markets and a slower pace.
Ask yourself these questions before you book:
If you are not on a tight backpacker budget, it’s worth spending a bit more to get a quieter room, comfortable bed and good location. It can make a big difference to how you feel during the day.
Bangkok & Chiang Mai
Beaches and Islands
Many travellers mix it up—staying in comfortable mid‑range places most nights and then adding a few special splurge nights at a luxury hotel or villa.
Over time, we’ve stayed at a range of properties across Thailand—from reliable city and airport hotels to boutique beach resorts and special‑occasion villas. Instead of listing every option on the internet, we focus on places that:
You’ll find our personal recommendations, including where we’ve stayed ourselves, in the property cards below. If you’d like a handy overview you can print or save to your phone, you can also download our Thailand Accommodation Cheatsheet from the form on this page.
Where we’ve stayed in Bangkok
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Surat Thani is a laid‑back transport hub in southern Thailand and a handy base if you’re heading to the Gulf islands. The city itself is simple and local, with night markets, river views and a few comfortable hotels that are perfect for a quick stopover. It’s also one of the most practical places to start or end island trips, with easy connections by bus, minivan and ferry to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Staying a night in Surat Thani can break up a long travel day, give you cheaper accommodation than on the islands, and make early‑morning or late‑night ferry connections much less stressful.
Where we stayed in Surat Thani
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s best‑loved islands, known for its palm‑fringed beaches, laid‑back atmosphere and easy mix of relaxation and nightlife. You’ll find everything from quiet coves and family‑friendly resorts to lively beach towns with markets, bars and restaurants right by the sea. Inland, the island has jungle‑covered hills, waterfalls and viewpoints, while offshore there are boat trips, snorkelling and nearby islands to explore. With good flight and ferry connections, Koh Samui works well as both a relaxing beach break and a base for island‑hopping in the Gulf of Thailand.
Where we stayed in Koh Samui
Koh Phangan is a lush Thai island known for its beautiful beaches, laid‑back vibe and mix of quiet bays and lively beach towns. Beyond the famous Full Moon Party, you’ll find relaxed villages, yoga and wellness retreats, snorkelling, waterfalls and viewpoints, making it a great choice for both chilled beach time and a little nightlife.
Where we stayed in Koh Phangan
Maehaad Bay Resort sits beside one of Koh Phangan’s most scenic beaches, looking across to the small island of Koh Ma, which you can often walk to via a sandbar at low tide. The resort offers comfortable rooms, a large pool and easy access to snorkelling, making it a good option for guests wanting a relaxed beach stay with beautiful natural surroundings.
Krabi is a coastal province in southern Thailand known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and island‑studded coastline. Centered around Ao Nang and Railay, it offers beautiful beaches, rock climbing, island‑hopping (like Phi Phi and Hong Islands), mangrove forests and inland hot springs, making it a great base for both relaxation and adventure.
Where we stayed in Krabi
Anawa Krabi is a small, modern resort in a quiet area near Ao Nang, Krabi. Opened in January 2025. Only 13 villas and each has its own pool. Spectacular mountain views. It’s about 10kms from the beach but is a great place to stay and relax away from the more touristy places in Krabi town.
The L Resort Krabi is a modern beachfront hotel on Ao Nang Beach, offering contemporary rooms, a relaxed pool area, and direct access to the promenade, shops, restaurants, and long‑tail boats—making it a convenient, comfortable base for exploring Krabi’s islands and coastline. We visited in the off season and scored a discount of over 50% on the standard room rates, plus we were upgraded to a bigger room.
Chumphon is a quiet coastal province in southern Thailand, known as a gateway to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand (especially Koh Tao) and for its uncrowded beaches and natural scenery. It offers long, laid‑back stretches of sand, coral reefs for diving and snorkelling, lush national parks, waterfalls and a more local, authentic Thai atmosphere compared with the busier tourist hubs.
Where we stayed in Chumphon
This was a stopover on our drive from Bangkok to Surat Thani. It’s a rustic 2-3 star accommodation off the main highway. It’s clean and comfortable and super cheap. Rooms were spacious and the bed was comfortable.
Chumphon itself is known for being calm, non‑touristy, and scenic, with:
Ko Phra Thong is a remote, largely undeveloped island off Thailand’s Andaman coast in Phang Nga province. It’s known for:
It’s ideal if you want a peaceful, off‑the‑beaten‑path island experience close to nature.
Where we stayed in Ko Phra Thong
A small, eco‑friendly hideaway on one of Thailand’s last “hidden islands,” Moken Eco Village offers solar‑powered bungalows in pristine natural surroundings. Guests enjoy a private beach, stunning sunsets, and easy boat trips to nearby islands Koh Pling Lek and Koh Pling Yai with excellent snorkeling. The village focuses on sustainability and comfort, with 24‑hour electricity for lights and fans, private bathrooms with hot and cold water, mosquito‑netted beds, daily housekeeping, a scenic restaurant, and free Wi‑Fi in the lobby area.
Khao Lak is a laid‑back beach area on Thailand’s Andaman coast, north of Phuket, known for its long, quiet sandy beaches and relaxed, family‑friendly vibe. It’s a gateway to the Similan and Surin Islands for top‑class diving and snorkeling, and close to national parks with jungle, waterfalls, and elephant‑free nature experiences. Accommodation ranges from simple bungalows to upscale resorts, with plenty of restaurants and small bars but a much calmer nightlife than Phuket. Again, if you travel in the off or shoulder season you will find some great bargains on accommodation
Where we stayed in Khao Lak
Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort is a relaxed, family‑friendly resort set directly on a quiet stretch of Khao Lak’s sandy beach. It offers modern rooms and suites (some with sea views or pool access), a large swimming pool by the beach, kids’ facilities, and a laid‑back restaurant/bar overlooking the sea. The atmosphere is peaceful rather than party‑oriented, making it ideal for couples and families who want easy beach access, sunsets, and convenient reach to Khao Lak’s shops, tours, and national parks. We had a villa and it was very spacious and clean.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a major beach destination on the Andaman Sea. It’s known for:
Where we stayed in Phuket
A2 Pool Resort in Phuket is a small, contemporary boutique resort built around a central, lagoon‑style swimming pool. Rooms are modern and spacious, many with direct pool access from the terrace. It’s located inland near Phuket Town/main roads rather than the beach, making it convenient for exploring the island by car or as a base for business/longer stays, but less suited if you want a classic “walk‑to‑the‑beach” holiday. The vibe is quiet and relaxed, with simple on‑site dining and a good value‑for‑money feel.
Aleenta Phuket is a stylish, beachfront hideaway on peaceful Natai Beach, with contemporary villas and suites that feel private and indulgent—many have their own pools, direct pool access, and sweeping ocean views. You’ll have free Wi‑Fi, a relaxing spa with massages, body treatments, and a dedicated yoga space, plus an infinity‑style pool and generous sun decks where you can linger by the sea. The two restaurants focus on creative Thai and international dishes with vegetarian options, and there’s a laid‑back beachfront bar that’s perfect for sunset drinks. Just about 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, it’s an easy escape that feels wonderfully secluded, with an exceptional breakfast and a romantic, intimate atmosphere.
Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand’s most spectacular protected areas, located in Surat Thani Province in the south of the country. It’s famous for:
The park offers a mix of jungle lodges near Khao Sok village and floating bungalows on Cheow Lan Lake, making it a top destination for nature‑focused stays.
Where we stayed in Khao Sok National Park
Krai Son Raft House sits at the entrance to Klong Yee on the western side of Cheow Lan Lake. This simple but charming former fishing village offers rustic bamboo bungalows, big lake views, and some of the best chances to spot wildlife such as hornbills and eagles. Managed by the national park, it includes free tea and coffee and access to a diving platform, and is close to one of the lake’s best viewpoint hikes.
You can visit Krai Son on selected 2‑day and 3‑day tours or arrange a custom trip with a private guide and flexible schedule. Accommodation is very basic – there are no ensuite bathrooms, only shared bathroom facilities.
Khlong Sok is the small jungle village serving as the gateway to Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, southern Thailand. Surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and lush rainforest, it has a relaxed, friendly feel with guesthouses, riverside bungalows, cafés, and tour shops.
From here, visitors set off for jungle hikes, river tubing, night safaris, and trips to Cheow Lan Lake. It’s an easy, comfortable base for exploring the rainforest while still having restaurants, basic services, and a laid‑back local atmosphere.
Where we stayed in Khlong Sok
Magic Mountain View Resort is a scenic hillside stay near Khao Sok, offering sweeping views of limestone cliffs and jungle. Simple bungalows and rooms open onto balconies or terraces where you can enjoy sunrise mist over the mountains. The resort has an on‑site restaurant, friendly local staff, and can help arrange activities such as Khao Sok jungle treks and Cheow Lan Lake tours. It’s a peaceful base for travellers who want beautiful views and a quiet, nature‑focused atmosphere.
Khanom is a quiet coastal town in Nakhon Si Thammarat, southern Thailand, known for its uncrowded pink‑sand beaches, green hills, and laid‑back local feel. It’s a great escape from mass tourism, with simple beachfront resorts, seafood restaurants, and scenic coastal roads.
The area is famous for rare pink Irrawaddy dolphins, cave temples, waterfalls, and viewpoints, making it ideal for travellers who want a peaceful beach base with light adventure and authentic Thai coastal life.
Where we stayed in Khanom
Aava Resort & Spa is a stylish boutique beachfront resort on Khanom’s quiet Nadan Beach. It blends Scandinavian design with Thai hospitality, offering chic villas and bungalows set along a wide, uncrowded stretch of sand. Facilities include a beachfront pool, spa, and open‑air restaurant and bar facing the sea. It’s a relaxed, design‑forward base for peaceful beach time, pink‑dolphin trips, and exploring Khanom’s low‑key coastal scenery.
Beachfront resort in Khanom with a private beach area, direct beach access, and a saltwater outdoor pool overlooking the sea. Comfortable, air‑conditioned rooms come with balconies, minibars, bathtubs, and free Wi‑Fi. Very good restaurant which serves international cuisine with vegetarian options, plus a sun terrace and outdoor seating.
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Decide how busy you want it, how important walking distance is, and which facilities you care about most (pool, lift, breakfast, Wi‑Fi). Light sleepers should avoid properties directly on main roads or next to late‑night bars, and always check recent reviews for noise, bed comfort and air‑con reliability before booking.
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Our score is out of 10 and based on:
Location & convenience – 30%
Room Quality & cleanliness – 30%
Facilities & services – 25%
Dining – 15%
We do not take price (value for money) into our calculations, as rates can differ substantially depending on when you go. If you travel in peak season, then expect to pay the highest rates, but it does not (or should not) change the quality of the hotel. If we give it a rating of 8.0 or higher, we would consider staying again.
TBA – means we have not stayed at this hotel but have booked for a future visit or included in our research as a suggested place to stay
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