Choosing where to stay can quickly become a headache, especially in large cities or islands. Here's a rundown of each destination to give you an idea of where to stay, based on atmosphere, budget, and accessibility.
Personally, I mainly use Agoda or Booking to compare accommodations — depending on the region and time of year, one may offer better deals than the other.
However, I can no longer be affiliated with Booking (which I think only keeps the big resellers now...) so I'll leave you the Agoda link if you want to support the site:
Ayutthaya
The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is a large historical park, famous for its Buddha head and numerous ruins. It's a beautiful cultural stopover, easily accessible from Bangkok for a day trip or as a stopover north.
My suggestions
- Close to the historic park → Convenient for exploring temples on foot or by bike. Quieter atmosphere, pleasant setting with guesthouses often on the riverside.
- Modern city center → More lively, with newer hotels and restaurants. Less charm, but more comfort.
- Opposite bank / Near the station → Interesting if you arrive by train. A few small streets provide a more peaceful setting with some charming accommodations.
To read : Visit the essentials of Ayutthaya in one day
Bangkok
A bustling and contrasting capital, Bangkok skillfully blends modernity, tradition, and neighborhood life. A must-see, whether for a first immersion or to deepen your exploration of urban Thailand.
My suggestions
- Sukhumvit → Modern, lively, with bars, restaurants, shopping centers. Well connected (BTS/MRT).
- Rattanakosin / Khao San Road → Close to temples and historical sites. Ideal for cultural visits (but Khao San is very backpacker/party).
- Silom → Mix of business, nightlife, and parks. Good compromise for doing everything on foot or by metro.
- Ari → A trendy, local neighborhood with plenty of cafes. Conveniently located for MRT access to Bang Sue Grand Station or the Chatuchak Weekend Market.
To read : Where to stay in Bangkok? Advantages / Disadvantages, neighborhood by neighborhood
Chiang Mai
A city with a rich heritage, between ancient temples, lively markets and massages, Chiang Mai seduces as much for its atmosphere as for its proximity to nature.
My suggestions
- Old Town → Perfect for exploring on foot. Quiet atmosphere, very convenient.
- Nimman → Young and trendy, cafes, coworking and modern restaurants.
- Ping River / Night Bazaar → A slightly more chic or romantic atmosphere, depending on the accommodation.
To read : Where to stay in Chiang Mai? Advantages / Disadvantages, neighborhood by neighborhood
Chiang Rai
Quieter than Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a good base for exploring the Golden Triangle. Between unusual temples and misty mountains, the region offers a lovely glimpse of northern Thailand, bordering Burma and Laos.
My suggestions
- Around the Clock Tower / Night Bazaar → Lively neighborhood with cafes, massage, close to amenities.
- Out of the center → Ideal if you are looking for more peace and quiet, sometimes with mountain views. Can be more central for visiting the province (especially from Mae Chan)
To read : What to do in Chiang Rai: A complete guide to exploring the Golden Triangle
Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi is a must-see destination west of Bangkok. Steeped in history and famous for its bridge, the region also captivates with its lush landscapes, nestled between rivers and mountains.
My suggestions
- In town (near the bridge and along the river) → Convenient for transportation, markets, and restaurants. Less of a change of scenery, but ideal for a quick logistics stopover. Suitable for all budgets.
- River Kwai Yai → A more natural area, depending on the area, with riverside accommodations, sometimes floating. Perfect for relaxing in the countryside, while being close to sites like Tham Krasae, Hellfire Pass or Sai Yok Noi Falls.
- Kwai Noi River → Even wilder, towards Erawan. Jungle atmosphere, isolated accommodations, locals, ideal for a true nature break. Less central, so scooter or car recommended.
To read : Kanchanaburi: 6 must-see visits between history and nature
Ko chang
Ko Chang is the largest island on the east coast. Less developed than Phuket or Ko Samui, it captivates with its laid-back atmosphere, varied beaches, and unspoiled mountainous interior. A good compromise for enjoying nature without sacrificing comfort.
My suggestions
- White sand beach → The liveliest area, with many accommodations, restaurants, and bars. Convenient but more touristy.
- Klong Prao → Long and quieter beach, perfect for families or those who want to relax.
- Kai Bae → Chill and young atmosphere, with good little cafes and restaurants. Beautiful view of the islets.
- Lonely beach → More down-to-earth, with cheap bungalows and a backpacker vibe. Bars and parties by the sea.
To read : Ko Chang: Guide to Choosing the Perfect Beach to Stay at
Koh Lanta
Less developed than Phuket, Ko Lanta seduces with its more relaxed atmosphere, its long beaches, and its unspoiled nature. An island where you can take your time, between walks, swimming, and small seaside restaurants.
My suggestions
- Klong Dao → Ideal for families, quiet atmosphere but close to restaurants.
- Long Beach / Phra Ae → Good balance between entertainment, beaches, restaurants and accommodation of all types.
- Klong Khong → A more rootsy, chilled atmosphere, often popular with long-stay travelers. Bars with their feet in the sand.
- South of the island (Kantiang Bay) → More natural and isolated, very beautiful setting but less practical without a scooter. Perfect for disconnecting.
To read : To come up !
Ko Samui
Ko Samui is a fairly complete island, which can please all types of travelers: lively or quiet beaches, local or tourist atmosphere, luxury hotels or small bungalows... There is everything, but the island is larger than it seems, so choosing your base carefully is important.
My suggestions
- Chaweng : Ideal for those looking for entertainment, restaurants, bars, and a fairly long beach. The area is very touristy, but convenient.
- Lamai : a slightly quieter version than Chaweng, with a pleasant beach and a few bars in the evening. Good compromise.
- Bophut (Fisherman's Village) : a more chic and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for couples or families looking for a pleasant setting by the sea.
- Maenam : quieter, with a long, peaceful beach and slightly more affordable accommodation. Ideal if you're looking to escape the crowds.
- Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam : in the west of the island, for a secluded atmosphere, sunsets and Zen-like resorts.
To read : Where to stay in Ko Samui: beach guide
Krabi
Krabi has a lot to offer, with its spectacular landscapes ranging from karst cliffs to dream beaches and tropical islets. It's an ideal destination for combining relaxation, nature, and excursions to the most beautiful spots in the Andaman Sea.
My suggestions
- Ao Nang → Classic tourist base, beach, restaurants, agencies, but very touristy.
- Railay → Accessible only by boat, a dream setting, perfect for a break but often crowded, especially in high season. The beaches are not ideal for swimming, except for the one to the south.
- Krabi town → More local, less expensive, quiet atmosphere. No beach but good starting point.
- Tubkaek Beach → Rather mid-range/upscale hotel. A little isolated but beautiful scenery and quieter.
To read : Krabi: Complete guide to must-see and must-do things
Phuket
Phuket is undoubtedly Thailand's most visited island, as well as its largest, with a wide selection of beaches, activities, and accommodations. Despite its highly developed nature, you can still find peaceful spots, beautiful views, and a truly diverse atmosphere depending on the area.
My suggestions
- Old Phuket Town → Authentic, colorful, charming and far from crowded beaches.
- Patong → For the party, practical for visiting the island but noisy and concreted.
- Kata / Karon → Pleasant beaches, relaxed atmosphere.
- Rawai / Naiharn → More local, greener, good option to avoid too many crowds.
- Close to the airport → More isolated but quiet, surrounded by greenery and often deserted beaches.
To read : Phuket: Guide to choosing the ideal beach to stay at
Sukhothai
S is a must-see for lovers of history and ancient buildings. The first capital of the future Siamese kingdom, its UNESCO-listed historic park is perfect for exploring by bike, amidst a peaceful, green setting.
My suggestions
- New Sukhothai (New Town) → Cheap accommodation, local life. Shuttle to reach the historic site (15 km)
- Old Sukhothai (Mueang Kao) → A stone's throw from the historic park, perfect for early morning visits.
To read : Sukhothai Historical Park: discovering the most beautiful temples by bike