So of course, Koh Chang is already top of your list . . .but here are some ideas for other places to stay in Thailand. Why not take a visit next tripo?
Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is usually the first port of call for the majority of visitors coming into Thailand and south-east Asia, and while many tourists head out to the mountains in the North and islands in the south of the country, Bangkok has plenty to offer.
It’s a city of contrast, where you will find towering multi-million-pound skyscrapers built next to wooden shacks, but it has a certain vibe and buzz which attracts thousands of tourists a year. With a mix of modern and traditional you can spend a day wandering the streets visiting temples, historic markets, holy shrines and then go for a drink in one of the many sky bars or take a shopping trip to the modern malls and food courts.
Whether you’re there for a day or a month you will nether be bored as Bangkok is full of surprises. Most people pass through Bangkok on their way to Koh Chang, if you need to know how to get here, read our handy guide
Luxury – Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Mid-Range – Siamotif Boutique Hotel
Budget – The Cube Hostel
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital is the complete opposite to Bangkok. Tourists escape to the city to relax and recharge their batteries, to wander the backstreets, sample the amazing food and discover this amazing Thai city.
With a very laid back and calm atmosphere, Chiang Mai has become a very popular place to visit, with a feel of a sleepy country town rather than a bustling city. Surrounded by lush green mountainous countryside there is plenty to do, including some amazing waterfalls and of course the elephant sanctuaries.
Luxury – The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai
Mid-Range – Baan Klang Wiang
Budget – Varada Place
Koh Lanta
One of Thailand’s many southern islands, Ko Lanta has become a luscious getaway for tourists visiting Thailand. While not as popular as Phuket or Phi Phi, Lanta remains more relaxed and closer to the real Thailand compared to the former two. The island has some amazingly beautiful beaches, hidden coves, coral reefs and good, nearby dive spots and with a relatively flat terrain and good roads it’s an ideal place to explore by motorbike.
Luxury – Layana Resort and Spa
Mid-Range – Lanta Castaway Beach Resort
Budget – Mook Lanta Resort
Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is located in the balmy Andaman Sea and is a very popular tourist destination which has turned the island into Thailand’s wealthiest province. Compared to the rest of Thailand it’s expensive and not a place to visit on a tight budget for an extended stay.
The most popular beaches are Patong, Kata and Karon beach, but the island is so big there are plenty of places to escape the crowds and go on an adventure. Phuket is rapidly growing, and while it’s great for a beach holiday there are better places to go if you want to experience the real Thailand.
Luxury – Trisara Phuket
Mid-Range – Eastin Yama Hotel Phuket
Budget – Patong Princess Hotel
Koh Chang
Jungle covered peaks, sweeping bays and white sand beaches are just some of the reasons why Koh Chang, in the Gulf of Thailand, is becoming a popular destination amongst tourists. Whether you’re an adventurous type or a beach bum the island caters for everyone, you can sit and relax on one of the many beaches or head inland and hike through the steep jungle interior to the tiered Klong Plu waterfall. The coast is dotted with bays and villages which can be easily explored by motorbike, especially the more remote and rugged East side of the island.
Luxury – The Chill Resort & Spa, Koh Chang
Mid-Range – Baan Rim Nam Guesthouse
Budget – Lonely Beach Resort
Hua Hin
Hua Hin, located on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand was the countries first resort destination and with it being only 200 km away from Bangkok has become a getaway destination for the cities residents. They are plenty of attractions and activities available including world class golf courses, long white sand beaches, luxury resorts and spas plus Buddhist temples and rustic markets making Hua Hin a perfect holiday destination.
Luxury – Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas
Mid-Range – Nern Chalet Beachfront Hotel
Budget – Peony Hotel
Pai
Located near the Myanmar border 146 km north-west of Chiang Mai, once a quiet market village Pai has become similar to a Thai island getaway – without the beaches and warm sea, for tourists and Thai’s. The town is well known for its chilled atmosphere, budget friendly accommodation and restaurants.
Many tourists use Pai as a base for trekking in the surrounding hills visiting the local tribes. Renting a motorbike is also very popular to get out of the town into the surrounding countryside to explore the nearby waterfalls and hot springs.
Luxury – Romance Another Story in Pai Hotel
Mid-Range -Pai Village Boutique Resort & Farm
Budget -Spicy Pai Backpackers
Krabi
Famous for its craggy limestone cliffs, mangrove forests and over a hundred offshore islands, Krabi has become a very popular tourist destination. The area is excellent for scuba diving, rock climbing and island hopping, the beaches are pretty decent too. Ao Nang, Krabi town and Railay are three of the most popular destinations, all three are on the mainland but Railay can only be reached by boat and is a hidden paradise with some stunning beaches, accommodation to suit all budgets and world class rock climbing.
Krabi town and Ao Nang are more your typical Thai tourist town with all the amenities and attraction you’d expect from such towns.
Luxury – Rayavadee
Mid-Range – Aonang Village Resort
Budget -P.A.N Beach Bungalow
Pattaya
Pattaya is a destination that you’ll either love or hate, the city is well known for its wild nightlife scene and its famous walking street and go-go bars, which attracts international visitors, expats and weekend visitors from Bangkok. It also has a reputation as a sex capital which it’s trying hard to budge and not be associated with.
The city is built around a large sweeping bay, lined with resorts, high-rise condos and shopping malls, the beaches are always busy, with jet skiing and parasailing being very popular activities. When it comes to accommodation the city has a large choice to suit all budgets and styles.
Luxury – Sea Sand Sun Resort & Spa
Mid-Range – Amari Ocean Hotel Pattaya
Budget -Pattaya Blue Sky Hotel
Koh Samui
Ko Samui is home to some of Thailand’s most luxurious resorts and is only behind Phuket in the popularity stakes. With an international airport and decent ferry connections Ko Samui is the ideal island destination and unlike Phuket, the skyline isn’t ruined by high rise buildings due to a local law.
The island is home to some of the best beaches and clearest waters, with a choice of over 500 choices of accommodation and enough activities to keep you going for a long time, to many, it’s the perfect place to be.
Luxury – Nora Buri Resort & Spa
Mid-Range – Peace Resort
Budget – Summer Inn
And finally, it goes without saying that the islands of Koh Kood and Koh Mak, close to Koh Chang are also worth checking out if you have the time. These are less developed than those in the south of Thailand, so ideal if you want to get away from the package tour masses.
Hi Normal. Yes. You won’t recognise the place. However, as koh Chang is a national Park, the inland areas haven’t been developed and will be as you remember them. For quieter islands, try Koh Wai or Koh Mak. And Koh Kood is well worth visiting but you will need a scootoer to get around and see the island properly.