Thailand has long established itself as an excellent destination for vacations, whether it’s a relaxing beach holiday, enjoying nature and attractions, or vibrant nightlife. However, travelers often wonder which place will suit them best. Here is all the essential information about the most popular resorts in the Kingdom of Thailand: both the most well-known and those that, perhaps, our compatriots have not yet paid attention to.
| Resort | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattaya | Close to Bangkok, developed nightlife, wide choice of hotels, affordable prices, many excursions | Dirty city beaches, weak ecology, little culture, noisy, not suitable for seclusion | Nightlife lovers, budget travelers, short trips, tourists who want active entertainment |
| Phuket | Beautiful beaches, activities (surfing, diving), family-friendly, luxury & budget options | Expensive overall, island logistics, weak shopping scene | Families, beach lovers, active tourists, those who want comfort + nature |
| Koh Samui | Stunning nature, calm beaches, good for relaxation, some nightlife areas, water sports | High prices, island isolation, short high season | Couples, relaxed beach vacations, travelers seeking tranquility |
| Krabi | Reasonable prices, natural attractions, less crowded, close to Phi Phi and Phuket | Weak nightlife, limited beach infrastructure, harder logistics | Nature lovers, quiet vacations, travelers avoiding mass tourism |
| Chiang Mai | Rich culture, temples, festivals, modern city infrastructure, authentic Thai atmosphere | No sea, limited nightlife, no beach activities | Cultural tourism, history lovers, long stays, digital nomads |
| Hua Hin | Clean beaches, close to Bangkok, calm atmosphere, family-friendly | Expensive hotels, limited nightlife, not youth-oriented | Families with children, mature travelers, quiet beach holidays |
| Koh Phangan | Famous Full Moon Party, wild beaches, beautiful nature, few Russian tourists | Poor transport access, weak infrastructure, limited cultural sights | Young travelers, party lovers, backpackers, groups of friends |
Pattaya
Pattaya is probably the most popular holiday destination in Thailand among tourists from all over the world. This resort city is located on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, on the eastern shore of the country. The distance between Pattaya and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is approximately 160 kilometers.
Interestingly, the number of local residents here is four times smaller than the number of tourists who constantly fill the resort. After all, Pattaya is ready to welcome everyone: lovers of spicy nightlife, those who want to soak up the sun, and families with children who enjoy attractions or active recreation.
The resort is beach-oriented, but here’s one recommendation: if you want clean sand and sea, it’s better to head not to Pattaya’s city beaches but to its surroundings — for example, to Koh Larn Island. The best time to fly to Pattaya is from November to May or in July–August.
Pattaya: Recommended Hotels
| Hotel (Stars) | Average Price (USD / night) | Who Should Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Pattaya (5★) | $220–300 | Couples, travelers who want comfort in the city center |
| Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort (5★) | $240–330 | Families with children, resort-style vacation |
| InterContinental Pattaya Resort (5★) | $200–280 | Quiet luxury, couples, premium relaxation |
| Avani Pattaya Resort (4★) | $130–180 | Families, tourists who want balance between comfort and price |
| Grande Centre Point Pattaya (4★) | $120–170 | First-time visitors, comfortable city stay |
| Somerset Pattaya (4★) | $110–160 | Couples, long stays |
| Hotel Amber Pattaya (3★) | $60–90 | Budget travelers, young tourists |
| Centara Pattaya Hotel (3★) | $70–100 | Families on a budget |
| Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel (3★) | $65–95 | Beach-focused budget vacations |
Advantages of Pattaya:
- Convenient location: just a couple of hours’ drive from Bangkok.
- Well-developed tourist infrastructure: hotels for every taste, entertainment centers, restaurants, bars, nightclubs — all of this grows in Pattaya every year.
- Lower vacation costs compared to other resorts. This doesn’t mean everything is cheap — it depends on the hotel and additional expenses — but Pattaya is accessible even for travelers with a small budget.
- A wide choice of excursion options: due to the large number of tourists, there are plenty of offers.
- The resort is convenient for those who feel more comfortable among compatriots: a large number of Russian-speaking residents live in Pattaya, and many tourists from CIS countries visit year-round.
Disadvantages of Pattaya:
- The beaches located directly in the city cannot be considered clean.
- Pattaya itself does not have many attractions or special cultural places for those who come to Thailand for its traditions and history.
- Due to numerous parties and party-goers, the resort cannot be considered ideal for families with children. Also, the sea and air quality in Pattaya are not the best.
- Pattaya is not suitable for those seeking seclusion in Thailand.
Phuket Island
Phuket is an island resort no less famous than Pattaya. The island is located in the southeastern part of the country. The easiest way to get to the island is by plane from Bangkok — the flight takes one hour.
This magical island is famous primarily for its pristine beaches and sea; the coastline is dotted with bays and cliffs. The resort’s features make it suitable both for those seeking secluded relaxation and complete tranquility, and for those who value comfortable accommodation with accessible infrastructure. The best time to vacation in Phuket is from November to May.
Phuket: Recommended Hotels
| Hotel (Stars) | Average Price (USD / night) | Who Should Stay |
|---|---|---|
| JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (5★) | $260–350 | Families with children, luxury beach vacations |
| Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort (5★) | $240–330 | Families, beach lovers, relaxed resort stay |
| SAii Laguna Phuket (5★) | $230–320 | Families, all-inclusive style vacations |
| InterContinental Phuket Resort (5★) | $280–380 | Couples, premium quiet holidays |
| Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa (4★) | $130–180 | Families with children, good value resorts |
| Grand Mercure Phuket Patong (4★) | $140–190 | Families who want beach and city nearby |
| The Westin Siray Bay Resort (4★) | $150–210 | Relaxed family vacations, quiet areas |
| Kamala Beach 3★ Hotels | $70–110 | Budget families, calm beach holidays |
| Kata Beach 3★ Hotels | $75–120 | Couples and families on a budget |
Advantages of Phuket Island:
- A variety of beaches — from lively ones surrounded by comfortable hotels and nightclubs to secluded places immersed in nature: waterfalls, tropical forests, coral reefs.
- Opportunities for travelers with different budgets and expectations: Phuket offers both five-star hotels and private hosts renting bungalows.
- A wide selection of activities for lovers of active recreation and summer sports: surfing, diving, snorkeling, yachting, and more.
- The pristine beauty of the island’s nature.
- Phuket is excellent for family vacations with children: good ecology and well-developed infrastructure — including shopping malls, pharmacies, and clinics — make holidays here peaceful and safe.
Disadvantages of Phuket Island:
- Phuket is an island, so those who want to travel around the whole country may face difficulties — they’ll need to go to the mainland.
- Although budget accommodation exists, overall vacations in Phuket tend to be quite expensive.
- Phuket is not the best destination for shopping lovers.
Koh Samui
This popular resort is located on an island in the Gulf of Thailand — 40 kilometers from the country’s eastern coast. You can reach the island either by plane from Thailand’s capital or by ferry — if you’re traveling around the country, the second option will also be more economical.
Samui, like Phuket, is known for its exceptional natural beauty. White sand and coconut palms look much better in reality than in any travel agency brochure.
Advantages of Koh Samui:
- Perfect for a beach holiday, especially if the traveler wants peace and quiet.
- There are also options for those who enjoy active recreation: on certain beaches you can rent equipment or take lessons with an instructor — diving, windsurfing, beach tennis, or volleyball.
- On some beaches, for those who get tired of silence, there are discos, bars, and nightclubs.
Disadvantages of Koh Samui:
- The resort is quite expensive — thanks to its stunning nature, tourists are willing to pay a lot for staying on the island.
- For those who want to travel around the country, an obvious problem arises — since the resort is island-based, moving back and forth can be difficult and costly.
- The “high season” on the island is relatively short: from January to May.
Krabi
This resort — or more precisely, an entire resort region — is located in the south of Thailand with access to the Andaman Sea. It is well-known, though not as widely recognized as Pattaya or Phuket. You can reach Krabi via the local airport, from Phuket (by land), or from Bangkok (by air or land).
Krabi is located close to other resort destinations such as Phuket and Phi Phi, making it convenient for those who want to explore the southern part of the country. The best time to visit is from November to May.
Advantages of Krabi:
- Since the resort is not yet as popular as Phuket, the overall cost of vacationing in Krabi is quite reasonable.
- The province offers various attractions — both natural and cultural — so you don’t have to limit yourself to just beach holidays.
- Perfect for those who appreciate nature and seclusion.
Disadvantages of Krabi:
- The tourist infrastructure is not highly developed. There are not many entertainment options for party lovers, as the resort hasn’t yet become Thailand’s top hotspot — and most visitors come here for different reasons.
- Even though Krabi has access to the sea, there aren’t very many fully equipped beaches.
- The resort is not the most convenient in terms of transportation — reaching Krabi from the capital, where most tourists arrive, can be quite long and costly.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the second-largest city in Thailand, located in the north of the country, in the mountains of Inthanon. You can reach it from the capital by air (one hour) or by land (ten hours). The most popular time to visit is from November to March.
Although Chiang Mai is not suitable for beach holidays — there is no access to the sea — it attracts many tourists. This destination is often described as the “cultural capital” of Thailand.
Advantages of Chiang Mai:
- The city is rich in fascinating places: the highest mountain in Thailand, numerous Buddhist temples (around 300) — perfect for those who travel in search of culture and traditions.
- As a major city, Chiang Mai appeals to comfort seekers: this modern and developed urban center has all the necessary infrastructure, including shops, clinics, and pharmacies.
- Chiang Mai is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in traditions. The city hosts regular festivals and offers many Thai cooking schools and exhibitions dedicated to the life of ancient peoples.
Disadvantages of Chiang Mai:
- Despite being a large city, Chiang Mai is not the best destination for nightlife. This area is more suited for calm, cultural, daytime activities.
- No access to the sea — meaning it’s impossible to combine sightseeing with beach relaxation here.
- This destination is not very suitable for fans of active, beach-oriented sports, which are typically associated with tropical countries.
Hua Hin
It is one of the oldest resorts in Thailand. Hua Hin is a city on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand and a major administrative center. You can get there from the capital by land — the trip takes about three hours. The resort is usually visited from November to June.
Hua Hin is no less famous than Pattaya, but it is much better suited for beach holidays. There is enough space for all tourists on its three-kilometer beach. Interestingly, the resort is also popular among locals — they often choose it for their own vacations.
Pros of Hua Hin:
- It is ideal for families with children. Many hotels are separated by a good distance from each other, making the stay peaceful. Most visitors are families with children or middle-aged travelers.
- Good transport accessibility and proximity to the capital.
- Although the beaches are not as stunning as on the island resorts, they are much cleaner and better than in Pattaya.
Cons of Hua Hin:
- The resort is quite expensive: mostly wealthy travelers come here, and the hotel level is high — but so is the accommodation cost.
- Hua Hin is not the best place for young groups of tourists — it’s a respectable resort, not the top choice for party lovers or show seekers.
Koh Phangan
Phangan, or Ko Pha-ngan, is an island resort in the Gulf of Thailand, located near the aforementioned Samui. The island is almost entirely covered with tropical forests, but a large part is beach territory. Tourists usually visit Phangan from January to May.
At present, Phangan is not particularly popular among tourists from CIS countries. Russian-speaking travelers usually choose other, more promoted resorts. But in reality, this island can appeal to many — especially young people.
Pros of Phangan:
- First and foremost, Phangan is perfect for groups of young travelers. For all nightlife lovers, beach parties are held here, including the famous Full Moon Party, which lasts for three nights every month. Music, cocktails, and atmosphere — all against the backdrop of exotic Thai nature.
- The island is great for beach holidays of any type. There are both developed beaches full of tourists and wild ones — for those who want peaceful, private rest.
- The island is also one of the most beautiful: despite the parties, there are still places of pristine natural purity.
- The resort appeals to those who want a break from crowds of compatriots — Russian tourists rarely choose Phangan.
Cons of Phangan:
- Transport accessibility is low. If you get tired of the island, getting off it requires several types of transport, and it is far from the capital.
- Not very suitable for lovers of cultural tourism: there are fewer attractions here compared to some of the previously mentioned resorts.
- As it is not a major resort, it may not be suitable for families with children: the infrastructure is less developed, making it more fitting for young travelers or groups.
- Medium price affordability.
So, these are the most popular places to travel in Thailand. It must be said that this is not a full list of all the resorts in the country, but even among the most well-known destinations, as you can see, there are options for every taste. Thailand truly is one of the ideal countries for a vacation.
