Thailand has something for every traveller—whether you’re stretching your baht in a budget guesthouse or checking into a private pool villa. From city skyscraper hotels to floating river cabins, the range of accommodation is as diverse as the country itself.

This guide gives you an overview of the most popular types of accommodation, what to expect at different budgets, and tips for choosing the right place. You’ll also find links to our destination-specific guides, where we dive into the best areas to stay in Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and beyond.

Popular Types of Accommodation in Thailand

Luxury Resorts
Affordable luxury is one of Thailand’s big draws. Expect beachfront resorts, spa retreats, and five-star city hotels offering polished service and plenty of extras.

Boutique Hotels
Often locally owned, boutique hotels mix style and comfort with a dose of personality. Many highlight Thai design, art, and culture, and your money usually stays in the community.

Traditional Guesthouses & Homestays
For a more authentic experience, guesthouses and homestays let you see Thai hospitality up close. Rooms are often simple but warm, and many are run by families who’ve been welcoming travellers for years.

Hostels & Budget Stays
Perfect for solo travellers and anyone on a tight budget. Thailand’s hostels range from no-frills dorms to stylish spaces with pools, coworking areas, and lively communal bars.

Private Villas
Ideal for groups, families, or anyone after privacy. Villas—especially popular in Phuket, Samui, and Krabi—often come with kitchens, private pools, and direct beach access.

Serviced Apartments & Condos
Great for longer stays in cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Expect hotel-style service with the bonus of kitchens and laundry facilities.

Accommodation by Budget

Budget (Under 1,000 THB/night)

• Guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels. Popular chains in Thailand include Ibis, Hop Inn B2 and LubD
• Basic but clean, sometimes with shared bathrooms.
• Best for: backpackers, solo travellers, and anyone stretching their budget.

Mid-Range (1,000–3,000 THB/night)

• Comfortable boutique hotels, older resorts, or serviced condos.
• Pools, gyms, and on-site dining are common.
• Best for: couples, families, or anyone after a balance of value and comfort.

Luxury (3,000+ THB/night)

• Five-star resorts, beachfront villas, and city hotels.
• Expect spas, multiple restaurants, and extras like private pools.
• Best for: honeymoons, special occasions, or travellers who want it all.

Regional Price Variations

Accommodation costs vary depending on where you are:

• Bangkok – Everything from $15 dorm beds to Asia’s top luxury hotels.
• Chiang Mai – Generally cheaper, with great boutique and mid-range value.
• Phuket & Koh Samui – Beachfront luxury comes with a premium, especially in peak season.
• Hua Hin & Pattaya – Often better value than the southern islands for similar comfort.

💡 Tip: Prices rise sharply during December–February and July–August. Book early if travelling in peak season.

Things to consider before booking accommodation in Thailand

Rather than basing your choices solely on price consider the following before you choose where to stay.

• Location: Choose your stay based on your preferred experiences. – do you want to be in the centre of the action or a few streets back where you are more likely to get a quiet night’s sleep? Is it worth it to you to pay a little extra for direct access to the beach on your island getaway?
  
• Proximity to attractions: Easy access to public transport, local attractions, and dining will be a godsend in the hot and wet seasons, especially at the end of the day when your energy is low.
  
• Diverse experiences: Mix things up a bit, a lux hotel with a rooftop pool and bar in Bangkok contrasts well with a floating cabin on the river in Kanchanaburi or a tree house in Khao Sok.
  
• Booking tips: In high season the most popular hotels and resort, especially on the beach island hotspots of Phuket or Koh Samui book out very early. If you have your heart set on something, book well in advance. We always recommend booking a rate that can be cancelled at no penalty. Consider reviews, especially on platforms like booking.com where only verified guests can comment. This reduces the risk of fake reviews.

Where to Stay Guides

We’ve put together detailed guides for Thailand’s most popular destinations. Each one explains the best areas to stay, what they’re like, and our hotel picks across different budgets.

• Where to Stay in Bangkok
• Where to Stay in Kanchanaburi
• Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
• Where to Stay in Phuket
  (More destinations coming soon.)

Our Approach

We only recommend properties we, or our writers, have personally stayed in or thoroughly reviewed during visits. When a stay has been hosted (i.e. we didn’t pay), we always disclose this clearly. Our goal is to give you honest, first-hand insights you can trust.

Need Some Help Deciding?

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