14 best resorts in Thailand – which one to choose for recreation, photo, description, map
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Millions of visitors come here every year. But in order for the vacation to really succeed, it is important to collect the necessary information in advance. Resorts in Thailand have their own advantages and disadvantages, each of them is unique. It is important to understand what is right for you. Let's talk about this in more detail.
Pattaya
A very popular resort, where there are always a lot of vacationers from Russia, so you will definitely meet compatriots here. It is located at a distance of about 160 km from the capital. Pattaya offers a huge selection of hotels and guest houses, and you can choose a luxury option or relax at a very reasonable price. Swimming is best on the nearby islands – they are very picturesque and the waters of the Gulf of Thailand are clean there. The best time to visit is from November to May, but you can also visit in August. Keep in mind that prices go up during the New Year holidays.
In Pattaya, there is simply a sea of entertainment – incendiary nightlife, a large selection of excursions, rides, water parks, and entertainment establishments. But there are also disadvantages. Firstly, the sea and beaches are not the cleanest directly at the resort, so tourists prefer to go to the islands. Secondly, lovers of solitude are unlikely to find it here – the place is very popular and crowded. Finally, thirdly, for families with children, nightlife may seem too lively. They should look for a quieter resort, or choose a hotel with a large area so that the music does not interfere with the kids' sleep.
Phuket
You can fly to this fabulous island, located in the southeastern part of the country, directly from Moscow. But it will be more convenient to take tickets to Bangkok, and from there go to Phuket by plane. The journey will take no more than an hour. Holidays on the island are suitable for almost everyone. There are many picturesque little bays here, and if you crave solitude, then you can easily find it. Those who cannot imagine a holiday without luxury and comfort will be able to choose a suitable room in one of the magnificent hotels. Those whose budget is more modest can stay in a bungalow – such options are offered by private traders. Children will be delighted with the nature of the island. There are rivers and waterfalls, a diverse flora and fauna.
Also, there are simply the richest opportunities for diving and surfing. Colorful underwater inhabitants and thickets of corals make an indelible impression. However, if you are traveling to get to know the country and its sights, Phuket is not the best option. After all, every time you have to get from the island to the mainland and back. It will also be boring for shopping lovers. There are shops in Phuket, but their number is, of course, limited. In addition, holidays on the island will cost more than in Pattaya.
Koh Samui
It is the second largest island in Thailand. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand, and about 4 tens of kilometers separate it from land, so the infrastructure here is not as developed as in Phuket. Nevertheless, there are many excellent hotels here, and in general, holidays on Koh Samui are quite expensive. The best time to visit here is from January to May. But in general, the climate here differs for the better from other resorts, since the rainy season is not so pronounced, and if a storm occurs in the Gulf of Thailand, then there are no big waves on Koh Samui.
The nature here is simply amazing, and as usual, local landscapes are compared with advertisements for Bounty chocolates. Holidays on Koh Samui will suit everyone who craves peace and quiet, especially romantic couples. But the inhabitants of the island also take into account the interests of young people, so discos are noisy here from time to time, entertainment events are held. Of course, there are bars and restaurants here too. Cons on Koh Samui are the same as in Phuket. A significant distance to the coast of Thailand – it is unlikely that you will be able to travel there often during your vacation. Limited entertainment and rather high prices.
View prices for tours on Koh Samui
Krabi
Resort on the south coast, located near the island of Phuket. There are not so many tourists here yet, probably because getting here is far and long. Choosing Krabi for your vacation, you can see the sights located in the south of the country, and there are many of them. Natural and cultural curiosities can be seen during excursions – group and individual. Also, staying in Krabi, you will no doubt visit Phuket. The best time to visit here is from the end of autumn to the end of spring.
At other times of the year, the weather can spoil the vacation – rains and storms, it will also be too hot and stuffy. Since the resort is not yet too popular, the prices will not seem too high to you. Krabi also has its drawbacks. For example, the water here is clean, but the infrastructure on the beaches is not well developed. Party lovers will miss the noisy entertainment and nightlife at this resort. In addition, you will have to spend a certain amount to get to this remote resort.
View prices for tours in Krabi
Chiang Mai
If you want to get acquainted with the culture of Thailand – go to Chiang Mai. This large city is located in the north of the country. You can fly here by plane from Bangkok or come by bus, the journey will take 10-11 hours. The old city has a huge number of attractions. There are hundreds of Buddhist temples here, festivals and other events are constantly held. And, of course, there are cafes and restaurants, museums and exhibition halls, cultural, leisure and entertainment centers.
Here you can admire the highest mountain in the country. The climate of Thailand is such that it is better to come here during the winter months. The resort has only two drawbacks. Firstly, there is no sea here, so you can only see the sights. Secondly, there are no noisy entertainments either – nightlife mainly rages in seaside cities. But choosing Chiang Mai, you will get a lot of impressions.
Huahin
A respectable resort on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The people of Thailand themselves love it very much and regularly come here to relax. Hua Hin is also the administrative center, the road from Bangkok takes 2.5-3 hours, the communication is excellent. There are many hotels here, most of them are 4-5 *. The hotels are located at a decent distance from each other, each has its own territory, the rest will be calm, no one will bother you. This resort is especially good for families with children.
The beaches occupy a large area, they are very clean, the entrance to the water is gentle. The beach season lasts a long time – from early November to mid-June. The disadvantage of the resort is the relatively high prices. Also, young people may not like the rest here due to the lack of noisy entertainment – mainly middle-aged tourists and families with children come here.
Pangan
Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive island resort, where young people will undoubtedly like it. Firstly, the island is simply stunningly beautiful. Most of it is covered with tropical forests with rich vegetation and wildlife. Secondly, there are equipped and wild beaches here, and underwater landscapes are simply mesmerizing. Also, entertainment events and discos are constantly arranged on the shore. The holiday season lasts from early January to May.
Russians may not meet compatriots here, as tourists from the Russian Federation rarely choose holidays on Koh Phangan, preferring the more “promoted” Pattaya. And sorry! What is worth only the “Full Moon Party”, which takes place here every month and lasts for three whole nights. Music, exotic drinks, dances – in a word, it is impossible to forget it. Families with children may lack developed infrastructure on the island. Also, the road to the coast will take a lot of time, and often it will not work out to the mainland of Thailand.
Tao
Small – about 20 km2, and the very picturesque island of Koh Tao is separated from Koh Phangan by about 35 km. The name translates as “Turtle Island”. Although at present there are few of them here – the animals did not like the influx of tourists. During the rest, you can not see a single turtle, but you will definitely take pictures with their sculptures. And also admire the cleanest beaches, green forests, go scuba diving among the corals. There is a great choice of places to stay here: from hotels to guest houses. There are also enough shops and cafes, there are pharmacies and ATMs.
Some tourists like Tao so much that they rent houses here for several months. It is best to come to the island during the dry season, which lasts from early December and ends closer to May. But you can look here in the summer. The main thing is that your vacation does not fall in November and December – a period of heavy rains and severe storms. Of the sights, it is worth noting the observation deck, the monument to King Rama the Fifth, who visited here, as well as the Museum of Fisheries. Tourists also visit the Diamond Caves.
Samet
This beautiful island is located about 80 km from Pattaya. As in other secluded places, the beaches and water here are pristine, the forests are literally mesmerizing and beautiful even during the tropical rainy season. Rest here will be preferable for romantic couples and everyone who seeks a quiet pastime. The island has comfortable hotels, modern salons where you will be offered spa treatments and massages, and a variety of beach activities are available.
And yet, young people who have heard about Thailand as a country where evening and night life simply rages for every taste, it may seem boring here. The Turtle Farm works, guests are expected in the Fisherman's Village, you can climb the observation deck, admire the Buddha statue or the sculptural composition representing the Mermaid and the Prince. There are few excursions here. You can book a sightseeing tour of the island, meet the sunset, or go on a night fishing trip.
Chang
The shape of this island reminds the locals of an elephant, which is why it got its name. And, of course, beautiful palm trees, spacious beaches, picturesque sunsets are also available here. It is especially good here at low tide – it's nice to walk along the shore, admire the crabs and other living creatures. In the depths of the island you can see waterfalls and observation platforms. It is easy to get there on foot or by jeep. But many tourists prefer mopeds for independent travel around Chang, which are rented here and there. You can settle on the island both in an elite hotel and just in a tent – if you are young, picky and want to save money.
It is also convenient and cheap to buy products in chain stores and cook on your own. Would you like to? There are many cafes and restaurants on the island. You will taste exotic dishes, enjoy local fruits, you can even pick them from the trees yourself. There are also night markets where they sell food, so you can eat at any time of the day. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the periodic influx of tourists and the increase in prices at this time.
lanta
An island resort in the province of Krabi, where people come to relax from December to April. The rest of the year is the low season, rains and storms are provided, the beaches are not cleaned, and there is no entertainment. As a resort, Lanta began to develop in the 90s of the last century, at the same time electricity was supplied here. The most lively northern part, this is due to the fact that in the south there is a national park. And the closer to it, the fewer hotels, restaurants and shops, the more forests and monkeys.
You can't go around Lanta along the ring road – you can only visit the national park and admire its beauties. The beaches are located on the western coast of the island, and here tourists can buy souvenirs, withdraw money from ATMs, and sit in restaurants. The main settlement of the island is Saladan. But there are no sights here, people come here for shopping, buying excursions, and also in order to rent a motorcycle.
Phi-Phi
The archipelago consists of 6 islands, but tourists will be able to stay on only 2 of them. This is Don and Le. And they are very different. On Phi Phi Don, life is in full swing: there are hotels, shopping centers, you can take a taxi, and Phi Phi Le is a real oasis of untouched nature with a beautiful bay and marvelous landscapes. However, you saw everything yourself if you watched the movie “The Beach”, where the role of the protagonist is played by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio.
The remaining 4 islands are uninhabited, you can only get here during excursions. And many tourists enjoy it. Fishing, diving, swimming – and then you can tell everyone with a clear conscience that you have been on a desert island. Regular excursions take place on Phi Phi Le. Maya Bay is a magnificent lagoon where you can take just fabulous photos. In addition, beach activities are organized here for you.
Rayon
One of the best places in Thailand, but Western tourists have not yet mastered it. It is located in the east of the country, on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Almost 100 kilometers of beaches, small bays where you can be completely alone if you wish. At the same time, the prices here are quite low. The sand on the beaches is white, mountains rise in the background. During the period of tropical rains, vegetation thrives and fruits ripen. You can come here for durians and mangosteens and tear them yourself.
When the rains end, the storms subside, the water becomes crystal clear, you can bask on the beach as much as you like, or scuba dive, admiring the fish and corals. There are also waterfalls here – in a word, there is a lot of things to admire. Here is the island of Ko Samet with its untouched nature. Another advantage of Rayong is that here you can not only relax, but also be treated with mineral water and geothermal springs.
Bangkok
Do not neglect the opportunity to explore the capital of Thailand, the city of Bangkok. Even if you rest in another place, you should definitely go here for a couple of days. The city stands near the Gulf of Thailand, on the banks of the river. You can move here not only by land transport, but also by water, thanks to the developed canal system. You can stay in a luxury hotel or choose a much simpler option. Experienced tourists advise choosing a hotel closer to the center, and one where you will be served breakfast. Because tourists usually have lunch and dinner in the city.
Bangkok has something to see for both adults and children. It is better to plan acquaintance with the sights for one of the winter months, in summer it will be too hot and stuffy. You should definitely look at the magnificent palace where the royal family lives, ritual swings, the famous temple complex, which includes more than 90 pagodas. You will also be surprised by floating markets, children will love the oceanarium and amusement parks. Bangkok is also beautiful in the evening, when it is illuminated by many lights.
The key to a successful holiday in Thailand will be your attention to detail. After you decide on a resort, you should book a place in a hotel that has a good reputation and plan an excursion program. Thailand is a real treasure, there are so many attractions that you need to have time to see as much as possible. And, of course, do not forget about the beach holiday. It is he who, first of all, attracts so many tourists to this country.