🗺️ Where to go in Thailand: 10 resorts for different budgets

Choosing a resort in Thailand matters more than people tend to think.

💡 In short:

The west coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi) welcomes visitors from November to April, while on Samui the rains fall mainly from October to December.
For diving, choose Tao, Ko Chang, or Phi Phi.
For a vacation with kids, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and Samui are convenient.

From Bangkok to Pattaya it's about 165 km by road, and to Phuket almost 860 km (on the map). But distance isn't the point: the west coast and the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand offer different vacations, different prices, and different weather. Below are ten destinations most often chosen by tourists from Europe, with practical details for each: how to get there, who it suits, and what to plan for in advance.

The short answer: if you're flying for the first time, pick Phuket or Pattaya. For diving, people head to Tao, Ko Chang, and Phi Phi; for quiet islands and parties, to Samui and Phangan; for a family vacation, to Hua Hin. You'll find hotel and ticket prices through the links in the text.

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Resort	Coast	Who it's for	What to keep in mind
Pattaya	Gulf of Thailand	budget travel, nightlife	the city beach is a bit murky
Phuket	Andaman Sea	first trip, beaches, excursions	expensive in high season
Samui	Gulf of Thailand	families, a quiet island	rains in October-December
Krabi	Andaman Sea	nature, islands, cliffs	resort areas are spread out
Phi Phi	Andaman Sea	diving, a short trip	lots of tourists during the day
Ko Chang	Gulf of Thailand	jungle, quiet, waterfalls	a ferry goes to the island
Phangan	Gulf of Thailand	parties, yoga, bungalows	book accommodation in advance
Tao	Gulf of Thailand	diving from scratch	a small island
Hua Hin	Gulf of Thailand	families, golf, quiet	high hotel prices
Bangkok	Chao Phraya River	temples, shopping, transit	heat and traffic jams

1. Pattaya and the gulf islands

Pattaya sits on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, about 165 km from Bangkok (on the map). People come here for the city rhythm: bars, restaurants with show programs, nightclubs, and hotels for any budget. A former fishing village has turned into a dense city with shopping malls and a waterfront where life doesn't stop until morning.

panorama of Pattaya city and bay from above

Pattaya's own beach is unlikely to impress you: the water is a bit murky, the sand is compact, but the sea is warm all year round. For a postcard picture, you'll head to the islands across the water: Ko Lan, Ko Sichang, and Ko Sak. Ferries and speedboats run every day, and you should check the trip price at the pier: it depends on the distance and the type of vessel.

The surrounding area offers a full program: floating hotels on the River Kwai, national parks with jungle and waterfalls. Day trips are sold in the city center, but it's more convenient and cheaper to book them in advance.

How to get there: buses and minivans from Bangkok, about two hours on the road.
Cost: the most budget-friendly option of the ten; accommodation and food here are cheaper than on Phuket.
Who it's for: those who want the sea and city infrastructure without big expenses.
Not for: those looking for quiet and clear water near the shore.
The catch: the city beach loses to the island beaches, and the center is noisy in the evening.

Hotel prices in Pattaya on Trip.com

2. Phuket: beaches and the bridge

Phuket lies in the Andaman Sea, almost 860 km from Bangkok (on the map). You can get here by plane, across the Sarasin Bridge from the mainland, or by ferry from Phi Phi and Krabi. The name translates as "hill," and it's noticeable from the water: the shore rises in green hills, with bays hidden between them.

The island's beaches are varied, and that's its main selling point. Patong holds the nightlife and restaurants; Kata and Karon are chosen by families; Bang Tao and the Laguna area suit those who want a calm sea. The island is considered expensive: prices rise in high season, but you can still find a room on a budget here if you book in advance.

From here it's easy to visit Phi Phi, Khao Sok National Park, and the Promthep Cape viewpoint. For a first trip, this is the best choice: the island offers beaches, excursions, and clear tourist infrastructure.

How to get there: a flight to Phuket airport or a bus across the Sarasin Bridge from the mainland.
Cost: prices are above the national average, especially in the dry season.
Who it's for: those visiting Thailand for the first time who want beaches plus excursions.
The catch: an expensive vacation if you book accommodation late.

Hotel prices in Phuket on Trip.com

3. Samui and the coconut beaches

Samui is the country's second-largest island and one of the greenest. Coconut palms grow more densely here than buildings, and tourist infrastructure appeared only in recent decades: not long ago the island lived almost in isolation from the mainland. That's exactly why nature has been preserved and the beaches have stayed wide.

Between the beaches you'll find waterfalls, jungle, and dozens of bungalows. The cuisine is built around coconut: milk, oil, and desserts made from it are prepared in every other eatery. Kids usually enjoy the sheep farm, where the animals can be fed and petted.

In the evenings the island quiets down early; there are few nightclubs here. If you want a calm seaside vacation with a child, Samui suits better than Pattaya.

How to get there: a flight to the island's airport or a ferry from the mainland.
Cost: food in local restaurants is cheaper than on Phuket.
Who it's for: families with kids and those looking for a quiet island vacation.
The catch: at the end of the year, Samui gets more rain than the west coast.

Hotel prices in Samui on Trip.com

4. Krabi and Phang Nga Bay

Krabi province lies in the south of the country, on the Andaman Sea coast, about 800 km from Bangkok (on the map). Locals call their region the land of a thousand islands: limestone cliffs, lagoons, mangroves, and caves are scattered along the entire coast. There's less mass tourism here than on Phuket, so the landscapes look almost untouched.

The area's calling card, Phang Nga Bay, is known for its turquoise lagoons and underwater caves. To see all of it, you'll need to take a boat tour or rent a scooter: the resort areas are scattered along the coast for dozens of kilometers.

How to get there: fly or take a bus to Krabi, then continue along the coast by taxi and scooter.
Who it's for: travelers who are willing to move around for nature and islands.
The catch: without renting transportation, you'll be dependent on tours and boat schedules.

Hotel prices in Krabi on Trip.com

5. Phi Phi: cliffs and bays

The Phi Phi archipelago consists of several islands, and only the main one, Phi Phi Don, is inhabited. Vertical cliffs rise straight out of the water, narrow channels and bays hide between them, and fishing boats gleam white on the emerald water. This is where the Hollywood film "The Beach" was shot, and after it, Maya Bay became the archipelago's main attraction.

Cliffs and turquoise cove of Phi Phi with a boat

You can build your itinerary around diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boat trips along the cliffs. Add Viking Cave and the viewpoint on Phi Phi Don to your route: from there you can see the entire archipelago at once.

How to get there: ferry or speedboat from Phuket and Krabi.
Who it's for: those coming for a couple of days for the scenery, diving, and snorkeling.
The catch: during the day, popular beaches are crowded with organized tour groups.

Hotel prices on Phi Phi on Trip.com

6. Ko Chang and the national park

Ko Chang lies in the Gulf of Thailand near the border with Cambodia, about 400 km from Bangkok by road (on the map). The island's name means "elephant": from the sea, the coastline resembles the animal's back. Most of the territory is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, the country's forty-fifth, which received its status in 1982 (as of 09/2026, the park's Wikipedia page). The island itself covers about 213 km², while the park includes more than fifty islands, some of them uninhabited.

Fisherman in a boat off the mountainous shores of Ko Chang

The island is almost entirely covered in jungle and mountains, which is why rare species of flora and fauna have survived here. The quiet and slow pace suit those who are tired of cities. For entertainment, you'll have hiking trails to waterfalls, snorkeling at coral reefs, and a Mini Full Moon Party right on the sand.

How to get there: bus to Trat, then ferry to the island.
Who it's for: lovers of quiet, jungle, and calm seas.
The catch: you can't reach the island without a ferry, and the schedule depends on the weather.

Hotel prices on Ko Chang on Trip.com

7. Phangan and the full moon party

Phangan (Koh Phangan) sits next to Samui and is known primarily for its parties. Once a month, the Full Moon Party takes place on Haad Rin beach, and the island fills up with guests from all over Asia. On other days, it's a quiet place with long beaches where nobody bothers you.

Phangan coastline with reef and islet seen from above

The island's atmosphere is often compared to Goa in India: Phangan is home to yogis, retreat lovers, and those looking for a simple bungalow by the sea. Book your accommodation in advance: during full moon days there are almost no vacant houses left, and the choice narrows to expensive hotels.

How to get there: ferry from Samui or from the mainland.
Who it's for: those who want to combine parties and quiet beaches.
The catch: during Full Moon Party days, accommodation prices rise and availability is scarce.

Hotel prices on Phangan on Trip.com

8. Tao for divers

Tao (Koh Tao) is small but popular primarily with divers. Chalok Baan Kao beach is known far beyond the country, and nearby there are schools and rental points for snorkeling gear. Anyone can learn to dive here: instructors take beginners and guide them from their first descent.

panoramic view of Ko Tao island from a hill

Besides diving, you'll be offered sea excursions between the rocks, climbs up the local hills, and paintball. The island is small, so everything is close by, and you won't need a car.

How to get there: speedboats and ferries from the mainland.
Who it's for: those starting out in diving or already diving.
The catch: few activities beyond the sea, and the island goes quiet early in the evening.

Hotel prices on Tao on Trip.com

9. Hua Hin for families

Hua Hin is considered the oldest resort on the country's mainland. King Rama VII built a summer residence here, and the royal family has preferred to vacation in this area ever since. Hence the calm way of life: a wide sandy beach, order, quiet evenings, and plenty of golf courses.

Hua Hin panorama with hotels along the coast

Hotels here are mostly upscale, so a vacation costs more than on the eastern islands. In return, you get a flat beach with good infrastructure and a short trip from Bangkok: the journey takes about three hours (on the map).

How to get there: bus or minivan from Bangkok, about three hours on the road.
Cost: high prices for high-end hotels.
Who it's for: families with children and those coming for golf and quiet.
The catch: nightlife is almost nonexistent, and the resort falls asleep in the evening.

Hotel prices in Hua Hin on Trip.com

10. Bangkok and the Grand Palace

Bangkok serves as the country's gateway: most flights from Europe arrive here, and from here you can travel to any resort or neighboring country. The city is huge and noisy: skyscrapers, shopping malls, and ancient pagodas stand side by side, and the embankments of the Chao Phraya River replace some of the streets.

Night panorama of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

© This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author an · CC BYPhoto: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author an, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The main point of the route is considered to be the Grand Palace and the temple of Wat Phra Kaew with the Emerald Buddha statue. Tickets for foreign visitors are sold at the ticket offices near the entrance, and they close earlier than the complex itself. Come at opening time, otherwise you will stand in line longer than you spend inside. Nearby is Wat Pho with the Reclining Buddha, and there are so many temples in the city that you won't be able to see them all in one trip.

With kids, you can spend a day at an amusement park like Dream World or at a water park, and shopping in Bangkok will take more time than you planned. You can stay overnight here in a hostel, apartment, or hotel of any level: the choice is huge.

How to get there: airport, then BTS, MRT, or the river ferry along the Chao Phraya.
Who it's for: those who want temples, shopping, and convenient transit around the country.
The catch: heat and traffic jams, for short distances it's better to take the metro.

Hotel prices in Bangkok on Trip.com

When to vacation in Thailand

The weather here is divided into dry and rainy periods, and they don't coincide across regions. From November to April it's dry and calm on the Andaman coast: Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi are having their best season. On Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, rains fall mainly from October to December. From January to August it's dry there.

So for a beach vacation, the coast you choose matters more than the calendar. Plan the west for November to April, and the eastern islands for January to August, and the rains will barely catch you. Accommodation in high season gets booked up quickly, so book in advance. If you need travel insurance, compare options from our partner.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which resort in Thailand should you choose for a first trip?

If you're flying for the first time, go with Phuket or Pattaya. In Phuket you'll get Andaman Sea beaches, island nature, and ready-made infrastructure. Pattaya is cheaper and closer to Bangkok, and it's convenient for a short trip. Islands like Koh Tao and Koh Chang are better left for a second visit, when you already understand what kind of vacation suits you.

When is the best time to go to Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi?

The west coast runs on its own schedule: from November to April it's the dry season here, with calm seas and the most island excursions. From May to October it rains, the waves are higher, and some boat routes are canceled. If you're going for the beaches, plan your trip for the dry season and book your hotel in advance.

Where is the best diving in Thailand?

For beginners, Koh Tao is the most convenient: dozens of schools operate there, and calm bays are suitable for first dives. Experienced divers head to Phi Phi and the islands off Koh Chang, where there are coral reefs and deep rock formations. You'll find shore snorkeling at Chalok Baan Kao beach and on the islands of Phang Nga Bay.

Where to go in Thailand with kids?

Families most often choose Hua Hin: a long sandy beach, calm sea, and hotels designed for vacations with children. On Koh Samui you'll find farms, waterfalls, and gently sloping bays, and in Pattaya there are amusement parks nearby. Keep in mind that transfers between islands with kids take half a day.

What to see in Bangkok besides the Grand Palace?

Next to the palace is Wat Pho with the Reclining Buddha, and ancient pagodas and temples are scattered throughout the city, and there are a great many of them. With kids, you can spend a day at an amusement park like Dream World or at a water park. Shopping in Bangkok takes more time than you planned, so leave at least a couple of days for the city.

In short: what to book

If you're going for the first time and want beaches with excursions, go with Phuket. If you need a budget option near the capital, look at Pattaya. For diving and quiet, head to Koh Tao and Koh Chang, for a vacation with kids to Hua Hin and Koh Samui, and leave Bangkok for two days at the beginning or end of your route. Hotels in high season get booked up in advance, so book accommodation before buying tickets. See hotel prices in Thailand on Trip.com

10 Resorts in Thailand: where to relax on beaches, for diving and with children