It is hard to find a place that can compare with Thailand in terms of variety of resort vacation options. The longest country in Southeast Asia from north to south has several seas, plains, dense forests, mountains and, of course, islands. Numerous local resorts give limitless opportunities. I will tell you where is the best place to vacation in Thailand.
The best resorts in Thailand for family vacations
Travelers with children Thailand is ideal for them. It is warm, full of fruit, and the sea is almost free of spiny corals, sharp stones, stinging jellyfish and predators dangerous to humans.
Phuket
Phuket is a universal resort. It has excellent beaches, a rich cultural program, many opportunities for active recreation and a vibrant nightlife. But it is especially good for family vacations.
In addition to wide white-sand beaches, Thailand’s largest island has plenty of great entertainment for children and adults. Young travelers will appreciate the themed show parks Phuket FantaSea and Siam Niramit Phuket.
Thai boxers, aerial gymnasts, illusionists and even real elephants take part in the grand shows, which are a cross between a street carnival and a circus. And next to the stage are ethnographic villages offering many fascinating workshops on traditional Thai crafts.
Another Phuket hit is the Hanuman World rope park: all the trails are set right in the rain forest, and the cherry on this adrenaline cake is the best zipline in all of Thailand.
If you are crazy about water rides, Splash Jungle Water Park is the place to go. Among the attractions I would like to mention the zoo in Muang district with interesting show programs, the huge Aquaria Phuket oceanarium with an underwater tunnel, Bird Paradise bird park, Tiger Kingdom tiger park and Elephant Retirement Park.
Ko Samui
Ko Samui is a quiet island with calm bays and water activities to suit all tastes and ages. Big waves happen here only in winter and not on every beach, but you will find sunbeds, playgrounds and food adapted to children’s tastes anywhere on the island. The best beaches are Lamai, Maenam and Chaweng Noi.
Don’t forget to take the kids to the local oceanarium and tiger nursery where big cats are kept, to the monkeys at Samui Monkey, to the elephants at Namuang Safari Park and to one of the many farms where crocodiles or snakes are bred.
Teenagers will love Pink Elephant Water Park with its colorful water slides and EasyKart karting center. On the contrary, children should not be taken to the famous “Grandma and Grandpa” – these rocks got their name because of their resemblance to human genitalia.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang literally means “elephant island” and if you want to meet the largest land animal on the planet, this is the place to go.
The third largest island in Thailand is home to the famous White Sand Beach. The white sand here is a kilometer and a half along the sea, and the beach has not left the top lines of the hit parade of the most beautiful beaches on the planet for decades. Children will also enjoy Kai Bae or Chai Chet beaches, but the kids will be most excited after visiting the National Park, where they can pet mongooses, macaws and other cute animals.
Adults, by the way, won’t be bored on Koh Chang either. This island was once one of the most respectable resorts in the country, where wealthy Thais came to visit. And although foreign tourists have long outnumbered locals, Koh Chang has inherited a huge number of gourmet restaurants (look for them around Bang Bao and White Sand Beach).
Hua Hin
One of the oldest resorts in Thailand and a favorite vacation spot for the royal family. The first royal palace was built here in 1920, when the country was still called Siam. But even if your children are not obsessed with princesses, it will not be difficult to find entertainment for them here. There are several water parks in Hua Hin: Black Mountain Water Park will be quieter, and Vana Nava Water Jungle has some pretty extreme slides.
There is also a zoo for animal watching and Hua Hin Safari & Adventure Park, where you can get acquainted with the local fauna while riding an ATV. And if you want quiet, take your young companions to the Market Village play center. There are so many slides, trampolines and swings here that a few hours of tranquility are guaranteed.
Thailand’s best resorts for outdoor activities
Golf courses, windsurfing equipment rentals, rope parks, rock-climbing or Thai boxing schools can be found in any popular resort in Thailand. But still the main types of active recreation in these lands are diving and snorkeling. Especially in the Andaman Sea.
Fans of underwater adventures its waters provide almost limitless opportunities: from comfortable dives to the crowded coastal reefs to diving to shipwrecks, deep-sea caves and steep cliffs, requiring divers to be professionally trained.
Krabi
Krabi Province is famous for its beautiful coastline and reefs, which were not damaged during the 2004 tsunami. Therefore, these places are especially loved by divers. There are many dive spots (scuba diving sites) and racks (sunken ships) along the coast.
The most impressive of these is the 87-meter King Cruiser ferry, which crashed into the reef in 1997. Inside the ferry live barracudas and moray eels. The Anemone reef itself, which sank the ill-fated ship, is also available for diving and is great for beginners.
Another underwater hit is Hin Daeng, two deep-sea cliffs covered in purple coral. Grey reef sharks, leopard sharks and giant moray eels are often seen here. Snorkeling off the coast of Krabi can be practiced everywhere.
But if your heart desires something special, buy a snorkeling tour to the many uninhabited rocky islands with inner lagoons, which can be accessed through tunnels in the rocks. This kind of entertainment is not offered anywhere else in the world.
Koh Tao
This island is consistently ranked among the top dive sites in Thailand. At the same time, Koh Tao dive centers are considered to be almost the most budget-friendly in the country, so this option is perfect for those who would like to take a course and get PADI certification. Advanced divers come here primarily for Chumphon, a granite rock where underwater life of incredible beauty flourishes.
Koh Tao is also known as a place where whale sharks regularly visit. You should look for them at the Southwest Summit spot, not the neighboring Shark Island as you might think.
The best snorkeling spots on Koh Tao can be found in Mango, Jansom and Tanot bays, as well as near the three islands of Nang Yuan, connected by a sandbar.
Similan Islands
These islands are part of the Mu Ko Surin National Park. It is probably one of the best diving spots not only in Thailand, but also on the whole planet. There are so many interesting places for diving here that in this part of the country organize multi-day dive safaris.
Beginners will love Anita Reef, West Eden and Christmas Point – even the names of these places promise abundance: after all, neither paradise nor Christmas will not call bare rocks.
Advanced divers will appreciate Boulder City, where whale sharks and manta rays swim in, and Elephant Head Rock. But both spots have fairly strong currents that require divers to be experienced.
Ko Lipe
Even transportation on the southernmost diving island of Thailand is water-based: the most convenient way to travel here is by boat-taxi. Beginners in the waters of Ko Lipe may be difficult due to strong currents, but experienced divers will be satisfied.
The most famous local underwater hit is 8 Mile Rock. The reef here is so huge that it is impossible to explore in one dive. The biodiversity of Koh Lipe is not lagging behind, here you can see ¾ of all species of marine life that live in Thai coastal waters.
There is also its own Stonehenge, the rocks of which resemble the outlines of the British original, and the 75-meter-long fishing schooner Yong Hua, which sank at the end of the last century. And if you prefer to swim without oxygen tanks, be sure to try snorkeling in the local Turatuao National Park.
Thailand’s best resorts for a secluded vacation in nature
For sybarites and lovers of peace and quiet in Thailand there are many quiet resorts where you can fully enjoy the famous Thai massage, the extraordinary beauty of South Asian nature and secluded romantic bays, created, it seems, just for the two of you.
Chiang Mai
The northern capital of the country is adored by local bohemians and visiting expats. Foreigners have even repeatedly recognized Chiang Mai as the best city to live in all of Southeast Asia.
There are large universities, including international universities, ancient monuments. Grandiose holidays and festivals are regularly held. Except that the sea is not to be found here. But the lack of beaches guarantees the absence of foamy parties, children’s screams and crowds of tourists, which is taken advantage of by local hoteliers.
For the discerning retreat enthusiast, Chiang Mai is home to many quiet spa retreats, yoga and meditation ashrams, or resorts resembling luxurious royal country residences. It has its own massage school, whose treatments are effective and gentle, and the hotels offer relaxation and anti-stress programs. And there are large swimming pools overlooking picturesque hilly landscapes.
Ko Samet
Ko Samet is located in the Gulf of Thailand at a distance of 6.5 km from the Thai mainland. The island is quite tiny, with an area of only 13 square kilometers. There is only one village and practically no infrastructure outside the hotels. But the room stock of local hotels consists entirely of bungalows.
Ko Samet is part of the Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet National Park, which has allowed the island’s natural diversity to be preserved in its pristine purity. Apart from hotel guests, there are hardly any tourists here, as the island is free to visit and excursion groups do not come here.
If you want to spend your vacation in total seclusion, Koh Samet is a good option: it’s easy to feel like you’re on a deserted island.
Ko Lanta
Koh Lanta is divided into two parts: the bustling Lanta Noi is home to the locals, while the quiet Lanta Yai on the west coast looks like a branch of the Garden of Eden. Snow-white sand, water turquoise shades: near the shore the color changes to azure, and then imperceptibly turns into the sky blue on the horizon.
Tropical thickets bloom so exuberantly that it seems that a wooden chaise lounge chair will take root and grow into the ground before you get up from it. In addition to the conditions for sweet idleness Koh Lanta is famous for picturesque caves and wild beaches.
Phi Phi
This group of islands, located between the mainland and Phuket, became world famous thanks to the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie was filmed in Maya Bay on Phi Phi Phi Lai. There are no luxury hotels, well-trained staff and impeccable service here. But if you want to relax in a homely atmosphere and enjoy the warm sun, gentle sea and Thai flavor – Phi Phi Phi will be an excellent choice.
Many tourists visit the island on dive tours: the local waters are teeming with underwater life. Or come for a day – you can buy such an excursion in Phuket. These tours do not include a lot of activities, they are simple and uncomplicated, like the main entertainment on Phi Phi Phi – a hammock between palm trees. But it is that very carefree feeling of relaxed swaying in it that people call a happy vacation.
Thailand’s best resorts for party people
Thailand’s nightlife is legendary: there are noisy bars, crowded beach parties, and trendy clubs that are as good as the European ones. And those who do not think of a good vacation without dancing and fun, in this country will definitely not get bored.
Bangkok
Thailand’s main city is rightfully recognized as one of the world’s nightlife capitals. After all, there are almost more objects that are worth visiting after sunset than those that are explored in the daylight. And various options for evening rest are conveniently concentrated in thematic districts – each in its own.
Cocktail clubs, fine dining and luxurious surroundings await on Sukhumvit Road for those who like to party like millionaires. If you’re into electronic music, you’ll love Khao San Road’s Immortal Bar, Lava Asian Bar, Demo Pub and The Club, where respectable young people gather. And if you’re interested in the exotic, which is rarely found outside of Thailand, head to Patpong: the range of options here impresses even those who have already seen a lot in their lives.
Pattaya
Despite the abundance of hotels (there are more than 250 of them), water parks, tiger zoos and dolphinarium, people usually go to Pattaya not so much for a beach vacation as for fun bars and discos. Walking street – 600 meters of bars and clubs – is considered to be the center of the island’s nightlife.
Pattaya has a very stable and favorable climate for recreation. There are practically no hurricanes and tsunamis here, as on the islands, and floods, as in the north of Thailand.
If you want to save money, head to the neighboring areas of Soi 6, Soi 7 or Soi 8, where the degree of fun is the same but the prices are lower. If you’re looking for music rather than entertainment, head to Insomnia, MIXX or Lucifer Disco, where world-renowned DJs often play. Older travelers and those who consider a good tune only an addition to a cocktail, and not the main ingredient of fun, can recommend clubs in the Jomtien Beach area.
Koh Phangan
The most celebrated party here is the legendary Full Moon Party, which attracts up to 30,000 people and has so many cocktails that they are mixed in real plastic buckets. But the full moon isn’t the only night on the island when you can forget yourself in the dance.
There are also Half Moon Parties and Black Moon Parties on the same Haad Rin Noc beach where the moon parties are held, and a Jungle Experience in the jungle near the center of the island. There are so many smaller parties that only the most dedicated nightlife enthusiasts will be able to visit them all.
Phuket
As well as family fun, the island has plenty of options for those who haven’t yet had the chance to procreate. At night, it is not as noisy and crowded as the clubs in Bangkok or Pattaya, but it has its own beach parties during the full moon (the best of them are on Paradise and Karon beaches), and famous Thai shows (especially in the Bangla Road area), and clubs in the European sense of the word (almost everywhere).
Of particular note are the Illusion club (where top international stars are often at the turntables), and the Famous, which has its own pool and hosts some of the best foam parties on the island. If you’re bored with the local flavor, head to the cave-like Tiger Club, decorated with tiger heads and dried snakes.
When is the best time to go on vacation in Thailand
Thailand can be roughly divided into two climatic zones: tropical climate in the north, tropical monsoon climate in the rest of the country. The temperature in the north and south of Thailand always differs by 5-6 degrees.
The main seasons in Thailand are three: March-May – high humidity and maximum heat (up to +42 °С), June-October – rainy season (up to +30 °С), November-February – cold season (about +30 °С). The peak of the tourist season coincides with the period of the lowest temperatures, when Thailand is the most comfortable and humidity is minimal.
The summer monsoon arrives in Thailand in late April and lasts until mid-November, while the winter monsoon lasts from November to February. The monsoon brings with it rain, sometimes quite heavy, and can even lead to flooding. However, the rains often come at night and do not interfere with tourists’ vacations, and together with the downpours in the country begins the discount season.
However, if you are traveling to Thailand for diving, keep in mind that during the rainy season, the strength of underwater currents and waves increases and visibility in the sea decreases.
Travel Tips
- The tropical sun is not to be trifled with. Be sure to bring sunscreen and lotion to moisturize your skin after a beach visit or excursion. Don’t forget hats and always carry a bottle of water when you go outdoors.
- If a tuk-tuk driver offers a price that is clearly below market value, find another motorcycle rider. Otherwise, instead of a quick ride, you’ll spend half a day shopping in stores, factories and showrooms.
- If you’ve never had authentic Thai food before, insist that the waiter prepare your dish with a minimum amount of pepper. If something goes wrong, order watermelon. But water, milk and beer won’t put out the fire in your mouth.
- If a product doesn’t have a price tag, it’s an invitation to bargain. It’s not a problem to get a serious discount, especially if you keep a smile on your face.
- Be sure to go to an expensive hotel spa in Thailand. At least once. Your body will feel much better than even after a hundred cheap massage parlors on every corner. Especially good are the spas at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa in the north, Aman in Phuket, Chiva-Som in Hua Hin and Kamalaya on Koh Samui.
- Thailand is a safe country, but leaving things unattended on the beach is not a good idea. Not even for a second.
- Propaganda of communism, gambling and pornography are banned in the country. Yes, the famous Thai evening shows are different.
- Don’t buy anything on the beach. At 100 meters from the shore, the prices for everything will start to drop dramatically.
- If you’ve gotten to grips with peppers, don’t go to tourist restaurants. In local establishments, the dishes will be the same, the prices will be lower and the portions will be bigger.
- If you plan to exchange currency, it is better to do it at a small distance from hotels and attractions: this way the exchange rate will be more favorable (new dollar bills of denomination 50 and 100 $ have the maximum price). The same advice applies when buying excursions. In the city they will be cheaper than in your hotel or with a tour operator.
- Find out which stores and malls have shuttles from your hotel so you can get out into the city for free. You won’t have to buy anything or even go to the stores.
- Do not insult the royal family or Buddha. These are the most important moral guidelines for many Thais.
