When representing Thailand, everyone has their own, unique picture and a number of associations. For some, the resorts of Thailand are the epicenter of entertainment, vibrant nightlife, loud parties and cheap alcohol, for others - a measured Asian holiday with a trace of the calm of the east. How to choose a resort “to your liking”?
Which places are most popular among tourists? How to choose the right place to vacation in Thailand without spoiling the first impression of the land of smiles?
Krabi Province
Holiday cost:
A cozy, calm, and at the same time emotionally active place is the province of Krabi. Traveling and living in the province of Krabi is also good because all the most secret and fascinating landscapes are within walking distance. Krabi includes 8 regions and many islands, including world-famous ones. For example, the film “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed on the Phi Phi Islands, part of the Krabi province. Also, this resort in Thailand is famous for the island of Koh Lanta.
The islands located near the administrative center of the province - Krabi - are famous for their stunning landscapes, high cliffs (reaching a height of 200 meters), snow-white beaches and crystal clear water.
Holidays in the province of Krabi can be classified as active. Despite this, visiting the nearby islands will not be a “burden”, even if you come with small children. Krabi Province is suitable for lovers of snorkeling and diving, and simply those who want to enjoy the beauty they see.
Holiday cost:
Despite the most interesting attractions that are within walking distance in this city, people increasingly come to Pattaya only for the first acquaintance with the country.
The Thai resort of Pattaya is gaining more and more points every year in favor of nightlife and youth recreation. For tourists who want to feel the spirit of Asia, Buddhism, and relaxation, Pattaya is not the best option. In addition, compared with other parts of the country, this Thai resort cannot boast of clean beaches and crystal clear water.
Of course, the large crowd of tourists is also influenced by the relatively low cost of trips to Pattaya. The advantages include: a huge number of markets, shops, bars, restaurants, entertainment.
Phuket
Holiday cost:
Location: Andaman Sea
A unique place that almost everyone will like. For lovers of active recreation - the close location of famous archipelagos, islands, and reefs. For connoisseurs of nightlife and active recreation there are a huge number of entertainment places (clubs, bars, restaurants). For a family holiday, there are stunning beaches of the Andaman coast, with soft, warm sand and easy access to the water. The largest island, Phuket, is famous for its stunning scenery, the best hotels and service in the entire kingdom.
Koh Chang
Holiday cost:
Location: Gulf of Thailand
The second largest and incomparable resort in Thailand is Koh Chang Island. Solitude, communication with nature, acquaintance with rare animals and plants are the main associations that will arise for any experienced traveler who has visited this paradise.
At a distance of 250 km from active Pattaya, being on Koh Chang will allow you to enjoy relaxing walks, clean air and a great beach holiday. Interesting excursions to waterfalls, neighboring islands and encounters with rare animals allow you to “dilute” a calm, beach, family vacation.
“Elephant” - this is exactly what the island of Koh Chang is called in translation; it is largely covered with impenetrable jungle and mountains. At the end of the 20th century, Koh Chang became part of the marine national park. The island is home to more than 140 species of exotic animals and birds, and rare plants included in the Red Book.
Samui
Holiday cost:
Location: Gulf of Thailand
The third largest and largest in the Champon archipelago is Koh Samui. Recently, a real wave of tourists has hit this resort in Thailand. This is understandable: the island combines many advantages. Moving from north to south, you can notice the fading of civilization, the number of tourists, and places for entertainment. And, in fact, in the south of the island, and further - the archipelago, you can find places untouched by human hands. Picturesque waterfalls, lagoons, mountains and lush vegetation make Koh Samui a “picture paradise”.
Holidays on Koh Samui are designed for any budget and holiday preferences. The North Coast is a paradise for families. Crystal clear water, soft sand and large vegetation are the perfect picture for a relaxing holiday with kids. The east coast will also be interesting for young people.
Developed infrastructure, cafes and clubs – everything you need for a fun, vibrant holiday. Samui is loved by newlyweds because... Even without leaving the island, you can completely immerse yourself in Asian culture, enjoy a quality beach holiday, “light up” at night, and bring with you a lot of impressions, shopping and beautiful photographs. In general, everything you can expect from a trip to the resorts of Thailand.
Although Thailand is a small country, it has a lot of diversity: from the white beaches of Samui to the cold mountains of Doi Ang Khang, from the glitz of Bangkok to the rural tranquility of indigenous villages, from the adult entertainment of Pattaya to the historical heritage of Ayutthaya.
Today we will look at the main resorts in Thailand and try to understand where it is better to relax in Thailand.
Resorts of Thailand: where is the best place to relax in Thailand?
Of course, it is impossible to answer this question unequivocally - after all, everyone goes to the land of smiles for their own. Therefore, when describing the resorts of Thailand and the main cities, we will indicate their main values and advantages for which people go there.
It’s funny that many Thais who gave us a lift during hitchhiking were surprised at what we were doing, for example, in the north of Thailand)) They say “after all, all Russians go to Pattaya.” But that's not all! And the large Russian community in Chiang Mai this winter is proof of this.
Well, let us tell you about the resorts of Thailand, and you yourself will choose where to go to Thailand, based on your preferences. You need to understand that here we have collected the most important ones, besides them there are many others that the tourist boom has not yet reached.
For convenience, here is a map of Thailand in Russian, which shows all the main resorts and cities of the country. The original is there.
Bangkok
City of contrasts! Although it sounds banal, this is the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the capital of Thailand. Luxurious skyscrapers, huge shopping complexes and office buildings coexist with slums on the water, where many wooden houses on stilts are nestled. You will probably start your trip in Bangkok, and we advise you not to go immediately further to the islands, but to devote 2-3 days to walking around the capital.
There is a lot to see here: the Royal Palace, many temples, both tourist and quiet, hidden in the alleys, parks, Chinese and Indian quarters. Be sure to visit the city center, and children will surely enjoy the Dusit Zoo or the Siam park and Dreamworld amusement parks.
For shopping lovers, Bangkok is simply a paradise! In the city center there are huge malls where absolutely everything is sold: electronics, clothes, Thai silk, souvenirs and much more. If you're on a budget, I recommend visiting the Chatuchak market in the north - one of the largest markets in Asia with cheap prices on everything. Even if you don’t buy anything, just take a look!
Nightlife in Bangkok is simply in full swing - check out the Sukhumvit area for its many bars and venues, where many backpackers gather.
Read also:
Summary: Excursions/Shopping/Nightlife
Pattaya
Perhaps the most famous resort among Russians is in Thailand - this is where a good portion of package tourists go. All over the world it is known primarily for its adult entertainment, go-go bars, discos, and vibrant nightlife. Pattaya is quite affordable for accommodation, food and entertainment and is very close to Bangkok - you can get there directly from the airport by bus.
There are quite a lot of interesting places in the surrounding area that you can visit on a tour: elephant and snake farms, the Nong Nooch tropical garden, the Temple of Truth, water activities and much more.
Where is the best place to go in Thailand? Temple of Truth in Pattaya
You shouldn’t go to Pattaya for the perfect beach holiday - most likely you will be disappointed, the sea is quite dirty, and the beaches leave much to be desired. But you can go to one of the nearby islands and have a great swim in the clear sea and sunbathe!
Summary: Nightlife/Entertainment/Beach Holidays (on the islands)
Koh Chang Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand near the border with Cambodia and is also a fairly popular holiday destination. The island is quite easy to get to from Bangkok: first to the city of Trat, and then by ferry, many companies sell a single ticket.
Koh Chang Island
Almost the entire territory of the island is a national park, so it has partially retained its originality and impresses with its beautiful untouched nature. You can visit the jungle, waterfalls, arrange treks through the forests, and also go diving! Here you can find those same snow-white beaches and swim to uninhabited islands.
You shouldn’t count on developed infrastructure and nightlife here, but that’s the beauty of Chang.
Summary: Beach holidays/Diving/Excursions
The second most popular resort among Russian tourists is Thailand. Located on the Andaman coast in southwest Thailand. There are direct charter and regular (during the season) flights directly from Russia to the island. If you fly to Bangkok, then you can get to Phuket by plane or bus: set aside time and budget for this.
Phuket is known primarily for its beautiful beaches and excellent tourist infrastructure - many hotels from the simplest to the luxurious five-star ones. You can settle on Patong Beach and party all night long, or find a quiet beach where you may not meet anyone.
Where to go in Thailand? Phuket
There are many excursions to interesting places in Phuket; you can take a walk through the forest, ride elephants or quad bikes, or visit temples.
It is worth noting that Phuket is a more expensive resort than Pattaya, but it is ideal for families with children.
Summary: Beach holidays/Excursions/Entertainment
Koh Samui
Another popular holiday island in Thailand, located in the Gulf of Thailand, near the city of Surat Thani. There are no direct flights to the island from Russia, and flights from Bangkok are so cheap, which is probably why it is generally quieter and calmer than Phuket.
If you are looking for secluded, perfect beaches with fine sand and palm trees, like in the picture, then this is definitely the place for you! The island is famous for its coconut plantations and tropical nature. There are both active beaches, with discos and bars (Chaweng), and secluded beaches without any infrastructure, where you can sunbathe alone.
Maenam beach on Koh Samui
In general, Koh Samui has many hotels for every taste and color, as well as entertainment and natural attractions: waterfalls, a butterfly garden, a snake and elephant farm. You can also enjoy diving and other water sports. It’s good to relax on Samui with children, although of course it depends on the beach. We always met whole families on Maenam beach - there is sand there and the entrance to the sea is smooth.
Summary: Beach holidays/Excursions/Water sports
Koh Phangan Island
The island of Koh Phangan is located very close to Koh Samui and is rarely considered as a separate independent resort, rather as an addition to its neighbor. This is where the famous lunar parties are held once a month on the new moon. Young people from all over the world come to the “Full Moon Party” and have a blast! The atmosphere of hippies and unbridled fun!
However, the rest of the time or in other parts of the island, it is quite quiet here, so the place is popular among lovers of yoga, meditation or simply relaxing against the backdrop of untouched exotic nature.
Summary: Parties/Beach Holidays/Nature
Koh Tao Island
A very small island, nevertheless popular among tourists. Located close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, the easiest way to get here is from Chumphon by ferry.
Koh Tao is known as one of the best places for diving and snorkeling, so if you are a true fan, then it is simply paradise for you! This is perhaps the main reason why people come to the island. You can also wander through the local mountains, ride a mountain bike or bike along scenic roads and, of course, soak up the beautiful beaches.
Summary: Diving/Beach Holidays/Excursions
Until recently, this resort was just developing, but now package tours are already being organized here. Krabi is a picturesque province located off the Andaman coast of Thailand. You can get here by plane or bus from Bangkok or other regions. - the most popular holiday destination here.
There is a lot to see and do in Krabi, in addition to a beach holiday - the surrounding cliffs are chosen by rock climbers as some of the best routes in the world, and other active entertainment is also popular. The province has many attractions such as caves, temples and waterfalls.
Rock climbing in Krabi
Have you heard anything about Phi Phi Island, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed? (thanks to the film, by the way, the popularity of this island has increased significantly). It is from Krabi that it is most convenient to go there on an excursion. It’s also very beautiful, I recommend swimming there!
Summary: Active entertainment/Beach holidays/Excursions
Hua Hin
Once upon a time, the king built a summer palace, and a resort was subsequently formed on the site of a small village. By the way, to this day the king and his family come here. Getting there from Bangkok is very easy and quick: a few hours by bus or train.
Hua Hin is known primarily for its calm atmosphere; there are many European retirees, families with children and those who want to have a respectable holiday - the resort has many luxury hotels with their own territory.
Hua Hin Beach
In the vicinity of the city there is a national park, caves and villages, and the beach is perfect for lovers.
Summary: Excursions/Kitesurfing/Beach Holidays
— perfect for retirees and those who love silence
— a gorgeous bay and beach near Prachuap
- not yet such a popular resort on the shores of the Andaman Sea
Chiang Mai
- the second largest city in Thailand, a kind of Thai Petersburg, located in the north of the country. You can get here by plane, bus or train - it will take about 10 hours to travel by land.
In the past, the capital of the Lanna kingdom, now it is the cultural capital of Thailand, where holidays, for example, are held on the greatest scale. In the square of the old city, surrounded by a moat, every now and then you come across Buddhist temples - there are a lot of them here. In some of them you can talk to monks or even sign up for meditation courses.
One of the temples in Chiang Mai
The surrounding area of Chiang Mai is famous primarily for its mountain landscapes, local villages and a huge selection of active entertainment: trekking, rafting, elephant rides, zip lining and more.
Chiang Mai is a place with a special atmosphere, unlike others - come and you will be satisfied!
This article will talk about resorts in Thailand, and which one is better to give your preference when choosing a place for vacation.
The big advantage is that you can get to this Thai resort by direct flights with a landing near the island at the airport of the same name, you can read here. Prices in Phukta are slightly higher than in other parts of Thailand.
Pattaya
This is another equally famous resort that has many bars "Go go", nightclubs, discos, entertainment complexes and all kinds of night shows with a variety of performances, offering their services to tourists 24 hours a day.
Pattaya But, despite such a large number of entertainments for adults, this resort is very popular for family holidays. Any leading travel agency answers the question: where is the best place to vacation in Thailand with children? - will give the answer that in Pattaya.
There are various children's attractions with a large number of water slides, a zoo with exotic animals, a crocodile farm, and a Dinosaur Park, a visit to which will delight all family members, both children and adults.
The underwater world of this resort is simply created for lovers of diving and snorkeling.
True extreme sports enthusiasts will definitely not get bored here; they will be able to fly paragliders, ride pictures or quad bikes, or engage in water sports. Pattaya is also famous for its sightseeing tours to various historical sites. Prices here are considered the most affordable among all resorts in Thailand.
Bangkok
This is a multimillion-dollar metropolis that is worth visiting at least once in your life. It feels like he never sleeps. A variety of entertainment venues and huge shopping centers are constantly operating here. This city is an excellent place for shopping, as prices here are much lower than in any CIS countries.
Bangkok It can also amaze with its historical sights and architectural monuments, and its temples and buildings are known throughout the world. While at this resort, you should definitely visit the Royal Palace, where you can walk for hours and enjoy the surroundings, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Even if the destination of your vacation is not the capital of Thailand, you still need to include it in your overall travel plan, since the best museums in the kingdom are located here.
The channel of the Chao Phraya River located here is called the real "Thai" In Venice, you can go boating and admire the beautiful nature. Children will also find a lot of entertainment in this wonderful city. For example, you can take the whole family on a trip to their famous aquarium or to the Dream World park, which is somewhat reminiscent of Disneyland.
Krabi Province
This exotic place located near Phuket is considered "universal" a Thai resort and a real land of islands, of which there are a huge number. They attract tourists with their charming untouched nature and sparse crowds. Almost the entire coastline of the province is made up of large beaches with pristine white sands.
Many people say about Krabi that this resort combines the beauty of pristine nature with a fairly developed infrastructure. In this place, island tourism, active and beach holidays are well developed, nightlife is vibrant and in addition you can also enjoy the services of Thai massage therapists for a small fee.
The visiting card and at the same time the biggest pride of Krabi are the Khao Khanap Nam caves; they can be easily reached by water. Here you can also go on excursions to national parks or to a temple-museum.
Samui
This place is ideal for those who love a calm and peaceful holiday. It’s not crowded and you get the feeling that you’re in some kind of heaven on earth.
Mostly tourists come here who want to be alone with themselves, or couples in love who want to hide away from prying eyes. However, it is not deprived of various night entertainment; if you want to have a good time, you can look at the beaches of Lamai, Bo Phut or Chaweng. There are many clubs, bars and restaurants located here. For lovers of outdoor activities, Samui has an excellent opportunity to scuba dive or surf.
The best time to spend a vacation on this island is the months: January, February, June and August. The resort has its own airport, which can be reached from Bangkok in about an hour.
Which resort should you choose?
To the question: where is the best place to go in Thailand? - it is impossible to answer unambiguously. If preference is given to various entertainments, then you should go to Phuket, Bangkok or Pattaya. A more relaxing vacation on remote, clean beaches near the warm sea can be had if you go to the following resorts in Thailand: Krabi province, Koh Samui, Khao Lak, Koh Chang, Rayong, Lanta and other quiet islands.
You can have a great time at the Koh Phangan resort dancing until you drop if you attend their Fool Moon Party festival, which lasts for several days. During this period of time, all hotels and resort hotels are full, and it’s definitely not possible to rent a room on the spot. Therefore, you should worry in advance and book your accommodation there.
Lovers of the underwater kingdom will find a great holiday at the resorts of Tao, Surin, or Similian. These places are famous for the best diving and snorkeling. Of course, Thailand is the dream of every tourist, which everyone tries to realize at least once in their lives.
On holiday in Thailand.
You should begin to find out where in Thailand it is better to spend your holiday by finding out what this country is all about from the point of view of tourism. This is an amazing state that exists almost entirely thanks to its tourism infrastructure. It has the most favorable climate for relaxation, a clean atmosphere and opportunities for a wide variety of entertainment.
Where is the best place to go in Thailand?
There are many places in this country that attract tourists with their beaches and fabulous infrastructure. Here are the most popular ones:
Holidays in Koh Samui
A resort with beaches of standard cleanliness, modernly equipped, captivating its guests with an ecologically perfect atmosphere and amazing nature, the island of Koh Samui is truly unique. Samui is the undoubted leader in the ranking of places where it is better to relax both with family and friends, because only here the holiday will be pristine, varied and memorable. It is ideally prepared to serve tourists - the local infrastructure is formed at an ideal European level.
Or is it better to relax in Phuket?
Perhaps not ideal in terms of infrastructure, the resort of Phuket still remains the most popular among tourists from all over the globe. Perhaps this is because the island combines both the possibilities of spending time on the beach in a marvelous nature untouched by civilization, and modern entertainment. Here guests can relax in an atmosphere of fun, from which they can escape to the sandy beaches.
Here tourists can do literally whatever they want. Island tourism, beach holidays, excellent diving, rock climbing, nightlife - the province is so diverse that it’s even hard to believe. To be convinced of this and, among other things, to enjoy the local services of unrivaled Thai massage, you should definitely come here.
Bangkok - a contrasting holiday
Amazing greets its guests with unpredictability and uniqueness. It combines the features of traditional flavor and Thai culture, as well as modern infrastructure, ready to satisfy the wishes of the most demanding tourists. Bangkok is a city where it is equally pleasant to do shopping, go on excursions, and have fun in restaurants and bars. This is the center of the country’s tourist life, the center of all its entertainment. Even if you decide to vacation in Thailand at a beach resort, it’s still worth stopping by for a few days in Bangkok.
- a city where sooner or later every guest of Thailand ends up. This is the best place to immerse yourself in nightlife in all its diversity. Restaurants, clubs, bars, entertainment complexes, and all this is not a complete list of everything that awaits tourists here. You definitely need to visit Pattaya to appreciate how generous and rich it is.
Finally, here is a short table indicating what awaits you at each resort.
Thailand, although a small country compared to others on the planet, has a lot to offer: beach resorts, various attractions and luxurious holidays both on the coast and away from the sea. Resorts in Thailand can be divided into beach resorts and excursion resorts, i.e. those that have no access to the sea, but are full of interesting places and attractions that attract travelers. Many travelers combine both directions of tourism: they settle near the sea, and travel to significant tourist places as part of an excursion group or on their own.
Beach resorts
When going to the resorts of Thailand located off the coast, you can choose something that suits you specifically, because the list of such resorts is large, and each place can offer some of its own characteristics.
Pattaya
Samui
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a small island near the larger Koh Samui.
Most often, Koh Phangan is considered not as a separate resort, but as an integral part of the larger island of Koh Samui. famous for its monthly night parties on the beach called , where a huge number of young people and those who love party places and discos come.
The rest of the time the island is very calm and quiet. It is perfect for meditation and family relaxation among wild, untouched nature.
Than Prawet Waterfall
Paeng waterfall
Koh Tao
Tao Island is quite small, but quite popular and well known among foreigners. It is located near Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Chalok beach
east coast of Koh Tao
Koh Tao Island is considered the best place for diving and snorkeling. Most travelers come here specifically for these entertainments.
Cha-Am and Hua Hin
In addition to Koh Samui, Sima Bay can offer tourists many small island territories, which are considered the best resort areas in this region.
Sam Roi Yot Park
Among others, the islands of Cha-Am and Hua Hin stand out, which can offer snow-white beaches, a clean coastline and very beautiful nature.
Krabi Province
If you plan to spend a lot of time traveling around the area and visiting the natural attractions of the country, then you should choose a resort in Krabi for your vacation.
