4 Best Areas to Stay in Thailand According to Your Needs

Traveloka Accomodation
10 Apr 2023 - 7 min read

Thailand Travel - It’s not hard to see why Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in all of Southeast Asia. With its beautiful Thailand beaches, ancient temples, and futuristic metropolis of Bangkok, this is not a place to be bored. Friendly, honest individuals will greet you from when you walk off the plane to when you leave. The nickname “Land of Smiles” fits Thailand perfectly.

It’s also not hard to see why so many people return to the Land of Smiles after visiting for the first time; after all, it boasts jaw-dropping natural scenery, bustling villages, a sophisticated city, and a wealth of culture. Here are the best things to do in Thailand, from island hopping to responsible wildlife interactions.

Best Areas to Stay When You Travel to Thailand

Here’s the top areas that you should

1. Bangkok

There is a lot to admire about Bangkok, Thailand, including its golden temples, lively markets, and world-famous cuisine. While you could easily spend an entire vacation exploring the city’s posh rooftop bars, you should also discover the city’s amazing museums, hidden khlong (canals), and underground arts scene.

Everywhere you go in this world-famous metropolis, you’ll encounter something unforgettable: thought-provoking street art or the best meal of your life.

Exploring Siam
BTS Skytrain - Thailand Travel

Several of Bangkok’s best retail malls are in Siam. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood has modern restaurants, boutiques, and family-friendly activities. Bangkok’s nightlife isn’t great, but you can take the BTS Skytrain to go about.

Siam’s shopping malls are more than stores. They house expensive restaurants, escape games, aquariums, movies, and Madame Tussauds. The Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre (BACC), Pathum Wanaram Temple, Erawan Shrine, and Jim Thompson Mansion are must-visit cultural attractions in Thailand.

Exploring Khao San Road
Khao San Road - Thailand Travel

Khao San Road, Bangkok’s backpacker hub, contains no historical sites. Yet, its location in Rattanakosin, Bangkok’s Old City, gives it a perfect base for sightseeing. But, there’s still plenty to admire. Khao San Road’s unwashed crowd makes it a great area to people watch, while Phra Arthit Road’s bohemian vibe is just minutes away. Backpackers frequent Khao San for its proximity to the Chao Phraya River Express boats.

Exploring Sukhumvit Bangkok
Sukhumvit - Thailand Travel

Sukhumvit, Bangkok’s commercial district, offers several activities. International hotels, shopping malls, and trendy nightlife locations line both sides of this long avenue. Sukhumvit stretches from downtown Nana to the suburban district of Bearing, popular with expatriates and tourists.

Many shopping malls include family-friendly centers where kids can play while you shop. Sukhumvit includes traditional houses and art galleries for a more cultural or historical experience of Bangkok.

2. Chiang Mai

Thailand travel truly does have something for everyone, from its world-famous southern beaches to its lush northern highland forests. Although its capital is Bangkok, the northern region is the country’s cultural and creative centre, and Chiang Mai alone offers countless opportunities for fun and exploration.

Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep-Pui National Parks are must-sees, as are the temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang. Chiang Mai’s old city is full of lively markets and delicious street cuisine; you can unwind with some meditation or a Thai massage; and day trips to Chiang Rai and Thailand’s most stunning natural attractions will keep you plenty active.

Exploring Old City
Old City - Thailand Travel

In terms of tourist attractions, Chiang Mai’s Old City ranks high. About 1.5 square kilometers in area. Once upon a time, the old city was fortified by walls and moats against its neighbors. As such, it served as a hub for Buddhists, traders, soldiers, and even elephants, and it was known for its tranquility and exoticism.

Several historic city structures have been preserved, making it possible to stroll through their brick walls and feel the wind of an exotic past. The historic district of Chiang Mai is the beating heart of the city.

Exploring Nimmanhaemin
Nimmanhaemin - Thailand Travel

While deciding where to stay in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, it is crucial to pick the right area. Although many foreigners and digital nomads are drawn to the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood because of its many eateries, it is located quite some distance from the city’s main points of interest. Backpackers should look for lodgings in or close to Chiang Mai’s Old City because it is the city’s most photogenic and central to all the city’s top attractions.

Nevertheless, there aren’t many 5-star hotels in the historic core, so you may have to travel outside the city. Chiang Mai is small enough that you won’t have to go far to find what you’re looking for, and getting around is easy and inexpensive thanks to the abundance of tuk-tuks and motorcycles for rent.

Meditating in Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep - Thailand Travel

The Doi Suthep Vipassana Meditation Centre in Chiang Mai is the most well-known venue for inward reflection in the city. Thousands of people visit this temple every day because of its prime location at the peak of Suthep Mountain.

The monks welcome people who choose to stay longer and participate in courses ranging from three to twenty-eight days to learn more about this revolutionary approach to meditation. During your time in the temple, you should refrain from speaking and instead concentrate on your breathing and releasing any mental clutter.

3. Phuket

Anyone who denies “paradise” hasn’t visited Thailand’s islands. Limestone cliffs and Southeast Asian sun shade postcard-worthy beaches. With magnificent temples, busy street markets, and pleasant inhabitants, Thai culture enhances nature.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, offers the best introduction to its gorgeous scenery and welcoming culture. Phuket has 576 square km of things to do. Phuket has various beaches and top restaurants for sunbathing and dining.

Touring Buddhist temples, cooking classes, and boxing matches are great ways to discover Thai culture. Island hopping, waterfall swimming, and picturesque vantage points are fun ways to explore nature.

Patong Beach
Patong Beach - Thailand Travel

Patong Beach is a popular destination for visitors visiting the island. Many tour companies offer exciting activities like parasailing, so the beach isn’t the most tranquil place, but it’s still rather lovely. This water activity may look frightening at first, but it’s a blast for thrill seekers.

A parachute with a seat attached to it is tethered to a motorboat, and you are strapped into the seat. When the boat speeds up, the wind catches the parachute, lifting you into the air so you can glide behind the vessel. Parasailing is a thrilling way to see Patong Beach.

Kata and Karon Viewpoint
Kata Noi Beach - Thailand Travel

Families traveling to Karon can enjoy this scenic lookout. In addition to its more common name, “Kata Viewpoint,” this vantage point atop a hill overlooks Kata Noi Beach to the south. Expansive vistas of the Andaman Sea and the Phuket coastline and cities are on display.

Because of its proximity to not one, but three beaches, this viewpoint is also known as the “Three Beaches Viewpoint.” These beaches include Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach. You may get some exercise by hiking up from the Karon area to the lookout point. Distances of 45 minutes to an hour are typical, with much of the time spent walking besides the main road.

Chilling in Southwest Coast
Rawai Beach - Thailand Travel

The two nicest beaches on the western side of Phuket are Rawai and Nai Harn. There was a laid-back feeling and great scenery to enjoy. Rawai Beach can be found on Phuket’s southern shore. One of the island’s first beaches, it’s a great spot to people-watch and learn about the island’s fishing culture.

Only recently have vacationers begun flocking to Nai Harn Beach. Nai Harn Beach is less crowded and more authentic for those seeking a tranquil place to unwind among the locals and stunning coastline views.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui, the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, is one of the most enjoyable destinations. Koh Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, is a massive island that’s forested and surrounded by beautiful, white sand beaches. Koh Samui is widely believed to be a very posh and pricey destination.

Many high-end resorts, hotels, and vacation packages are available on Koh Samui for the affluent, but the island is also starting to show its more local, budget-friendly side. More and more young budget travelers are making their way to Koh Samui for the island’s backpacker hostels, street markets, affordable tours, and extensive list of activities.

Chaweng and Lamai Beach
Lamai Beach - Thailand Travel

It would be a shame to visit Koh Samui and not check out some of the beautiful beaches. The best of Koh Samui’s sights and sounds may be found in the area immediately surrounding Chaweng Beach, making it the island’s most popular destination.

Chaweng Beach is the place to start if you’re looking for things to do on Koh Samui. While Chaweng Beach is the most well-known, the more tranquil and less busy Lamai Beach is a close second.

Bophut
Bophut Beach Road - Thailand Travel

Northern Koh Samui is home to the fishing hamlet of Bophut. The town has some of the island’s oldest buildings and most endearing traditions. Bophut Beach Road transforms into a bustling nighttime pedestrian street market every Friday at 5:00 p.m., featuring souvenirs, artwork, street food, and live music. Several stores open up temporary sidewalk stores, new vendors set up shop, and street performers entertain the crowds.

Important Information

Top Attractions in Thailand 🏖️

The Grand Palace, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Wat Arun, BTS Skytrain

Top Food in Thailand 🍛

Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Khao Pad

Top Souvenirs From Thailand 🛍️

Thai Silk, Wooden Carvings, Silver Jewelry

Thailand is now consistently ranked among the top five most popular tourist destinations globally. Why do individuals have such a strong desire to travel to this unusual location? It can be the serene beaches, the mouthwatering cuisine, the gorgeous temples and scenery, the vibrant history, or the cultural and historic monuments. Visit Thailand to witness the beauty of the land of white elephants and book through your best online travel agent, Traveloka.

Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
Always Know the Latest Info
Subscribe to our newsletter for more travel & lifestyle recommendations and exciting promos.
Subscribe

Traveloka Sdn Bhd (Registration No. 201501003122), Level 14 Tower 2, Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat, 33 Jalan Rakyat Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Copyright © 2025 Traveloka. All rights reserved