Great hotels for an unforgettable trip to Thailand

Planning your trip to Thailand and looking for a good hotel in Bangkok, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Chiang Mai, Pai or Chiang Rai? We’ve got you covered! This handy little list of hotels is here to help you make the most out of your stay, no matter which area you wish to go. Each hotel on this list has its own unique features and charm, yet they all have on thing in common. They all have been handpicked –by the pickiest of pickiest-  tried and tested. With a stamp of approval, these hotels are ready to contribute towards an unforgettable trip through Thailand.

Did you know that Booking.com often allows travellers to cancel their booking up until 24 hrs in advance. Perfect for those wanting to keep their options open and remain flexible at all times!

Where do you want to go?

Bangkok
Koh Chang
Koh Kood
Chiang Mai
Pai
Chiang Rai 

Bangkok

Marriott The Surawongse

 

Pamper yourself upon arrival in Bangkok with this 5* hotel. Marriott the Surawongse has it all; a killer infinity pool, large gym, diverse breakfast, and the perfect rooftop bar to watch a Bangkok sunset. Basically, guests don’t even have to leave the hotel in order to have a good time. Read our more detailed review here.

Room prices starting from €128 ($145) per night 

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Koh Chang

Santhiya Tree Resort

 

Our island favorite; Santhiya Tree Resort in Koh Chang. This hotel has a 9.0 guest review score on Booking.com and there is no wonder why. The hotel staff is friendly, the rooms are incredible and the bathrooms are unique. Even the restaurant has the perfect beachfront location. A night at Santhiya Tree resort is guaranteed to be money well spent.

Double room prices start from €126 per night

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Koh Kood

Away Resort Koh Kood

 

A lovely resort, that is affordable, on Koh Kood is Away Resort. Without to much fuss, this hotel offers all you need. An activity center can be found on the premises and scooters are available for rent to explore the rest of the island. Read our detailed hotel review by clicking here.

Bungalow prices start from €110 ($124) per night 

As with most islands, prices on Koh Kood tends to be slightly higher than on the Thai mainland.

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Chiang Mai

The Inside House

 

Sleep like a royal in Chiang Mai at the Inside House. This newly opened hotel is set right in the middle of all the action; Chiang Mai’s old town. Restaurants, shops, and some general sightseeing are therefore all to be found within its immediate surroundings. The iconic white interior, spacious rooms, and general design are what makes this hotel breathtaking.

Price for a double room starts from €151 ($171) 

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Pai

The Quarter Pai

 

There is plenty to discover in Pai but it is always good to have a nice home front to fall back on. The Quarter Pai is just that. The hotel offers spacious light infused rooms, which all feature a separate bathroom and two small outdoor lounge areas.  Done exploring Pai for the day? The Quarter Pai’s large on-site pool lends itself perfectly to hang out till the sun is long gone.

Price for a double room starts from €39 ($44)

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Chiang Rai

Sabai Chiang Rai

 

Who said good things rarely come cheap? At Sabai Chiang Rai guests can book a comfortable room for solely 18 euros a night. The rooms are a tad small but the hotel is centrally located and the staff is super friendly. Great value for money!

Price for a double room starts from €19 ($21) 

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Le Meridien Chiang Rai

 

Le Meridien is a luxury hotel set a little out of the center of Chiang Rai. This is the hotel you go to the end of your trip to have a night of tranquility and relaxation. The riverfront pool is chilly but phenomenal. Guests that are keen on a good meal don’t have to go far. Le Meridien’s on-site Italian restaurant proudly upholds the no. 1 place on Tripadvisor for best restaurant in the area.

Price for a double room starts from €89 ($101) 

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All prices as of 20 January 2019, in US dollars and EURO, converted on http://www.xe.com.

4x Where to eat in Koh Chang

While large in size, Koh Chang, a Thai Island just offshore Trat, is lesser known than its siblings – like Koh Samui, Phuket, and Krabi- in the Southern end of the country. The island used to be referred to as one of the few ‘unspoiled islands’ remaining, but times are changing and Koh Chang is becoming increasingly popular due to its relaxed atmosphere and fine nature. Is a visit to Koh Chang also on your agenda? Make to sure to visit our top restaurant picks on the island:

1.El Greco

Souvlaki, gyros, and tzatziki – yes, you’ve guessed it. The first restaurant on our list is a Greek. And a really good one. El Greco is run by a friendly Greek family and can be found on the Bang Bao pier. The restaurants boast a view over the sea as good as the quality of the food and the ambiance of the restaurant itself. Expect to pay roughly 180 baht (€4.92/$5.59) for a greek main course such as souvlaki or gyros.

 

BONUS TIP:

This lovely lady has a fruit shake shack just outside of the Bang Bao pier and has some great smoothies that can be taken on the go.

2. Cocomango

Smoothie bowls are never a bad idea, especially not on a tropical island like Koh Chang. Hop on in at Coco Mango and get yourself some of their swirled goodness, like the Aloha Delight’ bowl (which is extremely good). In addition to smoothie bowls, they also offer a large variety of other healthy dining options, including vegan spring rolls fried in coconut oil. Even though Coco Mango’s interior is very nice, the place is small and doesn’t invite to hang around for long.

Smoothie bowls are priced at 160 baht (€4,30 /$4,90)

3. Lisca Beach

For a romantic dinner on the beach, head down to Lisca Beach. This tiny beach orientated restaurant serves food from both the Thai and the Italian cuisine. As can be expected with an Italian owner, it is especially the Italian food here that is sublime. This especially goes for the pizzas, which are without a doubt the best on the island. Due to its waterfront setting, Lisca Beach boasts tranquil vibes throughout the day and also happens to be a pretty good spot to watch an epic sunset.

The price for a pizza at Lisca Beach starts at 220 baht (€6/$6,80). The strawberry margarita, a must try, is priced at 200 baht (€5.4/$6.2)

 

4. Cafe del Sunshine

Didn’t think we would leave some genuine Thai food of this list now did you? The Sunshine Cafe is a rock-themed bar and the most budget-friendly option on here. It is a great place to hang out with friends due to its relaxed atmosphere, the pool table and the fact that the cafe is located directly next to several bars and other nightlife facilities. Expect to pay roughly 60 baht (€1.64 /$1.86) for a main course per person.

BONUS TIP:

If you’re keen on finding good fish restaurants, make your way down to the Bang Bao pier where tons of restaurants are aligned next to each other, all serving fresh seafood.

All prices converted on xe.com as of 2 January 2019, in US Dollar and EURO.

Sunset view from Lisca Beach

HOTEL TIP: Away Resort – Koh Kood, Thailand

Koh Kood, where the roads are calm, the water is blue and the people are friendly. An unspoiled island, as it is often referred to by the masses. And for once, nothing could be more accurate. On the tropical island, located a 1-hour ferry ride away from Trat, there are no 7-elevens, no restaurant chains, and no mass tourism to be found. And what a delight it is. If a true island get-away is what you’re looking for, this is the place for you:

Away Resort Koh Kood

Providing one of the more authentic island experiences on Koh Kood is Away Resort. Without to much fuss, Away Resort lends itself perfectly for an island retreat. The resort is situated right across one of Koh Kood’s brightest beaches and boasts 30 wooden bungalows. Each with a view over light blue waters and the palm-fringed Klong Chao beach.

The Bungalows

All spacious bungalows are equipped with double beds, a private terrace, and air conditioning. The interior of the wooden bungalows is basic, but in a lovely island way, where it is supposed to be simplistic. The surroundings are incredibly peaceful with views to match. The bathroom is composed out of two separate areas. One holds the sink and toilet, the other area is set half outside. Indeed, that means an outdoor shower, tropical style.

Facilities 

Restaurants

The resort features two on-site restaurants, named Escape and Cast-Away. Cast Away is located directly across the resort and managed by the same staff. However, it is also open for locals and the other island guests. Escape is located directly on the resorts’ premises, this is also where breakfast is served. The price of breakfast, if not included in the room price, is €8 ($9) and is a positive mix of Asian and Western food.

Want to do something special? How about a private sunset dinner set up on the resorts own pier. For more information and a secret set up, contact the resort, they’re more than happy to arrange the magical evening.

Activity center

The resort has the largest activity center on the island, allowing guests to easily go and explore all the rest that the island has to offer. From the activity center, guests can take a free kayak at any time during the day. This is the quickest way to get to the stunning Klong Chao beach across the resort (approx 2 minutes).  Other fun ways to explore the island include renting a scooter or booking a private boat tour. Snorkeling amongst the coral reefs is highly recommended, and so is a visit to the waterfalls and mangrove.

Massage center

At the Away resort, guests can make use of the on-site massage facilities. The spa center, located across the activity center, offers a range of treatments which are mainly executed in the tranquil wooden cabins on the sea side pavilion.

Leisure area

For those who get a bit restless after all that beach time, the Cast Away provides a small leisure area in which guests can enjoy a game, or two. Everything is free to use. Best time to visit? Happy hour ;), set between 15:00 and 17:00.

How to get to Away Resort Koh Kood

From Bangkok:

Koh Kood can be reached from Bangkok within approx. 8 hours by bus and ferry. The easiest way to arrange the trip is by pre-arranging your tickets via www.12go.asia. With this combo ticket, you need to get on a bus from Ta Nee Road (near Koh San Road) that will take you to the dock at Trat. The bus time varies largely, depending on traffic, but take in to account that it will likely be over 5 hours. This includes a 20-minute stop for food and drinks along the way. Once arrived in Trat, you get on the Ferry to Koh Kood. You can also choose to arrange your tickets via a hostel/hotel, but expect to pay a surcharge. Costs of arraging it yourself are around 900 THB (€23) per person.

From Koh Chang:

The quickest way to get to Away Resort from Koh Chang is by speedboat. Tickets for the speedboat can be arranged via www.12go.asia, at the Bang Bao pier, or at your hotel. The total travel time is roughly two hours. Mention to the boat crew that you need to go to Away Resort, and you’ll be dropped right off at their very own pier. Costs of the speedboat are again 900 THB (€23), including hotel transfer. Another option is taking the wooden boat, this takes slightly longer but is also slightly cheaper than the first option. Price for the wooden boat is around 750 THB (€20) per person.

What is it going to cost you to stay at Away Resort Koh Kood

Away Koh Kood

Bungalow prices starting from €110 ($124) per night 

Click here for more information

In general prices for hotels and resorts on Koh Kood, as with many small islands, tend be slightly higher than on the mainland, due to demand and supply.

Want to see what other accommodations the island has on offer? Visit Booking.com for the rest of the accommodations on the island.

All prices converted on xe.com as of 23 November’18, in THAI BAHT,  EURO and US Dollar

[Disclaimer: our stay at Away Resort Koh Kood was on the courtesy of Away Resorts]

HOTEL TIP: Marriott the Surawongse- Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, a city bursting with culture, sights, and diversity. In a city of this size, all sorts of accommodation options are at your disposal. From budget accommodations and hostels to the most luxurious hotels and resorts of them all. With such a competitive environment, hotels go above and beyond to give their guests value for their money, for prices that are uncommon to western standards. So what city better than Bangkok to spoil yourself and soak in luxury for a night or two, paying half, or even a third of normal prices. If you’re looking for an affordable luxury hotel in the middle of Bangkok, this is our no 1 recommendation:

Bangkok: Marriott Hotel, The Surawongse

Inspired by modern oriental influences, Bangkok Marriott Hotel the Surawongse offers a 5-star experience like no other. The hotel is located in the midst of Bangkok’s city center in the Silom area, roughly 25 minutes from Bangkok airport. With so many facilities on offer within the hotel, guests don’t even have to leave in order to have a good time. But if they do, the Sky Train, the Chao Phraya River, Patpong, Silom Business District, and several other local attractions are all nearby.

The Room

Marriott has done an excellent job processing the oriental atmosphere into the individual rooms as well, with a slightly modern touch to them. All spacious rooms feature a large double bed, flatscreen TV and desk. The separate bathroom is fitted with a large walk-in rain shower. The bathroom is shielded from the bedroom by glass solely, giving it an open feel and allowing guests to gaze upon Bangkok’s skyline whilst showering or taking a bath.

Facilities 

Fitness

This might be the best hotel fitness gym we have encountered as of yet. Not only are there plenty of cardio machines to get a good work out in -equipped with the latest technology; watching Netflix or catching up on social media on your machine? No problem- but there is also a diverse range of strength training necessities. Whether it is free weight lifting or on a machine. Safe to say you will be able to train here as you would in your hometown gym.

Restaurants

Not one, not two, but five qualitative dining options are to be found within the hotel. Each of the restaurants has their own distinctive but coherent look. The cuisine ranges from Chinese, Thai and global, depending on the restaurant.

The breakfast is served in Praya restaurant, located on the 3rd floor, and the diversity of the buffet is bizarre. From Chinese gyozas to Japanse sushi, Indian Curry’s, English sausages, American pancakes, ice cream, French pastries, and so on. You name it, they’ve got it.

Rooftop Pool

Who doesn’t like a good infinity pool? Overlooking Bangkok’s southside,  Marriott’s pool is a sight for sore eyes. The pool is open from 06:00 in the morning until 22:00 in the evening, making it the perfect spot to catch either a sunrise or -set over Bangkok. The cocktails aren’t bad either 😉

Yao Sky bar and Restaurant

If you thought the view from the pool was impressive, wait until you see the view from the Yoa restaurant and sky bar. Located another 14 floors higher, on the 32nd floor, this terrace provides a view of Bangkok like no other. At the restaurant, guests are able to enjoy a large variety of lush cocktails and a dinner menu based on Chinese cuisine. All whilst soaking up a 360 degree of downtown Bangkok.

How to get there

The hotel does not provide a direct shuttle service from either Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport (BKK). Luckily, arranging a taxi on both airports is easily done and well appointed. The hotel provides an estimated taxi fare of 800 THB for a one-way trip, which is good to keep in mind in case negations take place.

What is it going to cost you to spend the night at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse?

Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse

Room prices starting from €128 ($145) per night 

More information

Want to see what other accommodations Bangkok has on offer? Visit Booking.com for 3200+ hotels in the city.

All prices converted on xe.com as of 11 November’18, in EURO and US Dollar