Updated 18 October 2026 · اقرأ بالعربية
The best time to visit Thailand
| Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands (Andaman Sea) | Best from November to April: calm sea and clear skies. May to October is the rainy, wavy season, with lower prices. |
|---|---|
| Koh Samui (Gulf of Thailand) | Best from January to August, rainiest from October to December. An excellent summer alternative to Phuket. |
| Bangkok and Chiang Mai | Mildest from November to February. March to May is very hot. |
The best areas to stay
The area you stay in shapes your trip more than the hotel itself. Here is our experience for each city, and the AI trip planner picks the best fit for who you travel with, your budget and what you love.
Phuket
| Area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kata and Karon | Families and couples | Beautiful beaches and relative calm with restaurants nearby. A great balance for a first visit. |
| Bang Tao and Laguna | Families and resort lovers | A cluster of upscale resorts on a long beach, away from the noise; you need a car to get around. |
| Kamala | Couples and peace | A quiet bay between mountain and sea, close to Patong without its noise. |
| Patong | Those who like a lively scene | The busiest area with the most nightlife. Not one we recommend for peace or for families. |
| Mai Khao | Total calm | A long, almost empty beach near the airport, perfect for deep rest. |
Krabi
| Area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ao Nang | A practical base for everyone | Restaurants, shops and island boats straight from the beach. |
| Railay | Adventure and nature | A peninsula reached only by boat, with stunning limestone cliffs. |
| Klong Muang and Tub Kaek | Honeymoons and peace | Calm luxury resorts with island views, away from the crowds. |
Bangkok
| Area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sukhumvit | Families and shopping | Close to the Skytrain and malls; the Nana area has many Arab and halal restaurants. |
| Siam | Shopping and families | The heart of the big malls, and very easy for getting around. |
| Riverside | Luxury and views | The city's grandest hotels on the Chao Phraya River, near the temples. |
Koh Samui
| Area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Chaweng | Energy and restaurants | The best-known beach, with the most services and crowds. |
| Bophut and Fisherman's Village | Couples and families | Calm and lovely in the evening, with restaurants on the sea. |
| Choeng Mon | Peace and luxury | A small bay with upscale resorts. |
Chiang Mai
| Area | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Old City | Culture and temples | Everything within walking distance inside the walls. |
| Nimman | Cafés and modern life | A stylish neighbourhood of cafés, restaurants and design shops. |
Hotels and resorts at different levels
Examples of well-known hotels from smart value to luxury. Prices change with the season, and the trip planner shows choices for your dates and budget with booking links. Our hotel guides link each hotel straight to its booking page.
- Phuket: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (comfort, Kata Noi) · Angsana Laguna Phuket (premium for families, Laguna) · Banyan Tree Phuket (luxury pool villas, Laguna)
- Krabi: Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi (premium) · Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (luxury) · Rayavadee (luxury, Railay)
- Bangkok: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok (premium, Siam) · Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok (luxury, Siam) · Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (luxury, riverside)
- Koh Samui and Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (luxury) · Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai (luxury) · 137 Pillars House (boutique luxury, Chiang Mai)
- Smart value and comfort: ibis Phuket Patong (smart value) · Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa (comfort, Kata) · Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam (smart value, Siam) · Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi (comfort, Ao Nang)
Book for your trip to Thailand:
Hotels: Agoda
Flights: Search flights · Activities: Klook · Tiqets
eSIM data: Airalo · Saily · Airport transfers: Welcome Pickups · Kiwitaxi
Partner links: booking, payment and cancellations are handled by the partner directly.
Suggested itineraries
- Phuket 4 nights + Krabi 3 nights: the best mix of sea and islands in season.
- Bangkok 3 nights + Phuket 4 nights: city and shopping, then sea and relaxation.
- Koh Samui 5 nights: a calm summer alternative for a honeymoon.
- Chiang Mai 4 nights: a mountain and forest retreat to recharge.
Halal food
Halal food is easy to find in Phuket and Krabi (a large share of southern Thailand is Muslim) and in Bangkok, especially around Sukhumvit. We point out halal restaurants near your hotel in every plan.
Frequently asked questions about Thailand
What is the best area to stay in Phuket for families?
Kata and Karon or Bang Tao and Laguna: good swimming beaches and resorts with kids' clubs, away from Patong's noise.
Phuket or Krabi for a honeymoon?
Krabi is calmer and closer to nature, especially Klong Muang and Railay; Phuket has more resorts and restaurants. Many couples combine both in one trip.
When should I avoid Phuket?
From May to October rain and waves increase on the Andaman Sea and boat trips can be cancelled. In those months we suggest Koh Samui, Malaysia or Bali.
Read next
Plan your trip to Thailand for free
Tell the AI trip planner what you need and it will suggest the best areas, hotels and halal-friendly restaurants in a day-by-day plan, with flight prices, booking links, visa steps for your passport and food advice for the destination. Or ask our experts for a quote on a fully arranged trip.
Start planning my trip Ask an expert for a quoteUpdated 18 October 2026. Information is for guidance; check the visa rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel.