Thanks to a booming tourism industry buoyed by beautiful beaches, friendly culture and mouthwatering food, Thailand has an abundance of accommodation to choose from. Keep reading for the best hotels in Thailand to suit every budget.
Getting to Thailand
Thailand is a popular vacation destination for anyone seeking a mix of culture, history, bustling city life, serene beaches, mountainous jungles, and island hopping. It’s no wonder there are over 30 airlines flying to Bangkok from Canada regularly and many cheap flights to Asia.
Although Bangkok is the capital, and the largest city in the country, you don’t have to land at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). There are several major airlines flying to Phuket International Airport (HKT) from Canada with a stop along the way. If you’re in Australia, Jetstar offers direct flights to HKT.
If you’d like to start your trip in the north, think about flying into Chiang Mai International Airport. From there, you can take a train or bus, hire a car or driver and road trip south. Domestic air travel may be more affordable though.
Getting Around Thailand
Fly
Flights within the country can be incredibly cheap, so it makes sense to fly, rather than overland unless you want to see the countryside between the north and the south. Between Air Asia, Lion Air, and Nok Air you’ll find more than ten daily flights from CNX to Bangkok’s older airport, Don Mueang (DMK), and even more flying into the BKK (also known as the new airport).
Bus
There are two bus services in Thailand: government buses and tourist buses. Government buses are cheap and bare-bones basic, while the tourist buses offer a little more comfort. The argument’s out on whether you should pre-book or just show up to the station for Government buses so it’s best to ask at your hotel. An added bonus for a tourist bus is that many do hotel and resorts pick-ups. As far as price goes, they vary depending on the bus company, route, and the departure time and day. As an example, a coach from Bangkok to Pattaya costs about C$12 for a three-hour trip.
Train
From Bangkok, there are five train departures north to Chiang Mai. The trains are basic and will take about 11 hours in total. Overnight trains are also available. Expect to pay between C$25 and C$70, depending on the time and seat.
Getting from BKK to your hotel is easy and cheap on the BTS Skytrain. If you’d prefer a taxi, rest assured the metre will be running, but the relentless Bangkok traffic will no doubt be responsible for inflated fares. At present, the Skytrain does not operate to or from Don Mueang Airport (but it will in future).
Car
Like most tourist-centric countries, you can hire a car and drive yourself. Of course, you’ll need a valid drivers’ license (some nationalities may need an international drivers’ license so check before you go). Unfortunately, Thailand has one of the worst track records for road fatalities. Traffic in Bangkok is crazy and road conditions can be hazardous. If you want to hire a car in Thailand, be a confident driver and always take out extra insurance with zero access – there’s a high chance of a fender bender.
Grab in Thailand
Before arriving in Thailand, we recommend downloading the Grab app. It’s a free app that’s basically the equivalent of Uber or Lyft in Southeast Asia. You can hire affordable transportation by car or even motorbike (the most affordable option) to take you from your airport in Thailand to your accommodation.
For more tips on travelling in Thailand, see our Thailand Travel Guide here.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Thailand
137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok
Best for: Elegant opulence
Rates from: C$500
As the name suggests, this gorgeous property is part private residence and part hotel. For the visitors, there are 34 spacious, high-ceiling suites complete with a kitchen, laundry, walk-in wardrobe and en-suite bathroom. Guests of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences can cool off in the infinity pool on the 27th floor while enjoying an unobstructed view of the Bangkok sunset.
The hotel is located near the fashionable shopping district of EmQuartier and Emporium. Guests won’t have to worry about how far away attractions are thanks to the complimentary purple London cab-style shuttle to the nearest BTS Skytrain or MRT subway station. With this many perks, it’s no wonder it’s one of the best hotels in Thailand.
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
Best for: Affordable luxury
Rates from: C$165
Guests who have a taste for contemporary styles will appreciate the COMO Metropolitan Bangkok. Even the staff are outfitted in Comme des Garçon uniforms and Calvin Klein shoes. The hotel sits in the heart of the business district of Sathorn and guests are not far from Bangkok’s major shopping hubs. All 169 rooms and suites feature COMO’s signature clean design and the bathrooms are stocked with organic bath amenities from the hotel’s Shambhala Urban Escape, a holistic spa featuring a hydrotherapy pool and a 25-metre lap pool.
Well Hotel Bangkok
Best for: Kid-friendly luxury
Rates from: C$128
Well Hotel is all style and luxury in the heart of Bangkok’s trendy Sukhumvit neighbourhood, which is full of the top shops, bars, restaurants, and street food stalls. As one of the best hotels in Thailand, guests will enjoy uber-comfortable rooms and suites with modern furnishings, a smart TV, USB plugs, free WiFi, and a complimentary drink upon arrival. With an onsite restaurant, spa, fitness room, and swimming pool, you won’t have to leave the premise if you don’t want. If you’re travelling with kids, expect teddy bears on the beds, too.
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai
Best for: History and style
Rates from: $521
Before the 137 Pillars brand expanded with locations in Bangkok and Phuket, this gorgeous 30-suite building was its first and only hotel built in the early 1800s. Renovations to 137 Pillars House were made while preserving the Indo-Portuguese teak homestead, keeping the rich historic vibe felt throughout the property. Guests are not too far from the Night Bazaar, the Ping River and the Warorot Flower Market. Guests love the outdoor lap pool, which is flanked by a super-tall green wall and the colonial-era Jack Bain’s Bar named after the Scottish family that once occupied the homestead. The suites, which range from 70 to 135 square metres, aren’t bad either; the oversized balcony and jaw-dropping Victorian clawfoot bathtubs are major standouts.
Le Méridien Chiang Mai
Best for: Trusted brand, swimming pool, sunset views
Rates from: C$233
If you stay at this European-Lanna-style hotel, there’s a good chance you’re getting a room with a view of the majestic Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s famous mountain. Situated in the centre of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Le Méridien guests can take a quick walk to shop for local handicrafts, taste the local cuisine (try the city’s signature dish, Khao Soi) and absorb some exciting performances. All the zen-like rooms come with a high-definition LCD TV, free WiFi, glass and marble bathrooms with impressive rain showers, and a plush bed that promises a deep slumber. The hotel offers complimentary daily breakfast in a laid-back lounge on the 20th to 22nd levels. The outdoor swimming pool is another reason this place makes the best hotel in Thailand list – it’s just about the best place in the city to see the sunset over the mountains.
Kupu Kupu Phangan by L’Occitane, Koh Pha Ngan
Best for: Island paradise feels
Rates from: C$160
You might forget you’re in Thailand when you stay at Kupu Kupu resort on Koh Pha Ngan Island. That’s because the beach villas closely resemble the resorts in Bali with its decorative details in a tropical garden setting. Facing the west, guests are treated to gorgeous views of the sunset over Nai Wok beach. Most villas have a private pool for those who want to get away from Koh Phangan’s party crowds.
The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Thailand
Sala Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
Best for: Beach vacation
Rates from: C$150
When looking for accommodation in Thailand, you’ll come across plenty in the touristy beachside town of Phuket in the south. Phuket may be known for its raunchy nightlife, but Sala Phuket is surprisingly peaceful amidst that backdrop. Sitting on a five-mile stretch of sand on Phuket’s northwest coast, the property boasts a romantic allure thanks to lush beachside lawns and frangipani trees. If the beach gets too loud, guests can escape to the ocean-facing infinity pool or even better, the Sala Spa’s wellness treatments. Some of the 79 suites and villa come with large balconies, a private pool, a sunbathing deck and even an open-air bathroom for the more laissez-faire folks. All rooms feature Azulejo tiles and muted shades of white that keeps in line with the Thai hotel’s overall air of calm.
OZO Chaweng Samui, Ko Samui
Best for: Laid-back vacation with friends
Rates from: C$107
Travellers who visit Koh Samui are usually sun worshippers and beach lovers. Luckily, OZO Chaweng Samui sits right on Chaweng Beach; 15 minutes away from the airport. This stylish resort is made for beach folks with large walk-in showers, a grab-and-go food counter, and a nautical colour scheme. Parents will enjoy the hotel’s babysitting service and splash pools. Certain rooms boast pool or ocean view and larger units feature a grand terrace.
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
Best for: A stay in Old Bangkok
Rates from: C$41
Some of the best hotels in Thailand are also easy on the wallet. The Prince Palace offers clean, stylish, and well-equipped rooms that look and feel more expensive than they are. Imagine paying as low as C$41 per night (maybe even cheaper, depending on the season) for a hotel near the city centre with a swimming pool, spa pool, and a delicious buffet breakfast? Here, it’s possible.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok
Best for: Business travellers
Rates from: C$97
Located near the Chao Pryana River, the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside is ideal for business and holiday travellers alike. With the assurance of the Ramada name, this Thai-themed hotel features luxury 5-star rooms at mid-range prices. Guests will enjoy spacious rooms overlooking the city and river which feature plush beds, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, desk, ensuite with bathtub, bathrobes, and skin-quenching skincare products. Some rooms also have a dining room, living room, and a hot tub on the deck.
Makka Hotel Chiang Mai
Best for: Free breakfast and parking
Rates from: C$122
Makka Hotel in Chiang Mai hovers between luxury and mid-range, only because the rates are so decent. This Thai-style boutique hotel is located in the Old City close to Pratat Chedi Luang Temple and Wat Chedi Luang. As a guest, you’ll enjoy a room with a clean, minimal approach but also, all the much-loved amenities. Guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV, free internet, black-out curtains, fridge, coffee/tea maker, air conditioner, and a small safe to store your valuables.
The Best Thailand Hotels for Budget Travellers
Picnic Hotel Bangkok
Best for: Dorm accommodation
Rates from: C$16
Backpackers and budget travellers will find lots of cheap accommodation in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. Although the newish Picnic Hotel offers mid to high-end guest rooms, they also have very stylish dorm rooms for under $20 per bed. The shared rooms have three sets of bunks, all with linen, pillows, and a duvet, so no need for a sleeping bag. Each room has a sitting room, lockers, air conditioner, desk, a safe, and an ensuite bathroom. The downside is there are no windows in the dorms, but because the hotel is close to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain, several massage parlours, restaurants, and attractions, you won’t need to spend a lot of time in the room.
Ai Phuket Hostel
Best for: Cheap sleeps in the centre of Phuket
Rates from: C$6
Just steps away from the Phuket Weekend Market is the super cheap Ai Phuket Hostel. Past guest reviews have rated this place highly for its excellent location near Old Town, homey vibe, friendly staff, free WiFi, functional common areas, and lockers. If sharing a bunk room with other travellers isn’t your thing, they also have double rooms available for as low as C$15, depending on availability.
Be Beez Cafe and Guest House Chiang Mai
Best for: Laid-back travellers
Rates from: C$4
There are not many places in the world where you can get a bed for the night for C$4, but you can at Be Beez Cafe and Guest House in Chiang Mai if you visit Thailand in slower months like May, June, and July. Of course, for this rate, you’ll be sleeping in a dorm room full of bamboo-crafted bunkbeds, but what an opportunity to meet other travellers and like-minded people. More bonuses at this hotel are the free WiFi, and it’s located within walking to top attractions like the Sunday Walking Street Market, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, and Wat Chedi Luang.
Find More of the Best Hotels in Thailand
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