Boutique Hotels in Thailand

A hand-picked and personally reviewed portfolio of beautiful boutique hotels, B&B's and houses to rent in Thailand, with an insider's travel guide to Thailand - all backed up by an award-winning online booking service and great special offers.

Thailand

Why go?

Did you know that every year, from Britain alone, half a million people travel halfway round the world to holiday in Thailand? Quite impressive. But the astonishing thing is that the vast majority have been several times before. So what draws them back time and again?

The attractions are obvious enough. Firstly, the beaches: soft white sand, bright turquoise waters, astonishing marine life, and a backcloth of swaying palms and dramatic cliffs. Secondly, the cities: colourful temples, bustling markets, funky bars, mouth-watering food-stalls and swish boutiques. Thirdly, the lush hills and rainforests of the north are prime trekking terrain, with hill-tribes, elephant rides and rafting on offer.

These three in combination make Thailand a something-for-everyone paradise. But there's more to it than that. Perhaps it's the Thai people – unrushed, helpful, calm and they really can smile. Or meeting other travellers and swopping life-stories en route. And let's not forget the food: achingly fresh fish and prawns, spicy curries, exotic fruit, veggie stir-fries. Plus, of course, it's still ridiculously cheap - though some parts are going upmarket.

Whatever it is, it's certainly addictive. We spent two months combing the country from top to bottom in search of the funkiest, friendliest places to stay – a gruelling task, you will agree – and now we can't wait to go back. Join the club!

Any Downsides?

Tourism in most areas continues as normal, though there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in the extreme south.
It can be hot and humid in dry season, and wet in monsoon season (see When To Go). Some coastal areas have succumbed to mass tourism, with tacky resorts, boozy bars and sex shows. Beware opportunistic theft, and scams, where strangers promise cheap jewellery, free taxi rides etc. With 12-hour jetlag, unintelligible language and complete change in climate, it takes a while to adjust from Europe. Some mosquito-borne diseases, but only the Ko Chang is malarial.

What's where?

  • Bangkok: A dizzying blend of colours, traffic and people, it's buzzy and bright in spades. Fabulous Wats, jewel-studded palaces and eclectic shopping Read More >>
  • Chiang Mai: The main city in northern Thailand, a great base for hill-tribe treks. Visit the famous night market, Doi Suthep and take a cookery or massage course Read More >>
  • Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle: The 'Golden Triangle' where Burma, Laos and Thailand converge. Famous for the now-defunct opium trade, hill people and stunning views. Read More >>
  • Hua Hin & East Coast: Known as the royal region, this coast has long sandy beaches lined with resorts, and Khao Sam Roi Yot, a national park full of migratory birdlife Read More >>
  • Koh Lanta & Koh Kradan: Gorgeous beaches, sensational sunsets, and far fewer crowds than other islands. The laid-back vibe means it's a great first or last stop in Thailand Read More >>
  • Koh Pha Ngan: Less commercialised than neighbouring Samui though the host of wild Full Moon parties... Tranquil beaches, pretty coconut groves and buzzy Haad Rin Read More >>
  • Koh Samui: Turquoise waves lap white-sand beaches; visit tropical rainforests and thunderous waterfalls then head to Chaweng for a lively party scene Read More >>
  • Koh Tao: A tropical paradise with white-sand beaches and incredible diving (turtles, whale sharks, glorius corals), plus a lovely laid-back pace Read More >>
  • Phang Nga: Impossibly clear seas and fabulous diving in the Similan islands plus sheer limestone cliffs jutting vertically from the sea in Phang Nga Bay Read More >>
  • Phuket: Thailand's biggest island; beautiful sandy beaches with a huge range of watersports and magnificient diving Read More >>

Current Weather – Time

In Bangkok:


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