Hotels in Koh Chang,Thailand

Koh Chang is Thailand's second-largest island, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Chang's beaches and rainforests are its biggest allure – much of the island is national parkland and many come to the island to dive, trek or go sailing.Koh Chang's beaches are typical of those found around Thailand's islands, sporting beautiful white sand and warm blue waters. The island's most popular beach is even called White Sand Beach, although right around Koh Chang travelers will find similar idyllic conditions. Klong Prao Beach, midway along the island's west coast, is also a popular resort area with several high-end properties.Trad attracts mainly domestic tourists, and five-star resorts on Koh Chang compare favorably, price-wise, to similar properties in places like Phuket or Samui. As a relatively new destination, Koh Chang can offer its guests a slower pace of holiday than can be had in the more developed areas of Thailand, travelers seeking calmer pursuits like yoga and meditation. Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park also offers plenty for nature lovers, including waterfalls, virgin rainforest a diverse range of flora and fauna. Koh Chang is an island of fishing villages and as a result, the best dining on the island features fresh seafood. All around Koh Chang travelers will find restaurants set up along the beachfront, showcasing the island's stunning coastline. Bars and cafés also line the waterfront and although a healthy pub scene exists after dark, it's at a far more relaxed pace than in the country's bigger cities.

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Hotels in Khao Yai,Thailand

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Khao Yai National Park is Thailand’s first established national park and the country’s second largest. Located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province – in Thailand’s north – Khao Lak’s natural beauty draws many domestic and international visitors every year, and in 2005 the park was made a UNESCO World Heritage site.One of the highlights of the park is its resident bat population – their nightly migration providing an impressive show for bystanders. Deer, elephants, tigers, bears and gibbons also call the park home, as do 3000 species of plants. Nightly safaris are likely to reveal deer and Leopard Cats (small cats indigenous to Southeast Asia) and are conducted by experienced 4WD guides.Accommodation in Khao Yai ranges from jungle bungalows to fully-fledged luxury resorts. The area offers golfing, wineries, hiking, safari tours and camping for the adventurous. The park is known for its waterfalls, the most famous of which is featured in the movie, The Beach, though there are many throughout the park including the 80-meter tall Heo Narok.The best season to visit Khao Yai is the wet season – traditionally Thailand’s low season – as during the cool season the waterfalls may be dry. The closest town to Khao Yai National Park is Pak Chong.

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Hotels in Koh Phi Phi,Thailand

Koh Phi Phi – Phi Phi Island – is one of the most idyllic locations in the world, featuring warm azure waters and soft white sand. Situated in the Andaman Sea, it's accessible from Phuket and Krabi Town by boat, with ferries making several trips to the island a day. The most beautiful area on the island is Ao Maya (Maya Bay), made famous by the movie, The Beach, and owing to the island's small size, all resorts in Phi Phi are within walking distance of this iconic location.Phi Phi's postcard looks can be attributed to its limestone formations rising out of the water and its clean sandy beaches. The diving on Phi Phi is truly world class and – like most things in Thailand – is very reasonably priced. Most of the larger Phi Phi resorts have their own dive shop and instructors, and for those who don't SCUBA, snorkeling is just as rewarding. Long-tail boats take visitors on tours around the limestone formations and can be booked on an hourly basis.For the best views of Phi Phi Island, a viewing platform 186 meters above sea level offers stunning panoramas. Nightlife on Phi Phi isn't as raucous as that on Phuket, but there are still plenty of bars on the island that stay open late for the night owls.

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Hotels in Samui,Thailand

One of Thailand's favorite island getaways, Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand just south of Koh Phang Ngan. Too well-known to have 'hidden gem' status, Samui is loved for its beautiful beaches, relaxed island atmosphere and well-developed infrastructure. Samui is easy to access by virtue of its airport –Samui International Airport – located in the north of the island a short drive from Bo Phut and Chaweng beaches.Chaweng is Samui's most popular beach. Resorts on Chaweng have direct access to both the shoreline and the island's most happening night scene, with scores of restaurants, bars and clubs lining the main street. Chaweng Noi and North Chaweng bookend the main strip and at night this stretch of coastline transforms into an extended dining area as restaurants and bars spill over on to the sand.A ten-minute drive South of Chaweng, Lamai beach is geared more towards relaxation than revelry. Samui's second-most developed beach, travelers will find the full range of hotels on Lamai Beach, from backpacker hostels to luxury villas. A handful of bars and clubs in Lamai village cater for the tourist set keep Lamai lively long after darkness falls.On the northern coast of the island is Bo Phut. Far less developed than Chaweng or Lamai, hotels and resorts in Bo Phut can offer a little more seclusion, though shops and restaurants aren't too far away. Bo Phut is also a popular launching point for dive excursions.

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Hotels in Krabi,Thailand

The beautiful province of Krabi is quickly becoming one of the most visited areas of Thailand. Located in the south, Krabi is famed for its limestone formations, calm crystal seas and powdery beaches. Krabi Town is one of the most visited towns in the province, since it serves as a departure point for ferries to the islands in Phangna Bay, such as Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. There are several beaches of note on the mainland close to Krabi Town, including Ao Nang, Railay Beach and Had Yao.Krabi Town itself doesn't have a swimming beach and is mainly used as a stopover point for travelers on their way to the islands. Krabi International Airport serves travelers from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Darwin and Singapore and is just 15 kilometers from Krabi Town.The main activities in Krabi Town and its outlying villages center on beach life. Diving, snorkeling, kayaking and day cruises are all popular pastimes, while the more adventurous can do some rock climbing up Krabi's limestone cliffs. Ao Nang is one of the more popular tourist areas in the region, the main road through town lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Ao Nang beach is also one of the most picturesque in Thailand, karst formations and longtail boats adding to the location's postcard perfect looks.Phi Phi Island, located about 25 kilometers off the coast is a popular destination within Krabi Province. Owing to its small size, there are only a few hotels on Phi Phi Island, but these cater to the full range of budgets. Maya Bay is the most famous beach on Phi Phi Island, having been immortalized in the movie The Beach.Klong Muang and Tub Kaek beaches are bit further north of Ao Nang and tend to cater to a more up-market crowd. The resorts on Klong Muang and Tub Kaek beaches offer a relaxed atmosphere and truly breathtaking views as well as top-notch services and facilities. The secluded Railay peninsular is a quiet area with only a handful of resorts sharing arguably the most exclusive beaches in Thailand.

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Hotels in Hua Hin / Cha-am,Thailand

In the 1920s, when the King of Siam commissioned the building of a royal retreat at Hua Hin, he fundamentally changed the path of this once-sleepy fishing village. Vacationing Thais followed in his footsteps and made this one of the nation's most sought-after getaways. The world's top international hotel chains didn't catch onto Hua Hin's success until the 1980s, and the years to follow saw hotels in Hua Hin and Cha am becoming leaders in Thailand's tourism industry. The opening of Hua Hin Airport gives travelers the option of flying in, even though Hua Hin is only three hours' drive from Bangkok.The main beach area in Hua Hin features high-rise hotels and trendy resorts, with bungalows and chalets on either side. Life on this crescent-shaped beach couldn't be more relaxing. From a beach chair, calm waters stretch to cover the horizon while Khao Takiap mountain looms in the background. A bus from the waterfront links to a mountaintop temple with commanding views of the resorts in Cha am and Hua Hin as well as the surrounding countryside.Hua Hin is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan and boasts first-rate restaurants and nightclubs. Tourists can follow lazy days on the beach with high-octane nights on the dance floor or, armed with a map and a motorbike, they can head south down the coastline to quieter neighborhoods.As the resorts in Hua Hin continue to garner more international attention, savvy Thais are driving on to quieter areas down the coast. First is the boutique resort district of Pranburi, a rising star among domestic tourists. Even quieter districts are found further to the south in Bang Saphan and Tab Sakae. The latter is home to the resorts of Huay Yang Beach and its adjoining waterfall.For a complete escape from the city, travelers can head to Samroiyod National Park, where the scenery shifts between tangled mangrove forests, gorgeous beaches and coniferous forests.

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Hotels in Pattaya,Thailand

Pattaya is the seasoned veteran of Thailand's tourism industry, with nearly 40 years of experience. It started as an R&R retreat for the US military, and by the peak of the Vietnam War it was well-known for late-night revelry. Pattaya offers no apologies for its reputation as Thailand's 'sin city', but it has branched out in recent years to cater for a broad range of visitors. These days, hotels in Pattaya cater for everyone: retired westerners, Japanese businessmen, young honeymooners and Thai families. It's an unlikely mix, and only Pattaya could make it seem so effortless.Families head to Jomtien Beach, a crescent slice of sand brimming with water sports and beach facilities. It sits apart from the central party zone, and the hotels in this area quiet down earlier. Many family-friendly activities are based in North Pattaya, beginning with Buddhist temples and entertainment parks like Ripley's Believe It or Not. An elephant park, aquarium and weekend night market are also on the list.Pattaya really comes to life after dark. A colorful mix of dance clubs, live music venues and bars line the streets of Central Pattaya, where local hotels are used to guests staying out late. The party's epicenter is Walking Street, a neon-heavy after-hours pedestrian strip that follows the waterfront.While Pattaya has been immortalized as Thailand's party destination, the fact remains that it's becoming an increasingly diverse place to vacation. Away from Walking Street are a number of posh hotels, golf courses and quiet beaches. There is certainly something here for everyone, and given its proximity to Bangkok, Pattaya is likely to remain a popular weekend escape for years to come.

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Hotels in Chiang Mai,Thailand

Thailand's second-largest and second-oldest city, Chiang Mai is far removed from the hectic metropolis of Bangkok. A charming city with a moat and remnants of fortified walls, Chiang Mai is the kind of place where a simple stroll from the hotel to a café turns into a sightseeing experience.Chiang Mai is sprinkled with hundreds of temples, and wherever tourists venture they'll see pagodas peeking up over the tree line. Most of the hotels in Chiang Mai city center offer views of nearby temples and shrines. The most dignified temple crests Doi Suthep Mountain on the fringe of the city center. It's visible from all corners of central Chiang Mai.Shopping is a must while in Chiang Mai, whether that means spending an afternoon in the mall near Chiang Mai International Airport or strolling through the city's extensive evening markets. Ideally, it involves both, as the handicrafts, delicate carvings, silk fashions and original artwork in Chiang Mai are first rate.This is also a great place to learn about Thai culture. At relatively low cost, tourists can enroll in cooking, language, yoga or massage classes. Guided meditation retreats to mountain monasteries are also popular, as are visits to elephant camps, including the conservation project, Elephant Nature Park. Chiang Mai is also home to the famous panda cub, Lin Ping, who currently aesides with mum Lin Hui at Chiang Mai Zoo and draws hundreds of visitors a day.After hours, the city's modern vibe ignites. International restaurants, live music venues and nightclubs are well-located across town. A string of riverside clubs play a mix of Thai music and well-known international covers. Other prominent strips include the hostess bars of Loy Kroh and the ultra-chic lounges on Nimmanhaemin Road.Apart from its blend of cosmopolitan and rustic charm, Chiang Mai is also famous for its outdoor activities. Tourists based here can arrange treks through the northern jungles; adventure activities like rock climbing or mountain biking; and homestays in remote hill-tribe villages.

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Hotels in Phuket,Thailand

Thailand's most famous island, Phuket is an exciting island destination. In an idyllic position off the southern coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has the golden sands, calm blue waters and coconut palms associated with the perfect tropical vacation. Though Phuket is the most developed of Thailand's islands there are parts of it that still offer romance and seclusion.Phuket Town is the island's main commercial area and accommodation in the city center is cheap. Phuket Town is mainly a hub for business, with several malls and shopping centers, and aside from shopping is fairly light on actual tourist attractions.Phuket's most popular resort area is Patong. Fully redeveloped after the 2004 tsunami, Patong's main roads are lined with restaurants, shops and countless bars and clubs. The nightlife here is legendary in Asia and many book a hotel in Patong just to experience its lively after-hours scene. Travelers more interested in relaxation than revelry can still enjoy Patong for its markets, wide array of restaurants and long stretch of beach.South of Patong Beach is Karon Beach – a much quieter town with shops, restaurants and bars that cater specifically to tourists. Kamala, to Patong's north, also offers a good range of accommodation and infrastructure, with resorts becoming progressively more upscale towards Bang Thao, Surin and Pansea beaches. Bang Tao Beach is where the Laguna Golf Club is located, with several luxury resorts nearby.On the other side of the Phuket lay the islands of Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Noi and Nakha Yai. Resorts on these islands assure secluded beaches and high levels of service, plus boutique additions like cooking classes, SPA treatments and nature tours. Due south, the little island of Racha Yai also offers a tiny slice of heaven 12 kilometers from Phuket's coastline.Phuket is served by Phuket International Airport, about a 45-minute drive from Patong Beach and Phuket Town.

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Hotels in Bangkok,Thailand

Thailand's bustling capital serves as the premier gateway not only for Thailand, but for all of Southeast Asia. Suvarnabhumi International Airport recently opened here in 2006 and quickly became one of Asia's busiest travel hubs. Hotels in Bang Na are popular with travelers making quick stopovers as this area provides easy access to the airport.A sprawling city, Bangkok doesn't have a dedicated central district. Instead, the major activity follows Sukhumvit Road through the length of the metropolis. This avenue provides access to most of the accommodation in Bangkok and boasts world-class shopping complexes like Siam Square and Siam Paragon. It also cuts directly through prominent restaurant districts and a few sizzling after-hours neighborhoods.Bangkok's financial district is bound to Silom and Sathorn roads and many five-star business hotels are located here. By day, Thailand's most successful businesspeople converge on these gleaming skyscrapers, but this part of the city assumes a new identity at dusk. Financial institutions close up and are replaced by neon rows of bars, restaurants and market stalls, culminating in the famous bar and club strip of Getting around Bangkok used to be tricky, but modern infrastructure continues to make transport easier. When booking a hotel in Bangkok, tourists are wise to choose a location close to the Skytrain (BTS) or Metro (MRT) lines. These are fast and inexpensive, and they travel between major districts along Sukhumvit and Silom roads. Express boats ply the canals and Chao Phraya River and for everything in between, motorcycle taxis provide the fastest – and most thrilling – ride from A to B.The cosmopolitan energy in Bangkok is exhilarating, and it's easy to forget that this city also plays an integral role in Thai culture and history. No sooner do tourists round the corner of a brand-new skyscraper than they come face-to-face with a centuries-old temple or an eclectic open-air market. With unforgettable sites like Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok remains endlessly fascinating and surprising, even to its residents.

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