Accommodation in Thailand: Where to sleep? Prices and advice [2025/26]

Hostels were my number one choice when I first came to Thailand. I wanted not only to sleep cheap, but above all, to feel like a real traveler. I was in my early twenties back then and didn’t mind sharing a bathroom with others or sleeping in a 6-person dorm. Today I approach where and how I sleep very differently. I usually choose something more exclusive. Comfortable sleep is important to me so I can explore with full energy the next day. I’ve been traveling to Thailand for over 10 years and I know exactly how to book accommodation that matches what we expect. In this article you’ll find tips about accommodation in Thailand, regardless of whether you want to sleep in a hostel, in a guesthouse, or in a 5-star resort.

Personally, I love browsing hotels in Thailand. I like planning trips, expeditions and vacations in this country, and beforehand choosing accommodation. I definitely prefer this over looking for a hotel anywhere in Europe. In Thailand the standards are higher and the prices attractive. For example, for the same price as in Barcelona for a tiny Airbnb somewhere on the outskirts, in Thailand I can stay in a hotel with a pool with breakfast included. That’s why, when it’s time again to pack my suitcase for my annual workation, already a few months earlier, I’m browsing different hotel offers.

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When you’re going to Thailand for the first time, choosing the right accommodation might seem like a challenge. There are tons of options and it’s often hard to choose something suitable. But don’t worry. I’m a Thailand expert after all. I’ll tell you how and where to look so you can spend a wonderful time in the Land of Smiles.

This guide in brief:

Accommodation in Thailand is available for every budget – from 15 PLN for a hostel to 2000+ PLN for a luxury resort.

You can book through Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb or directly.

Prices on the islands are 20-30% higher than on the mainland.

In this guide:

✓ Types of accommodation (hostels, guesthouses, hotels, resorts) with prices
✓ Best booking platforms and how to save
✓ Where to sleep in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and on the islands
✓ Practical tips and FAQ Quickest way: Book online through Booking.com or Agoda

Cheapest option: Hostel dorm (150-400 THB) or guesthouse (400-800 THB)
Best value: Mid-range hotel with pool and breakfast (1000-2000 THB)

Last updated: December 2025

Types of accommodation in Thailand

Hostels (from 150 – 400 THB)

A stay in a hostel won’t be for everyone. This type of accommodation in Thailand is mainly used by young people, backpackers and budget travelers.

The cheapest option is the so-called dorms, where several people sleep in one room. In the room there are bunk beds, sometimes there’s air conditioning, and the cheapest option is the one with a fan. Bathrooms are also shared, often women and men have separate showers. However, I was once in such a hostel where the shower cabins weren’t even separated from the corridor where the rooms were.

A big plus of hostels is that you can meet other travelers there. It’s a perfect option for people traveling solo.

The quality of hostels varies, but nowadays they’re mostly clean and hygiene standards are maintained.

My favorite hostels:

• Bangkok – Mangkon Hostel
• Chiang Mai – At Tha Phae Hostel
• Koh Phangan – Phatra Hostel

Guesthouses (400-800 THB)

A guesthouse is an option for those who don’t want to pay a fortune but who want more privacy. For me it’s also a great choice when I travel alone (my husband values comfort). It gives me insight into Thai everyday life, and on top of that the owners try to help, advise what to see and organize trips or transportation.

Guesthouses are run by families. You often get a small room with a bed. It might have a bathroom, but not necessarily. You then share it with other guests. Air conditioning is also often a matter of luck or possibly a higher price. Sometimes there is, sometimes there isn’t.

Breakfast is also often included in the price. In some places you can pay extra and get dinner. It’s made on site, by the hosts, using local ingredients.

My favorite stay in Thailand in such a place was a guesthouse in Nan, where I stayed for a few days. The house itself had a great vibe and was located right on the river. In the morning we ate delicious breakfast in the garden, and in the evening we could sit by the water and drink beer. The owners were super nice.

Where to look for guesthouses?

• Agoda – has a very good selection of accommodation that’s not on Booking.
• Booking.com – you can find plenty of places e.g. in Bangkok or Chiang Mai
• Directly – you can search on a map before departure, go in and check if there are vacancies.

Hotels mid-range ( from 800 to 2,000 THB)

Mid-range hotels are a wonderful balance between cheap hostels and more expensive hotels. They’re booked by most tourists, couples and families with children.

These hotels are clean, have nice rooms, good service. On offer are basic rooms, with television, private bathroom, daily cleaning. Sometimes there’s also a pool and breakfast. The locations of such hotels are also good and in most cases they’re in places from where it’s easy to get to attractions.

It’s good to check popular chains, such as:

• Ibis
• Novotel
• Centara

Boutique Hotels (from 2,000 THB to 4,000 THB)

Boutique hotels are becoming more and more popular in Thailand. Especially Bangkok is such a city where their selection is really large. They’re chosen by travelers looking for unique experiences. It’s also a favorite choice of people who like aesthetics and beautiful interiors.

A stay in such a hotel is often an unforgettable experience. The decor can often be quite interesting. I remember how recently I stayed in Bangkok in one of these hotels that looked like from a Burton film. It’s not my style and in the end I didn’t like it, but I’ll remember the stay forever.

Boutique hotels are also created in old buildings, which in themselves create atmosphere. Inside everything is refined to fit the given vibe. The service is at a high level and takes care of guests’ comfort.

My recommended hotels:

• Bangkok – Shanti Boutique Hotel
• Chiang Mai – Phor Liang Teracotta Hotel
• Phuket – The Memory at On On Hotel

Luxury resorts (above 4,000 THB)

A luxury resort is obviously chosen only by those who can afford it. These are favorite places for couples on honeymoons, celebrities, and people who have high incomes.

Such hotels are among the best in the world. They’re built in beautiful locations and offer the highest quality service. Sometimes they have direct beach access, other times they’re located somewhere far in the jungle or in the mountains. The villas have huge terraces and private pools. Food is brought to the room, and the entire setting is tailored to the client. My friend once told me that she had the opportunity to stay at the Four Seasons and there they even perfume the room with a scent that the guest previously specifies in their questionnaire. I, on the other hand, once collaborated with Absolute Sanctuary on Koh Samui and there besides food, diet, exercises and treatments I could for example choose what type of pillow I prefer.

My recommended luxury resorts:

• Bangkok – Anantara Resort Hotel Bangkok
• Chiang Mai – Rarin Villas
• Koh Samui – Absolute Sanctuary

How much does accommodation cost in Thailand – Comparison Table

Accommodation Type	Price per night (THB)	Price per night (EUR)
Hostel (dorm)	150-400	4-10
Hostel (private)	400-800	10-20
Guesthouse	400-1,000	10-25
Hotel mid-range	1,000-2,500	25-60
Boutique Hotel	2,000-5,000	50-125
Lux Hotel	5,000-20,000	125+

💡 Planning 2 weeks in Thailand? See my complete travel plan with specific hotel recommendations in each city, booking links and strategy on how to save 30-40% on accommodation.

Prices for December 2025. Islands can be 20-30% higher.

Daily accommodation budget

• Ultra budget: 150-300 THB – dormitories
• Budget: 400-800 THB – guesthouse/hostel private
• Mid-range: 1,000-2,000 THB – hotel 3*
• Comfort: 2,000-4,000 THB – boutique/4*
• Luxury: 5,000+ THB – resort 5*

Where to book your accommodation in Thailand? – Best platforms

Booking.com

The most popular and probably most frequently used platform for booking accommodation worldwide. It probably has the widest and largest selection of accommodation. Booking.com is great if you want to be sure that the price is good and whether a given place is worth the price. I like using the maps, where I always see what’s in the area, what the access is like and whether I’ll find e.g. good food somewhere in the middle of the night.

Booking.com also offers discounts for regular customers, has service and interface in many languages and also has free cancellation for many hotels.

The downside probably is that Booking sometimes can actually be slightly more expensive for Asian hotels. There are also fewer very local places there.

Check the best hotels in Thailand on Booking.com.

Agoda

In my opinion, Agoda is great and works very well in Asia. Thais like it, so more often here you’ll find local spots, guesthouses, and hotels at lower prices. Agoda also offers discounts for its members and you can collect points, which you then exchange for accommodation.

The downside of Agoda is definitely that free cancellation option appears there less frequently. I personally don’t like their price display system. When searching, the platform shows prices per night, not for the entire stay, which can often be confusing.

PRO TIP: When searching for prices, compare prices between Booking and Agoda. Agoda is often 10-20% cheaper.

Book your accommodation in Thailand on Agoda.

Airbnb

I use Airbnb only when I book a longer stay or workation. If I’m going to Chiang Mai for longer, that’s exactly where I search for accommodation.

Airbnb is a platform for expats and digital nomads in Thailand. You’ll find apartments there in so-called condominiums, meaning apartment blocks. In Thailand this type of accommodation is popular for long-term stays. The apartments are furnished, with a small kitchen, with television and wi-fi. In the building there’s often a pool and gym.

In my opinion, for a shorter stay, booking through Airbnb is unprofitable, especially since quite high sums are often added for cleaning. Also the quality of accommodation can vary. I once happened to book an apartment in Chiang Mai that turned out to be terribly dirty, and on top of that it wasn’t the apartment I had reserved earlier. I received a refund, but the whole experience was stressful. Still I book there though, when I don’t have time to look for something on the spot.

PRO TIP: Use Airbnb when you want to have access to a kitchen, you’re traveling with children and you plan to stay in one place for more than 7 days.

Book your apartment on Airbnb here.

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HostelWorld

I haven’t used this platform myself, because when it was created, I was no longer staying in hostels, but I know it’s extremely popular among backpackers.

The plus is that hostel prices are lower than e.g. on Booking.com or on Agoda. Their specialization is hostels, so obviously you don’t have to search long and dig through 1000 other offers. Reviews are presented very clearly.

It’s a platform with only hostels, as I already wrote, so it’s for people who want to save money and stay in cheaper places.

Check the prices on HostelWorld.

Direct Reservation

When I first traveled around Asia, this was the best option for me. Back then Booking still worked poorly and, as far as I remember, I used TripAdvisor from time to time. Mostly though, I took my Lonely Planet guidebook, had myself driven from the station or airport to a place where there was lots of accommodation and walked from hostel to hostel, asking if they had space. It was a real adventure for me!

You can also write to the hotel and ask if they’ll give you a lower price than on Booking. You can also call some places, though remember that the staff might speak English poorly or not at all.

With direct booking prices can also be lower, because then there’s no additional fee for the owner. You can personally view the room, check the vibe and see if a given place will suit us. On the other hand though, it’s quite tiring and you don’t have additional support if something goes wrong.

Accommodation in different regions

Bangkok

1. Sukhumvit (area near BTS)
– Most recommended – Close BTS/MRT
– Restaurants, shops, facilities
– Budget from mid to higher – 800-3,000 THB/per night
Recommended:
On a budget: Click Hostel
Mid: Baan Sukhumvit 118
Lux: Carlton Hotel

2. Silom/Sathorn
– Business district
– Financial centre
– Access to BTS/MRT
– Good restaurants
– Mid Budget – 700-2,000 THB/per night
Recommended:
On a budget: Pan Pan Hostel
Mid: Trinity Hotel
Lux: The Anonymous House

3. Khao San Road
– For backpackers
– Party district
– Very cheap
– Easy to make new friends
– Low budget – 150-600 THB/per night
Recommended:
On a budget: Lamphun House
Mid: Villa de KhaoSan by Chillax
Lux: De Phanakorn Boutique Hotel

Read here more about accommodation in Bangkok. If you need more information about the capital city of Thailand, head over to this page where I have a lot of information about it. I recommend reading my guide to 3 days in Bangkok as well.

Chiang Mai

Best areas:

1. Old City
– The cultural heart of the city
– Surrounded by ancient walls, with temples
– You can walk anywhere here
– Budget for everyone- 300-2,000 THB/per night
Recommended:
On a budget: Jay Guesthouse and Restaurant
Mid: Sila Bed and Breakfast
Lux: Phor Liang Teracotta Hotel

2. Nimman
– Modern area
– Cafés, restaurants, shops
– Perfect place for digital nomads
– Hip atmosphere
– Mid Budget – 500-2,500 THB/per night
Recommended:
On a budget: Baiyoke Ciao Hotel
Mid: Jaritt Nimanhh
Lux: Luxury Apartment at Niamman

Would you like to know more about where to stay in Chiang Mai? Here you will find all you need for your perfect stay. If you need to know what to do and what to see in the city, check out my page dedicated to Chiang Mai here.

Islands

PHUKET

• Patong: Party district (800-3,000 THB)
• Kata/Karon: For families (1,000-4,000 THB)
• Kamala: Peace and quiet (1,500-8,000 THB)

KRABI

• Ao Nang: Main touristy district (600-3,000 THB)
• Railay: Beach paradise, with no roads and no cars (1,500-8,000 THB)

KOH SAMUI

• Chaweng: A lot of people (1,000-5,000 THB)
• Lamai: A bit more calmer (800-3,000 THB)
• North coast: Luxury resorts (3,000-20,000 THB)

Practical tips – Accommodation in Thailand

Always check:

• Location on the map
• How far to main attractions?
• Is it close to BTS/MRT (in Bangkok)?
• Can you walk there or is transport needed?
• Recent reviews
• Ignore reviews from 2 years ago
• Pay attention to reviews about cleanliness, price and location
• Pay attention to whether there’s mention of bed bugs, lack of manners and courtesy from the staff
• Cancellation policy
• Free cancellation – is more expensive, but definitely better if you know plans might change (e.g. due to weather)
• Non-refundable cancellation – is cheaper, but more risky
• What’s included
• Breakfast – lately you increasingly have to pay extra for it. Sometimes it’s worth it if e.g. it’s particularly good, but sometimes it’s better to eat in town
• Airport transfer to and from
• Pool and/or gym

How to save money?

• Book a room way in advance (up to 3 months)
• You’ll get a discount
• Good option for luxury resorts
• Travel off-season (from March to November)
• Cheaper prices up to even 60%
• Yes, it will rain, but often it rains only 1-2 hours a day
• Fewer tourists = better experience

• Stay longer
• On Airbnb you’ll often get a discount
• Negotiate a better price directly with the hotel
• Compare prices on different platforms
• Your process:
• Find accommodation you like on Booking.com
• Go to Agoda and find the same accommodation – compare the price
• If the hotel has a website, go to it and check the price
• Choose the best option
• Use membership
• Booking Genius
• Agoda points
• Hotel loyalty programs e.g. Marriott

What to avoid?

• Don’t book anything in a hostel that seems suspicious – book the first 1-2 nights in a verified hostel, and then you can go somewhere else and check if a given place is safe
• Don’t pay the guesthouse the entire sum directly – if you’re booking outside a platform, don’t pay the full sum right away, and it’s best if you pay everything after arriving on site
• Don’t trust only photos – check reviews!
• Don’t give up safety for the sake of a lower price – it’s better to pay more for a place that has good reviews. This is especially important for someone traveling alone. Really, those 100-200 THB won’t save you, and it’s better to just be safe.

What if something goes wrong?

• Room is different than in the description – show the owner photos on the booking platform, ask for a room change. If the owner refuses – contact Booking or Agoda. You can always go and look for another place, and ask for your money back.
• Room is dirty or has bed bugs – immediately take photos and ask for a room change or refund. Report it to the platform and leave an honest review.

Find out more here about how to book a good hotel, not only in Thailand.

Ready to book your accommodation?

Thailand has options for every budget – from 5 Euros in a hostel to 5oo+ in a luxury resort. Most important: research, compare prices, read reviews.

My advice: Book the first 2-3 nights online (certainty after the flight), then be flexible and explore other options.

Want to have accommodation planned day by day? My 2-week travel plan includes:
✓ Specific hotel recommendations in each place
✓ Links to the best hotels in different budgets
✓ Booking strategy and timing
✓ How to save 30-40%

Option 1: Ready-Made Plan ( 5 Euros)
Option 2: Tailored Plan (from 50 Euros)

FAQs

How much does accommodation cost in Thailand?

From 150 THB (€4) in a hostel dormitory to 20,000+ THB (€500+) in a luxury resort. Average: hostel 200-400 THB, guesthouse 500-800 THB, mid-range hotel 1,000-2,000 THB.

Do you need to book in advance?

Depends on the season. High season (December – February): yes, especially islands. Off season (May – October): you can book even on the day of arrival or walk in and buy a spot from the street. For other periods (Holidays, New Year, Thai New Year in April) book 2-3 months in advance.

Booking.com or Agoda – which is better for Thailand?

Compare both! Agoda is often better for local guesthouses and Asian hotels. Booking has a bigger selection and better customer service.

Does Airbnb work in Thailand? Yes, especially in bigger cities. Best for stays 7+ days (you get discounts on monthly stays then). Apartments with kitchen = you can save on food.

Can you negotiate prices?

Sometimes! Walk-in at guesthouses: you can negotiate (especially off season). Hotels/resorts: rather not. On booking platforms you have fixed prices.

How to check if a hotel is safe?

1. Read reviews
2. Check locations on a map and book where it’s close to the center
3. Pay attention to whether the hotel is well lit and whether someone is at reception 24/7
4. Suspicious things are e.g. prices too low for the standard and bad reviews.

Are hostels in Thailand clean?

Most yes! Especially popular hostels and hotels. Always check reviews. Bed bugs can happen. If you notice any, immediately report it and demand a refund or room change.

How much does accommodation cost on the islands? Islands are 20-40% more expensive than mainland. Hostel: 300-600 THB, guesthouse: 600-1,200 THB, hotel: 1,500-4,000 THB, resort: 3,000-15,000+ THB.

Do you need to book accommodation for the first night?

Yes, especially because it’s required upon entry. You don’t have to have accommodation for the entire stay, but it’s worth booking something for the first nights.

How far in advance to book?

• High season (December – February): 1-2 months
• Mid season: 2-3 weeks
• Off season: a week or same day can be OK
• Luxury resorts: 2-3 months (especially during season and various holidays)