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Choosing where to stay in Thailand is a difficult task. To begin, you have to figure out which area to stay in. Most will opt for the Bangkok area, while others prefer the slightly more peaceful Chiang Mai. Of course, you also have the different islands and all they have to offer.
Once you’ve settled on where you’ll stay, you must consider what type of accommodation you’ll choose. Plenty of options present themselves, so let’s look at which ones to consider:
1. Hotels
There’s no shortage of hotels in and around Thailand for tourists to enjoy. The bad thing about hotels is that they’re usually very expensive. If you want a cheap hotel, you’ll get a cheap stay. However, hotels are perhaps best on the islands as they can be very luxurious and packed full of additional features. If money is no object, and you want the most comfortable stay possible, opt for a hotel.
Still, this option is probably only good for solo-travelers or people traveling as couples. If you’re in a group, hotel rooms aren’t big enough to accommodate everyone, so things get even more pricey.
I made also a review of how we’ve chosen Hotel Central Suite Residences in Siem Reap, Cambodia that might help you also in choosing the best accommodation in Thailand.
2. Hostels
Hostels are arguably more common in Thailand than hotels! This is due to the sheer numbers of tourists that jet to this region each year. Plus, the locals have realized that Thailand is a big backpacker destination. So, they know that a lot of young people are traveling here and are looking to stay for an extended period. As such, hotels are out of the question, making hostels the next best option for many.
If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, it can be quite a shock to the system. There’s a lack of privacy compared to other best accommodation Thailand options, but a greater sense of unity. It’s the ideal option if money is tight and you’re looking to spend as little as possible. Additionally, hostels are excellent if you want to meet new people and make some friends. I would say that this option is fantastic for both solo and group travelers. If you’re traveling with your partner, you may want to consider a different accommodation type due to the lack of privacy. Some hostels have private rooms, but most of them include shared living quarters.
3. Apartments & Houses
Staying in an apartment or a house has become trendy in the last few years. People realize that hotels offer too much that doesn’t get used. What I mean is you have loads of amenities that are useless to you, making the cost of the hotel worthless. Instead, you can find a house in Thailand that is perfect for you to rent. Make this your base for your trip, and you can come and go as you please. Nobody will bother you, and they’re all fully-serviced with the basic necessities. You can make your own food in the house, wash your clothes, have a private toilet, and so on.
The beauty of this option is that you can get some stunning places for an excellent price. Apartments and homes are usually cheaper than hotels in the same area. Why? Because there are fewer costs involved in running them. The house owner only needs to employ one or two cleaners to look after the property between tenants. The owner of a hotel needs an entire team of people to maintain it, plus the cost of additional features and services. Naturally, this also makes apartments/houses suitable for all types of travelers. If you’re in a group, it can be a very affordable way of living in luxury away from hostels. If you’re on your own, it’s arguably the safest way you can stay in the country.
The only thing to be aware of is that most of these places have minimum requirements. Therefore, you might have to stay for four weeks at the bare minimum. If you want somewhere to stay for a couple of days, this probably won’t work for you.
These are the main accommodation categories to find in Thailand and the surrounding islands. You could also throw villas in there, but these fall under either houses or hotels – depending on how they’re run. Each of these options comes with pros and cons, but it’s down to you and your needs. Firstly, think about the location you wish to stay in. Then, survey the options in that area – there might be no hostels and one hotel, meaning an apartment is your best bet. Also, take your budget into account as it plays a huge role in determining what you can afford.
And that’s it! – the best accommodation Thailand categories that you may choose from. If you’ve stayed elsewhere and enjoyed it, let us know so we could add it on our list.
