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Trip.com Thailand Guide: Cheap Resorts in Phuket, Bangkok & Koh Samui
Thailand is one of the world's favourite holiday destinations, and it's easy to see why. White-sand beaches and turquoise waters on Phuket and Koh Samui, golden temples and rooftop bars in Bangkok, mountain culture in Chiang Mai, legendary street food and warm hospitality make it irresistible. Best of all, Thailand offers excellent value: you can stay in a private pool villa for the price of a basic city hotel in Europe.
Trip.com Thailand helps you compare resorts, villas and city hotels, book domestic flights and transfers, and save with member deals and Trip Coins, all in one app. In this Trip.com Thailand guide, you'll discover the main accommodation styles, how to find island transfers, internal flights and hotel deals, which partner tools to use, and a step-by-step booking guide.
Find cheap resorts in Thailand on Trip.com
Thailand Accommodation
Island villas and beach resorts — Phuket
- Patong: Lively beach with nightlife, shopping and many hotels.
- Kata and Karon: Family-friendly beaches with a relaxed vibe.
- Kamala and Surin: Upscale resorts and quieter beaches.
- Mai Khao and Bang Tao: Luxury resorts near the airport, with long beaches.
- Phuket Old Town: Sino-Portuguese architecture and boutique hotels.
Koh Samui
- Chaweng: The busiest beach, with nightlife and resorts.
- Lamai: Slightly quieter, with good value.
- Bophut and Fisherman's Village: Charming, with boutique hotels.
- Choeng Mon and the north coast: Luxury villas and secluded beaches.
Other islands and coasts
Krabi (Ao Nang, Railay), Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Khao Lak and Hua Hin.
Private pool villas are a Thai speciality, offering privacy and luxury at surprisingly affordable prices, especially for couples and honeymooners.
Bangkok rooftop hotels
Bangkok is famous for its skyscraper hotels with rooftop pools and bars.
- Riverside (Chao Phraya): Luxury hotels with river views and free shuttle boats.
- Sukhumvit: Shopping, nightlife and BTS Skytrain access.
- Silom and Sathorn: Business district with rooftop bars and Lumpini Park.
- Siam: Shopping malls and central location.
- Old Town (Rattanakosin) and Khao San Road: Near the Grand Palace, with budget and boutique options.
Chiang Mai boutique stays
Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, offers boutique hotels in Lanna-style buildings, guesthouses within the Old City walls, trendy stays in Nimmanhaemin, and mountain resorts near Doi Suthep and Mae Rim.
Finding Island Transfers, Internal Flights & Hotel Deals on Trip.com
Hotel deals
- Member prices, coupons and flash sales.
- Free cancellation on many rates.
- Trip Coins (100 Trip Coins = US$1 in value).
- Flight + Hotel packages to Bangkok and Phuket.
- Verified reviews and detailed photos.
Internal flights
Domestic flights are cheap and fast in Thailand. Compare airlines like Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet, Nok Air and Bangkok Airways on Trip.com.
| Route | Typical flight time |
|---|---|
| Bangkok – Phuket | About 1.5 hours |
| Bangkok – Koh Samui | About 1 hour |
| Bangkok – Chiang Mai | About 1–1.5 hours |
| Bangkok – Krabi | About 1.5 hours |
Tips
- Koh Samui Airport is served mainly by Bangkok Airways, and fares can be high. Alternatively, fly to Surat Thani and take a bus and ferry combination.
- Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), used mainly by low-cost airlines. Check yours.
- Low-cost fares may exclude checked baggage.
Island transfers and ferries
- Phuket to Phi Phi and Krabi: Ferries and speedboats.
- Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao: Ferries and catamarans.
- Airport transfers: Pre-book private transfers from Phuket, Samui and Bangkok airports for a fixed price.
Trip.com offers airport transfers and some attraction and transport tickets; compare options before booking.
Budget and Practical Tips
Sample hotel budgets (per room, per night)
| Destination | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | ฿800–1,500 | ฿2,000–4,500 | ฿8,000+ |
| Phuket | ฿1,000–2,000 | ฿2,500–6,000 | ฿10,000+ (pool villas) |
| Koh Samui | ฿1,000–2,000 | ฿3,000–7,000 | ฿12,000+ |
| Chiang Mai | ฿600–1,200 | ฿1,500–3,500 | ฿6,000+ |
Prices are indicative and rise sharply during peak season.
Seasons
- High season (November–March): Dry and sunny on the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) and in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Most expensive around Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
- Hot season (March–May): Very hot; Songkran (Thai New Year water festival) in mid-April.
- Rainy season (May–October): Lower prices; the Andaman coast has rougher seas, while Koh Samui is often drier until its own rainy season from October to December.
Money-saving tips
- Travel in shoulder season (April–June, September–October) for deals.
- Book pool villas early for peak dates.
- Choose free cancellation.
- Compare Flight + Hotel packages.
- Eat street food: Delicious and cheap.
- Use Grab or Bolt: Ride-hailing apps avoid taxi haggling.
Entry rules
From 15 September 2026, Thailand's visa exemption for citizens of around 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia, was reduced from 60 to 30 days, extendable once by up to 30 days. A 60-day tourist e-Visa is available in advance. All foreign visitors must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. Check your nationality's rules.
Safety note
Check official travel advice before you go, especially for areas near the Thailand–Cambodia border and the far southern provinces, which some governments advise against visiting. Popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai are generally safe.
Level.Travel, OnlineTours, Aviasales and GetYourGuide
Level.Travel and OnlineTours for package holidays
For travellers departing from Russia, Level.Travel and OnlineTours compare package tours to Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui from major tour operators, including flights, transfers and hotels.
Aviasales for flights
Aviasales compares international flights to Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, plus domestic routes. Use the price calendar to find the cheapest dates.
GetYourGuide for tours
GetYourGuide offers Phi Phi Islands boat trips, James Bond Island tours, Ang Thong Marine Park excursions from Samui, ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Bangkok temple tours and Thai cooking classes.
Etiquette tips
- Temples: Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering.
- The monarchy: Treat the Thai royal family with respect; criticism is illegal.
- Head and feet: Don't touch people's heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
Getting from the airport
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK): The Airport Rail Link reaches the city in about 30 minutes.
- Phuket (HKT): Resorts are 30–90 minutes away; pre-book a transfer or use Grab.
- Koh Samui (USM): Small airport close to Chaweng and Bophut.
Step-by-Step Booking Guide
- Search: Go to Trip.com Thailand or open the app. Enter your destination, dates and guests.
- Filter: Filter by price, guest rating, free cancellation, private pool, beachfront, breakfast and property type.
- Check location: On islands, check beach distance and how far the resort is from the airport or pier.
- Read reviews: Look for comments on cleanliness, beach quality, noise and service.
- Add flights and transfers: Book domestic flights and airport transfers.
- Apply discounts: Use member prices, coupons and Trip Coins.
- Pay and confirm: Pay securely and keep all bookings in the app.
- Before you travel: Complete your TDAC and check visa rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Phuket or Koh Samui?
Phuket offers more variety, nightlife and flight options; Koh Samui is more relaxed with boutique resorts. Both have beautiful beaches.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
November to March offers sunny, dry weather and calm seas.
How do I get to Koh Samui?
Fly directly to Samui Airport, or fly to Surat Thani and take a bus and ferry.
How long can I stay in Thailand without a visa?
From 15 September 2026, citizens of many countries can stay 30 days visa-free, extendable by up to 30 days. A 60-day e-Visa is also available.
Are private pool villas in Thailand expensive?
They're often surprisingly affordable compared with other destinations, especially outside peak season.
From pool villas in Phuket and Koh Samui to rooftop hotels in Bangkok and boutique stays in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers incredible value. Ready for paradise? Find cheap resorts in Phuket, Bangkok and Koh Samui on Trip.com and start planning today.
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