With everything from jungle-topped paradise islands to high-octane cities and centuries-old sacred sites, Thailand’s beauty extends far beyond its beaches—this diversity can be found in its best resorts too.
Whether you’re in the market for a treehouse stay, a hillside retreat or a glittering city skyscraper, there’s accommodation to suit.
Keep reading for Urban List’s edit of the best resorts you can book to enjoy everything this island paradise has to offer in 2026.
Koh Samui, Thailand
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
A serene, five-star stay is on offer at the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, which just so happens to have been the filming location for the third season of The White Lotus—and it’s easy to see why. Scattered over a lush, rainforested hillside are 70 private rooms, each equipped with a private infinity pool, bar and al fresco bathing area (it’s not every day you can take a bath with views of tropical gardens and beaches).
Make your way down to the beach and you’ll find a pristine sandy coves bordered by tropical greenery and sparkling blue seas, but if you’re looking for some action, free activities are on offer including snorkelling, water sports, and tennis. There’s a spa on site, of course, where you can treat yourself to massages and facials, and when you get hungry, you can head for one the resort’s two restaurants, which serve up themed dinner nights with live music, fresh local seafood, and Thai cooking classes.
Bonus, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is conveniently located near the airport and Big Buddha, as well as the Marine National Park (which you can cruise to in style on the resort’s SIAMSEAS boat).
Phang Nga Bay
Barceló Coconut Island
All-inclusive island time calling your name? Barceló Coconut Island is a boat access only resort that sits on a sand-fringled isle, a five-minute ride from the east coast of Phuket. It’s a place to get away from the hustle and bustle (and take advantage of some of the best water sports action while you’re at it).
Don’t worry about navigating your way to the island, the hotel’s complimentary boat service will come and collect you from Phuket Town. And once you’ve set foot inside, you probably won’t want to leave again because there’s heaps to do: we’re talking mountain biking, boating, sailing, kayaking, cooking classes and fishing trips. Phew!
After all that fun, we reckon a long lunch at Laku Beach Club might be in order. You can dig into Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood here—washed down with a cocktail of course.
Bangkok, Thailand
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Escape the city while being in its heart with a stay at Banyan Tree Bangkok. Housed within one of Asia’s tallest buildings, this urban resort offers views aplenty, but the real attention-stealers are the rooftop Vertigo restaurant and Moon Bar. Here, the twinkling lights of Thailand’s non-stop capital city is a stunning backdrop as you dine on seafood, steaks, and cocktails as picture-perfect as the views.
For relaxation, freshen up in the outdoor pool and unwind at the Banyan Tree Spa, where treatments using warm aromatic oils and scrubs created with Thai saf flowers await. When it comes to exploring, some of Bangkok’s most popular attractions are only 15 minutes away, such as Wat Pathum Wanaram, Lumphini Park, and Pratunam Ferry Wharf.
Image credit: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui | Website
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