Accomodations
A myriad of accommodations is available throughout Thailand, ranging
from 5-star luxury hotels to simple tents and bungalows. The price and type of
lodging facilities on offer is associated with location, with Bangkok and major
tourist cities boasting some of the best hotels in the world, while rudimentary
rooms are more common in rural areas. Regardless, all types of accommodations in
Thailand are known for being clean, efficient, and friendly, with world-class
service and unbeatable hospitality that comes naturally for all Thais, being an
integral component of the culture.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels in urban Thailand meet the
international requirement standards and are renowned for their outstanding
service and hospitality. Expect to be treated like a king, living in elegantly
furnished rooms with modern amenities, recreational facilities and an extensive
choice of the best dining outlets in town right at your fingertip. Compared with
similar establishments in the West, these hotels provide much more value for
your money. Examples : The Oriental , Hyatt Erawan , Hotel
Plaza Athenee , Peninsula Bangkok
Resort Hotels
Similar to the luxury hotels, the resort
hotels are unsurpassed in style, comfort, and value in comparison with their
counterparts worldwide. Additionally, they offer astonishing, scenic views of
their surroundings, whether it's the azure blue waters of the south or the
rolling hills and forests of the north. Most were specifically designed to be
unique, heavenly oasis, blending harmoniously with their environment, and
offering a wide range of entertainment and gastronomic delights, with services
provided by charming staff. Experience it for yourself at The Regent in
Chiang Mai or the Sofitel in Hua Hin.
Guesthouses/ Beach Bungalows
Booming from the backpacker
phenomenon of the 1970's, guesthouses offer superb value and charming memories
for budget travelers. In Bangkok, these establishments are predominantly located
on Khao San Road. In other major tourist cities and seaside towns, guesthouses
and beach bungalows offer clean rooms and friendly service for a relatively
cheap price, some as low as 100-400 baht per night. Some may have
air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. Though the facilities may be basic,
the quality of service has reputedly remained good. Beach bungalows may also be
prone to insect invasions.
Provincial Hotels
Mainly found in rural areas throughout
Thailand not often frequented by foreign and Thai visitors, they are generally
multi-story or a row of concrete blocks containing identical rooms with choice
of either air-conditioned or fan. They generally offer basic facilities, most
often equipped with squatting toilets, and lack eating facilities. Though cheap
and clean, they may be the only option available, especially in the remoter
parts of Central and Northeastern Thailand.
Homestays
The latest tourism promotion for cultural
immersion is to have guests sleep overnight in a local resident's house and to
learn first-hand about the culture and lifestyle of their host. Visitors may
choose to stay in hilltribe villages in the North, with rural people in the
Northeast, or in traditional Thai houses owned by fruit orchard owners in Samut
Songkhram, only 2 hours away from Bangkok. Besides the fact that both visitors
and hosts learn from each other, the lodging is relatively cheap (from 100-500
baht/night) and provides an interesting experience.
National Parks
Camping is allowed in a majority of national
parks for a minimal fee, though the facilities are extremely basic in comparison
to the ones in Europe and North America. Camping has never really caught on in
Thailand since cheap hotels are often located nearby, plus the annoyance of
mosquitoes and other insects. However, many national parks have a limited number
of clean, basic, concrete bungalows. It is highly advisable to book ahead by
contacting the Forestry Department in Bangkok or the national park itself.
Monasteries
Monasteries are traditionally places of
refuge and it is possible to stay overnight in a temple for a small donation,
regardless if you are a Buddhist or not. Expect basic facilities and early
rising, though co-ed accommodations are not available. Conservative attire and
proper demeanor are expected.
Apartments
Though it is widely available in Thailand at
very reasonable prices, not many short-term visitors look into this option since
dining out is relatively inexpensive and rental contracts usually stipulate a
stay of more than a few weeks.
Prices
Because Thailand is relatively affordable for Western
and Japanese visitors, the wide range of accommodations is sure to be suitable
for type of budget. The luxury hotels offer suites from 50,000 Baht to simple
rooms for 10,000-15, 000 baht per night. Most lodgings in major tourist
destinations cost between 1,000-5,000 baht per night. An air-conditioned,
comfortable room in a standard provincial hotel may range from 700-1,500 baht.
Guesthouses and homestays are the most economical means of lodging.
Prices vary depending on the time of the year. Nationwide, they are at their
highest during the cool season (Nov-Feb) and are less during the hot season
(Mar-May) and rainy season (Jun-Oct). The only exception is Bangkok where
occupancy rate is high throughout the year and prices remain relatively fixed.
Hotels in Chiang Mai and Phuket are fully booked during the cool season.
Local festivals and long weekends are other factors hotels exploit for
raising prices. For example, seaside resorts in Hua Hin and in Chiang Mai are
fully booked during Songkran Festival in April. Even the quiet town of Ubon
Ratchathani is packed when they host the famous Candle Festival in July.
Special Rates
Whether calling to book in advance or
walking into a hotel, it is always a good idea to ask about their promotions or
special rates. During the low seasons, especially outside of Bangkok, many
lodging facilities do offer special rates which could lead to substantial
savings.
Tipping
Tipping has become a normal practice in Bangkok
and the major tourist destinations. Use your discretion in rewarding for good
services. Between 10 and 50 baht is considered adequate in most circumstances.
Usually smiles and thank yous are often appreciative enough. Luxury hotels and
resort hotels will automatically include a service charge with your full
expenses.
Facilities for Children
Majority of luxury and resort hotels
offers some sort of babysitting services and children can normally waived from
hotel expenses. They also provide children pool and playground areas, but
parents must provide their own supervision.
Disabled Travelers
The awareness of the needs of disabled
travelers has not been fully developed in Thailand and few special facilities
are provided, even in luxury hotels. Entrance ramps and elevator lifts are
available at every luxury and mid-ranged accommodations.
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