1. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach

Just 16km from bustling Patong is the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. Perfect for those looking to entertain the entire family, this family-friendly resort is set in tropical gardens on a private stretch of white sandy beach. Kids will love the outdoor swimming pools, and adults will appreciate the kids club. They also do excellent Thai cooking classes, the fitness centre is top notch and the spa treatments take place in a newly renovated space. All in all, one of the best family resorts on the island.

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2. Santhiya Resort & Spa, Koh Phangan

Stretching across 7ha of tropical landscape, the Santhiya Resort & Spa, Koh Phangan is an eco-chic, traditional Thai-style luxury beach resort with an emphasis on teak wood interiors and natural beauty. Explore the lush tropical forests, cascading waterfalls and the private beach before settling down to gourmet cuisine against a stunning backdrop.

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3. Mai Khao Lak Beach Resort & Spa

The warm and tranquil shores of Pak Weep Beach are home to the Mai Khaolak Beach Resort & Spa, offering a perfect family getaway for weary international travellers. From here guests can enjoy resort pools galore and restaurants, with many activities for adults and kids alike. In fact, there are two luxury resorts in one here: an adults only section and another patterned on family friendly resorts. Foodies can catch a 20-minute taxi ride to nearby Khao Lak and indulge in the many restaurants and the bustling night market. This is undoubtedly one of the best resorts in Thailand in terms of value.

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4. Robinson Club Khao Lak

Looking for a dream holiday with secluded island vibes? Head to the luxe ROBINSON Club Khao Lak, overlooking 13km of pristine beaches, set amid fragrant tropical foliage close to untouched rainforests. Located 83km from Phuket International Airport, this hotel is perfect for couples looking for panoramic views of the Andaman Sea in luxury surrounds.

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5. Anantara Bo Phut Koh Samui Resort

With a mix of value and comfort, Anantara Bo Phut Koh Samui Resort is the perfect accommodation choice for travellers looking to experience a tranquil retreat with traditional and contemporary Thai-style interiors. The resort is nestled in a peaceful and secluded beachfront setting surrounded by acres of tropical vegetation and natural beauty. There are sites with private infinity pools and the dining and spa options make it one of the most underrated luxury resorts on the island.

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6. Intercontinental Hua Hin

Offering a unique style that combines Eastern and Western design, this low-rise resort sits on a prime stretch of beach in an alluring setting. Guests are spoilt for choice from the array of bars and restaurants, and all guests receive complimentary access and shuttle transportation to Vana Nava waterpark and the True Arena Sports Club. Several of the suite options come with a private pool and if you want a comparable stay away from the mainland, check out the Intercontinental Phuket Resort.

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7. Pimalai Resort & Spa, Krabi

With direct access to 900m of sandy beach, and surrounded by untouched nature, the hidden retreat of Pimalai Resort & Spa offers five-star comforts far from noisy crowds. Sit back and listen to the waves breaking on the shore or stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens overlooking the blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

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8. The Sands Khao Lak

Just an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport is trendy Khao Lak, home to The Sands, an incredible beachfront resort with something for everyone. Offering 300 rooms with garden or sea views, the resort still maintains an intimacy despite its size. Families will appreciate the 55sq m family rooms and the supervised kids club for children aged four to 12.

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9. Zeavola Resort

The stunning Zeavola Resort is a “home away from home” combining rustic romance, luxury and Thai-style interiors set among a 10-acre tropical paradise on the north tip of Phi Phi island. This sustainable resort has won the World’s Best Sustainable Boutique Hotel Award and invites you to unplug, unwind and reconnect with nature.

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10. Banyan Tree Samui

At the southern end of Lamai Bay, nestled in the hillside of a small peninsula is the luxurious Banyan Tree Samui. Set among cascading terraces this stunning resort offers 78 villas (all with their own pool) featuring total privacy. The villas are decorated in contemporary Thai style and overlook the sea with stunning views from their terraces. As with all Banyan Tree properties, you get a private butler service and a top drawer holistic wellness centre.

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11. Layana Resort & Spa

The Layana Resort & Spa is nestled on Koh Lanta Yai Island in Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Guests have access to a spectacular beachfront featuring 3km of pristine white sand. Just south of Krabi International Airport, this environmentally-conscious resort is simple and elegant Thai atmosphere at its best.

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12. Beach Republic

The secluded villas of Beach Republic resort grace the northern end of Lamai Beach, just 30 minutes drive from Koh Samui International Airport. The red sun lounges and umbrellas resemble a Mediterranean beach club, and the resort stands apart from other resorts with a hip oceanfront atmosphere and vibe all of its own.

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13. Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Your first impression of  this property will be jaw-dropping. Experience your own oasis located in virgin rainforests on the Andaman Sea and explore pristine natural surrounds such as the crystal-clear waterfalls and charm of the islands. The private villas at Phulay Bay blend seamlessly with the beauty and serenity of Krabi.

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14. The Vijitt Resort Phuket

Looking for a tranquil retreat? The Vijitt Resort Phuket is the resort for you. This stunning set of villas invites you to escape to a corner of the earth where the pace of life is slower. Tall, swaying palm trees line the expansive lawns as they gently slope towards Friendship Beach creating a spellbinding atmosphere where warm Thai hospitality awaits.

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15. Anantara Hua Hin

Set in a lush, private beachfront haven and resembling a traditional Thai village with sloped rooftops rising over lotus-covered lagoons, Anantara Hua Hi Resort continues to offer guests contemporary luxuries unlike any other. This relaxing resort is the ideal beachside escape with 190 rooms and suites plus revitalising morning yoga sessions at sunrise.

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16. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Spend your days lazing about on the pristine sandy beaches of the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, perched on the hills overlooking the sea. Experience Thailand’s laid-back island atmosphere and relax on a sun lounge while the kids play in the private infinity pool overlooking the Gulf of Siam. Ahh… bliss!

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17. Rocky's Boutique Resort

 Just five minutes from Lamai Beach is Rocky’s Boutique Resort, a secluded and private boutique resort with 47 bungalows and villas. Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this resort has spaced out its villas to ensure privacy that is unavailable elsewhere. Well-appointed Samui bungalows are set just five metres from the sea while the ocean view bungalows are elevated to provide spectacular views over the Gulf of Siam.

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18. Tubkaak Boutique Resort Krabi

Set on a peaceful beach surrounded by nature, Tubkaak Boutique Resort overlooks the Andaman Sea. Choose from 59 stylish rooms offering privacy and tranquillity. Relax in the plunge pool while watching the tide lapping onto shore. You’ll be spoilt with stunning sunsets and an array of outdoor excursions, namely an active trek to the nearby National Park.

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19. Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya

This Lost World-themed resort is an exciting adventure for families travelling with little ones in tow. The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Pattaya has something to offer everyone in the family, with 555 beautifully appointed rooms (including suites and family residences) all facing the sea. Hit the water and enjoy the water slides, jacuzzis and Monsoon Island children’s water playground.

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20. The Treehouse, Hin Kong

If you want a proper Thai getaway on Koh Phangan that feels like private as well as luxe, Airbnb is always a good option. This managers of this one-bedroom property have acquired superhost status and with 199 reviews its star rating sits at impressive 4.95. Better still, you can score five nights here for around $200 per night. 

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21. Capella Bangkok

If you've had a sticky around the new Sydney Capella (and you should), you'll know that this brand is the last work in luxurious details. This particular property is proof you absolutely need to spend a day or two exploring the Thai capital before making for the islands or the coast. It sits on a stretch of the Chao Phraya River with 101 suites and villas and the Cote by Mauro Colagreco restaurant has a well-deserved Michelin star.

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When is the best time to go to Thailand?

Balmy and tropical year-round, Thailand really only has two seasons: wet and dry.  Monsoons run from September through to October and correspond to low tourist season. Airfares and hotels can be significantly cheaper then. Peak season runs from December to April coinciding with the winter months in the northern hemisphere and school holidays. Crowds can be an issue during this time, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

What is the currency in Thailand? 

Thai Baht. Currently 10 baht equals about $A4.40. Credit cards are widely accepted, but have cash for markets, tuktuks and the like. Withdraw enough local currency for a few days before you leave Australia and bring Aussie dollars to exchange in a local currency exchange branch where you’ll get a better rate. ATMs are widely available, but most will include a surcharge of about $5 for taking cash out.

How long is the flight from Australia to Thailand?

Around 10 hours  from Sydney to Bangkok with additional one hour hops to the main islands.

See also:

17 things to know before you travel to Thailand

Best places to visit in Thailand

Never break these etiquette rules in Thailand