Where to stay: beaches, islands and city districts

Riverside hotels on Charoen Krung and the Thonburi bank. Why the river is a good base for temples and the old town, and how the boats work.

Bangkok's old town and backpacker district. What Khao San Road, Rambuttri and Phra Arthit are like, how to get around and who should stay here.

Street food, gold shops, temples and old shophouses. What staying in Bangkok's Chinatown is like and how to get around from there.

The shopping heart of Bangkok and its central transport hub. What staying around Siam, Ratchadamri and Chit Lom is like, and who it suits.

Bangkok's business district by day and food and nightlife hub by night. Who Silom and Sathorn suit, transport links and hotel tips.

What Sukhumvit Road is like section by section, who it suits, how to get around on the BTS and MRT, and what to expect from hotels there.

Temples, walking streets and guesthouses inside the moat. What staying in Chiang Mai's Old City is like and who it suits.

Chiang Mai's modern district of cafés, malls and serviced apartments. Who Nimmanhaemin suits and how it compares with the Old City.

A long beach south of Pattaya, popular with families and long-stay visitors. What Jomtien is like and how it compares with central Pattaya.

Central Pattaya, Naklua, Wong Amat and Pratumnak compared. Who Pattaya suits, family-friendly areas and getting around.

Krabi's main beach town and boat hub. What Ao Nang is like, how it compares with Railay and Klong Muang, and island-hopping tips.

A long, laid-back island with west-coast beaches, an old town and a national park. Which part of Ko Lanta to choose and how to get there.

Ko Phi Phi Don's busy village, quieter bays and Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le. Where to stay, how to get there and what to know about visiting.

A cliff-ringed peninsula reached only by boat. What Railay East, West, Phra Nang and Tonsai are like, and what to know before you book.

A mountain valley town with hot springs, a canyon and a walking street. Where to stay in Pai, getting there from Chiang Mai and the best season.

Resorts, wildlife and wineries around Thailand's first national park. Where to stay near Khao Yai and how to plan a visit.

Long, quiet beaches north of Phuket and the gateway to the Similan Islands. Khao Lak's beaches compared, plus seasons and transfers.

A long west-coast beach with Phuket's biggest integrated resort area. Who Bang Tao and Laguna suit, getting around and what to expect.

A relaxed beach village between Patong and Surin. What Kamala is like, who it suits, and how it compares with the busier beaches.

One of Phuket's longest beaches, between Patong and Kata. What Karon is like, who it suits, and practical tips on getting around.

Two pretty bays in south-west Phuket, popular with couples and families. What Kata and Kata Noi are like, who they suit and when to go.

Phuket's busiest beach town. Who Patong suits, the quieter ends of the bay, getting around and when the sea is safe for swimming.

Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and local food in Phuket's historic centre. Who should stay in town instead of on the beach.

Thailand's oldest beach resort. Central Hua Hin, Khao Takiab and the northern resorts compared, plus getting there from Bangkok.

A small national-park island three hours from Bangkok. Ko Samet's bays compared, how to get there and when to avoid the crowds.

Samui's charming north-coast village with a historic waterfront, a Friday night market and easy airport access. Who Bophut suits.

Ko Samui's busiest beach. What Chaweng and Chaweng Noi are like, who they suit, and how they compare with Lamai and Bophut.

More than the Full Moon Party. Where to stay on Ko Pha Ngan, from Haad Rin to Thong Nai Pan and Srithanu, and how to get there.

A small Gulf island built around scuba diving. Where to stay on Ko Tao, how to get there and when visibility is best.

Samui's second-largest beach, more relaxed than Chaweng. What Lamai is like, who it suits and what to see nearby.

White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Lonely Beach and Bang Bao compared. Where to stay on Ko Chang, how to get there and when to go.