Thailand is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The country, especially popular with digital nomads, attracted more than 11 million foreign visitors in 2022, most of whom go to relax on tropical beaches, have a cultural experience at Buddhist temples, or soak in the energy of bustling cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Photo: Preto Perola/Shutterstock
Tourist numbers began to increase significantly in the late 1980s, when the country opened up its economy and began to attract international visitors. That’s given the country four decades to build up its tourist infrastructure, including many stunning homes that can now be offered as Thailand Airbnb rentals.
While you can definitely find budget rentals in the country, from urban apartments to open-air bungalows, you can also find some of the most luxurious homes in Asia. Below, you’ll find seven options for a Airbnb in Thailand as luxurious and roomy as any hotel featured on “The White Lotus.” And many have hotel-style amenities like concierge services, daily housekeeping, and in-room spa services.
Planning a vacation? Check out Matador’s guides to Thailand
The Thailand Airbnbs below are listed in order from the least to most expensive starting nightly rate, though, of course, the nightly cost can change depending on the time of year.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
- Where are the best places to go in Thailand?
- How much do Airbnbs in Thailand cost?
- When is the best time to go to Thailand?
Riverside Villa in Chiang Mai
This gorgeous Airbnb in Thailand is a perfect mix of traditional Thai architecture and western amenities. Most of the large, airy home is built with teak wood, including the main buildings and the massive outdoor living area by the pool. But if you’re worried traditional building styles may put you a little too close to nature, don’t worry — the bedrooms are closed and air conditioned, with huge beds, high ceilings, and doors that open to patios and lanais.
This home has lots of indoor and outdoor living space, and since two of the bedrooms are in their own cottages, it also has extra privacy for families or couples who may want to be away from other guests. One of the beast features, however, is probably the massive pool area with a hot tub. It has plenty of sun, plenty of loungers, and plenty of space for the whole group to socialize and relax. Considering it’s an Airbnb Plus home, it’s surprisingly to see such a relatively low starting price.
- Bedrooms: 6
- Sleeps: 12
- Rates from: $890/night
Suralai
It’s hard to describe how luxurious Suralai is. If you’ve watched “The White Lotus” on HBO, well, it’s basically the Thailand Airbnb version of that. All bedrooms have their own large bathrooms, and the entire home looks out over onto the trees and ocean. It’s on Ko Samui, the second-largest island in Thailand, and has a raised infinity pool to take advantage of the great views.
While it’s not on the beach, it’s only a quick drive to get there. It’s also only 15 minutes from the airport, and since it’s an Airbnb Luxe property, it’s no problem to have an airport transfer arranged. You can also arrange private dinners, spa services, cooking classes, or private excursions and tours.
But if you don’t want to leave, you can hang out at the rental’s pool bar or sunken lounge area. Daily breakfast and daily maid service are included, and all the bedrooms have private terraces overlooking the best views. It’s probably one of the most modern Thailand Airbnbs you can rent online, though it still has hints of traditional Thai design with wooden roofs and art inspired by Thai temples.
- Bedrooms: 6
- Sleeps: 12
- Rates from: $982/night
Samujana Eight
This luxury Airbnb in Thailand is on Koh Samui, but given the modern design, minimalist interior, and gorgeous ocean views, it’d be just at home in Los Angeles or Malibu.
One of the coolest design features (aside from the fact that the living room basically looks like it’s floating above the pool) is that most of the bedrooms and living areas have giant glass doors and walls. It’s incredibly open and very hard to draw the line between indoor and outdoor living, which is exactly what you want in a place with weather and views as perfect as those in Koh Samui.
This is an Airbnb Luxe property, and like a few on this list, it’s managed by a professional home rental agency (Hospitality by Luxury Retreats). So while it’s technically a private home, it’s as five-star as any hotel you’d see on a show like “The White Lotus.” Every booking includes daily breakfast and maid service, plus airport transfers and on-demand transportation to the beach (a five-minute drive). The management company can also arrange anything a hotel concierge desk could do, like private tours, in-room chefs and catered meals, outdoor spa services, and basically anything you could possibly want.
This is villa number eight in a development of a few sprawling villas, so contact the manager via Airbnb if you have a larger group interested in renting multiple nearby homes.
- Bedrooms: 4
- Sleeps: 8
- Rates from: $1,058/night
Naam Sawan
This Cape Yamu Estates villa is a modern home in Phuket with a style inspired by traditional Thai temples. This Airbnb in Thailand is a “Luxe” property, so it’s akin to a five-star hotel. The home comes with services including a chef service, daily breakfast, housekeeping, and a villa manager, and the owners can assist in arrange just about anything you’d like with advanced notice, from airport transfers to activities to in-home entertainment and spa services.
Nearly every room in the home has views of the ocean or private pool (or both), and all four bedrooms are large and luxurious — no one is getting stuck with a twin bed if you rent this home. Other selling points to this high-end Airbnb in Thailand include a swim-up pool bar and plenty of outdoor living space, including decks or patios off each bedroom. Oh, and there’s private beach access, too.
- Bedrooms: 4
- Sleeps: 8
- Rates from: $1,116/night
Koh Koon
Koh Koon is a downright massive home on Koh Samui. It’s more of a complex than a home and looks a bit like a traditional Thai temple, which is perhaps fitting since you’ll probably feel like royalty if you say there. The bedrooms are spread between multiple villas, each with design details like intricate stonework, arches, exposed wooden beams, and natural pathways leading to the shared spaces.
The hotel’s massive infinity pool is as beautiful as they come, and with nearby features like a sunken couch area, covered daybeds, and plenty of sun loungers, it’ll feel like you’re at your own hotel from “The White Lotus.” Except it’s all yours.
It’s definitely an Airbnb in Thailand fit for royalty, but if you do want to leave your kingdom or queendom for a few hours, you’ll find plenty to do nearby in Chaweng. That includes beautiful Chaweng beach, dozens of nearby temples, laid-back restaurants and beach bars, traditional Thai spas, and even a popular cabaret show (called “Paris Follies Cabaret”).
- Bedrooms: 7
- Sleeps: 14
- Rates from: $1,296/night
Cha Cha Moon
Cha Cha Moon is a sprawling Airbnb in Thailand near Chiang Mai that actually includes four buildings: a main house, a guest house, a staff house, and “the party house,” which is a traditional open-air social area. There are outdoor beds, raised living and dining areas, and plenty of space for your huge group to chill outside. The full rental has four kitchens, two bars, a theatre, and a huge private pool. And even if you only have half of the maximum number of guests, it’s still fairly reasonable on a per-person rate.
The Airbnb listing is only for the main house, but you can add the garden house (the guest house) on for a relatively reasonable extra fee — just message the owners in advance. It’s definitely one of the best Airbnbs in Thailand if you want a more traditional experience for a large group. Of course, “traditional” doesn’t mean basic, especially as this rental comes with dedicated staff who will make a daily breakfast of your choice and help arrange just about anything else you can dream of.
- Bedrooms: 6 (+ another optional 4)
- Sleeps: 16+
- Rates from: $1,540/night
Traditional luxury Thai villa Airbnb on the waterfront in Bangkok Noi
Life in the capital is centered around the river. The most popular means of public transportation are river taxis, which make exploring the beast of Bangkok easy once you get the hang of it. This villa is on the waterfront, and if you’d prefer to travel comfortably, the host can arrange a private boat and captain to ferry you from the property’s private pier. The villa blends luxury and tradition. Elevated on stilts, it features intricate gabled roofs, wood paneling, and classic concave doorways. There are multiple suites, workspaces, and a private saltwater pool surrounded by a garden and terrace.
- Bedrooms: 6
- Sleeps: 12
- Rates from: $4,791/night
5-bedroom villa Airbnb with infinity pool on Phuket’s west coast
My brother and his wife recently splashed out on a similar Airbnb to this tree-top villa on the west coast. Their rental, which is sadly unavailable, was minutes from this property and had identical views over the Andaman Sea. This area of Phuket has calmer waters, so it’s ideal for those who want to snorkel and swim. The villa is spread over three levels with five bedrooms, each with a jaw-dropping ocean view. An infinity pool also runs parallel to a deck with sun loungers and shaded sitting areas, perfect for those who’d rather not share Phuket’s beaches with the masses.
- Bedrooms: 4
- Sleeps: 8
- Rates from: $1,341/night
Suite with butler service in UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phang-Nga
- Bedrooms: 1
- Sleeps: 2
- Rates from: $240/night
Private beach resort villa with 9 bedrooms and full-service staff
The beachfront Airbnb can accommodate over 16 guests – ideal if you need a digital nomad company retreat rental. The complex has a gym, two kitchens, several lounge areas (both in and out), an infinity pool, and a full-service staff, including a 24-hour concierge and a personal chef.
- Bedrooms: 9
- Sleeps: 16+
- Rates from: $2,875/night
Five-star resort-style contemporary villa in Ratsada on Phuket
The contemporary villa has breathtaking ocean views, a spacious garden (with a trampoline and a football pitch), and a magnificent infinity pool. The master bedroom has a private study and terrace, but all five accommodations rival a five-star resort.
- Bedrooms: 5
- Sleeps: 10
- Rates from: $953/night
Wellness-centered 5-bedroom Airbnb on Tong Lang Beach, Koh Phangan
- Bedrooms: 6
- Sleeps: 12
- Rates from: $1,568/night
6-bedroom villa perched on the hills of Nathon, Koh Samui
- Bedrooms: 6
- Sleeps: 12
- Rates from: $763/night
Hillside villa with 6 bedrooms in Thalang, Phuket
This Airbnb has two full-time employees, Mimi and JoJo, and if you want to go all out, you can add extras like a chef to prepare a traditional Thai dinner for you and your guests. The six-bedroom is perched on a hillside, and while this offers spectacular views, the hill is steep, and most local taxis might struggle to get you to the front door. Luckily, you can also hire a driver through the host, and the journey is worth it for the privacy.
- Bedrooms: 6
- Sleeps: 14
- Rates from: $1,033/night
What are the best places to visit in Thailand?
Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Photo: 24Novembers/Shutterstock
Thailand offers an array of incredible destinations for travelers. Popular choices include Chiang Mai and Bangkok on the mainland, or islands like Koh Chang or Koh Samui. Phuket is incredibly popular (and not just for its wild full moon parties), though Krabi can be a good, slightly more laid-back alternative. Other worthy mentions include Ayutthaya Historical Park, Sukhothai Historical Park and Khao Yai National Park, about two hours north of Bangkok.
How much does it cost to rent a home in Thailand?
Photo: Airbnb
Home rentals and Airbnbs in Thailand range from budget-friendly guest houses to upscale villas, so prices will vary depending on the type of accommodation. But generally speaking, vacation rentals can cost anywhere between 500 baht ($15) per night for a room in an apartment up to 50,000 baht (roughly $1500) per night for high-end properties worthy of “The White Lotus.”
When figuring out how much a property will cost, it’s best to look at the per person rate, as larger properties will certainly cost more, but ultimately cost less on a per-person basis. If you book via Airbnb, you can always message the owner and see if they offer any discounts for longer stays or can perhaps throw in something like an airport pickup or afternoon canapés.
When is the best time to visit Thailand?
Photo: Sanit Fuangnakhon/Shutterstock
The best time to visit Thailand largely depends on what type of trip you’re looking to plan and how much risk you’re willing to take with weather. If you want hot and dry weather, visit during the dry season (between November and February). However, that can also be more expensive. If you prefer slightly cooler temperatures, March through May are pretty good. Monsoon season is generally between June and October, which brings heavy rain. But it also brings smaller crowds, lower prices, and extremely lush landscapes. Just pack a rain jacket and be prepared to get a little wet. 