Weekly hotels top five of five - Thailand

(Chatrium Suites Bangkok)

This week sees the start of the World Film Festival in Bangkok, which will draw cinema enthusiasts from all over the world to see over 150 award-winning titles and new premieres.

It's just one of several things happening in Thailand's buzzing capital which tourism authorities hope can be used to regain the country's sparkle after the riots earlier this year.

In December, Bangkok will welcome the world's tenth - and most technologically advanced - Madame Tussauds and authorities have also been keen to point out the new developments in Bangkok's rapidly growing east end, such as the 290,000 square meter "Paradise Park."

As visiting season for the South East Asian country shifts into high gear, initial figures suggest that these efforts are set to pay off, with visitor figures already 20-30 percent higher than the same period last year.

Bangkok

Despite the manic activity on the streets of this bustling capital city, Bangkok does boast some relaxing paradise hotels. The luxury properties from international chains Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental, however, were beaten by the home-grown Chatrium Suites Bangkok.

1 Chatrium Suites Bangkok - A Dusit Thani Hotels Partner
2 Tower Club at lebua
3 Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len Hotel
4 Peninsula Bangkok
5 Le Meridien Bangkok

Average price of top five $157 - $301 / €112 - €214

Phuket

A well-established stop on the tourist track, Phuket boasts a range of boutique and chain properties. The Andara Resort and Villas holds the top spot among TripAdvisor users.

1 Andara Resort and Villas
2 Boomerang Village
3 Indigo Pearl
4 Mom Tri's Villa Royale
5 Paresa

Average price of top five $355 - $541 / €252 - €385

Chiang Mai

Quieter than its coastal counterparts further south, Chiang Mai offers a totally different experience from the hoardes you'll find around Bangkok. Expect a different, more spiritual experience from its various hotels.

1 Secret Garden Chiang Mai
2 Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa
3 Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai
4 Mai Siam Resort
5 The Chedi Chiang Mai

Average price of top five $108 - $203 / €77 - €144

Koh Samui

Once a backpacker's secret but now a world-famous destination, Koh Samui and its stunning beaches haven't lost any of their appeal. Budget and midrange hotels abound here although there are some luxury experiences to be had if you're willing to dig them out.

1 Sandalwood Luxury Villas
2 Montra Hotel
3 Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa
4 Hansar Samui Resort
5 Rocky's Boutique Resort

Average price of top five $154 - $339 / €110 - €241

Ko Chang

Offering a more unspoiled experience than many places in Thailand, Ko Chang is worth seeing before everyone else discovers it. Guests described the island's Amari Emerald Cove Resort as "blissful" and "relaxing."

1 Amari Emerald Cove Resort
2 Kai Bae Garden Resort
3 Koh Chang Paradise Resort
4 Panviman Resort Koh Chang
5 Nirvana Resort & Spa

Average price of top five $123 - $274 / €88 - €195

Data is taken from millions of independent reviews and rankings surveyed at TripAdvisor taken on November 3, 2010.

Website: http://www.tripadvisor.com