70 Best Hotels in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

These simple wooden huts directly on the beach at the "quieter" northern end of Haad Rin East are the best deal in the area—for the best location. Opt for one of the beachfront bungalows and request hammocks for the porch.

A massive lobby area makes a striking first impression while guest rooms are as opulent as one might expect, with many offering direct access to a pool that loops around the verdant tropical grounds and joins with the bigger, lagoon-style, family pool. Dining options are equally generous. Try Big Fish, the resort's casual beachfront grill, for a seafood platter groaning with giant prawns, juicy scallops, and lobster claws packed with tender meat. 

Most of the rooms at this outstanding resort are built into a 200-foot cliff, and the beachside villas are even more amazing. The swimming pool is a magnificent trompe l'oeil, looking as if it's part of the ocean far below. There's a second pool by the beach, too, where you'll find an activities center. The southeast corner of the island is also closest to the Angthong National Marine Park, making this the best base for exploring that island chain. You can dine on sumptuous Asian fare at Amber, with a perch looking over the ocean; seafood and prime cuts are grilled to perfection at the more casual Flames.

There are many strings of bungalows on Kai Bae Beach, but this property is the most established and reliable. Very simply furnished, the one-room bungalows here all have air-conditioning. Some of the resort's rooms are in the adjacent building, and the bungalows are closer to the beach. Plenty of restaurants are within an easy stroll.

In our stressful world respite is often necessary, and this well-regarded wellness and spa resort on the paradise island of Koh Samui provides it. While Kamalaya’s programs have been specifically designed to aid mind, body, and soul, the contemporary design of the resort, as well as its immaculate location, are equally inspiring. Stylish suites and vast villas sit amongst the tropical undergrowth alongside steam rooms, rock pools, and yoga pavilions. There’s even a monk’s cave for meditation purposes.

The bungalows here range from fan-cooled huts to spacious, amenities-laden suites; some of the best accommodations are right on the beach. This is the first hotel you see on the west side of the island as you drive into town, and its location near a jungle-covered hill is certainly a plus.

With all the amenities of a big-city hotel, these spacious bungalows have private porches for enjoying the breeze. The accommodations are simply furnished, with a few wood accents that offset the white walls and fabrics. The pool is beachside, and some trees along the beach have swings attached to them—at high tide you can swing out over the surf. 

On the far northern end of Sairee Beach, this is one of Koh Tao's few boutique resorts. Choose between the circular, thatched-roof villas or Mediterranean-style with tile and wood floors, four-poster beds, and panoramic windows. The wooden cottages, which are farther up the hill and away from the beach, have bamboo-frame beds, native art, and decks that face south toward Sairee Beach. Rooms on the hill have stairs leading down to a snorkeling spot. The stylish restaurant, just above the water, is open for dinner.

On the quieter northern end of Sairee Beach, this resort is a good place to get your scuba certification. The colorfully painted, traditional beach huts made of bamboo and coconut timber were built to 21st-century standards, including spacious sunken bathrooms with stone floors. Deluxe rooms have amenities like phones and minibars. Much cheaper and more basic fan rooms are also available. (Note: Rooms 304 and 403 are adjacent to the sometimes noisy restaurant and beach bar.) Guests at neighboring resorts, including Koh Tao Cabana, are welcome to take scuba courses here as well.

Inspired by travelers reading books on the beach, this bungalow resort turned five-star palace is worth a visit for its amusingly hip decor alone. Check out the white figures reading books on the lawn, inviting you to lounge as well. Rooms have modern furniture like long, low tables, and are quite comfortable. The beachside pool has a red tile base, making it fit in perfectly with the red, black, and white theme so prevalent here. Whether you're staying here or not, The Page restaurant merits a trip.

The bungalows and restaurant at this well-landscaped resort in northern Koh Phangan are built of wood, thatch, and bamboo in traditional southern Thai style. The bungalows, each with a private balcony, sit amid lush tropical gardens shaded by coconut and other trees. Popular with travelers wanting to laze away soaking up the sun, casual Longtail is right on Haad Thong Nai Pan Yai.

An ocean-view room with a hot tub and private balcony—or if not that, a poolside beachfront bungalow—is the way to go at the Mac. This is a friendly place, and there's a nightly barbecue on the beach.

Two rows of charming bungalows line the path leading to the beach at this comfortable six-building resort. Each one has a private patio surrounded by tropical foliage. Rooms are furnished in a spare yet cozy style. Penthouses in an adjacent building provide more luxurious accommodations, with separate living and dining rooms.

At this tranquil, Thai-style resort with a parked samlor in the lobby, a meandering garden path with small bridges and stepping-stones crosses a flowing, fish-filled stream. Brick walls instead of standard concrete provide an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient Ayutthaya. The Royal Suite has two hot tubs—one indoor, one outdoor. Other guests must settle for lavishly decorated Junior Suites with teak floors and elaborate carved headboards. Even the swimming pool blends perfectly into its surroundings, with a waterfall and grassy, palm-tree islands within its waters.

Vaguely Balinese in design, this classy boutique hotel makes use of dark woods—often as a stunning contrast against stark white or shimmering gold. A lotus pond on the grounds doesn't feel the least bit out of place, and the beachside pool almost makes up for the fact that only two rooms have sea views.

Established in 1985, this relaxed, family-run resort at the northern end of Haad Rin East was one of the first on Haad Rin Beach. What started with a few bungalows has become a popular, 40-room resort with direct beach access, an open-air restaurant shaded by coconut trees, and a clean swimming pool framed by tropical shrubs. Book the beach bungalow if you want a balcony with unbroken sea views and don't mind hearing pumping beats on full moon nights.

The big attractions at this cheerful resort on Koh Phangan's northern coast are its two restaurants: one is a circular dining area that's open to the ocean breezes; the other is a seaside terrace. Superior rooms have hardwood floors, spacious decks with ocean views, and convenient access to the gorgeous, multitiered swimming pool. More like small wooden houses, the bungalows sit on the hill above the small private beach. Family cottages are enormous, with tall windows on both floors. 

For serious luxury away from the fray, head to this resort at the island's far southern reaches. The beach here is tops, and all the accommodations are villas with terraces, modern finishes, and local decorative touches. There's also a large infinity pool, complete with a poolside bar. Having a cocktail at the appropriately named Sunset Bar, another option, is a relaxing way to end the day.   Included in the room rate is shuttle service to the private Sadet pier, a sailing boat charter with a captain, ice cream and afternoon tea, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

This amiable place offers a little respite from the downtown hustle and bustle. Rooms in the main building are more modern and expensive than the stand-alone thatched bungalows but are not necessarily better. The junior suites have large outdoor daybeds and hot tubs. Spa rooms have outdoor hot tubs and huge wooden-canopy beds. The stylish restaurant serves Thai and Italian dishes, as well as fresh seafood.

On Haad Rin East near the action but away from the crowds, this was one of the island's original resorts. The best huts are lined up neatly and angled toward the sea. Concrete huts on the far side of the resort have air-conditioning, parquet floors, modern baths, and hammocks, but aren't as fun as the beachside ones. Only a short walk to the party part of town, the resort is far enough away to be secluded from the late-night noise.

Although it doesn't quite achieve the effortless cool it's striving for, Punnpreeda is still a fine place to stay. Rooms, all of which have balconies, are decked out in pretty colors and have walls that look like hardened clay. Framed by palm trees, the sparkling pool gazes out at the ocean. For those looking for nightlife, there's a shuttle to Chaweng twice each evening.

Taking a swim couldn't be easier than at this resort with its impressive two pools amid dozens of bungalows facing the beach. Eating options are also excellent, with a beachside branch of acclaimed Bangkok-originated pizza franchise Peppina and popular all-day dining venue Sakuna.

At the far northern end of Lamai, the Renaissance sits on its own secluded beach—two small beaches to be exact. Most rooms are in multistory buildings connected by elevated walkways that pass through tropical gardens. All deluxe rooms have outdoor hot tubs on terraces with ocean views, opulent decor, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading from the bedrooms to the terraces. Separate villas have jumbo hot tubs, daybeds, fishponds, gardens, and even miniature waterfalls within their private, gated compounds. Shuttle service is available to Chaweng Beach.

The biggest property on Koh Samui in terms of area, the Ritz-Carlton revels in all that space. Stretching out over 65 acres, the resort encompasses highlights such as a private beach, a glorious swimming pool, one of the island's grandest beach clubs, numerous fine dining outlets and sublime accommodations. Pick of the latter are the resort's Ultimate Pool Villas, which enjoy showstopping views over the ocean. 

High on a bluff about 1½ km (1 mile) south of town, this four-hotel ensemble, a Thai institution, is known far and wide for its gulf views, setting, and staggering size. Even the standard rooms are well furnished, and most have ocean-view terraces (request one ahead of time). Some suites have two bedrooms, making them good for families. The beach is nice, too, but it's a hike down some stairs. The 11 on-site restaurants prepare a range of cuisines. Rossi serves high-quality Italian food at affordable prices.

Thai hospitality brand Sala has forged a reputation for creating properties bursting with both substance and style, and this, the firm's second opening on Koh Samui, showcases its trademark flair. Rooms and villas are crisp, open affairs, which allow for plenty of natural light. Public areas are equally enticing. There's a moon-shaped pool, a spa inspired by the solar system, and an excellent open-air beachfront restaurant serving fresh-caught seafood and creative Thai and international dishes.  In the peak weeks from December 25 to January 10, there is a three-night minimum stay.

Bright, nearly all-white rooms open onto private courtyards on one side and curtain-enclosed bathrooms on the other. Only some rooms have small private pools in their courtyards, but all have large oval bathtubs, which are nearly as nice and certainly as romantic. The two-bedroom Pool Villa Suite has a larger pool and more space to fill with equally lavish accoutrements. The restaurant, beside the pool and overlooking the beach, has a wonderful evening atmosphere.

This resort's bungalows are simply furnished, but they're clean and comfortable and have the requisite amenities, including hot water and air-conditioning. Out front is a small beach with white sand and calm surf, which means you'll fall asleep and wake to the sound of waves washing ashore. The restaurant serves Thai and a few other dishes. For dinner, venture out to one of the grills set up on the beach. This place is popular, so it's wise to make your reservation well ahead of your visit.  Credit cards are accepted, but at 3% surcharge.

The cottages at this small resort on one of the island's quieter beaches have glass sliding doors and peaked roofs, and bathrooms have showers with glass ceilings. Dine alfresco under hanging gardens, or walk down the beach and enjoy fresh seafood at the beachside restaurant across the channel from Cape Fahn Hotel.

On Haad Sarikantang, this small resort is a short walk from the festive atmosphere at Haad Rin. The nicer, villa-style accommodations have outdoor baths, hot water, air-conditioning, and hammocks, while the rooms in the main building have more basic amenities. The rooms are behind the pool, and although none of them are beachfront, most have ocean views. Two suites have large stone bathtubs with views past cozy living rooms, across the decks, and out to the sea. Right on the beach, the spa offers excellent massages while you listen to the waves lap the shore. This is a family-run resort that genuinely tries to make you feel welcome.