89 Best Hotels in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

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.

This nine-room guesthouse near Cha-am's train station offers excellent value for money—and you can check in even if you arrive after midnight. Khun Meaw, the general manager, is affable and incredibly helpful, and offers scooters for rent. In-room amenities include a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, desk, private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi.

A landscaped terrace leads down to a private beach at this resort on the less crowded southern end of Chawaeng Noi. If you want to do more than catch rays, this is the place for you—the Sheraton offers every kind of beach activity imaginable. In addition, one of the two pools is filled with saltwater, a rare luxury on Koh Samui. The Long Talay beachside restaurant serves international and Thai dishes. The recently renovated rooms, some on two levels, have polished teak floors and are furnished in a distinctly contemporary fashion.

Of the guesthouses on northern Koh Phangan's Haad Kuat (Bottle Beach), this one on the beach's western end is the best, though it lacks most amenities besides a restaurant. Huts are on the hillside and have large wooden decks overlooking the water. The bungalows higher up the hill, duplexes, have the best views. The restaurant has comfortable seating, either at standard-height wooden tables or low tables surrounded by triangular pillows. The staff frequently hangs out with the guests in the evening, when the music is turned up, the lights are turned down, and cards and beer bottles cover the tables. The beach is great for swimming.

The resort, formerly the Hotel De La Paix, has preserved the design flair that characterized its previous guise while adding other flamboyant touches that enhance the property’s strong air of fabulousity, a trait underscored by regular DJ parties on the beach. Top facilities include a jacuzzi pool and an adults-only solarium pool.

Located at the far end of the beach, this resort is quieter than most at Kai Bae. Choose between luxe pool villas and rooms in a building looming over the strand. The grounds include a big beachside pool, a cliffside pool, and an attractive terrace restaurant. At the spa, you can indulge yourself with body massages and facials or sweat in the steam room sauna.

Unassuming yet comfortable, this is one of the best options on Thung Wua Laen Beach. Beds are generously proportioned and comfortable, and the best rooms come with balconies overlooking the azure ocean. The hotel's excellent seafood restaurant—Krua Talay—is another plus.  Credit cards are accepted here, but at 3% surcharge.

Spend your days flitting between a spacious beach villa, a magical pool area (which even has its own secluded waterfall), and the beach itself with its crystal blue waters. The name Vana Belle is a combination of the Thai word for forest and the French word for beautiful. But that only goes a little way towards describing the visual manna on offer at this lovely property. Other highlights of the resort include amazing, gracious service from all the staff. 

This resort has the best bungalows on Ao Vong Duan Beach and is near much of the island's activity. The best rooms are the superior ones; the other bungalows are smaller but otherwise provide the same amenities.

Oozing flashy flair, the W Retreat Koh Samui is most definitely a place to see and be seen. Public areas are adorned with graffiti art, DJs supply cool beach beats, while a main infinity pool and the resort's sugary beach offer ample scope for the beautiful people who favor the brand to strut their stuff. The property walks the walk while talking the talk. Its pool villas are by far the most stylish on the island, featuring vaulted ceilings and blonde woods, gorgeous outdoor decks, and ample private pools. For sustenance, try Namu Japanese restaurant, which is famous for its superfresh sashimi and signature lobster udon. 

This modern high-rise offers everything you need for a Surat Thani stopover as you prepare for your onward journey. Rooms overlook the Tapi River. The hotel's restaurant, with a predominantly Thai and Chinese menu, is among the city's best, and the dim sum is excellent. The local tourist office is a few blocks away.

Formerly Blue Lotus, this boutique resort is located on a quiet beach in Pranburi, about 20 minutes south of Hua Hin. It has newly renovated guest rooms and pool villas offering light designs to create a natural ambience. There's a good restaurant and a gorgeous beachside swimming pool. Daily activities include sports like archery.

Minimalist Bali style makes this hotel a refreshing change of pace, especially if you've been in Thailand for a while. Low-slung beds, brilliant red accents, and panoramic windows are signature elements of the rooms, and bungalows have sliding doors so you can enjoy the breezes. It's peaceful and relaxing here, especially near the water: the pool is striking at night and beautifully lighted, and rows of comfortable chairs line the beach.

If you want to be lulled to asleep by the sound of the surf, stay in one of this trio of boats that have been converted into bungalows. They're air-conditioned and sit on the beach overlooking the rocky coast. The resort also has standard rooms, but these are rather bare-bones and not as comfortable or as novel as those in the boats.

The island's biggest hotel is comfortable enough and has a central location. It's often full on weekends but nearly empty during the week. The pool is great for an afternoon dip after touring the island.