17 Best Hotels in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

This stunning resort packs a lot into its relatively demure dimensions. Accommodations include spacious pool villas and giant Club InterContinental suites, the latter of which come with perks including private check-in, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapes. Other highlights reveal themselves as you make your way through the tropical grounds towards the beach. These include a gorgeous pool, creative Thai outlet Jaras, and a lively, Art Deco–inspired beach bar. 

All the rooms at Lamai's first ever resort, opened in 1980, have private terraces or balconies that face in the general direction of the beach. Choose between rooms and suites in the main building and the attractive bungalows, which lack a view but are closer to the beach and pool. The popular restaurant serves Thai, Chinese, and European food.

This luxurious resort faces a beach where the water's too shallow for swimming—which can be an advantage, as it keeps the crowds away. The bungalows all have gleaming wood floors, teak furnishings, and huge beds on raised platforms that make you feel like royalty. Some rooms are on the opposite side of the road from the beach and a considerable distance from it. The dining room is one floor up to take advantage of the views.

Anantara captures the essence of Samui: coconut trees dot the grounds, monkey statues and sculptures decorate the interior, and, of course, there's a beautiful beach. All rooms have ocean views from their large patios and are designed in a modern Lanna style. Each also has a tank with several colorful Thai fighting fish. You'll feel like a rock star performing on stage when dining at the Full Moon—the dining room is a large open platform beside the swimming pool. Thin Tai restaurant specializes in Thai classics, while Guilty restaurant serves South American dishes with a Japanese twist. Booking a treatment at the stylish spa is a must.

Hidden away at the quiet northern end of Chaweng, this refuge stands apart while remaining close to the action. Accommodations are spread out amidst beautifully landscaped tropical gardens that unfold towards the ocean. The architecture of the resort draws on traditional Thai heritage with Chinese-inspired design touches. Pool villas are the standout category, with private salas providing the ultimate in tropical seclusion. Dining highlight is Tree Tops restaurant, which specializes in Mediterranean and French cuisine. 

Although Thong Sala (the island's main town) is often overlooked as in favor of other beaches there's plenty to like about the unassuming stretches of sand nearest to the "big city" and this lovely property is one of the best places to stay, with secluded bungalows, a fine restaurant, and a swimming pool.

Rather than attempt yet another iteration of Thai design, this resort opted for what can best be described as a fusion of Indonesian Srivijaya and Chinese styles for its villas. The duplex ones lean more minimalist, with concrete floors, daybeds on the ground level, and spacious baths and bedrooms on the second floor. Pool villas have open-air living rooms and large, canopied beds facing small terraces with Jacuzzis. Beachfront pool villas look out over the quieter northern end of Chaweng Beach, which is ideal for guests who want seclusion from the chaos of the main drag.

This serene hotel is on the beach but with easy access to the rest of Hua Hin. The accommodations range from clean and simple standard rooms to expansive sea-view duplexes. The feel of the place is distinctly modern—minimalist but comfortable. There are two pools, one with a poolside bar, and the restaurant is decent. Facilities at this family-friendly property include a game room and a playroom.

Cascading down a jungle-clad hillside at the southern end of Haad Salad, Cookies Salad offers something for everyone. In the budget category, basic rooms in a modern block have amazing views and outside hammocks. Family cottages are more luxurious with king-sized beds and chic outdoor areas. A lovely swimming pool puts the icing on the cake. 

Families with kids will love this Holiday Inn, which is located just north of Takiab Beach on the way to Hua Hin, especially since it's attached to the Vana Nava water park, which—with its array of fun slides—counts among the best in Thailand. The hotel is also a winner with features such as an elevated infinity pool and rooftop sky bar complementing its comfortable rooms and suites.  Two-day access to Vana Nava water park is included in the room rate.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.