20 Best Hotels in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

Whether you opt to stay in one of the uniquely designed tropical villas, a deluxe room, or a basic bungalow, you'll enjoy a tiny corner of heaven on the private beach at Jansom Bay. Rooms and thatch-roof villas are built into the landscape, constructed on or around massive boulders and trees, and situated to maximize exposure to the magnificent views of Sairee Beach. Indoor-outdoor baths are great features, as are spaces for chairs, hammocks, and triangular pillows. The spa, bar, and spectacular snorkeling (free equipment rental for guests) are found at the beach, which is a three-minute walk from the farthest rooms.

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.

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.

Set against a mountain backdrop and surrounded by a lush garden, this eco-friendly resort 4 km (2.5 miles) from Sairee Beach has 19 wooden bungalows with spectacular views of the turquoise ocean. Because the resort, near Chalok Baan Kao village, is up a hill, the bungalows enjoy a full breeze. The beach is a short walk away.

This resort is on mellow Haad Sarikantang, a five-minute walk from Haad Rin West. Rooms range from cute air-conditioned clapboard bungalows on the beachfront to less expensive digs with shared baths in a large wood-and-concrete building. The bungalows away from the beach are connected by a boardwalk and have ladders leading up to tiny lofts; newer bungalows on the hill have high ceilings and banks of windows opening up to impressive ocean views. The resort provides a slew of services and amenities, including beach volleyball, rafts, and kayaks to keep you busy during the low tide, when the water is too shallow for swimming.

In the liveliest part of town, the Hilton is perfect for fun-and-sun enthusiasts who want to be close to the action. Towering over Hua Hin, the 17-story hotel has rooms that are spacious, functional, and outfitted with the modern amenities one expects from this chain. A lagoonlike pool dominates the garden. The beach in front of the resort is next to the public accessway, making it popular with vendors and tourists from other hotels. The Hua-Hin Brewing Company, a popular bar, restaurant, and people-watching venue, is part of the Hilton complex.

Formerly the Lamai Wanta, this resort has emerged refreshed and renovated under its new name. Rooms have king-size beds and many tall, thin windows with interior shutters. Another highlight is an infinity pool surrounded by beach chairs, a bar, and a restaurant.  There is a 3% credit card surcharge at this property.

The rooms at this resort are tucked inside two-story structures that were designed to resemble seashells but actually look more like mushrooms. The spacious, round rooms have white walls and pale wooden floors and are filled with natural light. A small pool and soft grass run the beach. The open-air restaurant serves tasty Thai food.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.