7 Best Hotels in Koh Samui, The Gulf Coast Beaches

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. 

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.

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.