6 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.

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.

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.

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.