89 Best Hotels in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

The villas on this beachfront estate have the feel of a billionaire's holiday hideaway; accordingly, this is one of the most expensive lodgings on the island. The carefully chosen furnishings in the teak-floor rooms are casual yet elegant. The "less is more" philosophy extends to the huge bathrooms, which have shiny black tiles. Floor-to-ceiling French windows flood the living rooms with light. The main building, a classic Thai pavilion overlooking the oval swimming pool, has European and Thai restaurants. The private beach is ideal for watersports.

One of the best spa resorts in the region—and possibly the world—Chiva-Som has tasteful and comfortable rooms accented with natural woods. Some rooms have private terraces overlooking the ocean. Holistic healing and a wholesome diet are the focus of a stay, but the beachfront setting will do you a world of good, too. The courteous staff will help you recharge through educational talks in the library, shiatsu massages performed in a soothing pool, and individually tailored diets.

Step into the modern lobby here, and you'll immediately be transported to a haven removed from Pattaya's hectic streets. Classy deluxe rooms are comfortable and spacious, with impeccable furnishings and clear views of the free-form pool. The gleaming Ocean Tower vaults the resort to the top of Pattaya's hotel lineup, though. It includes a spa and an executive lounge, and all of its rooms have ocean-view balconies. 

Villas and suites at this upscale hideaway, which deserves its reputation as the most luxurious bolt-hole on the island, all have their own private plunge pools, while the signature spa built into the mountainside is the perfect place for pampering.

Even if you don't stay at this local landmark, its old-world charm makes it worth a visit. Built in 1923 for visitors to King Rama VII's summer palace, the hotel has wide verandas that open onto splendid gardens leading down to the beach. The lounges on either side of the reception area are open to let in sea breezes. In low season, rates are almost half of what they are the rest of the year. On-site activities include badminton and putting at two greens.

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.

The spacious lobby at this hotel between Hua Hin and Cha-am serves as a lounge for afternoon tea and evening cocktails, sipped to the soft melodies of traditional Thai music. Just past an ornamental lily pond is the swimming pool, complete with bubbling fountains, and the beach is just beyond that. All rooms have private balconies with ocean views and are decorated with local furnishings and modern touches. Since it's essentially in Cha-am, there's a shuttle service to Hua Hin and car service to Bangkok.

This is easily one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Its natural surroundings are breathtaking: turquoise waters, tall palm trees, and not a hint of development in the immediate area. Rooms, too, are impeccably designed, with state-of-the-art amenities. Most have private infinity pools; there's another pool with a bar down by the water if you want to be closer to the action. The only downside is that you'll never want to leave the hotel and explore the island.

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. 

Located on a green, forested headland overlooking Koh Lan, this is one of Pattaya's most enticing properties. It offers a paradisiacal village of newly renovated rooms, private cabanas, and shade-providing palm trees. Other highlights include a private sandy beach and inviting lagoon pools. Views of the water frame the resort, but what really sets it apart is its relatively intimate size and peerless degree of personal service.

There's a real sense of place at this tropical retreat, which eschews contemporary decor for an old-world Southeast Asian feel that maximizes water features, lush foliage, and Thai-style design. Among the standout features are its two lovely pools: an oceanfront pool is divided into three sections making it suitable for serious swimmers and junior splashers alike. The resort's pool villas, meanwhile, offer ultimate privacy and luxurious trimmings. 

A total escape that provides serious pampering, this resort nestles on the hillside above Sairee Beach. Far enough from town to feel tranquil, it's nevertheless convenient to restaurants, bars, shops, and the island's longest beach. The accommodations are nine luxury villas, each with its own infinity pool and veranda facing the sea.

From the moment that you're introduced to your private butler, you'll realize that this is not just another high-end resort—you're about to embark on an amazing experience. Your butler will escort you via electric car to your private villa. The rooms have plush bedding, tubs with flawless ocean views, separate outdoor showers, and a variety of lighting options. Don't forget to lounge at the 30-meter infinity pool on the cliff. There's an exquisite and comprehensive breakfast buffet, and the restaurant has a romantic private terrace perfect for indulging in innovative and exotic cuisine. The resort even employs consultants to make sure it's environmentally friendly.

If you're on vacation to detox, this is the spot—and if you aren't, well, it probably isn't. This Mediterranean-style resort offers different programs of varying intensity, such as: a cleansing program that includes some vegetarian food for newbies; a mostly raw-foods program; and a fasting regime for the truly committed. There is a Himalayan salt therapy room and an onsite vitamin bar for an extra boost. Rooms are simple, cute, and relaxing.

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.

Surrounded by a 10-foot-tall terra-cotta wall, this luxurious beach resort looks like an ancient Thai village. Flowers and artworks decorate the lobby and much of the resort, and the furniture throughout is well made. Rooms are within two-story brown-and-burnt-orange structures surrounded by five distinct gardens and a lagoon; the color scheme is so complementary and the grounds so beautiful you could spend a whole day taking pictures. When you need actual rest, you can always head back to your room and collapse on the huge, comfortable balcony sofa. At night tiki torches light up the walkways that connect the rooms with the restaurants. Activities include tennis and cooking classes.

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.

Ban's is set up for diving, so this is an ideal place to do your scuba certification, but it's a fine place to lay your head even if you don't plan to dive. Discounts are available if you sign up for a dive course, however. The resort is divided into two sections. An elegant upper zone has updated villas and a pool, while the rooms in the older wing are a lot cheaper and nearer to the lively, legendary restaurant/beach bar.

Bandara gets high marks for its location on the nicest stretch of Bophut Beach. Deluxe rooms all have decks with daybeds and smell great; aromas are piped in, and fresh flowers sometimes await you. Private villas have gardens complete with outside tubs and showers, and shady daybeds are perfect for massages. Well-qualified practitioners provide facials, massages, aqua therapy, and other treatments at the spa. The seaside restaurant serves seafood and Thai dishes.

A cheaper alternative to Pattaya's five-star palaces, this centrally-located hotel has amenities like flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, safes, and hot showers—a great value for money.

If you book a beachfront room here you can enjoy views of both the sky and sea from your outdoor terrace, room, or bathtub. Garden spa rooms make up for their lack of views with large living rooms and spacious showers and bathrooms, both adjacent to an outdoor waterfall. Multilevel private pool villas are the epitome of luxury: the bedrooms, living rooms, and swimming pools are on different floors. The staff is attentive, and if you should happen to be here on a rainy day, someone will arrange an impromptu bridge game or other activity in the library or bar to help you pass the time.

These two-story bungalows set in a tropical garden have a modern look and a luxurious feel, with white walls and much polished wood. The resort has two pools, one spilling into the other below, and landscaped grounds with several fountains and sculptures. It's next to Lonely Beach, which is beautiful but rather small and, its name notwithstanding, often crowded.

This Tanote Bay resort makes a perfect base for snorkeling because of the colorful coral, interesting fish, and small reef sharks that cruise around at sunset. Discounts are available if you sign up for a dive course, so this is an ideal place to do your scuba certification. Set in a landscaped garden on the hill above the bay, the accommodations are a stylish blend of natural wood and painted, curvaceous concrete walls. A pickup-truck taxi makes the run to Mae Haad five times daily, and a taxi-boat for trips around the island is available from the Mt. Reef Resort at the south end of the bay.

Not every beach hotel that claims to be a "resort and spa" measures up, which is why the massages, scrubs, and herbal steam therapies here are such a pleasant surprise and make this a resort worth visiting. Rooms are tasteful and cheery, with bright colors and pretty views, and some have cozy balconies. The restaurant, Sala Thai, offers a reasonably priced set menu. Don't be surprised to see a lot of Germans here; the restaurant's sister location is in Hamburg.

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 spacious resort has more amenities than any other resort on Chawaeng Beach. The main building is set back behind a large field separating it from the beach. Badminton, basketball (the hoop is hung from a coconut tree), and Ping-Pong cover one side of the field; a sunbathing area, which runs from the grass to the pool, occupies the other. Multiple happy hours run at different times at the indoor bar, the pool, and the beach. And there's an excellent Japanese restaurant, as well as two others serving Thai and Chinese dishes.