Thailand is known as a destination tropical paradise that transcends ordinary vacation experiences. If you’re looking for a getaway that combines beautiful scenery, delicious food, and warm hospitality, then heading to Thailand is the perfect destination for you. In this post, we’ll share some of the best Thailand beach resorts so you can decide where you want to experience warm Thai hospitality.
Table of Contents
Best Beach Areas in Thailand
Thailand is home to a plethora of famous beach areas, each with its own beauty and character. Depending on your travel preferences, each island offers something different to match what you’re looking for. Here are the main beach areas in Thailand:
Phuket
Phuket, a southern province, is the largest island of Thailand. Not only is Phuket known for its diverse beaches, this area is also popular for:
- Connectivity to islands: Phuket is linked to many smaller islands in the area which allows for visitors to island hop. Popular day trips include: Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, and Phi Phi Island.
- Nightlife: Patong Beach in Phuket is one of the most well-known areas in Thailand for its clubs and bars. This vibrant nightlife scene will appeal to travelers looking for entertainment options.
- Old Phuket Town: Centered in the middle of the island, Old Phuket Town is a blend of Sino-Portuguese architecture, temples and markets. This area is also home to many restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand, offers travelers an option for a more relaxed beach holiday. This smaller island gives off a tranquil vibe that is also popular for:
- Iconic Landmarks: While Koh Samui has a variety of beaches, it’s also home to Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) and Na Muang waterfalls. These attractions give travelers a breathtaking backdrop for photography.
- Family friendly activities: The laid back nature of Koh Samui makes it the perfect getaway for families. Families can enjoy attractions like the Samui Aquarium as well as water parks and elephant sanctuaries.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is one of the closest beaches to Bangkok. This proximity makes it a good option for travelers who are limited in time and are looking for a quick weekend getaway. It’s also popular for:
- Golf: Hua Hin is home to numerous golf courses which have been host to a few professional tournaments. This is perfect for travelers looking to play while they enjoy their beach holiday.
- Night Markets: While markets are common across Thailand, the Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada Market are particular highlights. These are popular spots to browse local art as well as handmade crafts.
Best Luxury Beach Resorts in Thailand
Six Senses Yao Noi
Location: Six Senses Yao Noi is a resort situated on a picturesque island in Phang Nga Bay. Known for its impeccable blend of natural beauty, sustainable luxury, and exceptional experiences, this resort offers a unique island escape that resonates with those seeking a private getaway.
Featured Amenities:
- Lush tropical landscapes ensure privacy between each villa that comes equipped with its own private swimming pool.
- Easily sightsee and explore James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay, and Koh Panyi (floating fish village)
- Relax and rejuvenate at the Six Senses Thai-inspired long house spa
- Kid friendly activities that range from: Mangrove Walk, Batik Painting, Farm Tours, and many more.
Best Feature: Six Senses Yao Noi is the surreal island escape that is the perfect spot for your fantasy Thailand resort holiday.
Amanpuri
Location: The Amanpuri is a luxury resort surrounded by white-sand beaches with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. The resort is inspired by traditional Thai decor that blends in beautifully with the lush landscapes that surround it.
Featured Amenities:
- Multiple onsite restaurants invite guests on a culinary journey that showcases the flavors of Thailand and international cuisine.
- Take in the beautiful Phuket coast with Amanpuri’s Andaman Sunset Cruise
- Kids and teens can head to the Eco-Beach Discovery Centre equipped with exploratory gardens, a nature museum, a skateboard halfpipe, bouldering wall and the latest watersports kit.
Best Feature: The Amanpuri is the perfect resort for travelers wishing to experience Thai aesthetics in an idyllic haven.
Trisara
Location: Trisara, known as the garden in third heaven, is a secluded resort nestled on the lush hillside overlooking a private bay on Phuket’s northwestern coast.
Featured Amenities:
- Accommodations are thoughtfully designed that feature contemporary Thai architecture as well as private infinity pools that blend seamlessly with views of the Andaman Sea.
- Set amidst a tropical garden, the Jara Spa is the perfect sanctuary to unwind and relax.
- Trisara’s in-house digital studio, DDEN, creates and curates compelling visuals for guests to record and preserve their holiday experience.
Best Feature: Trisara is the ultimate beach holiday for couples looking for an intimate retreat.
Best Mid-range Beach Resorts in Thailand
Anantara Bophut
Location: Anantara Bophut is a captivating resort nestled on the northern coast of Koh Samui. Bophut Beach is known for its soft sands and stunning sunsets giving guests direct beachfront access.
Featured Amenities:
- Stroll to the nearby Fisherman’s Village for a taste of local restaurants and seafood offerings.
- Guests can immerse themselves into Thai culture with experiences like cooking classes, Muay Thai lessons, and traditional dance performances.
- The resort has onsite tennis courts as well as a fitness centre for those looking to keep fit while on holiday.
Best Feature: Anantara Bophut’s best feature is its prime beachfront location on Bophut beach.
Meliá Samui
Location: Meliá Koh Samui is a stunning contemporary resort located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui. The hotel is a modern fusion of the maritime environment in southern Thailand with all the luxury of a premium resort.
Featured Amenities
- Situated on the peaceful Choeng Mon Beach, guests get direct access to enjoy water sports and lounging on the beach.
- The YHI Spa drawsfrom Asian traditions as well as modern techniques. Come here for a range of treatments that promote relaxation and wellness.
- The Level Lounge, inspired by the design of traditional Thai boats, is a bright space that gives guests panoramic ocean views.
Best Feature: The prime location. Guests can not only enjoy everything Choeng Mon Beach has to offer, but also all the main attractions on Koh Samui.
Amari Hua Hin
Location: Situated in a peaceful garden setting that’s right in the Gulf of Thailand, the Amari Hua Hin offers guests a captivating getaway.
Featured Amenities
- The proximity to Hua Hin’s attractions like the night market, Cicada Market, and Railway Station allows guests to take in Hua Hin’s history and cultural heritage.
- Guests dining at the Amari can indulge in a range of experiences that include classic Thai dishes to beachfront barbecues.
- Event spaces for weddings and special occasions
Best Feature: The Amari Hua Hin is just two and a half hours from Bangkok, making it the perfect weekend retreat.
Best Budget Friendly and Affordable Beach Resorts in Thailand
Sawasdee Village Resort
Location: Sawasdee Village is a boutique resort located in the heart of Kata Beach in Phuket. The design draws from traditional Thai villages with emphasis on woodwork, colorful tiles, and ornate details that gives guests a taste of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Featured Amenities
- Multiple dining options
- Fitness center and outdoor pools
- The cooking class gives guests an opportunity to shop at local markets and to create their own 3 course Thai menu.
Best Feature: The resort’s relaxed setting, allows guests to unwind and immerse themselves in Thai culture.
The Peri Hotel Hua Hin
Location: Once known as the Escape Hotel, the Peri Hua Hin, is inspired by Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea giving it a rustic charm.
Featured Amenities
- Comfortable and well-appointed accommodations
- Multiple dining options
- Event spaces for special events
- Recreational activities
Best Feature: The resort’s relaxing setting, providing a calm and peaceful environment that allows guests to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle.
