Must-see hotels in Gulf Islands

  • Spa Resort

    Ko Samui

    Programs at this friendly, practical and simple spa include colonics, massage, aqua detox, hypnotherapy and yoga, just to name a few. With rattan…

  • Lighthouse Bungalows

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This remote outpost perched on the rocks south of Hat Rin has simple, good-value fan options and air-con bungalows with sweeping views of the sea; plus…

  • Paradise Bungalows

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    The world-famous Full Moon Party was first hatched on the plot occupied by this hostel – one of the three properties run by Paradise, and staying here…

  • Pott Guesthouse

    Ko Samui

    The big, bright cement rooms all with attached hot-water bathrooms and balcony in this nondescript apartment block are a steal. The Pott's staff is super…

  • Hin Wong Apartments

    Ko Tao

    Above a boulder-strewn sea, these decent enough but basic corrugated roof huts are scattered across a lot of untamed tropical terrain. A rickety dock,…

  • Lodge

    Ko Samui

    In the heart of Fisherman's Village, the Lodge feels like a colonial hunting chalet with hardwood floors and dark wooden beams across the ceiling, except…

  • Samui Verticolor

    Ko Samui

    Resembling a multicoloured tower block, the Verticolour is reasonably priced and well located. There's a pool near the entrance, a small gym and a decent…

  • Mac Bay

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Home to the Black Moon Party (another lunar excuse for Ko Pha-Ngan to go wild), pleasant Mac Bay is a sandy slice of Ban Khai where even the cheaper…

  • Jungle Gym & Ecolodge

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    As well as clean four-bed dorms with outside terrace and garden-view doubles, there's lots of outdoor space at this hostel-cum-health-gym, with a fully…

  • Phangan Barsay Hostel

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    A small, quiet operation away from the centre of Thong Sala. It's cheap and one of the few places available even at the last minute during the Full Moon…

  • Haad Yao See Through Boutique Resort

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This towering polished cement double-storey complex with elongated Chinese-style wooden doors has a long but uninviting pool that's hard to access and the…

  • Delight Resort

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    Slap bang in the centre of Hat Rin, friendly Delight offers decent lodging in a Thai-style building that comes with subtle designer details (such as…

  • Family Tanote

    Ko Tao

    This family-run scatter of hillside bungalows is a so-so choice for solitude-seekers. Strap on a snorkel mask and swim around with the fish at your…

  • Poseidon

    Ko Tao

    Poseidon keeps the tradition of the budget bamboo bungalow alive with basic but sleepable fan huts scattered near the sand. There's a reasonable…

  • Salad Beach Resort

    Ko Pha-Ngan

    This full-service retreat along the sands of Hat Salad has decent enough rooms with tasteful and understated grounds – especially around the pool, but…

  • Amarina Residence

    Ko Samui

    A two-minute walk to the beach, this excellent-value small hotel has two storeys of big, tastefully furnished, tiled rooms encircling the lobby and an…