The Best Places to Watch a Koh Samui Sunset

Where are the best places to watch a Koh Samui sunset? Common sense will tell you to head west for the best sunset views, but Koh Samui’s curves offer fantastic sunset drinks and dining in many parts of the island.

1. Garrya Tongsai Bay

Garrya Tongsai Bay, near Choeng Mon, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: near Choeng Mon‍

‍Rating: 9.4 out of 10

A consistent contender near Choeng Mon with insanely good food. Book ahead to reserve a table beside the beach  – it's very pretty; the service is gorgeous too. A particular highlight? Arrive at your sunset table in a chauffeured golf buggy.

2. Anantara Bophut

Anantara Bophut, Bophut, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Bophut‍

‍Rating: 9.1 out of 10

In a place where even the humblest beachside restaurant will pull together a passable Manhattan, what goes for best is usually down to two things: how nicely the clientele scrubs up, and the view. With that in mind, consider Anantara Bophut. Its menus include both Thai and Western options and it's easily walkable to Fisherman's Village when you're ready for some nightlife.

3. Sea Valley Hotel & Spa

Sea Valley Hotel & Spa, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui

Stars: 4 stars‍

‍Location: Lipa Noi‍

‍Rating: 8.9 out of 10

If you're still choosing a hotel and sunset views are a top priority, consider staying in Lipa Noi which faces due west.

4. Hansar Samui Resort & Spa

Hansar Samui Resort & Spa, Bophut, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Bophut‍

‍Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Hungry for a beautiful Koh Samui sunset dinner? Samui is teeming with atmospherically lit restaurants in scenic spots. Many manage that unique Thai feat of being both very romantic and family-friendly. If you're not so inclined to wade through a sea of euphoric superlatives in choosing a restaurant, I heartily recommend Hansar Samui.

5. Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa

Zazen Boutique Resort & Spa, Bophut, Koh Samui

Stars: 4 stars‍

‍Location: Bophut‍

‍Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Just renovated! While many hotels are happy to arrange a romantic dinner for two in their prettiest setting, I think Bophut beach has a particular magic and Zazen's food quality is unrivalled – it's truly a foodie resort, with a wine cellar to match.

6. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Bang Po, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Bang Po‍

‍Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Like Conrad Koh Samui, Four Seasons also has the trophies to show for its service (and sunsets): it won #20 and #21 for Top 25 Luxury Hotels and Top Hotels in Thailand at this year's Travelers’ Choice Awards. Finally, it might – just might – be the location for White Lotus Season 3.

7. Conrad Koh Samui

Conrad Koh Samui, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Taling Ngam‍

‍Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Conrad Koh Samui will spoil you for life with its sunsets, overlooking Five Islands. Need further convincing? It won #1, Luxury Honeymoon Hotel — South East Asia at last year's World Luxury Hotel Awards.

8. Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Lipa Noi‍

‍Rating: 8.5 out of 10

If you’re hoping to enjoy some pinks and purples while you drink something equally vivid – very likely – you can sit down on the closest beach or comfy chair and enjoy something spectacular.

9. InterContinental Koh Samui Resort

InterContinental Koh Samui Resort, Taling Naam, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Taling Ngam‍

‍Rating: 8.9 out of 10

What mighty things might 180-degrees of ocean panorama do for your sunset drinks? The Intercontinental Koh Samui Resort’s Air Bar faces due west and ticks every five-star box a sunset experience might require. Accompany your mixologist-ed drinks with sushi or cheesecake, while a DJ adds a sunset soundtrack. Bar seating is available if you like to watch cocktail magic or make new friends. Otherwise, lounge on daybeds (dusk-beds?) and comfy outdoor sofas.‍

‍Tip: Take note of the advised evening dress code for such a spot and plan to make an advanced reservation.

10. W Koh Samui

W Koh Samui, Maenam, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Maenam‍

‍Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Extremely Instagrammable with near-certainty there's a DJ hard at work – are you trendy enough? WOOBAR® keeps you high up in the hilly peninsula between Bophut and Maenam, whereas SIP is at beach level (and offers movie nights on Mondays once the sun goes down). Note the 'chic/casual sophistication' dress code.‍

‍Tip: If you're staying elsewhere, these resorts (and many others) can arrange transport to/from their restaurants (for a nominal fee). Much easier than trying to find your own taxi or songthaew, especially if you're dressed up.

11. Napasai, A Belmond Hotel

Napasai, A Belmond Hotel, Maenam, Koh Samui

Stars: 5 stars‍

‍Location: Maenam‍

‍Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Enjoy beautiful Koh Samui sunsets all over the island, even on north-facing Maenam Beach.

‍Tip: Wherever you head at sunset, make sure it's the right kind of memorable – don't forget your mosquito repellent.

Your sunset questions

How to avoid mosquitoes at sunset?

‍Properly protect yourself from sunset mosquitoes.

‍Can we drink wine on the beach?

‍If you feel like a more DIY approach, grab a bottle of wine or two and head to the beach. Depending on where you come from, you may be delighted to discover that you're allowed to do this without being slapped on the wrist by the police. As for wine or champagne, Lotus has a reasonable selection, but don't get caught out: you cannot buy alcohol before 11 am, or between 2 pm and 5 pm.

Mini-marts don't suffer from these restrictions, and some have surprisingly good selections. Try Tops Minimart in Chaweng, or Arnon's Minimart in Fisherman's Village (near The Shack Restaurant).

‍Prefer champagne?

‍At US$100 or more for a normal bottle on Samui (!), it's best to bring it from home. The Koh Samui Guide is chock full of helpful tips like these – to make absolutely-totally-positively-certain you have a perfect holiday.

‍What time is Koh Samui sunset?

‍Learn when to make reservations for sunset.

‍What to wear to a sunset dinner?

‍Find out what to wear at night in Thailand.

The best places to watch a Koh Samui sunset

Of course, you can always take the lazy option. Watch a Koh Samui sunset, wherever you are – no planning required. If you’ve already booked your accommodation – you’ll probably realise that the best Samui sunset is wherever you are.

• Koh Samui: The Koh Samui Guide
• Couples: Koh Samui’s Most Romantic Hotels
• Award-Winners: 9 Award-Winning Hotels on Koh Samui
• Families: Where to Stay on Koh Samui with Kids?
• One-Offs: 13 Unusual Places to Stay on Koh Samui
• My favourite: Your Total Guide to Choeng Mon Beach

P.S. You can find every tip for Koh Samui's best beaches and hotels in the archive, or subscribe by email and get all the details straight to your inbox. Enjoy!