Paradee Ko Samet

Paradee is a fantastic resort, probably the best hotel on the island. There are plenty of other lovely beaches on Koh Samet that anyone can visit, though. The resort stretches across this beach, and the only ways onto it are through the front gate or over the rocks at either end. Some people try to get in to use the facilities without paying, so Paradee offers a day pass for the pool, sunbeds, and gym. If you want to visit the beach, try going to the front entrance, greeting the staff, and politely asking whether you can buy a drink and use it. They work hard to protect guests’ privacy and experience. People who give the resort one star just because they were refused access to the beach don’t seem to understand the situation. Like it or not, this is Thailand.

We loved this place so much that we booked all 40 rooms at Paradee for our wedding. It was a dream come true, and friends still want to come back each year. The team worked hard all weekend, helped arrange personalized gifts for each room before check-in, and managed all the extra beds we requested. The flower setup was just the simple, minimal style we wanted. I know some things can be difficult to arrange on an island when supplies have to come from the mainland, but they somehow took care of everything we asked for. Getting there from Bangkok was easy for us: about a 2.5-hour drive to the pier, where we left the car in the resort’s private parking lot, then a free speedboat straight to the island. It stops at the hotel’s own beach and pier, just a few metres from the rooms. Golf cars are available if you don’t want to walk. The rooms are huge, around 100 sqm, and most are pool villas with a private pool. The kids had a blast, and so did the adults. The sand is fine and white, and the water clear and turquoise. Paradee is tucked away on Ao Kiew Beach, which felt like our own quiet island retreat. The resort’s name means “The Sixth Heaven,” and it felt pretty close to that. The Sunset Bar on the rocks was a great place for cocktails as the sky changed colour, and it was perfect for our afterparty. We also enjoyed snorkeling in the bay and dancing under the stars. It was an amazing celebration from start to finish.

Even though Paradee Resort is visibly getting older, it’s always maintained beautifully, and we still love coming back after all these visits. The soft golden sand is wonderful for relaxing, and the personal, charming service feels different from the anonymous feel of a large hotel chain. The one small downside is that the cozy Sunset Bar now welcomes people who aren’t hotel guests. The crowd can be quite varied and sometimes flamboyant, and not everyone seems pleasant. Some people appear more interested in showing off than enjoying a peaceful end to the day.

That break from everyday life was exactly what we needed before getting back to work. We don’t usually take resort holidays, so this felt like a special treat, and the staff made it a memorable one. Everyone was welcoming, kind, and ready to help. The room was heavenly, with an indoor-outdoor shower and a bathtub you could sink right into. We loved stepping out to the dock, only a few steps away, to watch sunrise and sunset. The clean pool and beautiful beach were hard to leave. Breakfast was a huge spread, and eating while looking out over the water made it feel extra special. Thanks again, Paradee, for such a lovely place to recharge. ♥️