Formerly a sleepy fisher island with only a handful of beachfront huts to stay in, Koh Samui has seen the arrival of luxurious hotels like Thai Fight Hotel, which caters to travellers keen for an authentic Thai experience. Learn more about the hotel’s unique concept and also get a flavour of dinner at The Roof Samui, one of the best places in Koh Samui.

The world’s first ever Muay Thai hotel

What originally emerged as a hand-to-hand form of combat for protection from Burmese and Cambodian invaders is now a martial art and combat sport like no other. At Thai Fight Hotel, the Muay Thai theme runs throughout the premises. Portraits of Thai boxing legends adorn the walls, and each room is fitted out with a Muay Thai unit, a hanging Muay Thai bag. So put on the headband, armband and boxing gloves and practise those punches and kicks.

Needless to say, you can also find a Thai boxing gym at Thai Fight Hotel. A WMC Championship trainer will give you a free Muay Thai lesson and show you those powerful punches, super fast kicks, and axe-like knees and elbows that Thailand’s national sport is known for.

This four-star hotel in Lamai, a beach and nightlife area just south of Chaweng, is not just for Muay Thai fans, of course. One of the most unique and best hotels Koh Samui, The Thai Fight Hotel is also about well-earned rest and relaxation. With only 50 rooms and four pool villas, the atmosphere of this boutique hotel is intimate.

The rooms

Creating a cosy atmosphere, earth colours and hardwood floors dominate in the rooms and villas furnished with desks and couches. Serene and simple, the beautiful minimalist design has a decluttering effect. Brick accents add into that homely vibe, and the friendly staff always goes the extra mile. Most rooms have tubs, so you can wind down and gaze out to sea after sweating buckets in a training session.

The 175 sqm Beachfront Pool Villa has a private swimming pool and patio outfitted with sunloungers, ideal for working on your tan while enjoying unbroken sea views.

You can choose from seven room types, from the Premier Garden Seaview and the Ocean Deluxe to the Superior Prime, and more. Do you want to have a barbecue with your friends? Then book the Xclusive Pool Villa, which features 150 sqm and a private plunge pool.

The facilities

Arguably the best hotel in Koh Samui for culture buffs, this hotel with three buildings boasts NIRAMAI, a Thai spa with a herbal bath, so you can recharge your batteries whenever you need. One of a kind is the Thai Fight Hotel’s massage that incorporates elements of Thai martial arts and sports science. You won’t find it anywhere else in the world yet.

And the pool? Backdropped by Barringtonia trees and balustraded brick balconies, the swimming pool invites people into lazy afternoons beneath coconut trees swaying in the wind.

Finally, foodies can enjoy Thai dishes at CHAL, the on-site restaurant that offers a homely rattan and brick setting. To let travellers explore new tastes, the chef uses spices and Thai herbs from various regions in the kingdom.

The area

A stone’s throw from the Thai Fight Hotel is Hin Ta Hin Yai, better known as Grandmother and Grandfather Rock, which has prompted many giggles due to the rocks bearing a strong resemblance to male and female genitalia.

A 20-minute walk south sits Guan Yu Shrine, a Chinese-style shrine worth a visit. One of the best hotels Koh Samui Lamai, some five kilometres from Chaweng, The Fight Hotel is also within walking distance of bars and restaurants.

One of the best restaurants in Lamai Koh Samui is the aptly named The Roof Samui.

The Roof Samui

Snuggled into greenery, this restaurant is well worth the ride up the mountain. Perfect for a romantic dinner, The Roof Samui overlooks the island’s rolling hills, Chaweng Beach, Bangrak, and beyond.

Apart from jaw-dropping views, it’s the green Thai curries and mouthwatering chicken grilled on skewers that people come here for. As well as bean bags and rope beds, the neon-lit photo corner above the rocks is a good place to sip a pina colada or coconut smoothie.

Enjoy!