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As a professional traveler, I’ve visited some of the most beautiful islands in the world, but Koh Samui, Thailand is one of the few etched into my heart. During a soul-enriching trip two decades ago, my cousin Eric and I dragged our lounge chairs into the bathtub-clear bay each morning, sat in the sun listening to Jeff Buckley all day, and fell asleep in our beachside bungalow to the sounds of gentle waves at night. Unfortunately, cannabis was still off limits in Thailand, so while the rest of the resort got tipsy on brightly colored cocktails, my at-home go-to relaxation rituals were on hold.
Well, times have changed, friends! Thailand decriminalized cannabis in 2022, and today there are upwards of 300 legal dispensaries on Koh Samui alone. When I eventually make my return to the 88-square-mile slice of paradise, I already know where I’ll be staying: The Beach Samui, Asia’s very first licensed luxury resort and cannabis dispensary.
Exclusive Offer for HighWays Readers:
Use promo code HIGHWAYS15 for 15% off stays at The Beach Samui now through November 30, 2025 and May 1 – November 30, 2026.
From the in-house dispensary adjacent to the lobby to the two on-staff herbal pharmacists, The Beach Samui empowers guests to infuse cannabis into nearly every aspect of their stay. For some travelers, it’s a meditative massage on the beach incorporating healing cannabis tincture, for others it’s sound baths and mindful consumption sessions, and others sign up for interactive experiences like infusion cooking classes with the hotel’s pastry chef.
JOMO: Joy of Missing Out
Vacationers who prefer solitude, can grab a preroll and a paddle and head out for a calming kayak ride or opt for an infused cocktail and a great book by the pool. While you’re welcome to consume throughout the hotel, each of the 21 suites features a private outdoor space overlooking the water, the perfect spot for introverts to steal some al-fresco alone time. “Instead of FOMO, or fear of missing out, we like to embrace JOMO: the joy of missing out,” shares Bryan Lunt, the resort’s general manager.
In fact, you don’t even have to venture out of your suite to visit the on-site dispensary if you don’t want to. Holistic practitioners will deliver services ranging from rolling joints and packing bowls to drawing baths infused with healing poultice. The resort also partners with Kanha for a sleep program of naturally derived cannabis edibles. Personally, after reading this TripAdvisor review, I’m manifesting myself smoking a blunt in the bathtub on my beachfront balcony.
Beyond the Blunt
Not every stay here involves cannabis, however. The resort is just as magnificent whether you partake or not. Fresh papaya and mango slices make a sensational tropical-vacation breakfast whether or not you drizzle them with infused honey. Sure, CBD massage oil feels amazing on sore muscles, but a massage without hemp is heavenly, too.
In today’s era of cannabis-friendly tourism, The Beach Samui beautifully intertwines cannabis culture and multi-generational family travel. Select two-bedroom suites include bunkbeds, and families can borrow bikes to explore the local area during the day and stargaze together at night, among other activities.
Exclusive Offer for HighWays Travelers
And here’s the best news of all: The Beach Samui is offering HighWays readers an extra 15% off stays now through November 30, 2025 and May 1 – November 30, 2026. Just use promo code HIGHWAYS15 when you book.
Before you book, be sure to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of cannabis law in Thailand — this rundown from the Thailand Tourism Authority is a great resource.
Word on the Web
The property has an impressive 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor, with guests praising everything from the incredibly comfortable beds and breathtaking views to the secluded location away from the tourist-swarmed areas of the island. “Among the [resort] features are individualized wellness sessions amid a quirky, friendly, laid-back vibe,” writes one former guest.
Cannabis in Thailand: Know Before You Go
(adapted from the Thailand Tourism Authority)
- Cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use.
- The legal age for purchasing and consuming cannabis is 20 years old.
- It is illegal to smoke cannabis in public spaces.
- Transporting cannabis into and out of Thailand is not permitted.
- Cannabis-infused dishes are available at select of restaurants.
The Beach Samui
30/23 Moo 5, Thong Krut Village, Tambon Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84140 Thailand
T: +66 (0)77 234 567
WhatsApp: +66 (0)89 871 7373
Email: [email protected]
Website: thebeachsamui.com
Where do you dream of blissing out and watching the sunset? Share your favorite spots in the comments below.
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