I Stayed in Samui’s Most Haunted Resort — Alone

If you’ve ever dreamt of gentle coconut breezes, the lull of turquoise waves, and a dash of spine-tingling mystery, Koh Samui is calling. My most recent solo adventure on this island was less about sunbathing and more about goosebumps: I checked into what locals call Samui’s most haunted resort. Alone. Was it terrifying? Absolutely. Was it beautiful? Unforgettably so.

Let me take you on a journey through moonlit beaches, creaking corridors, and the irresistible flavors of Samui, with practical tips for making the most of your own slightly spooky escape.

The Resort: Where Shadows Whisper

Nestled at the far end of Chaweng Beach, the Ban Sabai Big Buddha Retreat & Spa, as the stories go, sits on land that was once a sacred burial site. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the moment you cross its vine-draped threshold, you feel the history humming through the air. My room overlooked the restless Gulf of Thailand, the sea breeze salty and thick with the scent of frangipani.

The resort itself is a rambling collection of old teak villas—each creaking floorboard a reminder of decades past. At night, the wind seemed to whisper secrets through the bamboo screens. I won’t say I saw a ghost, but I did hear footsteps in the hallway at 2am, and my room key once vanished, only to reappear in my suitcase. Coincidence? Maybe. But my heart was pounding.

Tip: If you’re sensitive to the supernatural, request a room close to the lobby—the staff say the spirits are friendliest there.

Chaweng Beach: Sunlit Calm (by Day)

To anchor myself in the here and now, I’d escape to the powdery stretch of Chaweng Beach every morning. The sand is the color of cream, so fine it squeaks beneath your feet. Vendors stroll by with sweet mango, grilled corn, and coconuts cleaved open with a single swipe of a machete. I’d sip my coconut water, letting the sun melt away the night’s unease.

You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Chaweng Beach.

Tip: Arrive early, before the crowds, to watch local fishermen haul in their nets. The glow of sunrise on the water is pure magic.

Wat Phra Yai: Big Buddha’s Gaze

No trip to Samui is complete without a visit to the golden marvel of Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) on the island’s northern tip. The 12-meter Buddha sits serenely above the sea, lotus petals unfurling at his feet. I climbed the dragon-flanked staircase, the air thick with incense and the scent of jasmine from flower offerings.

Looking back from the platform, you can see the resort tucked among the palms. It’s easy to feel small in the shadow of such history—both sacred and spectral.

You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Wat Phra Yai.

Tip: Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered), and time your visit for the late afternoon when the sun gilds the statue in honeyed light.

Bites & Brews: Feeding the Brave

Nerve-wracking nights call for comforting food. Just down the road from the resort, I found solace at Supattra Thai Dining, where the massaman curry is a fragrant symphony of cinnamon, coconut, and tender beef. The open-air setting sparkles with fairy lights, and the staff greet you like family.

For morning-after sustenance, I adored The Coffee Club – Koh Samui, where the flat white is robust and the banana pancakes are a soft, sticky delight.

You can search for them on Google Maps by typing: Supattra Thai Dining; The Coffee Club Koh Samui.

Tip: Don’t miss the freshly-made mango sticky rice. It’s the perfect sweet counterpoint to a night of shivers.

Nightfall on Maenam Beach: Soothe Your Senses

If your nerves need soothing after a ghostly night, head to the tranquil stretch of Maenam Beach. The golden sand is quieter here, bordered by swaying palms and dotted with rustic beach bars. I watched the sun slip beneath the horizon, sipping a lemongrass mojito as the sky blushed pink.

You can search for it on Google Maps by typing: Maenam Beach.

Tip: Try a beach massage at sunset—local therapists set up loungers right on the sand, and the rhythmic sound of the sea is the best lullaby.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Samui’s Mystique

Staying alone in Samui’s most haunted resort wasn’t just a test of courage—it was an invitation to experience the island’s wilder side. Between the ghost stories and the gentle rhythms of local life, I found myself braver, more curious, and more in love with the brilliant, mysterious heart of Koh Samui.

If you go, keep your mind open, your senses sharp, and your flashlight handy. Who knows what you’ll discover when the coconut palms start to rustle and the moon glimmers on the water? As for me, I’ll remember the scent of frangipani, the taste of curry, and the sense that in Samui, every story—no matter how ghostly—comes alive.

Have you had a haunted travel experience? Share it below! And if you’re heading to Koh Samui, let your curiosity lead the way.