RewardExpert.com is an independent website that is supported by advertising. RewardExpert.com may be compensated by credit card issuers whose offers appear on the site. Because we are paid by our advertising partners it may impact placement of products on the site, including the order in which they appear. Not all available credit card issuers or card offers are included on the site.

    Points Earn a Stay at Hiltons Top-Ranked Koh Samui Resort

    icon-user Andy Shuman icon-comments Comments October 21, 2016
    Stay at Best Hotels ang Get Bonus Miles

    I flew Bangkok Airways to my second stop in Thailand: Koh Samui. It’s the country’s second-biggest island and a major tourist destination. It’s served by Samui International Airport (USM), a facility dominated by Bangkok Airways.

    Trip to Koh Samui
    Trip to Koh Samui

    I was still flying on a ticket that cost me less than 30,000 points. It took me from Siem Reap to Bangkok to Koh Samui on my holiday in Southeast Asia. And  it was going to get me to Phuket for the journey home.

    Only a handful of other airlines fly to Koh Samui, including Thai Airways from Bangkok, Silk Air from Singapore, China Southern from Guangzhou, and Firefly from Kuala Lumpur.

    Your own infinity pool

    View from the Pool
    View from the Pool

    I spent four days at Conrad Koh Samui Resort, which I booked for 145,000 points before the Hilton devaluation last year. This Conrad is a unique resort consisting of about 40 hillsides, one-bedroom villas overlooking the ocean, each with a private infinity pool.

    It’s also one of the top Hilton properties in the world. It ranks with properties like the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Conrad Tokyo and Doubletree Guest Suites in Times Square in New York.

    My four days there were pure bliss. The staff was helpful, the service impeccable, and the breakfast fantastic. It is pretty remote though. It’s on the opposite side of the island from the airport and takes nearly an hour to get to. You will need a car or a taxi to go anywhere. But if you want peace, quiet, and seclusion, this is the place for you.

    Lots of places to soak up the sun

    Between the resort pool, your private pool, a small beach with kayaks and hammocks, and free boat trips to the beach on a nearby island, you will have plenty to do. But if you are traveling to Koh Samui to explore the island and do some serious sightseeing, I wouldn’t recommend staying at this hotel.

    Sunset
    Sunset

    If you’re looking for nightlife, this also may not be the best choice. There isn’t much to do at the resort after dinner, so you’ll need a ride to sample the clubs at Lamai or Chaweng Beach.

    I also spent two nights at the five-star Mai Samui resort, which was also great but not nearly as good as the Conrad. It cost around $220 with taxes. I paid in cash, but I got reimbursed by Barclaycard Arrival credit card for 22,000 or so points.

    Next Installment: Hong Kong to New York in a First Class Suite

    Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

    UGC Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.