For those looking to have fun this is a great location as it is at the beginning of all the excitement and nightlife on Beach Road. You have on your doorstep shops, bars, restaurants and it seems that all of these attractions and facilities are merely a walk across the road. The hotel itself provides a relaxed and serene environment eventhough it is within close proximity to the action.
Situated on a peaceful clifftop with sea views and steps leading down to a quiet beach. Only 2 miles from the centre of Pattaya and plenty of nearby adult entertainment. Rooms have simple furnishing but good value for money.
Located at the quieter northern end of Pattaya. Superb and tastefully decorated rooms with all the facilities you could possibly want, fabulous gardens, superb swimming pools with an outlook out to sea. The beach is clean with golden sand and quite private. If you are a family or honeymoon couple, this is a fabulous place to stay.
Comprising four hotels in one, my personal favourite is the Royal Wing and Spa. The rooms provide a large terrace which is completely private with its own outdoor shower and sun lounge enabling you to work on that all over tan in complete privacy. You also enjoy the services of a personal butler for the duration of your stay who will take care of your every need. The pool area is for the exclusive use of Royal Wing guests who are asked to select which sun lounge position they prefer and this is reserved exclusively for you with your own name plate. The Royal Cliff has something to offer everyone in many different styles and categories of accommodation.
The islands beaches are lined with souvenir stalls selling colourful beachwear and decorative handicrafts, foodstalls and restaurants.
Koh Chang is a largely undisturbed island rainforest which can be attributed to its mountainous terrain and national park status. It is situated near the Cambodian Border in Eastern Thailand. It is the 2nd largest island in Thailand and lies in a group of 47 islands that have been awarded National Park status due to pristine rainforest and marine life. Good diving and snorkelling can be enjoyed in the area at reasonably shallow depths with good reefs located at 5 - 25 metres. Diving can be done year round but the best time is between October and the end of May since rougher seas during rainy season can reduce visibility.
It is refreshing in this day and age to encounter a destination that is not yet overrun with souvenir shops, beach hawkers and tourists. The island has always been popular with local Thai people but the main international visitors to the island prior to the opening of the airport in April 2003 have been backpackers who have the time and patience to make the 5hr plus overland trip from Bangkok. However that is set to change now that travelling time has been reduced to a 40min flight from Bangkok to Trat. From Trat airport it is 30mins by road to the ferry and a further 30mins across to the island.
Most of the accommodation and the best beaches are on the western side of the island. There is a sealed road and it takes 30mins to drive from the ferry terminal at the northern tip to the end of the sealed road in the south (there are actually 3 ferry departure points but which one you use will depend on where you stay and the hotel usually organises this in conjunction with your reservation).
On the western side there are 3 main beach areas, the most developed being Sai Khao or White Sand Beach. In terms of development I mean there are some local restaurants, bars and shops but nothing like you encounter on Phuket or Koh Samui. That's not to say you can't find most of what you need from grocery items to handicrafts and clothing, but it is not comercialised yet like other islands.
The other beaches are far less developed and don't really have a hub of local restaurants and shops. These beaches are Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Hat Ta Nam (Lonely Beach).
I keep referring to 'yet' in my description. Now that the airport has opened there is a flurry of development taking place in terms of accommodation. Therefore it is only a matter of time before mainstream tourism takes off and the inevitable infrastructure that is needed to support an increase in visitors is put in place. Hopefully, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will learn from previous experience about how to cope with the increased numbers without jeapordising the yet unspoiled environment. Koh Chang is blessed with a pristine rainforest interior that is home to several spectacular waterfalls, a paradise for hill trekkers and nature lovers. Due to the rugged terrain, most of the development is restricted to the coastal areas so hopefully with careful environmental management the island can survive the growing pains of an international tourism industry.
The best time to visit is from October to May during the dry season and when the beaches are at their nicest. During the wet season from May - October the beaches are too shallow to swim and the weather can be quite windy. However the temperatures are still balmy in the wet season so you can cool off in the hotels swimming pool instead.
To date there are really only 2 main international standard resorts that I would recommend but I'm sure I'll be reviewing this before too long.
Elaborate Thai style bungalows set in beautifully landscaped grounds with swaying coconut palms. The resort is right on the beach and the bungalows are spread out giving a feeling of privacy and space (although the property is flat so it easy to walk around). Each bungalow has its own private balcony and the rooms have a four poster bed and lounge area. The bathroom has a clear roof to let in natural light and there is a huge spa bath with a running waterfall (there is also a separate shower). In room amenities include a fridge, mini bar, satellite TV, personal safe and bedside controlled air-conditioning. The pool area is the focal point of the resort and the poolside bar is a perfect spot for watching the spectacular sunsets over the ocean whilst sipping on a cocktail. The restaurant also overlooks the beach and the pool which is lit up in the evenings and creates a very romantic atmosphere combined with soft music from the bar. The resort is located approx. 20mins from the ferry terminal and they organise transfers right from Trat Airport. Klong Prao Beach is quiet and unspoilt and there are not many local shops or restaurants nearby so it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the resort. If you do wish to venture out for the day there are car and motor bike rental companies on the island or you can use one of the local share taxis which run hourly between all the beaches.
Aiyapura Resort and Spa - 5 Star
The is the best accommodation on Koh Chang. Located at the northern tip of the western side of the island with its own private beach. Perched on the side of a hill with sensational ocean views from nearly every chalet. All the chalets have their own private balcony with sun bed and enjoy privacy created by the lush gardens. The rooms are beautifully furnished with all the amenities of a 5 star hotel including fridge, minibar, personal safe, satellite TV and ensuite bathrooms that have an outdoor and indoor shower. The swimming pool overlooks the sea and there is a swim up bar. Situated only 10mins drive from the ferry terminal this resort enjoys a prime private beachfront location with deluxe accommodation and service to match.