Koh Chang is Thailand’s second biggest island but is nowhere near as developed as Phuket or Koh Samui – although it is getting there. There are a range of places to stay from fancy resorts and modern hotels to simple wooden beach bungalows, mostly concentrated on the island’s West coast due to it’s extensive stretches of white sandy beach.
CHEAP CHEAP FOR YOU! 300 baht ($10) & under:
- You can find bungalows in Lonely Beach and Bang Bao area for around 300 baht – and they’re not half bad either! For this price you are looking at a wooden bungalow, with a fan and a cold shower. (Some of the showers are outdoors for an authentic natural experience!) But they are clean and just a short walk to the beach. For some of the cheapest accommodation on Lonely Beach, head to the simple wooden huts of Ice Beach, where 75 baht a night will get you a hut, a fan and a shared bathroom just 200 metres from the beach. Or if you’ve got a little more to spend, try The Sunflower Bungalow Resort, nestled in a coconut orchard for 250 baht per person per night. They have hot showers, free wifi and a good thai restaurant serving evening meals.What more do you need? Well, 50 baht more. That extra little bit will get you a place at Paradise Cottage where the wine is flowing and the hammocks are gently swinging in the sea breeze…
WON’T BREAK THE BANK: Around 500-750 baht ($15) & under:
- You can find some great mid-range options starting at 500 baht. Or just below, at 400 baht Joy Cottage has a bar and guesthouse for those who enjoy a cold beer on their private balcony whilst listening to live music! Many of the resorts that offer the cheapest bungalows also have upgraded options – i.e. with air-con, wifi, hot shower. For 750 baht you can get a very nice, clean and tastefully furnished Thai-style bungalow. Alina Resort, found on White Sands Beach, has a variety of rooms and bungalows to choose from, some with ocean views and all with breakfast included. A steal at 600 baht per night. Or if you’d prefer to stay on Lonely Beach, then head to Siam Beach Resort for room rates ranging upwards from 650 baht, for a beach hideaway that’s the last taxi stop on the list and therefore a little less visited. Or if your budget extends to 700 baht a night, you can get a room at Mai Pen Rai Guesthouse near the area of Kai Bae Beach.
The beautiful Lonely Beach at Joy Cottage bungalows.
Mai Pen Rai Guesthouse on Kai Bae Beach, Koh Chang.
SPLURGE: 1000 baht ($25) & above:
This would be the price of the hotels and resorts in White Sands and resorts along the coast. Sea views, balconies, swimming pool, breakfast included – 1000 baht will go far in Koh Chang, particularly just outside Lonely beach area. Try Noren Resort on White Sands for a beautiful beach and poolside dining all day long, starting from 1200 baht per night. If it’s a romantic getaway you’re after, then up your spend to 1,830 baht per night and you can buy yourself a gorgeous honeymoon hut on stilts above the water at Sea Hut Resort in Bang Bao Village.
AREAS TO STAY IN KOH CHANG:
The tourist mecca of White Sands
White Sands is the main tourist area of Koh Chang, which starts from the hills of Klong Son. With white powdery sand, palm trees and forested hills in the background – it’s easy to see the draw here, plus there are loads of international restaurants and bars as it has become developed specifically with tourists needs in mind. Therefore, this is tourist territory and prices for hotels can be much higher than elsewhere on the island.
The backpacker hub of Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam)
For backpackers – this is more like it! With reggae bars twinkling and pumping out Bob Marley’s chilled beats in the forest, a rugged jungle walk to the beach and cheap Thai food, laid-back bohemian travellers will love the hippy inspired vibe of Lonely Beach. There is a good variety of bungalow style accommodation for as little as 300 baht / night.
Meet the locals in Bang Bao
This small fishing village right on the water is a great place to stay for a few nights and soak up some local atmosphere. There is cheap bungalow style accommodation around here for backpackers who are willing to go that little bit off the beaten track.
Off the beaten track – jungle bungalows in Koh Chang.
