Chaw Ka Cher Tropicana Lanta Resort

The decor at Chaw Ka Cher is a bit more boutique in style than what you'll find at most of the other beach resorts in Koh Lanta. The open-air lobby has stained glass windows, plus a turquoise-tiled sitting area. There are some fun touches throughout the lobby/restaurant, such as old radios, a classic bicycle with a flower pot in it, and old brass cooking pots on a shelf, along with an array of masks on the wall. Behind the main building sits the tropical garden, with colorful flowers and plenty of greenery, and the traditional southern Thai bungalows are interspersed through here, with the dominant feature being sloped triangular tiled roofs that are common in this part of the country. Those looking for a quiet garden retreat away from the beach will enjoy this tranquil spot.

Chaw Ka Cher Resort is located just past Phra Ae, otherwise known as Long Beach, Koh Lanta's longest strip of sand. The resort sits on the opposite side of the main road running down Lanta's west coast, between Long Beach and Relax Bay, and it's a half-mile walk to the beach. Chaw Ka Cher is pretty much by itself on a bend in the road, so restaurants and shops are also about a half-mile to mile away. The bungalows, though, are set back in a garden to prevent noise from the street. It's about a 15-minute drive to the ferry pier and main town of Saladan at the island's northern end; the hotel provides a free shuttle.

There are just 28 rooms at Chaw Ka Cher Tropicana Lanta Resort, and all are bungalows built in the southern Thai style with triangular sloping roofs. Interiors here are bright and cheerful (albeit simple), with white floors and curtains and plenty of light. None of the rooms really have spectacular views (they overlook the garden or pool), but they all have terraces to sit out on and relax. All rooms come with safe boxes, flat-panel televisions, mini-fridges, and bathrobes and slippers, and have free breakfast included. Bathrooms are all open-air, and are tastefully done -- not the usual cave-like dingy affairs that tend to be common on the island. 

Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi in the rooms costs extra, but there is free access in the lobby and restaurant area. While the standard Garden Comfort rooms are pleasant enough, if one moves up to the Pool Verandah bungalows, there is more space, plus electric hot water kettles for free instant coffee and tea, DVD players, and separate bathtubs in addition to showers. The Tropical Tara Suite is the best of all, with a separate living room, plus two king size beds and a day bed; it can sleep up to six. This bungalow features hard wood floors and large garden-view windows.

The Chaw Ka Cher Tropicana Resort is small and without too many features, but it does have a pleasant garden surrounding a swimming pool, with a small pool for kids as well. Next to the pool is the spa, which is just a basic massage setup with futons on the floor in a shaded open-air pavilion. The lobby area houses the other resort facilities: the restaurant, which serves free breakfasts and Thai and international fare for lunch and dinner; the Zest Pirate bar, which is pretty much part of the restaurant; and then the public area with a few computers and books for guests to use. The resort runs a shuttle along the beaches and up to the ferry pier every morning free of charge, and can also arrange scooter rental and tours around the island.