Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa

Comprising 17 acres, this beachfront resort is nestled in a tropical jungle full of lush plants, mature trees, and blooming flowers. Buildings throughout are decorated in a pleasant Thai style with lots of wood. Guests are welcomed in the huge open-air lobby with a cold towel and drink, and then escorted along stone and wooden walkways to their private bungalow or villa. The setting is quiet and peaceful, with fresh floral scents and the sounds of nature all around, such as the birds singing, leaves rustling, and waves on the beach. The only downside of the natural setting is that bugs are part of the landscape and can be a problem at times. The majority of guests here are couples, but families, groups, and individuals also pass through.

This resort is situated on the main road in Koh Chang, and sits along a stretch of Klong Prao Beach. It's flanked by other resorts on both sides, but the neighborhood stays quiet. Within a short walk guests will find plenty of action, including local restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies, shops, and foot massage joints. Those looking for lively nightlife can be at Lonely Beach in about 15 minutes by car. Khlong Phlu Waterfall can be reached in seven minutes by car, or a long 45-minute walk. Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp is about 25 minutes away by car.  The drive to the hotel from the pier takes about 15 minutes. The hotel provides airport transfers for a fee, though the closest is back on the mainland in Trat. Otherwise budget several hours to reach Bangkok by car, which has larger airports.

Rooms are located in individual bungalows and villas, all with terraces. They're decorated in a pleasant Thai style, with wood floors, wooden furniture, carved wooden accents, and mostly neutral color schemes of beige and white. All are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Whimsical fish scenes decorate the fronts of some of the minibars, and, in some, hairdryers hang on the wall by a mirror over the desk. Robes and slippers are provided. Some of the bathrooms are like a cave, with nontransparent glass-block windows and dark stone covering the walls. Toiletries are provided, with shampoo and soap in large containers in the showers. Terraces are furnished with chairs and a small table. Views are of the gardens or the sea. The beachfront pool villa has a private pool, whirlpool, and indoor and outdoor showers. 

This place offers pretty much everything needed for a relaxing beach vacation. Paradise Restaurant serves Thai and international cuisine in an open-air space by the beach. Ceiling fans help keep things cool. A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold Western and local items is served here daily. The lobby lounge is also open-air, and there's another bar serving drinks on the beach. Room service is available. The beachfront pool is a lovely space with decorative green and blue tiles, lush greenery all around, and cushioned lounge chairs. Teal umbrellas provide shade, as do the trees, and guests can swim up to the bar for a drink. There's a separate section for the little ones. Previous guests have complained that there aren't enough lounge chairs at the pool. The wide sandy beach with palm trees along the side is beautiful and well-maintained. Cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas are provided next to the trees, some of which have swings hanging from their branches. Benches provide additional seating for taking in the view, which is especially gorgeous at sunset. For the active, non-motorized water sports are available on the beach. Twice a week, the hotel hosts traditional Thai entertainment with music, dancing, and a fire show. The Royal Spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments, as well as whirlpools and a steam room, plus pedicures. It smells lovely, with the scent of lemongrass and tropical flowers. A small fitness center is also available. On-site parking includes covered spaces and is free. A little shop in the lobby sells drinks, snacks, and toys. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.