Khlong Prao Beach

Khlong Prao

Top-end resorts it has in spades, but a bustling restaurant or nightlife district is yet to develop in Khlong Prao. Since all of the resorts have restaurants of their own and Khlong Prao is so spread out many visitors find little reason for straying elsewhere. If you are up for a wander, there's a small bunch of budget Thai eateries near the convenience store on the non-beach side of the main road.

Even if you're just passing through Khlong Prao, it's worth stopping for lunch somewhere like Iyara Seafood for a fresh fish lunch and gorgeous views. The restaurant sits on stilts over the water where the canal meets the sea, and the crystal clear waters turn a magnificent shade of azure blue on a sunny day. The restaurant also rents out kayaks, perfect for taking up the canal at night to watch the fireflies.

A sophisticated little restaurant with a placid feel, Ko Ti has decked wooden floors and a broad selection of Thai dishes. Another reason to come here is to take a class at the excellent cooking school which is open every day with small groups of four or five people. Six-hour courses cost 700B and cover appetisers, main dishes, curries and ingredients, starting around 10:30, there's also two to three hour courses for kids from 10 years old that cost 400B. It's next-door to Nong Lady Karaoke.

For continental cuisine, down at the back of the Koh Chang Plaza (look for Cowboy Rentals at entrance of plaza) are a couple of Italian restaurants, both quite reputable -- but the pick of the two is Abella. There's a bunch of chairs and tables on the narrow terrace under the stars, or alternatively you can venture inside for some cosy comfort. It's a relatively basic set up, don't expect ultra efficient waiters in black and whites -- but the food is pretty decent. The pizza's are a tad small for our liking, but tasty nonetheless. Pasta's and lasagna are done well, and well priced at around 190B. There's a small wine and cocktail list also. A recommended spot for families, the place is very relaxed and accommodating. Those looking for suave sophistication would be better heading to Invito in White Sands Beach (Haad Sai Khao). One tip here -- the same menu is available at Strawberry Moons Bar which is on the main road by the entrance to the plaza. Strawberry Moons has all live Sports events such as Premiership football, International Rugby and Formula 1, so you can eat the good food from the Italian without ever leaving the bar. This we like.

The friendly Country Road is situated on the main road to the South of Blue Lagoon resort and to the North of the Amari. It's mostly made of wood, with old cart wheels having been recycled to provide some of the decor. Orchids and other jungle dwelling plants hang from the rafters -- a true Thai style country bar. The menu is full of tasty Thai food, as well as pastas (100B), and various grills and schnitzel type dishes served with rice or fries, around the 170B mark. Don't expect gourmet at these prices, but you'll get a hearty feed. As the name suggests, the sound system has a penchant for Americana.

Nid's is a Rasta-tinged little eatery located on Khlong Prao's main road opposite the beach. Nid's used to be closer to the waves, but had to move back about two years ago to make way for a new resort. They didn't leave without grabbing a few tons of sand which now provides the flooring. Bamboo furniture and some colourful decor provide the setting. The menu has a definite accent on seafood, with fresh barracuda fillet and tiger prawns two of Nid's specialties. It's an ideal place to share a few plates amongst a group of friends, Thai style. Bob Marley will be keeping you company, but it's very subtle and not blaring out. No sign of any happy herb shakes either.

Nong Lady Karaoke is a little open-air bar that somehow manages to be both quaint and smutty at the same time. Dark and fairly musty, Nong Lady fills up on the weekends with Thais wanting to scream their lungs out impersonating the latest darlings of the hit parade. It's next to Nid's kitchen on the main road through Khlong Prao. Just look for the framed love heart illuminated in lights out the front, you get the idea.

Iyara Seafood 24 Moo 4, Khlong Prao, Ko Chang. T: (039) 551 353;(01) 510 058. http://www.iyaraseafood.com
Ko Ti Culinary Khlong Prao, Ko Chang. T: (039) 557 252;(01) 9030 408.
Nid's Kitchen 44/2 Moo 4, Khlong Prao, Ko Chang. T: (07) 2737 884.
Nong Lady Karaoke Khlong Prao, Ko Chang. T: (06) 363 8732.