Affordable family beach resort
Straddling a shady beachhead, a rocky coast, an emerald estuary and a forested headland at the far northern corner of Khlong Prao Bay, Chai Chet’s namesake resort lacks style but remains a solid choice for families.
Though prices had gone up a bit since our previous visit, we still feel that Chai Chet Resort offers good value for a proper beach resort in a pretty setting.
From here you can rent kayaks for a cruise of the bay before paddling down the estuary for a mountain view. We’ve been told of decent snorkeling opportunities off the rocks fronting part of the resort, and there’s even a nature trail leading to a sunset perch on the headland.
Shaded by banyan and umbrella trees, the beachfront enjoys a great view south across the bay and is as pleasant as the pricier Paradise Resort’s longer stretch of sand nearby. You also get a large lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar, elephant fountains and roofed salas for relaxing—far more than expected for the money.
Expect to walk uphill if booking one of the cheapest “hillside” rooms available in an attached building or as freestanding bungalows at the far northern end of the property. Identically equipped but more expensive rooms come in two larger room blocks closer to the beach. Goldfish ponds front the older of these, while another completed in 2015 sits behind a wide lawn and offers partially obscured sea views from the private balconies.
All rooms have plain yet comfy interiors composed of white concrete walls, wide windows, tile floors and creature comforts like TV, fridge and hot water. The cheaper rooms are clean but dated, while the newer “deluxe beach” editions in the three-floor stack come with modern appliances. Sporting two showers per room, the priciest “grand villas” sit directly above the rocky shore and bay you the best views. All rooms can be outfitted with extra beds for 600 baht.
As with neighbouring resorts like Coconut and Paradise, Chai Chet Resort attracts quite a few Russian and European families and older holidaymakers—Anglophones might feel slightly out of place. But staffers speak English (in addition to Russian) and we’ve always had good experiences at reception.
Address: Haad Chai Chet, Ko Chang
T: (039) 510 595 ; (093) 116 6636; F: (039) 510 596
Email: chaichetresort@gmail.com
Web: http://www.chaichet.com/
Coordinates (for GPS): 102º16'45.86" E, 12º4'1.92" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 1,500B to 4,000B
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
Standard double room Plus 200 for sea view. | 1,500 baht | 2,000 baht |
Bungalow air-con private bathroom Plus 300 to 800 for room closer to beach. | 1,700 baht | 2,000 baht |
Deluxe double room In newer building. | 2,500 baht | 3,500 baht |
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea.
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