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This long-running resort has put its original backpacker identity to rest by replacing the last of the fan bungalows with modern concrete and stained glass villas—similar to the existing villas sporting logs on the outer walls. The family-run resort also added a three-floor room block overlooking the coconut trees.

Great stuff! Photo: David Luekens

Rooms are rather characterless but spacious, comfortable and modern. The newish villa we checked out had glossy tile floors, firm bed, widescreen TV, WiFi, desk, safe, fridge, coffee/tea facilities, clean hot-water bathroom with rain showerhead and glass doors opening to a terrace furnished with cushioned basket chair and table. On our most recent visit we could only see the one room, but we were told that the older rooms saw an appliance update among other upkeep when the new rooms were built. In addition to the affordable superiors, several family options include a two-bedroom villa that sleeps six.

KB’s fairly long beachfront is one of Chang’s most crowded, especially at high tide when most other parts of Haad Kai Bae submerge. You’ll also find Thai massage and a seaside restaurant in addition to the often-quiet swimming pool set at the rear of the property. On the restaurant roof stretches a common area outfitted only with fake grass when we visited—it was part of the new construction and we’d expect to see a bar (or something) there one day.

Poolside impresses. Photo: David Luekens

Having watched KB evolve over the years, we salute the Thai islander owners for keeping up with the times and consistently providing good, comfortable holidays for travellers from around the globe.

Similar options include the neighbouring Kai Bae Beach Resort, which also underwent a major rebuild and has pricier concrete rooms along with a concrete-covered shoreline. Up in northern Kai Bae, Nang Nual Resort and Coral Resort are both old but still decent Thai-run resorts with cheaper concrete bungalows built in rows on the rocky outcrops that cut Kai Bae Beach in two. Also check out Garden Resort if you don’t mind an inland location.