Siam Bay Resort Koh Chang

A resort with 4 star aspects but also some 2 star moments. Bit of a hideaway resort tucked away from busier places on the island. It’s a long day getting to Koh Chang by vehicle from Bangkok but worth the effort. Towards the south-western end of Koh Chang, Siam Bay is more private and secluded than say resorts on busy White Sand Beach. It is nestled at the base of a steep hill and surrounded by rainforest and ocean. Not very walkable to shops and food places at Kaibae Beach so need to eat at the resort’s restaurant (or more expensive next door resort restaurant), otherwise rent a motorbike or order a ’taxi’ via reception. Also stock up on some supplies like snacks and drinks to take to the resort. A decent breakfast buffet included in tariff, including cooking eggs various ways to order. Nice views from open dining area at reception building. Unfortunately upstairs dining area was mostly closed during my stay which is a shame (may be convenient for the resort but less seaview tables available to guests). Okay menu selection and prices for other meals, but still limited compared to what is available in nearby towns where there are colourful open restaurants, bakeries, cafes, street food and bars, including those with beach front settings. Various types of rooms are available at different rates. All seem quite good. I tried two of the options, enjoyed the privacy and ocean view from a ‘sea view villa’ on the hill, while a ‘seafront bungalow’ on the beach was novel. In both room types there was a large bed, ceiling fan, air con, fridge, TV, coffee/tea making, clothes drying rack (one fell apart). No hot water in bathroom sink or hand towels but not an issue for me. Balconies had low table with two chairs. A small table in room might have been a nice addition. Room safe is not secured to any surface. Watch out for the monkeys - close the doors. They apparently know how to open the fridge to access the snickers chocolate bar. Quite amusing watching their antics. The resort has two good pools. Most guests hang around the main pool near reception on the beach. I preferred the privacy of the upper hillside pool (often I was the only one there) where you can view the ocean, relax and stare up at the sky and huge rainforest trees. The pool was clean and okay (just) for laps. Service at the resort varies (reception, restaurant, housekeeping) from good to poor, appearing to depend on level of experience/training, language communication or laid back atmosphere. Amongst the many young staff it was not clear who was responsible or managed things. At times there was little connection where staff not always attentive to individual guests, e.g. between restaurant staff and guests at tables near the shore or pool waiting to make orders. Also some little touches would be nice like more effort in maintaining candles on tables. So not a 4 star resort, but still some charm in the more relaxed approach, even though at times frustrating, e.g. staff hanging around beach tidying and cleaning for ages while you trying to relax. Partly drives guests to go elsewhere for meals and entertainment. I enjoyed two meals at the next door more fancy and pricy Sylvan resort terrace and restaurant, as well as going to Kaibae Beach. Last dinner meal orders are 8.30 pm and bar is open (with no snack meals) till 11 pm. These times will not suite everyone all the time. Stock up on some snack food before or during your stay, and visit some of the other beach town restaurants and bars. Also, if staying for evening meal make sure you are noticed or give your order at the restaurant if you plan to sit at one of the tables near the water. Was at times difficult communicating with staff. Waiting to change rooms took hours, and no one seemed to care or check on me during the wait. Partly the laid back island time attitude but borders on ignoring you and poor service. You can only go with the flow for so long. After a while it tests your patience and tolerance when service lags. Staff often say yes as if they understand but often did not really understand or follow up. Resort location is good for sunsets. And cocktails often go nice when watching sunsets, however the resort bar (which opens casually around 6 pm) did not open in time to enjoy this popular tropical island beach experience. So go elsewhere on the island if you want a relaxed sunset drink – I enjoyed two cocktails for price of one at AWA resort at Kaibae Beach (AWA has extended happy hours), and while at White Sand Beach I totally relaxed watching the sky changing through hues of yellow, orange, pink and purples at beach bars on the sand. I still enjoyed the sunsets in my deckchair from my villa balcony or the beach at Siam Bay but had to be minus the cocktail. Cocktails at the resort cost c. 200 baht but less than half that at some bars at Kaibae, e.g. gin and tonic 200 at Siam Bay vs 79 at Crazy Cocktail, or AWA happy hrs two cocktails for price of one starting at 220 baht. A few negs. Air con was often too cold and blowy, and difficult to control with the remote. Ceiling fans are good but were rather small and high up in the ceiling in the villas to make much difference. Investing in more of the larger comfortable deck chairs would be good. A few colourful seascape or tropical pictures in rooms might be nice. Beach bungalow had little storage space and no place to put suitcase except on the floor. Also cannot make the room dark due to ceiling windows. The firm bed was not that comfortable for me. Peaceful place but every now and then there are inconsiderate guests or noise, and any noise restrictions at the resort don’t appear to be clearly advertised or regulated. On my last night a large group arrived and took up a number of bungalows to party. This affected the atmosphere and was no longer a slice of paradise for guests like me but party time for this group who had little consideration for other guests around them. The laid back approach here allows for this where other resorts would be less tolerant. Laundry is available at 80 baht per kg which is very reasonable for hotel prices (and better than prices per item). Note however, it is 40 baht per kg in Kaibae shops. An ordered taxi from reception is 150 baht. Cheaper usually if you prepared to walk up hill to flag one passing by and when returning. Not really walkable to town due to steep hill and no road verges. And going by shoreline can be tricky at high tide. You can order day trips from reception or from one of the many tour shops in town. Mostly the same operators. A van or songtaew normally picks you up from the resort reception. Siam Bay beach has some pockets of sand mainly at low tide, and off the beach there are good sandy swimming areas. But the beach is not really a place to 'walk along the beach' like longer White Sand Beach or many beaches in Koh Samui and Phuket. This is more a quiet escape to relax. The resort had an entertaining fire dance show near the pool one night. Dogs are allowed and at one bungalow there were two medium sized dogs and single dogs in others. Can understand some places accepting pets but not on this small narrow beach. If you don’t mind watching a dog crap in front of your deck chair on the beach... or swimming and playing nearby. Be aware if not your thing. Overall a nice, mostly peaceful place but a little more attention to detail and better service would make even better.

Staff is very very friendly, felt like home to us:) location is perfect, our houses are super clean and with wonderful view. Food is delicious - fresh and local. There is also a beautiful beach near by. Would totally recommend it:) hopefully we will be back here very soon

Nice private beach and very charm and nature. Good place for real rest and also they are pet friendly 🐶. Room very cleanses and all staff very friendly and helpful…. Definitely would be back for my next vacation 🥰 Thanks all staff to have me a wonderful experience .

There’s way better value for money on Koh Chang. Staff is very polite and helpful but the accommodation is to call very mediocre. There’s windows in the roof that cannot be blinded, overall maintenance is a few years behind and the location is a bit remote, you can only leave the property bij taxi (witch is overpriced by the resort) or rental scooter. I’m in a resort now a few miles down the road for almost half the money and way better accommodation.

Ihanat maisemat huoneesta. Hyvä ruoka ja kiva hiekkapohjainen ranta. Mahdollisuus vuokrata kajakki ja meloa vaikka lähisaarelle.

Beautiful place and beautiful people

A most peaceful and relaxing resort. In the Beach front bungalow you have lovely sunsets and wake up to a view across the bay to islands, magnificent. Service is fantastic, food ls amazing. We visited off season so there was lots of renovation and construction going on along the beach but it did not interfere with paradise. Thank you to all the very freindly staff.

Nice hotel in a quiet part of the island. All rooms are like small bungalows. Every room has a magnificent view over the sea with beautiful sunsets. The pool was nice and clean. The restaurant is outdoors and the food was great. We would love to come back some day.

We booked 2 rooms but housekeeping only cleaned one room. When I asked why I was told I had to put a sign asking for the room to be cleaned. Service is awful! Whenever I ask for something they make you feel like a criminal. Never coming back again!

Nice hotel with amazing view and a private beach. The staff at this place is ok. With better and faster service this place would get 10/10. Overall absolutely worth a visit