Amber Sands ranks as one of Koh Chang’s very best boutique resorts.
Located by the sea in the local area of Dan Khao on the east coast, the resort comprises 8 rooms, a small swimming pool and restaurant/bar.
Rooms
The 8 rooms are laid out in a charming tropical garden around the central swimming pool, with the two storey beach house (upper and lower) at the front, facing the sea. The three categories are as follows:-
- 5 x Superior Bungalows – 25m², terrace, ground floor.
- 2 x Beach House Rooms – 32m², ground or 1st floor (separate entrances).
- 1 x Family Room – Two bedrooms, sleeps 5, 43m².
Amenities in all the rooms include air conditioning, fan, safe, kettle, hardwood floors, 2m+ beds, outdoor seating area, balcony or terrace and WiFi access.
Ensuite bathrooms are equipped with shower or bath, bathroom accessories and hair dryer.
Swimming Pool and Massage
The resort has a small central swimming pool, with a handful of loungers – it’s fine for kids to play in and ideal for a refeshing dip.
There is a full in-house massage service as well as manicure and pedicure.
Beach and Location
Amber Sands fronts onto a typical east coast beach with its sand a red rather than golden colour and the texture much grittier than those on the west coast. The sea too is less inviting than on the other side of the island – more for kayaking than swimming but that’s up to you.
Along the beach, you’ll find two other resorts – Sunrise Beach and Serenity as well The Souk restaurant (currently closed). Up by the road, there’s very little happening, with a couple of tiny minimarts and cheap restaurants.
If you want to get out and about, you’ll need to rent a motorbike or car – the resort can organise this for you.
The island taxis do come this way but on a special charter only. As to rates, we would estimate 100bt to 150bt per person from White Sand Beach, more in the evening.
Dining at Amber Sands
The in-house restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch from 08.00 till 14.30 and then from 18.30 to 20.30 for dinner. You order from the menu at all times, a mixture of Thai and western choices with Issan dishes the chef’s speciality. There’s also a full bar, great for sunset.
For further options, you can easily walk down the beach to the resort’s neighbours as mentioned above.
Our Verdict on Amber Sands
Perhaps the perfect size for a boutique resort of this nature, Amber Sands offers a peaceful but homely getaway for couples, single travellers and families alike. Its service is unfussy, efficient and discreet – helping as needed, otherwise stepping back and letting you relax.
The resort rooms are each uniquely designed, understated but stylish using a mixture of bespoke furniture, with lots of nice touches like bedside sockets, proper storage and drying racks. And the garden is a delight too – look out for all the birds in the morning.
Yes, the swimming pool is compact but like so much of the resort, it just seems to fit the overall laid back atmosphere – easy enough to lose a few hours with a book and a dip on a repeat cycle.
Drawbacks are few and far between but the location will not suit everyone. You are absolutely away from it all here on the east coast, so some people may be a little bored. Hiring a motorbike or car will go some way to get round the problem, but if that’s not the best option for you, relying on the local taxis can be an expensive and irksome option.
That small gripe apart, we have no hesitation in recommending Amber Sands as one of the very best small boutique resorts on Koh Chang.
Prices and Booking – Amber Sands
From 3,500bt for the superior room, 4,000bt for the upper or lower floor of the beach house and 4,200bt for the two bedroom bungalow in peak season, great deals in low season.
At a Glance – Amber Sands
- Superior, Beach House (upper or lower floor), Family Room (inter-conecting door).
- Shuttle service, car hire, car park, laundry service, beach, bar, restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes, outdoor pool, in room internet, Wi-Fi in public areas.
- Children 0 – 5 stay for free if using existing bedding (confirmed on booking depending on room size) , crib/cot available. 6 years+ extra bed on request 500bt. 18 years upwards considered as adults. Pets allowed.
- Check-In from 14:00, Check-Out by 11:00
The east coast of Koh Chang runs from the ferries all the way down to Salak Khok. Much more local and undeveloped than the west coast, its principal villages are Dan Khao and Dan Mai.
Dan Khao is home to several resorts including Amber Sands and Serenity as well as a villa enclave, Baan Talay Thai. Further along the shore, you’ll find Dan Mai, the island’s main administrative area with the public hospital, government offices and head police station.
There are also two waterfalls, Klong Nonsi (free) and Than Mayom (200bt per person). Outside of the resorts, Dan Mai serves up plenty of cheap Thai restaurants catering to the office workers and the locals alike. There’s literally no nightlife.
For the full east coast guide, please follow the link here.
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