Bhuvarin Resort sits on the northern side of Bang Bao, with magnificent views out over the bay and the pier.
Laid out in tiers down a steep hillside leading down to the waterfront, the resort comprises around 25 rooms, two swimming pools, massage and a restaurant. It was extensively upgraded and rebuilt over 2020 and 2021.
Rooms
The 25 rooms are in three distinct styles:-
- Thai Villa with Sea View and Deluxe Thai Villa – 22m² and 28m², the original style, wooden panelled finish, balconies.
- Standard Double Room – 28m² facing onto the lower swimming pool.
- Villa with Seaview, Prime Ocean View – the new accommodation, 44m², brushed concrete, two rows.
Amenities in all the rooms include air conditioning, flatscreen TV, DVD, minibar, fridge, safe, balcony or terrace and WiFi access.
Ensuite bathrooms are equipped with shower or bath, bathroom accessories and hair dryer.
Swimming Pools and Massage
Giving it simply gorgeous views out over the bay, the main feature length, infinity style, swimming pool sits on the top level of the resort’s hillside tiers. Already become one of Koh Chang’s most Instagrammable spots, there’s sun loungers, restaurant and a bar alongside.
The lower area has its own small swimming pool, great for a quick dip if staying in one of the double rooms alongside.
The resort offers a full in-house massage service as well as manicure and pedicure.
Location, Beach and Shuttle
You access the resort via a narrow road which runs beside and above this side of the bay. To walk would take you about 15 minutes and then a further 10 to reach the pier. Renting a motorbike or having your own transport, therefore, would be a real boon if you don’t want to be tied to the resort. There is also an in-house shuttle service every two hours to Bang Bao Pier (7-11, restaurants and so on).
Bang Bao itself does not have a beach, with the nearest one, Bang Bao Beach or Klong Goi, a couple of kilometres south from the pier. The resort lays on a shuttle for this jaunt too.
If you arrange it in advance, Bhuvarin can also collect you from the ferry pier, but you should check on the charges for this. A share taxi (leaving when full) would be 150bt to 200bt to the resort direct.
Dining
Kinaree Nawa, the resort’s restaurant, is located by the feature swimming pool. It serves a buffet breakfast and then you order off menu at lunch and dinner – Thai food, with some western options. There’s a full bar too.
For further choices, you can walk back along the access road (bring a torch at night) to Cliff Cottage and Nirvana Resort ( currently closed). Or head into Bang Bao itself for seafood on the pier at either Ruan Thai or Chow Lay.
Our Verdict on Bhuvarin Resort
From many years, Bhuvarin Resort was a 2 to 3 star resort which catered mainly to Thai weekenders. With its new villas and pool, however, it has radically changed its image and with it, arrived firmly in the boutique resort market.
For now the original rooms, villas and pool are mostly unchanged and whilst everything is clean and well looked after, they do feel a bit dated – a reminder of the resort’s past.
Meanwhile, laid out on the bottom two tiers down near the waterfront, the new villas brings the resort in line with its other stylish boutique competitors back down the island. Their uncluttered interiors are fresh and light with the views out over the sea adding another great dimension. The exteriors of sleek angular roofs and brushed concrete finish complete the modern design.
All in all, Bhuvarin Resort is an excellent choice at this end of the island, great for couples looking for a romantic, peaceful getaway, but we recommend you pay the extra to get one of those new villas.
Prices and Booking – Bhuvarin Resort
From 2,200bt (with breakfast) to 2,400bt (with breakfast) outside of peak season, around 5,600bt to 5,700bt for New Year holidays but deals on that rate with the affiliates.
At a Glance – Bhuvarin Resort
- Standard Double, Villa with seaview, Seaview and Deluxe Seaview Villas.
- Shuttle service every 2 hours to Bang Bao Beach and pier, car hire, car park, laundry service, poolside bar, restaurant, room service, safety deposit boxes, outdoor pools, in room internet, Wi-Fi in public areas.
- Children 0 – 6 must use extra bed (check rates in room bookings), 7 years upwards considered as adults (extra bed at 750bt per night). Breakfast at 200bt if not in room rate. Pets allowed.
- Check-In from 14:00, Check-Out by 11:00
Down at the southern end of the west coast, Bang Bao is not one of Koh Chang’s beach areas but a large bay dominated by its central pier.
On the northern side, a handful of resorts are built along the shoreline or up on the hill above, whilst on the southern side, a large condo development looks down on the water. The pier itself hosts plenty of souvenir shops, a couple of seafood restaurants, 7-11 and ticket agencies amongst the locals’ stilted houses. It’s also the main departure point for diving and snorkeling trips out into the Marine Park at Koh Rang.
Back at the main road, you’ll find a temple and school near the pier as well as a huge new project, Aquarius – villas, a shopping mall and a luxury hotel. For sand and sea, you head further south to Hat Sai Noi and Bang Bao Beach – about ten minutes walk from the pier. Restaurants wise, you can try the seafood mentioned above or there’s a couple of cheap diners dotted here and there on the street. There’s no nightlife.
For the full guide, please follow the link here, at Bang Bao.
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