Gajapuri Resort & Spa – Kai Bae Beach

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Gajapuri Resort & Spa – Full Review

Overview

Gajapuri is a classic Koh Chang “hidden garden” resort. Walk through the understated entrance on Kai Bae’s main road and the noise drops away into a world of wooden villas, sand paths, frangipani trees and quietly stylish pools leading down to the beach. It’s boutique without being fussy, upmarket without being pretentious, and has just enough polish to feel special while still fitting the laid-back island vibe.

The resort spreads from the roadside reception through a series of garden villas and pools, ending at a beachfront area with loungers and a relaxed pool deck looking out over the Gulf of Thailand. It’s a favourite with couples, older travellers and honeymooners who want comfort, atmosphere and natural materials rather than glass-and-marble minimalism.

Location – Central Kai Bae, Yet Surprisingly Quiet

Gajapuri sits right in the middle of Kai Bae but you’re just a short stroll from:

• Restaurants ranging from cheap Thai noodle shops to smart bistros
• Cafés, bakeries and smoothie bars
• Mini-marts and small supermarkets
• Massage shops, pharmacies, ATM machines

But once you step inside the resort:

• Traffic noise fades into the background
• Gardens and trees block views of the main road
• You walk on sand and stone paths down towards the beach

At the far end of the resort lies Kai Bae Beach itself, one of Koh Chang’s most balanced beaches . It’s good for swimming, kayaking, strolling and sunset watching, with a generally calm vibe and a nice mix of locals and visitors.

Atmosphere

Gajapuri has a very clear “feel”: calm, intimate and grown-up. It’s the kind of place where:

• Couples read on their terrace or by the pool
• Soft music plays quietly at the bar
• People sip wine or cocktails at sunset rather than downing buckets
• Evenings are about conversation and relaxation, not late-night thumping bass

This isn’t a family mega-resort. Children are welcome, but there are no kids’ clubs or water slides. The whole design leans towards tranquillity: low-rise buildings, wooden walkways, lanterns, tropical planting and natural colours.

Rooms – Wooden Villas with Character & Comfort

Rooms at Gajapuri are where the resort really stands out. Rather than modern white boxes, you get warm, well-crafted wooden villas and suites that feel cosy and individual. Expect:

• Polished wooden floors and walls
• Soft lighting and natural tones
• Comfortable king or twin beds with good linens
• Charming details like carved wood, woven lamp shades and local fabrics

Main Room Types

• Garden Villas: Individual wooden bungalows set around the garden pool or along sand paths. Private terraces with seating, good-sized bathrooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Beachfront Villas / Sea View Villas: Similar in style but closer to the sand, with partial or full sea views and a heightened sense of privacy.
• Pool Villas: The premium option with private plunge pools or small lap pools, walled gardens and larger interior space. Ideal for honeymoons and special-occasion stays.
• Suite Rooms: Larger, more open-plan units with upgraded bathrooms and more storage, often closer to the beachfront area.

All rooms include:

• Air-conditioning that actually keeps things cool (no struggling wall-units here)
• En-suite bathrooms with hot showers, many with separate bathtub
• Mini-bar and fridge
• Kettle and complimentary tea/coffee
• In-room safe, TV and Wi-Fi
• Private terrace or balcony with chairs and a table

Because of the wooden construction and garden setting, some rooms feel a little darker inside than modern all-glass hotels but that’s also part of the cosy, cocoon-like charm.

Facilities

For a relatively small boutique property, Gajapuri offers a solid range of facilities focused on relaxation rather than activity overload.

Pools

• Garden Pool: Set back from the beach among the villas, with a tranquil feel and plenty of loungers.
• Beachfront Pool: Overlooks Kai Bae Beach, ideal for sunset dips and those “I’m really on holiday” moments.

Spa

An on-site spa offers:

• Traditional Thai massages
• Aromatherapy treatments
• Scrubs and body wraps
• Couples’ treatments

It’s a key part of the Gajapuri experience for many guests especially in the late afternoon after a day at the beach.

Other Facilities

• Restaurant & Bar: Serving breakfast, Thai dishes, Western staples and drinks throughout the day, with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Small Library / Lounge: A quiet spot to read or work.
• Tour & Transfer Desk: Kayak rental, snorkelling trips, boat tours, elephant camps (for those who still want them), transfer arrangements and more.
• Wi-Fi: Free and generally stable throughout the resort.

Beach & Swimming

Gajapuri opens directly onto Kai Bae Beach, giving you:

• Soft sand a few metres from the beachside loungers
• Shallow, warm water that’s great for swimming and paddling
• Sunsets over the small islands just offshore
• Opportunities to kayak out towards Koh Man Nai on calm days

The beach in front of Gajapuri is shared with neighbouring properties, but it rarely feels overcrowded and has a more mellow atmosphere than White Sand or Lonely Beach.

How Gajapuri Compares to Other Kai Bae Resorts

• Sylvan Resort: Bigger, more dramatic hillside location and private beach; Gajapuri is more intimate and boutique.
• The Chill: More overtly “designer” and modern; Gajapuri leans into natural materials and classic Thai style.
• AWA Resort: Larger, more social atmosphere and bolder design; Gajapuri is calmer and more grown-up.
• Kai Bae Beach Resort: Fantastic for families and beach days; Gajapuri better for couples and style lovers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautiful wooden villas with character
• Serene, leafy environment right on the beach
• Excellent service and hospitality
• Good pools and spa facilities
• Central location but still feels secluded

Cons

• Rates higher than many mid-range places
• Not a kids’ resort, children’s facilities are limited
• Some may prefer brighter, more modern interiors

Who Should Stay at Gajapuri?

Great choice for:

• Couples and honeymooners
• Older travellers who want calm, comfort and style
• Guests looking for a boutique feel rather than a big hotel

Probably not ideal for:

• Large families with very young, energetic children
• Party-focused travellers who want to be in the centre of nightlife
• People who prefer ultra-modern hotel design over natural wood

Value for Money

Gajapuri is firmly in the upper mid-range / lower luxury bracket for Kai Bae. It’s pricier than standard bungalows but significantly cheaper than top-end Bangkok or Phuket hotels. Given the quality of the setting, rooms and service, it represents very solid value for anyone looking for somewhere special without blowing the budget.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a calm, stylish and quietly luxurious base on Koh Chang, Gajapuri Resort & Spa is one of the best options on Kai Bae Beach. It combines characterful wooden villas, lush gardens, direct beach access and excellent boutique service in a package that feels both special and authentically “island”. A particularly good choice for couples and anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy a more refined side of Koh Chang.

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