Watercolours Boutique Resort – Klong Prao Beach

Check prices & available rooms

Watercolours Boutique Resort – Full Review

Overview

Watercolours is not your typical Koh Chang hotel. Instead of lining up along the main road or cramming bungalows next to the sand, it sits quietly on the banks of the Klong Plu river estuary, a short paddle or walk from a little-frequented stretch of Klong Prao Beach. With only a handful of rooms, a small freshwater pool and a riverside deck that looks out over mangroves and jungle-covered hills, it feels more like a stylish, grown-up guesthouse than a conventional resort.

It’s Dutch-owned and very personally run, which shows in the details – carefully prepared breakfasts, a proper coffee, free kayaks, thoughtful advice on where to eat and what to do, and a general sense that you’re staying in someone’s home rather than a faceless hotel. Add in the adults-only policy and you have one of the most peaceful spots on the island.

Location – On the River Behind Klong Prao Beach

Watercolours is perched on the quiet Klong Plu river estuary on the west coast of Koh Chang, behind the central stretch of Klong Prao Beach. The setting ticks a lot of boxes:

• 150 metres or so from the sandy beach, a short walk or kayak trip
• Directly on the river, with mangroves and palms lining the banks
• Views inland to forested hills and towards the national park
• Far enough from the main road that traffic noise disappears

The trade-off is that you’re not right in the middle of Klong Prao village, it’s roughly a 15 minute walk along the track and road to reach the main cluster of shops, restaurants and 7-Eleven. Most guests see that as a positive: you’re close enough to go out to eat, but you come “home” to somewhere that feels tucked away, private and almost secret.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is relaxed, intimate and decidedly grown-up. Without children running around or groups piling into loud bars, the focus is on slow days and quiet evenings:

• Couples reading or chatting on the riverside deck
• Solo travellers working on laptops between swims in the pool
• Guests paddling past in kayaks heading to or from the beach
• Soft, sociable evenings with a drink by the river before heading out to dinner

It’s the sort of place where you actually get to know the owners and other guests, swap tips on walks and restaurants, and genuinely switch off. There’s no party vibe here, just a calm and friendly riverside hideaway.

Rooms – Simple, Stylish & Comfortable

Watercolours has a small number of rooms. Just five main ensuite guest rooms which helps keep things quiet and personal. Room styling is simple but thoughtful, with an emphasis on comfort and natural light rather than flashy decor.

Room Types

• Riverside Rooms: Ensuite rooms facing the river, often with direct access to the shared deck or a small private terrace.
• Garden / Poolside Rooms: Rooms slightly back from the water, closer to the freshwater pool and garden area.

Typical room features include:

• Air-conditioning and ceiling fan (depending on room)
• Comfortable mattresses and quality linens
• Private bathroom with hot shower
• Good water pressure and reliable hot water
• Storage space and seating
• Fast Wi-Fi (strong enough for working remotely)

Rooms are not huge, but they’re well laid out and kept very clean. Expect white walls, tiled floors, simple wooden furniture and bright accents – relaxed, low-key and pleasingly uncluttered.

Facilities

For such a small place, Watercolours offers a surprisingly good set of facilities which are focused on enjoying the river and nearby beach.

• Freshwater Pool: A small but very refreshing pool, partly covered, perfect for dipping in after a day out or a kayak back from the beach.
• Riverside Deck & Terrace: The main social area, with tables and chairs overlooking the estuary, great for breakfast, coffee, sundowners or simply watching the light change on the hills.
• Free Kayaks & Canoes: Guests can use canoes and kayaks to paddle down to the beach or gently explore the river, which is one of the most enjoyable perks of staying here.
• Restaurant / Breakfast Area: A small, informal restaurant space serving breakfast, drinks and snacks. For dinner, guests usually head to nearby riverside or beach restaurants or into Klong Prao village.
• Wi-Fi: Good coverage throughout the property, making it a decent base for remote workers.

There’s no spa, gym or big resort-style restaurant, but that’s not what Watercolours is about, the focus is on location, peace and small-scale comfort.

Beach & Swimming

Even though Watercolours is technically riverside rather than beachfront, beach access is one of its biggest strengths.

• The nearest section of Klong Prao Beach is a short walk through the coconut groves or a very quick kayak paddle.
• The beach here is usually much quieter than the more developed central and northern stretches.
• You get wide sand, gentle waves and a very laid-back feel, great for swimming, strolling and sunset watching without the crowds.

On days when you don’t fancy the beach, you can simply relax at the freshwater pool or sit on the deck watching the changing colours on the river and hills.

Food & Breakfast

Breakfast is one of the highlights at Watercolours. The small kitchen turns out:

• Fresh breads and pastries
• Eggs cooked to order
• Yogurt, muesli and fresh fruit
• Decent coffee, juices and teas

The idea is more “quality B&B” than “industrial buffet”, and guests consistently rate it highly. During the day, you can order drinks and light snacks; for dinner, the owners will happily point you towards good nearby restaurants on the riverside, roadside or beachfront, depending on your mood and budget.

How Watercolours Compares to Other Klong Prao Resorts

• Bhu Tarn Resort: Bhu Tarn is a larger lagoon-side 3-star with a proper pool and spa, and access to a big beachfront resort. Watercolours is smaller, more intimate and aimed at adults wanting quiet and character.
• Pajamas Koh Chang: Pajamas is a stylish hostel/resort hybrid near the beach with a more social, mixed-age crowd. Watercolours is quieter, more nature-focused and adults-only.
• Santhiya Tree Resort: Santhiya is a luxury beachfront resort with big villas and full facilities; Watercolours is more of a boutique hideaway for people who don’t need a full resort infrastructure.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Beautiful, peaceful riverside setting
• Adults-only, quiet and relaxing
• Free kayaks and canoes for exploring and reaching the beach
• Excellent, personal hospitality from the owners
• High guest ratings and strong repeat business

Cons

• Not suitable for families with kids
• 15 minute walk to the main road and village restaurants
• Limited on-site food options in the evening
• Very small property, you need to book early in high season

Who Should Stay at Watercolours?

Great choice for:

• Couples wanting a romantic, quiet riverside hideaway
• Solo travellers and digital nomads who like nature, calm and good Wi-Fi
• Guests who prefer personal, small-scale places to big resorts

Probably not ideal for:

• Families with young children (no under-12s, riverfront risks)
• Travellers who want full-service resort facilities, entertainment and multiple restaurants on-site
• Anyone who dislikes walking or using kayaks to reach the beach

Value for Money

Given the unique location, adults-only peace, free kayaks, excellent breakfasts and personal service, Watercolours delivers very strong value in the mid-range boutique bracket. You’re paying for tranquillity, atmosphere and a special riverside setting and by most accounts, it’s worth every baht if that’s what you’re after.

Final Thoughts

Watercolours Boutique Resort is one of those places that people quietly fall in love with and then recommend to friends who want “somewhere small and special” on Koh Chang. If your idea of a good holiday is paddling to the beach at sunrise, reading on a riverside deck, swimming in a freshwater pool and having owners who actually know your name, this should be high on your list for Klong Prao.

Read more See prices & available rooms