The Aiyapura Koh Chang was the first luxury resort to open on the island. Despite what you may see mentioned on some booking sites, it isn’t on White Sand beach but is located in sleepy Klong Son, on the southern shore of a very scenic bay.
This isn’t a resort to stay at if you want shops and restaurants within walking distance, there isn’t anything. And if you do make it to Klong Son village you will find that this is a local village with very little in the way of businesses or services aimed at tourists. Although a small waterpark opened near the resort in early 2020.
However,Klong Son is good if you like to see some ‘real life’, away from the more touristy areas of the island. It’s a great location to bicycle around. You can head to the old fishing village and also inland to the elephant camp and waterfall along narrow roads with very little traffic.
But it also means that for a night out you need to go over the big hill to White Sand beach using the resort’s shuttle service.
The Aiyapura is also home to an indoor trampoline park, which is a great ways to spend an afternoon. Adjacent is their own in-house bakery, Bread Oven, with a range of drinks and home made cakes and pastries. For Thai and international dishes, guests can head to the Rabiangtalay Restaurant by the beach.
The resort itself has very spacious grounds and is an ideal spot to get away from it all. Reviewers love the service and high standard of rooms. But bear in mind that the resort only has an artificial beach and the bay isn’t ideal for swimming in.
This, plus the out of the way location, count against it being an ideal choice if you are planning a family holiday with kids in tow. However, for a couple wanting to escape for a week and chill out it’s definitely recommended.