Elephant Bay Resort – Bailan Bay

Scorecard: Elephant Bay Resort

Overall Rating: 8.3 / 10
A colourful, friendly, good-value resort near the rocky shoreline of Bailan Beach. Simple rooms, a pleasant pool, spacious gardens and a sociable traveller vibe make it a popular mid-budget option away from the busier Lonely Beach scene.

Location: 8.0 / 10 – Quiet Bailan Beach setting; short walk to local restaurants and a 15-minute walk or quick taxi ride to Lonely Beach.
Rooms: 8.0 / 10 – Basic but clean bungalows and rooms, many with terraces; colourful, simple décor and comfortable beds.
Facilities: 8.5 / 10 – Large pool, gardens, bar, restaurant, communal areas and scooter rental.
Beach / Sea Access: 7.6 / 10 – Close to the rocky oceanfront; not a swimming beach, but good sea views and access to walkways.
Breakfast / Food: 8.2 / 10 – Good breakfasts and simple Thai/Western dishes at the on-site restaurant.
Service: 8.7 / 10 – Very friendly owners and staff; consistently praised for hospitality and warm atmosphere.
Value for Money: 8.9 / 10 – Strong value for travellers who want space, pool, peace and a low-key social vibe.

What We Liked

Large pool with mountain backdrop
Colourful design and spacious garden areas
Friendly, community-like atmosphere
Quiet but close to Lonely Beach for nightlife
Excellent value for money

What Could Be Better

No sandy beach or swimmable sea
Some rooms feel dated or simply furnished
Occasional noise from neighbouring properties in peak season
Wi-Fi can be inconsistent in some bungalows

Best For

Budget and mid-range travellers wanting a quiet base
Groups and couples who like space and a pool without the Lonely Beach chaos
Long-stayers seeking value and community vibe

Summary:
Elephant Bay Resort is a bright, welcoming and excellent-value choice in Bailan Beach, with a large pool, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Ideal for travellers who want comfort and space in peaceful surroundings close to (but not inside) the Lonely Beach scene.

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Elephant Bay Resort – Full Review

Overview

Elephant Bay Resort is one of Bailan’s most recognisable mid-range properties, thanks to its colourful buildings, quirky design touches and relaxed garden layout. It’s a reliable choice if you want good value, space to unwind and a sociable but not rowdy vibe.

The resort attracts a mix of couples, groups of friends, long-term travellers and budget-conscious holidaymakers who prefer quiet nights and a big pool over the cramped bungalows typical of Lonely Beach.

Location – Quiet, Peaceful Bailan

Bailan Beach is known for being calm, scenic and low-key, with a rocky waterfront rather than sandy shoreline. Elephant Bay sits near the centre of the village, offering:

A peaceful base with easy access to restaurants and cafés
A short walk to the rocky seafront for sunsets
15 minute walk to Lonely Beach nightlife
Short scooter ride to Kai Bae and Bang Bao

If you want to be near Lonely Beach without sleeping in its late-night noise, this location works very well.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Elephant Bay is one of its strongest points:

Large central pool where guests relax and chat
Colourful bungalows giving a cheerful, unpretentious feel
Community-like vibe without being a party resort
Friendly, welcoming staff who remember guests

It’s lively in a gentle, sociable way that’s ideal for travellers who want friendliness without nightlife on-site.

Rooms – Simple, Colourful & Comfortable

Elephant Bay offers a mix of room types and bungalows, all of which are clean, simple and well-maintained. Expect:

Standard Bungalows: Basic wooden or concrete units with A/C or fan, private terraces and garden or poolside views.
Deluxe Rooms: Larger, more modern rooms with improved bathrooms and better furnishings.
Family Rooms: Bigger spaces suitable for groups or longer stays.

Décor is cheerful and colourful rather than modern or boutique. Rooms are comfortable and well-sized, with good beds and functional bathrooms.

Facilities

For the price, Elephant Bay offers a generous range of facilities:

Large Outdoor Pool: The centrepiece of the resort, with loungers and shaded areas.
Restaurant & Bar: Serves breakfasts, Thai dishes and easy Western favourites.
Garden Areas: Spacious lawns, trees and seating areas throughout the property.
Scooter Rental & Tours: Easy arrangements at reception.
Wi-Fi: Free throughout the resort, though stronger near the pool and reception.

Beach & Swimming

Bailan Beach is not a sandy swimming beach. At Elephant Bay:

You’re on the rocky waterfront
Good for sunset photos and walks
The resort pool is the primary swimming option
For sand: Lonely Beach or Kai Bae Beach are nearby

If sand outside your room is a priority, this isn’t the right place but the pool makes up for it.

How Elephant Bay Compares to Other Bailan Resorts

Nest Sense: More stylish and modern with private villas; Elephant Bay is cheaper and more social.
Warapura: Overwater decks and rustic charm; Elephant Bay has the better pool and more space.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Large pool and spacious garden areas
Friendly staff and sociable atmosphere
Good-value rooms
Quiet location
Walking distance to Lonely Beach

Cons

No sandy beach
Rooms are simple and some feel dated
Wi-Fi coverage varies
Less privacy than boutique resorts

Who Should Stay at Elephant Bay?

Great choice for:

Budget travellers wanting comfort and a pool
Groups and couples looking for relaxed social vibes
Long-term travellers seeking value in a quiet area

Probably not ideal for:

Beach lovers who need sand at their doorstep
Travellers wanting modern or boutique interiors
Families needing shallow, child-safe seawater

Value for Money

Elephant Bay offers good value with spacious gardens, big pool, friendly atmosphere and simple but comfortable rooms at prices well below more polished resorts nearby.

Final Thoughts

If you want a cheerful, relaxed and good-value stay in a quiet coastal village, Elephant Bay Resort is one of Bailan’s most dependable choices. It’s not fancy, but it’s fun, friendly and comfortable, making it a great base for exploring the southwest coast of Koh Chang.

Elephant Bay Resort has 26 private rooms of which 13 have air-conditioning. All rooms are ensuite. The restaurant and bar area has a funky, colorful look and invites you to mingle with other guests. It’s a good spot to escape the sun and chill out, play pool and socialise with fellow travellers.