The Beaches

Dan Kao Beach a.k.a that Beach just South of the Ferry Piers

Amber Sands Beach Resort

Amber Sands Beach Resort

Drive a couple of minutes south of the main ferry pier on Koh Chang and you’ll pass Centrepoint pier, the much quieter ferry from the mainland, and then a few hundred metres to the south you’ll reach a small beach which is home to three great little resorts.

I’m not exactly sure of the correct name of the beach – the area is called ‘Dan Kao’.  The sand is rougher and darker than the east coast beaches which lends itself to ‘Sai Daeng’  ( Amber/ red sand )  It’s remote enough that you avoid all the tour groups that visit the island yet only 15 minutes drive to White Sand beach if you want to go to the busiest beach on the island.

The Souk is the longest standing of the three.  This is located was established many years ago by current owner Eddy.  He has a handful of Fan and Air-conditioned bungalows plus a very popular beachfront restaurant.   It draws many repeat customers.

Amber Sands Beach Resort , at the north end of the beach, was born out of a run down resort called ‘Funky Hut’ which was taken over, renamed and built up into one of Thailand’s top small resorts by  Julian & Cheryl, a South African couple who thought it was time to do something totally different with their life.  A lovely small place with eight bungalows, pool and restaurant which also wows diners.   If you wanted a blueprint on how to run a small resort then you’d just copy what they do at Amber Sands.

Finally, the new kid on the block.  At the south end of the beach, English expat Steve has built the seven room Serenity Resort.  This only opened in December 2014 and isn’t yet listed on booking sites.  Contact Steve direct for prices.  Modern, comfortable bungalows and a large deck and cocktail bar that attracts guests from the other resorts for a 99 Baht Happy hour.  Price-wise this slots in between Amber Sands and The Souk.   No restaurant as the guests take breakfast at The Souk.

Some aerial photos and a video below. The sky was quite hazy and the sun wasn’t in the right position, which explains the washed out colours.  I should have gone round there earlier in the morning. Will wait for a clearer day and when I have free time in the morning and then take some better photos.

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Koh Chang Island Guide For Independent Travellers