Restaurants, bars and nightlife on Koh Chang
Upmarket restaurants are predominantly situated in the reputable resorts and are generally considered the best places to enjoy fine dining. Such establishments are available to residents and non-residents alike, and prices are accordingly high.
A selection of other establishments of varying standards can be found across the main developments with standards generally high, especially if it’s seafood that you are ordering.
Nightlife on the island is relatively limited, still appealing largely to the backpacker crowd with plenty of beach bars offering cheap drinks and a bohemian ambience. For those staying at the quality resorts, there are bars available on-site but the scene is relatively sedate with few opportunities for hedonistic activity.
Budget rating approximately
$ dishes b30 - b70;, quart of beer b70; whiskey shot 80 baht; cocktails b100
$$ dishes b70 - b120; quart of beer b100; whiskey shot 100 baht; cocktails b120
$$$ dishes b100 - 250; quart of beer b120; whiskey shot 130 baht; cocktails b150
Recommended Koh Chang restaurants
White Sand Beach perhaps has the greatest selection of restaurants, although all of the developed areas have their fair share of decent eateries.
Che Eiw Seafood Restaurant: conveniently close to the ferry pier at Sapparos Bay, this popular eatery serves Thai seafood dishes as well as a selection of western fare. Sapparos Bay (039 5550423); $$.
Danmai Seafood Restaurant: tasty locally caught seafood is prepared in the traditional Thai way at this reputable joint located in the northeast of the island; (01 9965783); $$$.
White Sand Beach Restaurant: located right on the beach, this is the ideal place to enjoy a drink and watch the sunset before tucking into a quality meal. Thai and European food are available. White Sand Beach; $$$.
Heli's Kitchen: Thai and Swedish cuisine at this expat-owned establishment located at Logan's Place. White Sand Beach (039 551451); $$$.
Lek Bar: a favourite among backpackers, this hangout serves the usual Thai dishes as well as great pancakes, fruit salads, shakes and western dishes. Kai Bae Beach (09 2089185); $.
Spa Koh Chang Restaurant: Thai vegetarian food of a high standard, aimed at discerning and health-conscious visitors. Eastern coast; $$$.
Cookies Restaurant: belonging to the Cookies Hotel, this is a good place to sample quality seafood at reasonable prices (01 8635563); $$.
Nok Noi Seafood: a full range of fish and crustacean dishes prepared with mouth-watering Thai sauces and dressings. Bang Bao; $$$.
Yen Sabay Restaurant: a comfortable and laid-back atmosphere is complemented by great Thai food, with the evening beach barbecue a favourite for those with big appetites. Klong Prao Beach; $$$.
Bars and nightlife in Koh Chang
Older tourists or those looking for quiet and civilised nightlife are wise to stick to the bars in the resorts, where clientele of similar minds are likely to congregate.
For the younger generation and especially those of the backpacker fraternity, there are myriad beach bars where it’s possible to enjoy a few beers or ‘buckets’ (a small pale filled with Coke, Red Bull and Thai whisky) while listening to reggae, hip hop or contemporary electronic music and watching the obligatory fire juggling acts.
KC Bar on White Sand Beach, Porn Bar on Kai Bae Beach and a number of venues at Lonely Beach are among the most popular spots. The Sabay Bar at White Sand Beach is slightly more mainstream and although you’ll still find fire-twirlers, there’s definitely more shirts and slacks than vests and dreadlocks here.
For those preferring something altogether less bohemian, Paddy's Palm Irish Pub, also at White Sand, is an expat-owned bar offering the ever popular theme of the Emerald Isle.
Plenty of budget accommodation establishments show movies in the evening - cheap entertainment for the backpacking crowd. Guests and non-guests are welcome to watch for free although it’s generally accepted that you should buy some food or drink while you enjoy the spectacle.
