The Splash Koh Chang

After an ultimate relaxation and peacefulness stay, we moved to the next place still in Koh Chang that provide us with an ultimate fun and excitement experience.  The place is called The Splash Koh Chang.  Our kids were so excited, they were so eager for trying all of those sliders. 

My kids got so excited while we're checking-in as they can see a huge water park inside the hotel

The room size is a lot smaller than our previous hotel, Mercure Hideaway Koh Chang.  However, it is sufficient enough and the room is also clean, that's simple what we need anyway.  As we are more likely to do activities outside our room. 

They have those play and sliders that accommodate all ages from little kids to big kids like us.  However, the water park could be a little too crowded especially around 3-6pm.  It was extremely full of fun. 

For the beach side, it made a great outing spot as well.  White sandy beach, calm wave and amazing skyline, it is perfect for swimming especially for young kids and sunset watching. 

They also provide a solid seafood dinner by the beach.  You can have freshly grilled prawns, fish as well as meats and the meal are accompanied with basic menu buffet like salad, fruits and sauces.  I remembered that my husband ordered two kilos of grilled prawns and I felt like having gout just by looking at those prawns.  However, their food was all fresh and superbly cooked also their seafood dipping sauce was spotted on too. 

 

At around 8pm, they have this fire juggling performance performed by professional jugglers.

I had a piece of cheesecake for my dessert that I bought earlier from the cafe on top of Nong Bua Restaurant

We left with a little disappointment with their breakfast.  It was simply because there were too many people and not enough seats, lack of service and they were unable to catch up with those hungry humans.  It was already so hard for us in hunting for a spot - no waitress, literally no one at the front door who will help you finding the table.  Then getting the food was very challenging too.  

Overall, we enjoyed our stay here.  Although, we slept in here only for a night, but it can definitely suck out our power with all the water plays and activities - except kids.  But we were very happy and pleased with their facilities and cleanliness.  I found that the food we had for dinner were also delicious. Basically, we didn't even need to leave the hotel at all for the whole stay. 

  

The Splash Koh Chang

55 Moo 4, Klong Prao Beach 

Ph: +66 39 513 5957

Fig Cafe and Nong Bua Seafood Restaurant, Koh Chang

 

This nice cafe is tucked away in a small street about 100 meters from the main beach road in Kai Bae.  There are a few dining seats inside the cafe, however, I prefer a lot bigger open space in their backyard. This cafe offers great selection of vegetarian snacks and dishes as well as hot and cold drinks. 

I totally recommend their vegetarian pie. The flaky buttery pastry was absolutely delicious and paired with flavoursome filling.  We only ordered two dishes between four of us and they are all gone in a flash. 

Really good iced coffee with extra shot

Vegetarian pie

Pancake with caramelised banana

There is a saying that "You haven't been to Koh Chang if you haven't tried their seafood".  Of course, you are in an island where you can get the freshest seafood produces possible.  One of the very famous restaurants in the area is called Nong Bua Restaurant.  The setting looks really good.  It replicates a beach hut.  Although on a summer season, it could be a little steamy hot to sit outdoor and that small fan won't be much help but otherwise, you will feel privacy. 

I forgot what this dish is called.  But what I clearly remember is the taste of this dish.  It was absolutely wonderful.  Deep fried wonton wrappers topped with minced pork, garlic, onions and chilli.  It was well balanced in both flavour and texture. 

On the second floor, it is a nice simple-looking cafe.  We had a few sweets after our meal.  It is an air-conditioned room, very cool and cozy.  They serve some ice-cream cones as well which is great in a extremely hot day.   

Fig Cafe 

51/62 Moo 4, Koh Chang 

Ph: +66 81 410 4747

Opens: 

Nong Bua Seafood Klong Prao

18/22 Ko Chang

Ph: +66 62 326 0306

Open: Daily 7am - 10pm

Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway, Thailand

Have you heard about Koh Chang before? This island is the third largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, just after Koh Phuket and Koh Samui.  Like their sisterhood islands, Koh Chang is also a very popular tourist destination for both locals and international visitors.  This island is only reachable by boat.  There isn't any airport on the island.  Fortunately, there are a few options available.  First, you can fly to Trat which is the closes airport from here.  Flight will take approximately an hour from Bangkok.  From the airport, you still then need to book a private or shared minibus transfer to hotels in Koh Chang.  It will take another 15 minutes to the main ferry pier or Ao Thammachat and another 30 minutes for the ferry ride.  Otherwise for a cheaper option, catch a shared minibus from Bangkok or take a public bus for the cheapest option.  And of course, drive there with your own car/ hire car is the most convenient way of travelling.   

 

Once the car/bus step on the land in Koh Chang island, they will normally turn to the right.  Why?? Because most of resorts and hotels are located on the right side of the island.  While locals are predominantly living on the left side of the island.  You can find homestays and cheaper seafood around this area.

The first two nights we stayed at Mercure Hideaway in a private pool villa.  The price here is pretty reasonable.  Their room, service and food are great, however the private beach accessed from this resort is a let-down.  If you're aiming to play on the beach, I won't recommend this hotel.  Besides that, our family especially my kids had the best time of our lives staying in this resort.  We were excited, delighted and exhausted at the same time.  I would say it was one of the best resort experiences for us.  My kids can swim all day all night and there is an access from pool to bathroom so we can get change after swim without make the bedroom floor wet.  

We can stay in our room all day too.  It was very quiet and serene.  And we just ordered in-room dining anytime we feel like it.  Very convenient and they served delicious food as well.  

As soon as we got inside our own room, my daughter was looking at the pool and stunned there for a while.  Amazed by the pool.  After that, right every hour onward she keeps asking to go for a swim.  

Private jacuzzi and pool

Kids club

Breakfast zone

in-room dining

in-room dining

Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway

Koh Chang Tai