Chai Chet Beach doesn’t appear on all maps and is often simply called the northern section of Klong Prao Beach. It’s the northernmost stretch near Chai Chet Resort Koh Chang. Whether this section was named after the hotel or the hotel after the beach remains unclear.
Just south nearby sits another hotel, Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa, with swings scattered around the grounds, though they’re only for guests. Incidentally, it’s quite a good hotel—I rather liked it when I stayed there.
The entire beach’s official name is actually Klong Prao, especially since there’s a road sign with precisely that name—Klong Prao. It’s simply a long beach, 2-2.5 miles (3-4 kilometres). To explain in more detail though, my map shows three points: Chai Chet, north Klong Prao (where the sign is), and south Klong Prao.
The boundary between the beach’s northern and southern sections runs where a river flows, and that’s also where Klong Prao Resort is located. The main infrastructure is right in the Chai Chet area.
There are shops here (7-Eleven, Lotus), a petrol station—generally everything you need. The beach’s middle section is almost empty. Then civilisation reappears at Klong Prao’s very south.
Chai Chet Beach is very pleasant with good sand and sea, trees, and maintained cleanliness. Water recedes quite far at low tide. For me, this is the best part of all Klong Prao. For traditional beach holidays, I’d stay either here or at White Sand Beach.
Beach Overview
Chai Chet represents Klong Prao at its finest—a peaceful stretch of golden sand that feels worlds away from the busier tourist areas. The beach curves gently around a protected bay, creating calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. Unlike some of Koh Chang’s more developed beaches, Chai Chet maintains an authentic island atmosphere whilst still offering modern conveniences.
The shoreline here is particularly wide during low tide, revealing pristine sand that’s perfect for beach walks or simply lounging in the sun. Mature coconut palms and casuarina trees provide natural shade, creating picture-perfect tropical scenes that rival any postcard.
What sets Chai Chet apart is its perfect balance—developed enough to meet your needs, yet quiet enough to feel like your own private paradise. The northern location means fewer crowds, whilst the quality infrastructure ensures you’re never far from essentials.
Swimming
Swimming at Chai Chet is generally pleasant, though like most of Klong Prao, the beach is quite shallow. During high tide, you can enjoy comfortable swimming in waist to chest-deep water about 100-150 feet (30-50 metres) from shore.
The shallow nature becomes more apparent at low tide when the water recedes significantly, sometimes up to 300 feet (100 metres) from the high-tide line. This creates an enormous sandy playground perfect for families with young children, though serious swimmers might find it limiting.
The protected bay location means waves are typically gentle, making it ideal for less confident swimmers. The seabed is sandy with occasional patches of sea grass, and the water is generally clean and clear.
Water temperature remains warm year-round, typically 26-28°C (79-82°F), perfect for extended swimming sessions. However, be mindful of the tidal schedule—swimming is definitely best during the 4-5 hours around high tide.
Sunbeds and Shade
Natural shade is abundant at Chai Chet, thanks to mature trees lining much of the beach. The coconut palms and casuarina trees create lovely dappled shade throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Resort guests have access to hotel sunbeds and umbrellas, whilst independent visitors can enjoy the natural shade or rent equipment from nearby beach vendors. Several beachside cafés also offer seating areas with umbrellas.
As with all western-facing beaches on Koh Chang, natural shade becomes precious after 1 PM when the afternoon sun intensifies. The tree coverage at Chai Chet is better than many other beaches, making it more comfortable for all-day beach sessions.
Some of the resorts have created additional shaded areas with sala-style structures and pavilions, adding to the overall comfort level of this beach section.
Beach Photos
Amenities
Chai Chet boasts the best infrastructure along the entire Klong Prao stretch. The area feels like a proper beach town with everything conveniently located within walking distance.
Shopping options include a well-stocked 7-Eleven, a Lotus Express mini-market, and several local shops selling beach essentials, souvenirs, and summer clothing. There’s also a reliable petrol station—handy if you’re exploring the island by motorbike.
Dining ranges from simple Thai food stalls to upscale resort restaurants. Several beachfront cafés serve fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and international dishes. The local night market offers authentic street food experiences with excellent tom yum, pad thai, and grilled fish.
Services include currency exchange, motorbike rental shops, travel agencies offering island tours, and several massage parlours. There’s a small clinic for minor medical needs and reliable Wi-Fi at most establishments.
Banking needs are covered by ATMs at the convenience stores, and several massage shops offer traditional Thai treatments. The area maintains a more upscale feel compared to backpacker-focused beaches like Lonely Beach.
Accommodation
Chai Chet offers some of Koh Chang’s most appealing mid-range to luxury accommodation options. The area strikes an excellent balance between comfort and value, with most properties offering direct beach access.
Chai Chet Resort Koh Chang sits right on the beach, offering comfortable rooms with sea views and easy beach access. The property maintains traditional Thai architectural elements whilst providing modern amenities.
Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa represents the area’s luxury option, featuring spacious rooms, a spa, swimming pool, and those Instagram-famous swings scattered throughout the grounds. The resort’s restaurant serves excellent Thai and international cuisine.
Several smaller boutique resorts and villa complexes dot the area, offering more intimate experiences. These typically feature 10-30 rooms, personal service, and often better value than the larger properties.
Budget options are limited compared to other beach areas, reflecting Chai Chet’s more upscale positioning. However, there are a few guesthouses and family-run establishments offering clean, simple accommodation.
Most properties include breakfast, and many offer package deals including airport transfers, island tours, or spa treatments. Book ahead during peak season (December-March) as the better properties fill up quickly.
How to Find the Beach
Chai Chet is easily accessible by road, located just off the main coastal highway. Look for the prominent “Klong Prao” road sign when coming from either direction—Chai Chet sits at the northern end of this area.
From White Sand Beach, it’s about a 10-minute drive south along the coastal road. The route is straightforward with good tarmac throughout. Songthaews (local minibus taxis) run regularly between major beaches, costing 50-80 baht per person.
If you’re coming from the ferry pier, Chai Chet is about 15 minutes by taxi or songthaew. Many resorts offer transfer services, often included in booking packages.
For those exploring independently, there’s adequate parking near the beach access points. The main access is through resort properties, though there are a few public paths between developments.
The area is well-signposted, and locals are helpful with directions. Most resorts welcome non-guests to use beach facilities in exchange for purchasing food or drinks.
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