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Published on March 1, 2008

Koh Chang off the Trat shore in the Gulf of Thailand is undergoing a property boom, and the vacation opportunities are quickly spreading outward from Klong Son Bay to Bang Bao Bay.

Meanwhile, shouldered into the secluded little Bay of Bai Lan to the far south is the new Dusit Princess Koh Chang Resort. It's got its own arcing beach and it's a long way from the bustling beer bars.

The resort has a conservative yet classy look, green-hued villas surrounding the crescent bay. Everyone is flying the environment's flag these days, but I'd never seen a hotel that's actually green in colour.

The owners say they wanted the resort to blend into the surroundings - and the surroundings are mountains daubed with rainforest, very much within walking distance.

There are 96 rooms, villas and suites decorated in contemporary Thai style, with private balconies overlooking the garden or the sea.

The best watch the waves - Beach Front Villa and Beach Front Deluxe accommodations. You can easily toss an ice cube from your cocktail in the sea while watching the sunset from your balcony.

My Pool Deluxe room - 1207 - is considerably further from the beach, but I have the resort pool just behind. Like the other varieties it has bright, white walls and fine furniture, an ivory-tone concrete floor, white-striped curtains, fine-fabric cushions and a wooden cabinet, all very cosy.

The pool is mere steps away beyond the sliding door, possibly a little too close considering the other guests bobbing around in it. If you don't feel swimming, the chaise lounge on the balcony does noble service after a long day on the boat.

The bathroom has an inviting modern look, with a standing shower and a selection of fragrant bathing and body lotion accoutrements, though no toothbrush or toothpaste.

There's a tall mirror on the bathroom door - perhaps the hotel's designer thought everyone wants to see themselves nude - but the bigger shock is due to its placement. I'm startled every time I'm in the room to find someone else in there with me.

All the rooms have fine gadgetry - DVD player, 26-inch TV, deposit box and wi-fi Internet hook-up - plus a mini-bar full of top-shelf liquors, mixers and snacks.

Scheduled to open in March are a gym, spa and Kid's Club.

The Bay, a seaside restaurant, offers a lovely buffet breakfast and handles the other meals, while the Reef Bar tempts with cocktails and wines. With smoking banned inside both, there's a designated puffing table outside.

The Dusit Princess Koh Chang is four-star classy and doesn't cost a lot. The opening promotion has two-night stays for Bt5,500 in a Beach-Front Deluxe and Bt7,000 in a Pool Villa.

The Dusit Princess Koh Chang at a glance

High points: A stylish luxury resort on a peaceful beach, very close to the pier in Bang Boa, where boats can be hired for fishing, snorkelling or just dining at sea.

Low point: The curse of all Koh Chang hotels - Russian tourists who love late-night parties.

Find it: Bay of Bai Lan, Koh Chang, Trat province

Phone it: (039) 619 111 and (039) 558 055-7

Fax it: (039) 558 059

Browse it: Dusit.com

Phoowadon Duangmee

The Nation