We had a wonderful visit to Koh Chang and couldn’t believe how fast 6 nights could pass. A huge part of our experience was the really nice (and reasonably priced) Serenity Resort.

The Serenity is one of the small but very nice beach resorts on the eastern (quieter) side of the island and while we loved it; if you’re looking for a party scene, it may not be for you. By far a much more active nightlife atmosphere can be found on the western side of the island at one of the bars, restaurants, beaches or live music venues centered around Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach and Kai Bae Beach.

Steve, the English owner and staff, which included Steve’s dad Keith while we were there, couldn’t have been nicer. Nothing we asked for was too much for them to do. They not only helped us organize activities away from the resort but typically would provide free transportation to get to them. The resort also offered free use of paddle boards and kayaks perfectly suited to the gentle quiet surf.

Our air conditioned beachfront room was extremely comfortable and well designed and the pool was a very good size for a resort with so few rooms. Each bungalow has a covered porch area with comfortable seating. There is free WIFI available in the rooms and while we didn’t spend a lot of time watching, a flat screen TV.

The center of activity at the resort is the partially covered lobby/dining room/ bar deck that is set between a tropical garden complete with koi pond on one side and the beach facing the mainland on the other. We were very impressed with the practicality and quality of the outdoor dining and general seating furniture on the deck and on the front porch to our room.

The menu at the restaurant at the Serenity Resort is not huge but offers a good selection of Thai and Western dishes that reflects the British influence of the owner and Tip, the talented resident Thai chef. The restaurant is primarily oriented to serving guests staying at the small resort but those staying at one of the other nearby resorts are welcome to walk up the beach and dine in as well.

At our first meal Tip introduced her-self and discussed our preferences for spice levels (high) and asked about any allergies or special needs and also graciously offered (with a little notice) to prepare just about anything we might want that wasn’t on the menu.

A nice list of included breakfasts along with a supplemental breakfast menu is offered. Very good French Press coffee in a pot large enough to satisfy two coffee needy Americans is left on the table. We were delighted to see properly cooked (crispy) bacon and a delicious English sausage as breakfast options.

We mostly ordered straight ahead Thai dishes at other lunches and dinners but enjoyed a very nice bar-b-que spread requested by another group of guests one evening. Everything including the homemade ice cream and banana fritters was delicious.

At lunch one day we enjoyed a beer battered fish and chips that wouldn’t have been out of place on the streets of London and a club sandwich as a nice break from two months of Asian cuisines.

We also enjoyed the comfortable seaside seating at happy hour at the restaurant’s full service bar.