Amber Sands Beach Resort

Welcome to Amber Sands Beach Resort

(Previously known as Funky Hut Resort)

Step over the threshold and leave the world behind in our small, family run resort on the tranquil east coast of Koh Chang metres from a quiet, almost deserted beach, where we bring you a personal, individual experience.

To maintain exclusivity, we only have seven spacious air-conditioned chalets, all set in a tropical garden with views of the beach. Our fresh water pool provides you with an alternative.

The thatch roof open-sided restaurant is steps from the beach and offers both traditional Thai dishes and a range of Western foods to cater for most tastes. Enjoy bar snacks while sipping sundowners or cocktails looking out over Dan Kao Bay towards the changing evening colours of the mainland and the Cambodian mountains in the distance.

Whether you are looking to laze by the pool, soak up the sun, read a book and recharge the soul or choose activities like kayaking, snorkelling, jungle trekking, shopping or even elephant riding - it's all close by.

Being part of a 47 island national park; mountain and rain forest clad Koh Chang is less developed than the better known Thai islands of Phuket, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, but for those in the know, this is the real attraction. The west coast of Koh Chang has the shopping, bars, restaurants and discos some may want on a holiday. When you tire of those, the east coast, where Amber Sands is located and the eco-tourism activities can be found, hasn’t changed much in 20 years and offers perfect peace.

Amber Sands is 2 hours from Bangkok airport, including a 45 minute flight and a 30 minute ferry crossing, but a world away on a tranquil Thai shore where you will receive individual attention and be treated to unrivalled peace and quiet. Where you are not just another room number and where we encourage a “shoes-off” and “barefoot” attitude. Where peace, tranquillity, relaxation and comfort are our prime goals for every guest.

ABOUT US

Amber Sands, originally called “Funky Hut Resort”, started life in about 2000 as beach huts and shared ablutions. These were moved to the back of the property when the current bungalows and swimming pool were added in about 2004.

The resort has been owned by South Africans, Cheryl and Julian since October 2008, who were looking for a holiday in South East Asia, found Koh Chang on the internet, and ended up buying the business and “retiring” from the corporate world of London. We have since been joined by our partners, our daughter and son-in-law, Kerry and Deon together with their baby, Amber.

After two months of extensive upgrading and repairs to provide our guests with good value for money in comfortable surroundings, we opened for business in December 2008. It soon became apparent that the previous name was no longer appropriate for what had been created, so in April 2009, we changed the name to “Amber Sands Beach Resort” to better reflect our offering here on a quiet golden sand beach.

Apart from the amazing Thai people, their friendliness and high service standards, where nothing is too much trouble, what attracted us to this location is the absolute peace and tranquillity. There is also a sense of karma one experiences as you “step over the threshold” and enter Amber Sands, which is enhanced by the gorgeous views over the bay towards the point and Cambodia.

What you can expect
• Family owned involvement in daily management.
• Attention to detail in your rooms, with mosquito spray, slippers etc provided for your comfort!
• No self-catering.
• A quiet and tranquil atmosphere without karaoke, disco or televisions.
• Free WIFI and use of a computer with broadband to keep in touch with the rest of the world.
• A selection of English language and a few foreign books and some outdoor and beach games to help you make the most of your stay with us.
• Warm and friendly hospitality.
• As one of our guests said “five star service at 2 star prices!”
• A menu offering good quality items like real cheddar cheese, fresh filter coffee, proper tea, real mustard or mayonnaise, etc.
• “Put your feet up and relax” environment.
• Although we are located on the quiet side of the island, you are never far away from a variety of things to do. You could use Amber Sands as a stepping stone to explore the rest of the national park and the host of other islands in the archipelago.

We are small enough to offer an individual service. If you have any specific requirements or preferences, please let us know beforehand and we’ll do our very best to meet your requirements wherever possible.

The climate
The day time temperature rarely gets below 20 C, averaging 27 C, with humidity averaging 88%. The seasons in Koh Chang can roughly be divided into the following:

October to February: Cooler with almost no rain (coinciding with the long cold dark European winter);

March to May: Hotter with little rain;

June to September: Rainy season, with some really good sunny days.

When it does rain outside the rainy season, these tend to be heavy tropical downpours lasting maybe 30 minutes, and then clearing up. It certainly isn’t cold!

What to pack
Our best travel advice is to pack light. Loose fitting, light weight cotton clothes, shorts, sarongs, swimming costumes, crocs and sandals. Swimming shoes or “Rocky” sandals are useful. Sun cream and hats are definitely required. We offer a laundry service, but if you run short, all the usual clothing and brand name copies can be bought inexpensively on Koh Chang.

What’s in a name?
After purchasing “Funky Hut Resort”, we spent much time debating whether we should change the name or not. We chatted to all our friends and family about it, and although our sense was to make a change as soon as possible after we took ownership, no alternative jumped out at us, and we just couldn’t think of a name that would be right. It even became something of a laughing matter amongst the pin stripe insurance brigade with business friends and colleagues back in London when it was mentioned that I was leaving a solid corporate career and going to own and manage “the Funky Hut”!

The debate continued after we opened with many of our guests, usually over sundowners or late into the evening. Golden Sands, Golden Palm, Paradise Palms and even Changrila were some of the suggestions. Whatever the name, our guests were almost unanimous in saying that the name did not suit the resort. It wasn’t seen as “funky” in the normal sense of the word, implying hippy, groovy, loud music or parties. On the contrary. And although the resort started life as some beach huts, those were replaced by modern air conditioned bungalows many years back! We have done much to improve the resort and upgrade the offering to guests that a kind of “hippy” name does little to explain. All in all then, the name really didn’t describe what the resort had become.

According to one of our guests, who runs an image consultancy in Germany, a business name should describe the offering, or at least not alienate people who take one look at a name and feel put off.

A Scottish couple who stayed with us came up the name, to reflect the colour of the sand in Dan Kao bay... and so Amber Sands was born.

THE ROOMS

To maintain exclusivity, we only have seven rooms. These spacious, air-conditioned detached chalets are situated in our tropical garden which surrounds the swimming pool. They are literally metres from the beach. The chalets are approximately 4.5m x 4.5m in size, have floor to ceiling front- and side windows, and have their own decks. All are equipped with en-suite shower rooms with hot water and western flushing toilets.

We have 1 double storey “Beach House” situated almost on the beach. The rooms in the Beach House are slightly larger, and provide uninterrupted views over the beach and bay.

Our rooms feature
• Extra wide king size beds
• Air conditioning and over-bed ceiling fans
• Free “in-room” WIFI
• Daily cleaning

Further services include
• Laundry
• Activity bookings
• Car and scooter rentals
• Free ferry collection and return

Rates
• Our chalets are about 15 metres from the swimming pool, and about 30 metres from the sea.
• The double storey building that we call “The Beach House” consists of 2 rooms, one upstairs, one downstairs, with separate entrances. It is about 5 metres from the beach.
• All our chalets are air conditioned, with an overhead ceiling fan, and all have a shower room en suite with hot water and a western style flushing toilet. All rooms have an extra large king size bed.
• The rates do not include breakfast because we have found that our guests prefer to choose their options each day, so we offer a wide range from a bowl of cornflakes (60 baht) to what we call a “healthy start” which includes a bowl of fresh seasonal fruit topped with plain yoghurt, honey and muesli, a glass of fruit juice, 2 slices of toast with butter and jam (145 baht) as well as western-style breakfasts of French Toast, 3-egg omelette, or Thai Rice Soup.

Rates below are in Thai Baht and are per night for an en suite room sleeping two persons:

Please note
• For stays of 5 nights or more we offer a 5% discount on above rates (excluding peak periods).
• For stays of 10 nights or more we offer a 10% discount on above rates (excluding peak periods)..
• The sharing rate is THB 150 per extra guest.
• Extra guests are accommodated on mattresses, with bedding.
• A maximum of 2 extra adult guests will be permitted per room.
• We have a small travel cot for babies (but only 1 is available, so please remember to request it in advance) at a cost of THB 150 per night.
• A 50% deposit is payable on booking.
• A cancellation fee of 15% of the deposit will be charged.
• Deposits will be forfeited if cancelled less than 14 days before arrival date.
• We do not have any compulsory so-called “gala dinners” like many other resorts.

RESTAURANT

Step from our open-sided thatch roof restaurant onto the beach and straight into the sea. The setting offers views over the calm bay of sweeping palm-fringed beaches, traditional Thai stilt houses and fish traps, continuing to the Thai mainland and the distant blue mountains of Cambodia.

Start your day by joining us for a freshly prepared breakfast where you can choose between fruit, yoghurt, cereal, toast, preserves, bacon, eggs cooked as you like or, for the more adventurous, traditional Thai style breakfasts. Finish off with freshly brewed coffee, from the north of Thailand, or genuine English Twinings tea.

Our Thai chef will entice your taste buds with a selection of well known Thai dishes and local cuisine, prepared using only the freshest seasonal produce. Our menu includes a variety of Western dishes to accommodate those yearning for a break from the spicy food.

We offer
• Snacks
• Thai favourites
• Western meals
• Kiddies menu
• Fresh fruit shakes
• Cocktails

We encourage our guests to “linger longer”. There is no rush for you to finish your meal and make way for the next guests. Take a dip in the sea to refresh yourself for the next course, an ice cream, or round of drinks. We have a lounge area where you may sit and read, or catch up on your emails.

Put up your feet!! Our objective is your complete relaxation.

THINGS TO DO
After a few days soaking up the sun, chilling, and reading your book, you may want to experience some of what the island has to offer. There are many options and below are some. We can make bookings for these activities on your behalf, just let us know.

ATV (all terrain vehicles) are available for tours of various durations (2-hours, half-day or full-day tours).

Elephant trekking is a wonderful way to connect with nature and to see some of the jungle while you’re at it. This should not to be missed during your holiday to Koh Chang (Elephant Island). There are now 4 elephant trekking operations on the island, but the closest to Amber Sands - and the one most recommended - is Ban Kwan Chang. Over the December/January peak season it is best to book in advance when you make your reservation with us. The camp offers a half-day elephant trekking tour from 8:30am to 11:00am, including elephant bathing, feeding, and a 90 minute elephant trek into the forest. The current cost is 900 Baht and includes water and bananas (to feed the elephants). A shorter 35-minute trek with a short elephant performance is also available for 450 Baht.

Fishing day trips by boat can be arranged with a nearby operation or from Bang Bao.

Jungle trekking. On an island that is 70-75% covered by jungle, it does make some sense to experience the true Thailand by adding a jungle trek to your list of activities. There are at least 2 operations offering half or full day walks and, for the fitter, a walk to the top of some of the peaks. Prices range from 500 to 1,000 baht per person. The treks are usually carried out in groups of 4 to 6, with an experienced guide, which is essential.

Kayaking through the mangroves at Salak Kok on the east coast is recommended for a different experience. We also have a kayak available for rent to explore the Dan Kao bay, with its fish nets and small mangroves.

Sailing options include yacht charter operations based at Salakpet Bay, on the east side of the island and not too far from Amber Sands, and Sea Adventures based off Whitesands beach. They offer a day’s outing on a catamaran with food and drinks, stops for swimming or snorkelling while cruising along the west coast and around some of the smaller islands. It is also possible to charter speedboats for cruises to some of the archipelago islands.

Scuba diving ranges from PADI courses for those wanting to learn, to expert dives. Scuba dives should cost between 2,000 to 2,600 baht.

Shopping must surely be on any “to do” list in Thailand, and there should be more than enough variety for you along the west coast starting at Whitesands and ending down at Bang Bao.

Snorkeling is another “must do” on your trip to Koh Chang. Best spots are some of the smaller islands that form part of the marine national park around Koh Rang, which is south of Koh Chang. There are a large number of operators, and you can choose between them depending on how many other islands you want to see, how long you want to spend in the water, and your budget. Prices should be between 700 to 900 baht.

Spa treatments and excellent health food are available at Spa Koh Chang, about 20 minutes down the east coast from Amber Sands.

Thai cooking lessons is another must for those who want to get more out of their holiday and take back something they can put to use and try out with their friends back home. There are 2 classes available on the west coast, each comprising a half day, with the benefit of sampling your lesson at the end for lunch or dinner. At a cost of 1,000 baht per person. If you do an afternoon course it includes your own cooking for lunch and dinner!

Tree tops adventure is likely to be of much interest for the young at heart and adventurous and is a way of seeing the jungle from a different point-of-view. This activity involves rope slides, rope bridges and giant zip lines through the trees.

Waterfalls. Koh Chang has a number of scenic waterfalls that might interest those who want a short walk.

Paintball, shooting and microlight flights can also be booked. There are many other activities available on the island, so please let us know if there is something specific you would like to do and we will try to find an operator for you.

LOCATION

Koh Chang, meaning “Elephant Island”, is located 320km southeast of Bangkok. It is situated a few kilometers off the mainland in the Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. At approximately 40km long and about 14km wide, it is Thailand’s second largest island.

Koh Chang and an archipelago of 46 other smaller islands, are designated as the "Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park". Around 70% of the island is covered in unspoilt rain forests, mangroves, mountains and hills which have not been affected by developments like some of the other tourist “hot spots”.
Getting here:

By Plane
Koh Chang is accessible by plane from Bangkok’s international airport on a 45 minute flight to Trat airport, followed by about another hour (approx) on a ferry and minibus to your hotel on Koh Chang. The only airline to fly this route is Bangkok Air, with prices at from TBH 3,000 return. The minibus is the only way to get from the airport and costs around 470 baht per person (including the ferry transfer).

By Minibus
The options include a shared mini bus from Bangkok airport with 6 to 8 passengers for around 900 baht taking roughly 4 hours, or a private minibus which can collect you at the airport or your hotel at a cost of 4,500 – 5,000 baht for the bus, this also takes around 4 hours.

By Bus
There are 2 bus options. The Government 99 bus to the ferry pier for about 300 baht, taking some 5 to 6 hours, this bus can be taken from the Ekamai Bus Terminal or the Airport Bus Terminal. There are also private bus companies, The bus will drop you off at either the center point or Tamachat ferry.

There are unfortunately no trains to this part of the world.

From the ferry piers there are taxis which can take you wherever you please on the island. You can also let us know which ferry you will be arriving on and we will collect you, free of charge, at the terminal.

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Amber Sands Beach Resort

51/3 Moo 2 , Dan Kao , Koh Chang , Trat 23170 Thailand.
Tel : +66 (0) 39 586 177 , Mobile : +66 (0)82 212 0698