Kai Bae Beach
South of Klong Prao lies Kai Bae beach and village. The beach is a kilometre long strand notable for the fact that it overlooks a bay filled with several little islands. This makes for very attractive surroundings and a visit to the viewpoint on a hill just south of the village, especially around sunset, is a must-do for visitors hoping to snap what is probably the definitive Koh Chang scene overlooking the bay. The islands also offer more in the way of activity based entertainment since you can hire canoes and head out into the bay to explore them. A paddle to the closest, which has a nice beach, takes just a few minutes.
At the north end of the beach is a jetty from which boat trips and a speedboat service to the islands South of Koh Chang depart. A couple of restaurants here offer commanding views up and down the coastline.
Kai Bae village itself stretches out along the road a couple of minutes walk behind the beach. The road is narrower here than elsewhere on the island and drivers and pedestrians co-exist nervously. But the village has a very good selection of shops, restaurants and bars. There are lots of ATM’s and a foreign exchange booth, as well as several little supermarkets.
As well as the almost obligatory beachside seafood restaurants Kai Bae has several Italian restaurants, a good bakery and restaurants offering international menus that include Russian, Dutch, Indian, English and more.
If you choose to make Kai Bae your base you can spend a little or a lot on accommodation depending on your budget and requirements. There are a string of hotels and mid-range bungalow resorts running along the beach and also some nice little hotels as well as some more good options in the village.