Escape to Paradise: OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review (and Why You Should Book)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to give you the real lowdown on OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort. Forget the pristine brochure photos, I'm serving up the messy truth, warts and all. Because let's be honest, who wants a perfect review anyway? Life ain't perfect, and neither are hotels. But hey, imperfection can be charming, right?
First, the basics (because SEO, apparently):
Keywords, keywords, keywords! We're talking Koh Chang Resort, accessible rooms, beachfront hotel, spa Koh Chang, pool with a view, family-friendly resort, free Wi-Fi, and of course, OYO Koh Chang. Okay, enough of the robot-speak.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good!
Okay, so I’m not a wheelchair user, so I didn’t test every single aspect of the facilities for disabled guests. But I did poke around. Elevators were present, which is a massive win. I saw ramps, which suggested some level of accessibility. It’s not a perfect world, and I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm that the specific room arrangements are up to snuff. I'm a bit of an impulsive person, but please plan. (Let's be real, it's not always clear how a hotel defines "accessible". Call the hotel and ask lots of questions before you book.)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Hmmm. It seemed like the main restaurant probably had some accessibility built in.
Rooms: Where the Magic Happens (Mostly)
The air conditioning worked. Thank the heavens! Because, Koh Chang. Sweat is a given. The Wi-Fi [free] in the room? Spotty. Seriously, the signal was so weak sometimes, it felt like communicating with a distant planet. But hey, when it worked, it was glorious. And hey, there was Internet access – wireless, which is a lifesaver! Internet Access – LAN was there, but WHO USES LAN ANYMORE?! I'd rate it free Wi-Fi in all rooms! as a plus for sure!
The bed? Okay, this is where it got good! A extra long bed was a godsend for a tall person like me. Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea? Yes, please! Free bottled water, too. These are the small things that make a big difference. The bathrobes were soft, which is a nice touch. I'd kill for a bathtub!
And the biggie? The View! I paid extra for a room with a window that opens, and believe me, it was worth it. The view was everything. If you're lucky, you'll get a good one.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so this is important. They had hand sanitizer everywhere and daily disinfection in common areas. I didn't see anti-viral cleaning products, but honestly, who can tell? They had the basic stuff covered. Lots of hand sanitizer. Good. The existence of a first aid kit is always a good sign that they care about your safety.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Potentially)
Restaurants! Restaurants! Restaurants! Ok, there were. A la carte in restaurant - was an option. Breakfast [buffet] - yes. Breakfast service - Yes. It was a decent buffet. Nothing mind-blowing, but eggs, fruit, and some local options. Coffee shop good. Poolside bar. Happy hour. Worth checking out. Snack bar. Convenient. Bottle of water. Crucial. I wouldn't say the Asian cuisine in restaurant, or the Western cuisine in restaurant are top-notch, but there's a range of options.
Things to Do (or Not Do, and Still Be Happy):
Swimming pool [outdoor]: The highlight! The pool was massive, and they had a pool with view! Beautiful, tranquil… perfect for chilling. Seriously, I spent hours just floating there. The Sauna/Spa area was there! I was there for relaxation and recovery. Gym/fitness: I think there was some kind of machine there, I had to be dragged there by friend.
Body scrub I didn't know existed. Massage was available. Spa was a plus.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras (and Some Head-Scratchers)
Concierge: Helpful. Daily housekeeping: Spotless. Laundry service: Convenient Luggage storage: essential. Elevator: Thank you. Cash withdrawal: there was. Convenience store: Also there. Currency exchange: It was there.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]: Excellent. Taxi service was available.
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly: Seems to be. Babysitting service: available. Kids meal: might exist.
More Rambling Thoughts…
Honestly, I loved the terrace. Perfect for a sunset cocktail (more happy hour!). There's a Shrine! That's interesting.
The Quirks, the Flaws, the Reality:
It's not a five-star resort. It's not perfect. But that’s part of its charm. The staff tries hard to be helpful, sometimes with mixed results. The room sanitization opt-out available, which I applaud.
My Big, Fat, Honest Opinion:
This is a solid choice. If you're looking for a chilled-out getaway, a relaxing break from the chaos of life, and a decent base camp to explore Koh Chang, OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort is a winner. It's affordable, it's got a stunning pool, and the rooms are comfortable.
The Offer to Seal the Deal: (aka My Pitch)
Ready to Escape to Paradise (and Avoid Tourist Traps)?
Book your stay at OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort and unlock a slice of Koh Chang heaven! Here’s what you get:
- Stunning Pool Views: Dive into relaxation!
- Comfy Rooms: Free Wi-Fi (mostly!), nice beds and all the basics.
- Delicious Food (and Happy Hour!).
- Relaxation Options: Spa, sauna, and the beach are close
- Affordable luxury: It doesn't break the bank!
- Bonus: Avoid The Over-Hyped: It's real, it's honest, and it's waiting for you.
Book now and get a free cocktail at the Poolside Bar! (Or at least, tell them I sent you, and maybe they'll feel sorry for you!). Don't delay. The paradise awaits!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Avenue Suites Bacolod - Your Negros Occidental Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is the real, sweaty, sunburnt, mosquito-bitten truth of a trip to OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort, Koh Chang, Thailand. Prepare for the mess, the madness, and the inevitable existential crisis fueled by cheap Singha. Let's GO!
The Koh Chang Chronicles: A Mostly Accurate, Occasionally Exaggerated, and Always Opinionated Adventure
Day 1: Arrival – AKA, "My Luggage is Probably in Dubai"
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Arrive at Trat Airport. The air hits you like a warm, humid slap in the face. Instantaneously, I'm sweating a lake, which is perfect, I already feel like a melted ice cream cone. Found the shuttle to Koh Chang. It's packed, and the driver seems to think the gas pedal is a suggestion, not a necessity. Let's pray my stomach doesn't join the symphony of groans emanating from the other passengers.
- Mid-day: Ferry to Koh Chang. The views? Spectacular, assuming the haze and the lingering feeling of nausea from the zig-zagging shuttle don't obscure them. It's the kind of backdrop that makes you want to buy a postcard… which, sadly, I can't, because… my luggage. Yes, still.
- Afternoon: Getting to OYO! Arrive at OYO 703 Koh Chang Riverside Resort. The place looks…okay. Honestly, after the travel tribulations, anything resembling walls and a bed is a win. The room itself is simple, clean-ish, and comes with a persistent hum from the ancient air-con. Let’s not judge, I'll roll with it.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Attempt a "relaxing" moment on the balcony. Mosquitoes, meet my blood. I lose that battle immediately. Decide to find some food and regroup at the local beach. Find: Cheap street food and a cold Chang. Instant mood lifter. The tide goes out, revealing a mudflat, so, uh… maybe the beach isn't that perfect. Sunset colours are AMAZING though. Maybe my luggage will show up by tomorrow. Maybe.
Day 2: Exploring – The Island’s Secrets and My Limited Stamina
- Morning: Wake up. Hum of ancient air-con still going strong. Breakfast at the resort. It's a buffet of questionable pastries and overly sweet fruits. I grab some pancakes, which are suspiciously doughy, even by my non-discriminating standards.
- Mid-Morning: Rent a scooter (BIG mistake. The roads, like my navigational skills, are… chaotic). Begin exploring. I've got this, I tell myself. I don't. I stall it at a busy intersection, narrowly avoid colliding with a tuk-tuk carrying a bewildered monkey, and eventually, limp to a viewpoint. The view? Yeah, worth it.
- Lunch: Stop at a roadside restaurant. Chicken fried rice is a must. The guy running the place can barely speak English, but he smiles a lot. And the food? Perfection. This is the good life.
- Afternoon: Waterfall time! I get to the waterfall and it's packed with tourists (surprise!) and also, it’s not as dramatically Instagram-worthy as the pictures made it seem, but I still enjoy the cool water. Back in the resort, I'm sunburnt, hungry, and utterly drained. Take a nap. Wake up and instantly feel bad about wasting the day, but go back to sleep anyway.
- Evening: Find a beachside bar. The sand is soft, the cocktails are strong, and the live music is… well, let's just say it's passionate. People are dancing. I decide this is my moment. And then I spill a cocktail down my shirt. Back to the room. No luggage… maybe tomorrow.
Day 3: Doubling Down on Doubt – And Doubling Down on Adventure
- Morning: Wake up. The hum from the air-con is my new alarm clock. A persistent reminder of my own mortality(kidding!).
- Mid-morning: I take a boat tour thinking " This is different!" and "I'm so sophisticated!" Well, I got sea sick for the majority of the time. Snorkelling was alright, but the feeling of being sick to my stomach was not. The boat trip felt like one long, salty, nauseating nightmare. One guy keeps trying to sell my snacks, which, I don’t want!
- Lunch: Still feeling queasy, I could barely eat.
- Afternoon: Take a massage, because why not? The woman at the spa is petite, but her hands are made of steel. I emerge feeling like a new person, ready to tackle… a nap.
- Evening: I take a cooking class! I love Thai food, so learning how to make it myself felt empowering (and I’m hoping I'll actually eat this one!). Turns out, I'm a culinary disaster. My Pad Thai looks…rustic. The guy running this class is very patient considering I burn my curry and made a mess. The taste of my meal? Surprisingly good.
Day 4: The Departure – And The Aftermath
- Morning: Breakfast. Pancakes still questionable. I check out, still no luggage. Bitter sweet.
- Mid-day: Ferry back to Trat, shuttle to the airport.
- Afternoon: Fly home.
- Evening: Stare at my empty suitcase, eat instant noodles, and wonder if Koh Chang was a dream.
Lessons Learned (Or, Things I Learned):
- Always pack a spare change of clothes in your carry-on.
- Mosquito repellent is not optional. It's a necessity.
- Learn to say "mai phet" (not spicy) before you eat anything. Unless you like your taste buds to question their existence.
- The best memories are made when you embrace the mess.
- My luggage is currently touring the world.
- I'll be back. Koh Chang, you beautiful, chaotic, mosquito-infested paradise, you've won me over.
- And maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to cook Pad Thai without setting off any alarms next time.
- Now I'm craving for more Thai food.
Alright, Spill the Tea: Is Koh Chang Riverside actually a "Paradise Escape"? Or is it just... an OYO? (Insert nervous laughter here)
Okay, okay, let's get real. "Paradise Escape"? That's probably the dream the marketing team had while they were blissfully unaware of the occasional, let's call it "rustic charm" of the place. The word “escape” implies you're escaping *somewhere*. Considering the humidity, I'd argue you're mostly escaping *reality*. And yes, it's an OYO. Which, you know, comes with certain… expectations. Picture this: I'm picturing it in advance, this idyllic river view, golden sunsets, blah blah blah. Cut to: my room… well, let’s just say I've seen cleaner public restrooms. I had this *moment* though – pure, unfiltered, "oh god, what have I done?" – *right* after checking in. I swear, the ceiling fan looked like it was on its last legs, ready to launch itself into my face at any moment. That said... the river *is* actually pretty damned gorgeous.
The River… Is it Picturesque? And, um, Safe to Swim In? Asking for a Friend (cough, me, cough).
The river? Alright, alright. *Yes*. The river is *picturesque*. Sometimes. When the tide's right. And the stray garbage doesn’t float directly past your balcony. The view from my room – even *with* the questionable ceiling fan – was genuinely stunning. Giant palm trees, the slow-moving water… the kind of scenery that makes you momentarily forget you're probably covered in mosquito bites. But safety? Nah. Don't swallow the water. Seriously. I saw some locals fishing, and they seemed healthy. Maybe the fish are immune? I dunno. I'd probably stick to the pool. Which, by the way, is also "rustic" in its own way. I wouldn't say "swim in it after dark," but I'm an over-thinker.
Let's Talk Rooms. Real Talk. What’s the Deal? Should I bring my own air freshener? (And maybe a hazmat suit?)
Okay, the rooms. Deep breath. Okay so, don't expect the Ritz. My expectations were realistically low. They were still exceeded – by the sheer *basicness* of the room. My fan was on its last legs, the shower pressure could be politely described as ‘a suggestion,’ and the aircon? Well, it *worked*. Sometimes. The decor is… let’s call it “minimalist practicality.” Think very, very basic. Bring your own air freshener? Honestly, yes. And maybe some of those little plug-in things. The hazmat suit? Okay, maybe not. But pack some serious bug spray. You *will* need it. I swear, these mosquitos have teeth. I'm not usually a "complain-y" person, but the room? It's a conversation starter, that's for sure. It's not for the faint of heart, or the overly-sanitary among us. Embrace the ‘rustic’ and you'll manage.
The Food Situation. Restaurants? Street Food? Do I need to pack emergency rations?
Food. Ahh, sustenance. There's a restaurant attached to the resort. I ate there once. It's… fine. Basic. The breakfast? Included. The coffee? Not awful. The views, however? You're right on the river, so that's a definite plus. Outside of the resort, there are a few little places. Street food? Yes! Absolutely. Glorious, cheap, delicious street food. Pad Thai? Massaman Curry? Mango Sticky Rice? Yes, yes, and MORE YES. I did, however, fall victim to the classic traveler's mistake of eating something that didn't agree with my system. Let's just say I spent a significant portion of one afternoon *very* close to the aforementioned, 'rustic' bathroom. So, emergency rations? Not strictly *necessary*, but maybe pack some Imodium just in case. Food coma is a danger, though.
Okay, fine, so what about the Staff? Are they friendly? Do they speak enough English to, like, order a beer? (Vital question!)
The staff? For the most part, they were lovely. Very friendly and helpful and smiley. The language barrier became interesting, especially after a couple of Chang beers. But they are willing. The lovely lady who ran our breakfast service, for example, was always smiling. I tried to learn some basic Thai phrases, which they found hilarious. And yes, they speak enough English to order a beer. And maybe point you to a pharmacy when you've overdone it on the spicy food. They were probably used to it. Anyway, the staff are one of the best parts about the place. Honestly, they helped make the experience memorable (in a good way, mostly). And they put up with my limited Thai, which is a feat unto itself.
Pool or Beach? Or Both? (And which is better, really?)
Okay. The pool. It's there. It's... *functional*. I’m not sure how often it gets cleaned, but it *is* there. I’d go for a dip. The beach? You're a short taxi ride away from some *amazing* beaches. Truly stunning. White sand, turquoise water. It's genuinely postcard-worthy. So... pool or beach? Beach. Seriously. Don't waste your time with the pool unless you absolutely *have* to. The beach is one of the biggest reasons to be there. You can swim, sunbathe, and generally feel like you're in paradise. And probably take better photos for Instagram. The beach wins, hands down. Unless you're allergic to sand. Then… good luck.
What should I *REALLY* pack for Koh Chang Riverside? Give it to me straight!
Essential packing: Bug spray. Seriously. A LOT of it. Sunscreen. The sun is brutal. Aftersun. Seriously, you WILL get burned at some point. Comfortable shoes for exploring. Light, breathable clothing. A sense of humour. An open mind. A power adapter (Thailand uses different plugs). A book (or a Kindle. Or if you're like me, seven books that you *intend* to read but probably won't). And, most importantly: low expectations. Embrace the chaos. That questionable ceiling fan? It's part of the experience. The questionable room? It's part of the "charm." Just go with it. You'll be fine. You'll have stories to tell. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about. Oh, and don't forget a roll of toilet paper. Just in case (you've been warned!).
Final Thoughts? Would you recommend it? (Be honest!)
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