Annika Koh Chang: Paradise Found (Was Ramayana!) - Koh Chang's Best Kept Secret?
Annika Koh Chang: Paradise Found (Was Ramayana!) - Koh Chang's Best Kept Secret? - Seriously, Is it Worth the Hype? (My Chaotic Review)
Okay, so picture this: you're scrolling through Koh Chang hotels, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. Then, Annika Koh Chang (formerly Ramayana!) pops up, whispering promises of paradise. "Best Kept Secret," it claims. Well, I'm here to spill the beans, or at least try to, after my recent stay. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a messy review, and honestly, you're gonna need it.
First Impressions: The Arrival & The "Secret" Stuff
Getting to Annika is… well, it's Koh Chang. Getting anywhere on that island takes a bit of hustle. Access is mostly straightforward - grab a ferry from the mainland, then a taxi (or motorbike if you're feeling adventurous) down the coast. The hotel itself is pretty easy to find, nestled on a quieter stretch of the island.
Accessibility: Now, I didn't specifically check for full wheelchair accessibility, but I did notice an elevator, and the staff were generally super helpful. They seemed genuinely interested in making things comfortable, which is a good sign. (I'll update this with more specific info if someone needs it - let me know!)
What About the Actual Hotel? Let’s Get to the Nitty Gritty:
Rooms & Living (aka Where You'll Spend Most of Your Time):
- The Good Stuff (or at least the decent stuff): My room? Pretty darn good. I mean, clean, comfortable, and seriously, that "free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" guarantee? YES. Finally, a hotel that understands the desperation of a digital nomad who needs to connect to the outside world! Air conditioning, a fridge, a decent TV with some English channels, and even a little balcony where I could sip morning coffee and judge the world. They also provided free bottled water, which, let's be real, is a lifesaver in that heat.
- The "Needs Improvement" Department: Okay, the decor isn't exactly cutting-edge. It's more… functional. But honestly? After a few days, you stop caring. The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains did their job (essential for a good night's sleep!), and the shower… well, it worked. I'm not gonna lie, I spent a good amount of time in the shower. Also, the walls were a little… thin. I heard a lot of a couple next door one night. Let's just say, I did not receive the gift of sleep that night.
- Amenities Galore (or at least, a few): They have all the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
This is where Annika REALLY shines. I’m not kidding.
- Restaurants & Bars: They have more than one restaurant, plus the pool bar! The variety is pretty decent.
- The Breakfast: They offer breakfast, but I'm giving you the real deal: The buffet was pretty decent. A good mix of Western and Asian options. The coffee wasn't the best, but I've had worse.
- Dinner: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. The food was good and the prices were good. My Favorite? They had this amazing pad thai. I'm still dreaming about it. I ate it like three times. Seriously, go. You will not regret it. They also do dinner with live music on some nights.
The Spa & Relaxation: My Personal Paradise Zone
Okay, I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "sit on the beach and stare at the ocean" kind of gal. But… the Annika spa? Chef's Kiss.
- The Good Stuff: They have a serious list of services, including Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. The massage was next-level. My shoulders were wound tighter than a cheap watch, and the masseuse (bless her hands) completely unwound them. Seriously, I felt like a new person. They have a Pool with view. A sauna and steam room!
- Anecdote Alert: After the massage, I flopped into the pool overlooking the ocean. It was one of those moments where you just… exhale. The water was perfectly refreshing, the view was stunning, and for a little while, all the worries of the world just… vanished. That was a good day.
- Fitness Center: I think I saw a gym tucked away somewhere. I’m not sure. Let’s be honest, I wasn’t planning on using it!
Is it Safe? Hygiene & Cleanliness:
- Safety is a big deal - and they take it seriously. They have CCTV, 24-hour security, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and all the usual stuff.
- Cleanliness is a priority. They were doing regular cleaning everywhere, and I felt comfortable and safe.
Things To Do, You Know, Besides Eating and Spa-ing:
Well, besides the pool and the beach (which are amazing!), there actually isn't a whole lot directly at the hotel. But that's the beauty of it! It forces you to explore Koh Chang. They have a concierge who can help you arrange all sorts of things.
- Things to do near the hotel: There are lots of beaches to check out. White Sand Beach is good - I recommend it.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
Internet & Tech Stuff (Because We're All Addicted):
- Internet: They have Wi-Fi in public areas and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They even had Internet [LAN] access. The Wi-Fi was generally pretty speedy, I could work remotely. I was very happy with my productivity while I was there.
Services & Conveniences
They offer a lot! Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Cashless Payment Service: They have a cashless payment service, which is so essential now. Easy payments.
What is this "Best Kept Secret" Thing?
Was it the best-kept secret? Well, it's not totally secret. But it felt special. It had a relaxed vibe, a slightly older clientele, and it wasn't overrun with hordes of tourists.
The Verdict (Finally!)
Annika Koh Chang: Paradise Found (Was Ramayana!) is absolutely worth considering. It's not perfect, of course. It's got the imperfections of a living, breathing hotel. But it's comfortable, the staff are lovely, the spa is divine, the food is great, and it's a fantastic base for exploring Koh Chang.
The Big Question: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. I'm already planning my return trip!
My Crazy Offer - Annika Koh Chang - Your Escape to Paradise!
Book a stay at Annika Koh Chang in the next 30 days, and get ready for a trip you won't forget!
Here's the deal:
- 10% Off Your Stay: Use the code SECRETESCAPE when you book directly through their website.
- Free Massage: Enjoy a complimentary 60-minute Thai massage at their incredible spa (a $50 value!). Because, trust me, you deserve it.
- Welcome Drink: Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink on arrival, to kick your vacation off the right way.
Why you NEED to book NOW:
- The Pad Thai: Seriously. Book now for the pad thai alone.
- Escape the Ordinary: Get
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to take a glorious, messy, Koh Chang-shaped dive into the Annika Koh Chang (formerly Ramayana, let's be honest, it's still Ramayana in my heart) adventure. Forget perfect itineraries, this is real life, and real life involves questionable choices, sudden cravings, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by staring at the ocean.
Annika Koh Chang: Operation "Find My Zen (and Maybe Some Good Pad Thai)" - A Totally Unreliable Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Beach Combing Debacle
Morning (or, let's be real, late morning): Arrive at Trat Airport. The flight was hell. My seatmate, a man with a very enthusiastic snoring habit, thought my shoulder was a pillow. The immigration guy also looked…tired. Which, SAME. A quick (and blessedly air-conditioned) taxi ride to Annika. First impressions? Lush. Seriously, the jungle is right there. A little too right there, if you ask me, I am still terrified about the creatures that might be hiding in the leafy undergrowth.
Afternoon: Check in. The room is…a good size. It could use a touch more natural light, and the air con sounds like a dying elephant, but the view? Stunning. Clear water, swaying palms. I immediately chucked my luggage on the floor because, priorities, and headed straight for the beach.
The Beach Combing Debacle: Okay, so I had a grandiose vision. Me, effortlessly elegant, strolling along the shore, collecting perfectly shaped seashells, lost in thought like a soulful travel blogger. Reality? I tripped over some seaweed within 30 seconds. Found one tiny, slightly chipped shell. Got sand in my sandals. The sun was BRUTAL. Also, I started feeling self-conscious because I could not help but notice that all the other beachcombers were also somehow way cooler and more effortlessly tan than I am. After 10 minutes of self-flagellation with sand and regret, I gave up and decided that maybe beachcombing wasn't my calling.
- Dinner: The hotel restaurant. The food was decent. I ordered some spring rolls and Pad Thai, the usual suspects. I spent most of the meal staring at the ocean and wondering if I was being judged for eating my dinner with a fork. At least it was not that hot at night.
- Evening: Walk on the beach again and then crash.
Day 2: Elephant Trek and the Emotional Rollercoaster
- Morning: I woke up and got to the breakfast buffet. I took a quick survey of the available food and then went for the fresh fruit. It was divine. Then, I went back for seconds. I then indulged in a little swim.
- Early Afternoon: The Elephant Trek. This was supposed to be the "authentic" experience. I signed up because, well, elephants. Big, majestic, adorable elephants! The reality was… complicated. The trek itself was beautiful, through the jungle, past waterfalls, a feast for the eyes. Now, here I am, a very large, ungainly woman, perched precariously on a wooden seat attached to a massive animal. I was terrified the whole time. The elephant was named "Happy" but I was also not feeling it. I am so incredibly afraid of heights.
- My Emotional Rollercoaster: It was amazing and I felt cruel. I loved it and felt horrible. I loved the views and I thought I should probably quit my job and move to the jungle. I love elephants. I also want to pet them. You know, the usual. After what feels like an eternity, the trek ended. I think I sweated out all the water in my body.
- Late Afternoon: Back at the hotel, I showered off the jungle grime and the existential dread, then collapsed on my bed and took a nap.
- Dinner: I grabbed some street food. Spicy noodles. It was everything.
Day 3: Island Hopping and the Quest for the Perfect Bikini (Spoiler: Still Looking)
- Morning: A snorkeling tour! I am generally petrified of deep water, but the lure of vibrant coral and colorful fish was too strong. Plus, I figured, how bad can it be?
- The Truth about Snorkeling: Well, it turns out, snorkeling can be bad. Especially when you're a beginner. The waves were a bit choppy, my mask kept fogging up, and I swallowed half the ocean. But then, BAM! One perfect moment. A school of neon-blue fish, shimmering in the sunlight. A brief, perfect glimpse of underwater paradise. And I immediately panicked and resurfaced, sputtering and clutching my face.
- Afternoon: Island hopping is good but the other people are not. I did not enjoy their company.
- Evening: The "night market" in a nearby town. I love night markets. The smells! The chaos! The possibility of finding some amazing, cheap treasures! I spent hours browsing, haggling (badly), and generally embracing the organized kind of chaos. I bought a silk scarf that I'm pretty sure is fake, but I don't care.
- Dinner: Fish dinner. Delicious.
Day 4: Relaxation (Maybe?) and Departure
- Morning: The last day! I planned to embrace "relaxation." I attempted yoga on the beach. Let's be honest, I mostly looked like a beached whale trying to do the downward dog.
- The Real Deal: I was also in pain but did not stop. I loved it. I got a massage. Pure bliss. Then, I spent an hour just staring at the ocean, trying (and failing) to achieve some level of inner peace.
- Afternoon: Packing. Procrastinating packing. Realizing I need to buy a bigger suitcase due to all the "treasures" I've accumulated.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel again (because convenience, and also, I needed a Pad Thai fix). One last sunset over the ocean. A moment of pure, unadulterated beauty. Then the realization hit me: I'm going home. And as much as I'm looking forward to my own bed and my own shower, a part of me is also dreading leaving this little piece of paradise.
- Departure: Taxi to the airport. The flight was a bit better than the first, but still, the snoring dude was back. My shoulder is ruined.
Quirky Observations and Final Thoughts:
- The stray dogs on the beach are incredibly chill. They probably have a better life than me.
- The staff at Annika are genuinely lovely. They're the type of people who remember your weird food preferences and smile even when you look like you've been dragged through a jungle backwards.
- I still haven't found the perfect bikini. The search continues.
- Annika Koh Chang (Ramayana, whatever), is a true escape. It's beautiful, imperfect, and leaves you with a heady mix of sand in your shoes, a slight sunburn, a full belly, and a heart that's a little bit fuller. I'll be back. Probably. As soon as I recover from the emotional and financial damage.
So there you have it. My totally biased, completely subjective, utterly unreliable account of a trip to Annika Koh Chang. Go, explore, and make your own mess. You won't regret it.
Luxury Lyon Escape: MiHotel Le Gourguillon Awaits!
Annika Koh Chang: Paradise Found (Was Ramayana!) - Seriously though, Koh Chang’s Best Kept Secret?! Let's Dive In!
Okay, spill the beans! Is Annika Koh Chang *really* all that? Or is it just another Instagram-filtered illusion?
Alright, alright, settle down, you thirsty travelers! Let's be real. Annika Koh Chang... it hits different, okay? I've been *around* the islands. Seen some stuff. Been burned by the "paradise" promise. This place... it's got a vibe. It's not *perfect*. (Trust me, after battling the jungle mozzies at dusk, you'll understand imperfection REAL quick). But it actually lives up to the hype, mostly. Think: less 'influencer posing', more 'lost in the jungle, blissfully unaware of the outside world'. It's not just the pretty pictures they *show* you. It's the *feeling* you get when you’re there.
I mean, the former Ramayana? Honestly, the *name* sets an expectation, an epic tale of gods and demons and all that. While it doesn't have flying monkeys, they did have an amazing old-school vibe with the original layout. I remember when it was Ramayana; the staff was amazing, and the pool was always clean. Now, under Annika's new brand, it feels like they're revitalizing the place with that same great service.
What even *is* Annika Koh Chang, besides an Instagram filter? Tell me about the basics!
Okay, so, picture this: You land on Koh Chang, and immediately, you're swarmed with tuk-tuk drivers screaming deals and that intense smell of fresh durian (love it or hate it, it’s *there*). Annika? It's a resort (duh!), nestled right on Klong Prao Beach, which is, let's be honest, one of the best beaches on the island. It’s got that perfect mix of soft, powdery sand and waves that are gentle enough you won’t get your face ripped off by a rogue current.
They've got rooms and villas, some closer to the beach than others. The pool? Slick AF. The food? Actually pretty damn good, and that's coming from someone who's eaten more Pad Thai than they care to admit. Think a relaxed, slightly upscale vibe, with a focus on natural beauty and, thankfully, a serious lack of screaming children (usually!). They do have a kids' club though, so if you have kids, consider this a plus. It’s all about chill. Which, after a brutal flight, you desperately need. I know I did.
Alright, beach time. Is the beach at Annika actually usable, or is it a swampy mosquito haven?
Okay, beach snobs, listen up! Klong Prao Beach, where Annika is located, is REALLY good. Like, seriously, I'd happily spend a week just *on* that beach. It's wide, the sand is soft, and the water is usually crystal.
They keep the beach clean, which is a huge win. You can get a sunbed (though sometimes you need to be strategic, like arriving before 9am strategic – the competition is FIERCE), and the staff will bring you cocktails (yes!). The waves are generally calm, making it perfect for swimming, and, crucially, the sunsets are EPIC. Like, "Instagram-able without the filter" epic.
Of course, bugs exist, but that's part of island life, no matter where you go. Bring mosquito repellent. Trust me on this one. It is a Jungle and you will be eaten alive eventually. The spray will save your sleep and sanity.
Let's talk food! Is the food at Annika ridiculously overpriced resort food, or is it actually worth it? And more importantly, are there options for picky eaters like me?
Okay, this is a *big* one for me. Food can make or break a vacation, right? At Annika, it's pretty decent. No I didn’t starve or get food poison, and the food was well flavored. The breakfast buffet is a must (if you like buffets; I love them!). Fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order, all the usual suspects.
Lunch and dinner... well, it's not budget backpacking by any means, but the quality is high. The Thai food is excellent, and they also have international options. They had a pizza that was good. The chef clearly knows what he's doing. And if you have dietary restrictions? They are on it. Just tell them. I've seen them bend over backward to accommodate people. And more importantly, and a huge plus because I like to eat... there are plenty of restaurants right outside the resort's gates. You can walk and explore! Delicious.
Listen, I’m a notoriously picky eater. I hate onions (I know, I’m a monster). I was able to find things I loved. Really, I was! This is a win.
What's the vibe like at Annika? Is it all honeymooners and yoga retreats, or can a solo traveler or a group of friends fit in?
Okay, the VIBE. This is important. Annika seems to be trying to find a balance. It's not a rave, and you're not going to be stuck in a retirement home. There's a good mix.
I saw couples canoodling (adorable), families splashing in the pool (cute), and solo travelers reading books in the shade (me, mostly!). It felt welcoming and inclusive. You can be as social or as antisocial as you like. No pressure. It's the perfect place to decompress, enjoy the scenery, and just be yourself. They don't pretend they are anything they're not, and the overall mood is pretty relaxed. I'd say it's good for either solo travelers or friend groups that want a chill vacation.
Okay, the rooms. What are they *really* like? Are they clean? Is the air conditioning a joke? Spill.
The rooms... let's be honest, this is where a resort can *really* get you. BUT, the rooms at Annika are generally good. They're clean, they're well-maintained, and thankfully, the AC is a *beast*. You'll be able to get your room to sub-Arctic temperatures if you so desire (and if you're like me, you will!), and that’s important in that humid climate.
I stayed in multiple rooms during my stay to compare; they offered different experiences. Some of the villas are amazing! The ocean-view rooms have great views.
The only minor complaint I had was the shower pressure… it was adequate, but I've had better. But hey, you're on an island! Minor inconveniences come with the territory. Overall, I was happy with the rooms. Very clean, very functional, and the AC was STRONG. That's all that really matters.
Beyond the hotel, what is there to do around Annika? Is it stuck in theTrending Hotels Now
