Koh Chang: Magnificence on the Seaside

For those who’ve seen the film Collateral, starring Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise, you would possibly keep in mind how Foxx, a cabbie, will get by the laborious occasions in his life. Clipped to the solar visor in his cab is a photograph of lovely island. At any time when he’s feeling blue or having a lower than stellar day, he seems on the photograph and it takes him away from his troubles and helps him keep in mind there may be extra to life than driving a cab.

Perhaps you’ve considered it at one time or one other; palm timber, white sandy seashores, and a crystal blue sea, sipping a chilly beer and taking all of it in? For some, Pattaya is simply too in your face, Koh Samui and Phuket too touristy and Hua Hin is simply lacking the “it” issue. Or, possibly you’ve already been to those locations and are simply on the lookout for a change. Regardless of the cause, if you’re on the lookout for that excellent getaway, I’ve obtained simply the place for you – and I’m hesitant to let you know about it. Name me egocentric however I like the place and wish all of it for my very own – Koh Chang.

Koh Chang is roughly six hours from Bangkok by land. You’ll be able to fly Bangkok Air to close by Trat (an hour and 5 minutes) nevertheless you’ll have to take a music thaew to the pier after which the ferry to Koh Chang. A round-trip flight from Bangkok to Trat will price you about 6000 baht. Minibuses to Ao Thammachat pier are offered freed from cost by Bangkok Airways.

A less expensive various can be to take one of many many air-conditioned buses (250 baht) accessible at both Ekkamai or Mor Chit stations. The bus will take you to Trat and journey time is about 5 hours. Take a music thaew to Ao Thammachat pier after which seize a ferry to the island. As well as, there are vans accessible from Khao San Street and elsewhere beginning at 500 baht per individual.

Ferries to and from the island run each thirty minutes from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM every day; the price is 120 baht every course. The journey goes by rapidly and there may be food and drinks accessible.

When you attain the island, take a music thaew to your closing vacation spot. Fares run between 50 and 80 baht relying on whether or not you go to the closest seaside, White Sand Seaside (quarter-hour), or one of many farthest, Lonely Seaside (80 baht). Irrespective of the place you resolve to go, instantly upon touchdown you’ll be rewarded with breath taking tropical surroundings. The place you resolve to remain is strictly a matter of private desire however the island is about as near paradise as you will discover wherever on earth and you’ll not be upset. There may be simply sufficient growth to satisfy your fundamental wants – sure, there’s web and cable TV – however the island continues to be comparatively undeveloped.

Whether or not you’re on the lookout for cheap, Spartan bungalows or 4 and five-star resorts, there’s a full vary of lodging on Koh Chang.

The White Sand space of the island is arguably essentially the most developed; Klong Prao and Kai Bae has splendidly priced 4 and five-star resorts with equally spectacular ocean views. Lonely Seaside, whereas now not fairly as lonely because it as soon as was has nonetheless managed to maintain from turning into an overdeveloped vacationer vacation spot. Lonely Seaside is the popular backpacker vacation spot with unspoiled seashores, low priced bungalows and farther away from the pier than the extra developed White Sand Seaside.

The White Sand space of the island is a superb place to convey the household. Quiet and but with sufficient small eating places and shops to maintain you busy – no less than for a number of days. You may also do what I did – nothing – aside from laying round on the seaside, sipping beer.

There are not any big malls or film theatres on the island – however there may be greater than sufficient to do. For those who bored with ingesting at one of many considerable Tiki bars alongside the seaside, or gorging your self with seafood, you may all the time make a journey to one of many quite a few waterfalls on the island. The Than Mayom waterfall consists of 4 ranges might be the preferred of the waterfalls on the island. As well as, you may swim within the giant pool that rests in entrance of the falls. One other waterfall price travelling to is the three-level Klong Plu waterfall. As with all waterfall you hike to, watch out – the Klong Plu falls are fairly slippery and the very last thing that you must smash your vacation is to fall from fifty meters.

Koh Chang has good meals, affordably priced lodging, extraordinary surroundings, and a laid-back ambiance. For many who care, there’s a bar scene. It doesn’t fairly rival the nightlife of Phuket or Pattaya however for a semi-deserted tropical island, it’s greater than sufficient.

The worst factor about Koh Chang – the journey again to Bangkok.