While everyone wants to see the places in the Andaman sea (which is not a bad idea), we decided to go to Ko Chang on our first Thailand visit. As we’ve seen both parts, we can definitely say we made the right decision.
The elephant island (that’s the island’s name in English) got its name from its form. It’s said to look like an elephant seen from the air. We could discuss that, but this would be a waste of time.
Much more important: What the island has to offer and what it makes better than the others.
Infrastructure in Ko Chang
The island is not very crowded. You will understand what I’m talking about if you have already visited Ko Phi Phi or Krabi. But the infrastructure is perfect. Enough restaurants, accommodation and tour providers without disturbing the idyllic island.
Simple beach huts next to luxury resorts, there’s something for everyone and all that for reasonable prices.
Ko Chang is located in the south east of the Gulf of Thailand at the Cambodian border. You can take the ferry departing from Trat.
Easy life in Ko Chang
If you want to flee the masses, this island is the place for you. Though it is one of the most beautiful places on earth, everyone still prefers to go to islands like Ko Samui, Phi Phi and Ko Tao. I really don’t want to say, those islands are not worth a visit. Especially Ko Tao is totally on our list for the next time. But you will definitely not find the kind of peace like on Ko Chang.
Beaches at Ko Chang
Picture perfect beaches. Dreamy beaches. Just paradise!
There are four main beaches at the island, from north to south: White Sands Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach and Lonely Beach!
White Sands Beach is said to be a little overcrowded. First we read about it and secondly other travellers told us so we didn’t really felt like getting a picture of it.
Klong Prao Beach was a little bit wilder, but still a very beautiful beach. We spent one afternoon here.
Our favourite beach was Kai Bae Beach. We stayed in a beach hut and one night in a luxury resort. Not very cheap but informative.
The luxury resort was fabulous and a really beautiful place. I never slept so good in my life. Actually there was nothing to complain about. Except the people there. It was awkward. This can happen everywhere and we just didn’t want to spend our time here or spoil it. For us, our own beach hut was the better choice.
Near Lonely Beach you can start your trips to the beautiful neighbour islands.
Some were so tiny and dreamy, they don’t even have names. See the pictures!
Ko Wai
An island just like in a picture book and next to Ko Chang! You can reach it via Trat or Ko Chang. This is one of the most peaceful places on earth. No shops, no restaurants. Nada!
For families and peace seeking people it’s perfect. Party people have to look for something else. But it’s definitely worth a one day trip.
Places of interest in Ko Chang
There’s not much to do except enjoying the beautiful beaches. But you shouldn’t miss the Klong Plu waterfall when there. During dry season it doesn’t look very mighty. Still it is a nice natural spectacle. A lot of people were bathing here and jumped down the cliffs. As I am scared, I let Jan enjoy these activities on his own.
What is worth to know here: As there is a little bit of distance between the beaches and the water fall, you should not walk there during midday heat. As the dearest Tuk-Tuk-drivers know about this, they demand obscene prices. So you have to bargain before or you walk and sweat your skin off (like us, out of principle).
Now we’re wiser: Pay it. No matter what they want from you!
Sunsets at Ko Chang
There’s not much to say about this. As the beaches are located at the west coast of the island, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset every evening. One better than the other. Only sunsets in Gili Trawangan and Bali may have been better than in Ko Chang.
Probably it was one of the reasons why we liked it here the most. Maybe one day, we call ourselves ‘professional sunsetchasers’ and try to earn money with that!
Instruction for Ko Chang
Actually we had no problems with food during both Thailand trips. Until the moment when we wanted to eat something more familiar. Thanks to Spaghetti Bolognese and Schnitzel with fries, one evening of this week was a pure nightmare and not so paradise like.
Conclusion: Even if you really feel like eating it, stick to Thai food!
Best time to travel?
We were here in January during dry season and can only recommend it.
If you’re searching for a calm part of Thailand and still dreamy beaches, Ko Chang is the right place for you. As people still prefer visiting the famous parts like the Andaman Sea and the region around Ko Samui, this is not going to change in the near future.
Having said this kòbkûn ká for your time!