#kohchang

Tucked away from the city, lies a relatively small province on the Eastern Thailand, Trat. Consisting of several islands perfect for a getaway whether you're a couple, group of friends, family, or a solo traveller, this province on the East coast is absolutely perfect.

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island is one of those islands with pristine beaches, clear aquamarine water. The beach we chose, Lonely Beach is definitely awesome. Very clean and well-maintained beach despite being crowded from sunset 'til before sunrise.

Not only these, despite being far from the city, or town proper, you would find lots of places to stay without burning your cash.

There are many options with accommodations from high-end hotels to dorm-type ones. For instance, we stayed in one of the hostels 10 minutes away from the beach for only 850 THB for two nights. Basic room with a fan, and shared bathrooms.

The food are relatively cheaper than in other touristy areas like Pattaya or Hua Hin. You can splurge yourself on seafood, meat, or even vegan food without having to spend thousands of Baht on them.

Me and my friend, we were able to eat four dishes with our 700 Baht from one of the retaurants serving fresh seafood. You may choose ones with higher prices, if you please. But, if you're on a 'budget' travel like us, don't worry. There are plenty to choose from without breaking your bank.

How to Go there?

From Thailand's capital city, Bangkok, there are several ways to go.

Buses from Eastern Bus Terminal in Ekkamai, few minutes walk from BTS Ekkamai on the left side exits. Buses leave the terminal at least, hourly from morning to late afternoon. However, I suggest, take the morning buses. Ticket is 320 Baht/person including ferry tickets to and from the island. Bus is one-way ticket, only the ferry is two-way. Hop out from the bus and ride a tuk-tuk to the ferry for 80 Baht, more or less 45 minutes, then ferry for 30 minutes, and another tuk-tuk for more or less than 100 Bhat to your hotel or hostel.

You can also book a ticket from travel agencies in Khao San Road, I think it's a little pricier than D.I.Y. travel to and from Trat. If you want convenience but not much expensive, this would be a better choice as you wouldn't need to transfer to different vehicles from Bangkok to the island. There would be several pick up and drop off points in Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi Airport, BTS Victory Monument, and Khao San Road.

Airplane. You may choose to travel by plane from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat Airport. This would be the fastest way to and from Trat. However, I believe this would be much expensive. But, if you want to save more time for staying in the island, and money isn't an issue for you, then this is the best choice.

A glimpse of Koh Chang' s pier.

Things to Do in Koh Chang

Island Hopping. There are lots of tour agencies offering island hopping tours for less than 1000 Baht including, gears for snorkling, guide fee, and lunch set. This is a day tour.

Trekking to waterfalls, and elephant village. Unfortunately, I don't have further information about this as we didn't ask the agencies however, this seems to be an amazing activity.

Diving and freediving lessons with certified instructors, and PADI licensing.

Fishing tours.

Yoga and other wellness activities.

If you're on hunt for seafood restaurants, there are many of them in the island. I personally reccommend Dang Seafood Restaurant, a few minutes walk from Lonely Beach. Servings are generous and the food are cooked as you order.

Live Muay Thai fights on selected dates. Tickets are also available from tour agencies.

Beach parties from sunset to sunrise. There are lots of bars right on the beach.

Doesn't want to party and drink on the beach? No problem. Most hostels and hotels have their own bars or are sorrounded by other bars. The one we stayed on our extended night, Thales Lonely Beach has it's own bar and also sorrounded by other bars with live bands or party music. We stayed there for another night for 300 Baht and drank some Mai Tai, and Long Island. There are plenty of drinks to choose. From non-alcoholic drinks, lady drinks, cocktails, and hard liquors.

No matter what you plan to do there, you would definitely enjoy the place without burning your cash. I highly suggest you stay for at least 3 days to fully enjoy the trip.

Sunset on the beach was a instagram-worthy. 😁

Thales Lonely Beach Hostel's bar and restaurant.

Pretty drunk with a Long Island, mixture of several rums, and other liquors.

People and sunset-watching on a Christmas Day. afternoon.

Lovely morning in Lonely Beach. You can have it to yourselves as most people are still asleep. The beach comes to life only late in the morning 'til before sunrise.

Again, whatever you plan to do there, whether you're alone, with loved ones, friends, or your beau, you'll surely love it there.