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If you're looking for a nice beach weekend near Bangkok, Koh Chang is a great alternative. It's the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, located near to the Cambodian border. Probably the easiest way to get to Koh Chang is via bus or mini-van. We took the alternative of taking the evening bus to a small town Trat, where we spent the night and headed to Chang early in the morning, as the last ferry departs already quite early in the evening. The bus to Trat leaves from the bus station Ekkamai in Bangkok. Ekkamai is a BTS station also, so it's easy to get there. The bus ride takes about 5-6 hours (a few 5 minute breaks!) and costs about 170 bht. The bus leaves you at the Trat bus station, which is a five minute taxi ride to the small center of Trat. We stayed at a sweet old couple's guest house (very tidy!), Garden Guest House, which cost us only 200 bht per night! And the lovely owner couple even started cooking us dinner at midnight! In the morning, take a taxi to the ferry, which is about 20 minutes and then the short half-and-hour ferry ride to Koh Chang - then you're there!
I have to say, during the taxi ride to our beach in Koh Chang, the island didn't exactly impress me - my first impression wasn't exactly what I had imagined a Thai island to be. The main road was full of Scandinavian restaurants, noisy tailors and tourist t-shirts. But when arriving to Kai Bae Beach, I found my image of white sand and clear water. I would definitely recommend renting a scooter if possible, because there is so much to see at Koh Chang! Small isolated beaches, waterfalls, elephants.. And the roads are in relatively good condition, so driving is quite easy. We spent only a weekend in Koh Chang, but a few more days would have been nice. There are quite a few different beaches, at least White Sand Beach, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach.
Something that I would have liked to know about Koh Chang a few weeks ahead is the (minimal, I guess) risk of malaria. The island has been known to contain it years back, but rumors and locals say that it has been cleared quite well. But if you want to be safe, take the medication in advance and in any case, use mosquito repellent. Heading back to Bangkok, we decided to try the mini-van! It was quite affordable, considering that it is a package price and you don't have to pay separate taxis, busses and BTS. A quick warning about the minivan though, you might have to wait until the minivan is full. We had to wait for 1,5 h until the drivers got the permission to leave. And also, the minivan drivers are known to drive super fast, so I would not recommend them if you're tend to get travel sickness.
So to sum it up, I would definitely recommend going to the elephant island. Perfect for the quick relaxing beach holiday from the hectic Bangkok!
- comments
Julien Hi! I am goign to KU in august! you think you can give me some more advices? :))))))
Surin Phuket Thank you nice article. I am someone who really love phuket. Last month I’ve been to Surin Beach and like this place very much because this beach is quiet, white beaches and crystal clear waters. Surin Bay Inn is the great accommodation, i stay here. It’s just like a happy family, everyone there is so nice and hospital. I am sure, i will come back. SEE YOU PHUKET