Last Updated on October 9, 2024
I had originally planned to travel straight from Sihanoukville, Cambodia to Bangkok, but decided on a whim to break up the trip and spend a few days in Koh Chang, a small island in the Gulf of Thailand just north of the border with Cambodia (there are actually two Koh Changs in Thailand, the other one located in the Andaman Sea, close to the border with Myanmar). Not only would I get to check out another Thai island, but I’d also squeeze in a few more beach days before returning to loud and congested Bangkok.
I didn’t have any expectations for Koh Chang, and to be honest, didn’t know all too much about the island, so I was curious to see how Koh Chang compared to the islands in the Andaman Sea and the other islands I’d visited in the Gulf (Koh Tao and Koh Phangan). And I didn’t regret my decision to make the detour to Koh Chang – on the contrary, it was love at first sight! From the moment I stepped off the ferry just in time to see the first of several breathtaking sunsets to the early morning I waved goodbye to Koh Chang as the car ferry moved further and further away from the shore, I was walking on sunshine (quite literally).
I didn’t get to see as much of the island as I would’ve liked, but the beaches I saw made me long for more – I will definitely be back. I stayed in Lonely Beach in the south west of Koh Chang, a beach whose lonely days are long gone, but nonetheless I enjoyed the chilled vibe there as it was never crowded or busy. Apparently, Lonely Beach is the party central of the island. However, I didn’t notice any parties while I was there – maybe my bungalow was too far away from it all. I didn’t come to Koh Chang to party anyway, but to soak up some sun and dig my toes into the sand, knowing that this would be one of the last few islands I’d visit on my Asia stint, as my time here is (already!) coming to an end this month.
Neno
Monday 13th of April 2015
Hmmm...
Thailand was never on my travel list ( I always thought that it is too touristic).
Maybe I will think again.
Neno
Dany
Monday 13th of April 2015
You should, Neno :) Thailand is one of my favorite countries in the world!
Sarah
Sunday 12th of April 2015
Beautiful! We went to Koh Chang back in 2011 and have similarly amazing sunset photos, particularly from the ferry going across to the island. Similarly, we didn't really 'find the party' in Koh Chang, but had a lovely few days exploring and getting the sand between our toes! Its the only Thai island that we've visited, so definitely need to get back to Thailand for more exploring! Do you have a favourite Thai island?
Dany
Sunday 12th of April 2015
I have a few that I love, Sarah - like Koh Poda (which I just wrote about), but you can't stay on the island, so I feel like this one doesn't count ;-) Koh Chang is definitely a favorite, and so is Koh Tao. I have a feeling Koh Lipe will make my top three when I finally make it there, but I feel like there are others I still need to see to make my mind up. Koh Phangan was also surprisingly beautiful.
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Thursday 9th of April 2015
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Jo
Tuesday 7th of April 2015
Oh, I miss Asian sunsets so much! Nice shot!
Dany
Tuesday 7th of April 2015
Thanks, Jo! The sunsets on Koh Chang were spectacular every single night :)
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Monday 6th of April 2015
Hi, I've been living on Koh Chang for over 4 years now and let me tell you, the passion doesn't fade away. Lonely Beach is a great place but it seems now people are liking even more Bai Lan further down as it has this vibe and feel Lonely Beach used to have a few years ago (and still has in some way of course). Just more laid back and quiet and worth the trip. Hope you'll make it back here soon, Cheers
Dany
Tuesday 7th of April 2015
Hi John, now you've got me even more excited about returning! I'll be back in Thailand later this year, and I think Koh Chang deserves a longer visit when I get back :)