Koh Chang Thailand Unspoilt Island
A Little Known Paradise on the Andaman Sea in South East Asia
It wasn't until 2000 that this beautiful island south east of Bangkok had paved roads, telephone lines and electricity.
It developed very quickly after the 2004 tsunami, as many Thai tourists came here instead of the south fearing more disasters.
It is just over 300kms from Bangkok and the island itself is reached by a 30 minute ferry ride from Trat near Chanthaburi.
White Sands is the first beach resort you come to and it is the most developed with little shops and stalls lining the street. A little further along is Kai Bae, and Lonely Beach which are both quite quiet and reasonable to stay at. At the bottom is Bang Bao, an old fishing village with houses on stilts built out into the water and rickety wooden walkways lined with a multitude of colourful stalls selling everything from jewelry to fishing rods.
One of the best restaurants here is Buddha View, an amazing restaurant built over the water. You sit on cushions and dangle your legs over the edge. The glass topped tables let you watch the fish swimming about 15 feet below as you eat.
If you want to see the real Koh Chang, hire a jeep and drive around the whole island and you will find that the east coast is much undeveloped and sparsely populated. Stop for lunch at Funky Huts, the only place to stay or eat on that coast. With traditional Thai seating, low tables and colourful cushions, overlooking the water it is a wonderfully relaxing place to while away a few hours.
The deep jungle in the north of the island has elephant trekking. Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp is deep in the forest and the best as they take very good care of the animals. They live in a very natural habitat, are not caged or fenced in, and are fed a very healthy diet.
All the beach towns have internet cafes and there are plenty of places to buy snacks, there is even a supermarket in White Sands. Eating out every night is very affordable with choices of local or western food depending on what mood you're in.
If you are looking for a true getaway destination then this is it. Whether you want to 'rough it' in a bamboo hut on the beach or enjoy five star luxury at one of the resorts it is all a wonderful adventure and glimpse into a little discovered Thailand. One thing is certain, beauty like this doesn't go undiscovered for long. Koh Chang was developing fast and will not stay as it was.
