WT037 - THAI ISLAND

The longest ride we had so far was the border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand. It took us the whole day, three busses (just in Cambodia's side), one minivan, one pick-up and one ferry to arrive in Koh Chang from Kampot. The ferry ride was one of the most memorable ones, because of the sunset, but at the end of the day we were so tired that we only had time to eat and have a small look around town.

The next day, we were full with energy and motivation to start exploring the island and the best way to do it was (again) with a rented motorbike. We drove as far as the Bang Bao Beach, south from the Lonely Beach area where we stayed, and had our first swim in Thai crystal-clear waters exactly there. Such a nice place to swim, rest and have a fresh coconut.

The Bang Bao Pier is an old fishing village that has now largely been redeveloped for visitors to Koh Chang. It consists on a long pier that juts out into a large bay and has now a number of side arms and sub-piers. There are lots of shops selling everything from t-shirts, souvenirs, paintings and sunglasses to fresh fish. Also some local seafood restaurants can be found there and are perfect for an evening out as sun sets over the bay. Many of the island’s boat tours depart from here as well as ferries to Koh Mak, Koh Wai and Koh Kood. If you walk all the way to the end of the pier you will find an ornamental lighthouse that offers some great views to those that climb it.

The last stop of the day was the Kai Bae Beach, a serene white-sand beach with scenic views, nearby food and drink options, and the possibility of canoeing. A bit further and up the hill, the Kai Bae Viewpoint offers visitors an astonishing look over four small islands located west from Koh Chang.

The Klong Plu Waterfall was until now the best natural waterfall we found on our world trip. It is a popular tourist spot located in the Mu Ko Chang National Park with a large swimming hole, where you can refresh yourself. To reach it, you start with a light hike, about 15 min, through the rainforest and along the river coming from the waterfall, and then you have it - a view over the canyon and the swimming "pool". Tons of fishes will nibble the dead skin from your body while you can watch them in the clear water. Lifeguards from the national park are there to watch over your safety. The entrance fee to the park is totally fare, 200 THB (about 5 EUR) per person.

In Koh Chang is actually not that easy to drive. The island has too many winding roads up and down, sometimes with slopes of 10% or higher. But only that way you can get glimpses like the next one.

Trying to get as far as possible on the island, we made a journey to the other side, and somewhere on the way we found an elephant camp for tourists, offering rides to the waterfalls and jungles nearby.

The Khlong Chao Lueam Waterfall is situated in a private property and you're required to pay a fee of 40 BHT (1 EUR) for entrance. I must say it is actually not that special and, even as cheap as it is, don't deserve the distance you make. Plus it is full with big mosquitos.

The beautiful White-Sand Beach is the longest areal in the island, lined with palm trees, and several types of rentable seating, lodging and restaurants.