The city of Bangkok, Thailand has its own energy, but sometimes, all you crave is a complete shift. Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, beckoned with its promise of crystal-clear waters, swaying palm trees, and a slower pace. Here’s the story of our four-day journey to this island paradise, filled with relaxation, exploration, and (of course) incredible food!
Koh Chang, also known as “Elephant Island” for its elephant-shaped headland, is located in Trat province, about 300 kilometers east of Bangkok and close to the Cambodian border. Our journey began at Ekkamai Bus Station in Bangkok, easily accessible via the BTS train station. From there, we planned to take the coveted 999 Bus for a direct trip to Koh Chang Pier.
However, as we learned, tickets sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Thought we arrived at the bus station 30 minutes ahead, we were already told that tickets were sold out, and we had to adjust our plans. We took a different bus to Trat province, followed by a Songthiew (a shared pick-up truck) to the pier, and finally, a ferry to Koh Chang Island. This option was slightly more affordable but added travel time due to a later bus departure. One advice if you plan on travelling by bus: get your tickets in advance!
A Tranquil Escape
Our chosen accommodation, Homebar, was located on the island’s eastern side. Homebar is run by Kang, a lovely host with her three dogs.
Unlike the busier areas, this location meant fewer restaurants, hotels, and tourists. Instead, we were surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong, and even small springs. While amenities were limited, the owner provided delicious home-cooked meals.
If you’re seeking a retreat experience immersed in nature, Homebar is a perfect choice. After checking in, settling our belongings, and enjoying a delicious dinner at the homestay, our first day on Koh Chang came to a relaxing close.
Day two was dedicated to exploring the underwater world! Thanks to our homestay owner’s assistance, we booked a fantastic snorkeling tour to five islands with Perm Poon Sub. The price of 800 baht per person included a convenient pick-up service from White Sand Beach and a delicious lunch buffet onboard the boat.
The songthaew that picked us up provided a bonus – a scenic glimpse of the island’s western half as we traveled to Bang Bao Pier. If you prefer, you can also purchase tickets directly at their booth at the pier, potentially saving a bit on the pick-up service.
The snorkeling experience was incredible. With calm seas, warm, crystal-clear water, we explored each island under the supervision of the safeguards. At each island, the boat will stop around 30 minutes, providing sufficient time fto explore each island.
Schools of vibrant fish darted around us, while colorful coral reefs, starfish, and sea urchins added to the underwater spectacle. Needless to say, our cameras captured countless stunning photos to commemorate this unforgettable adventure.
On the third day of our trip, we opted to explore the island’s eastern side on a rented motorbike. Taxis aren’t readily available everywhere in Koh Chang, so a motorbike offered the most convenient way to get around. After some research and positive reviews on Google Maps, we decided to rent from TJ Motorbike Rental Kohchang. The shop is located near the pier. I love that they even offered a free pick-up and drop-off service.
With our bikes, we first rode to Salak Khok Fishing Village. While the village itself wasn’t bustling with activity, the ride there was a tropical paradise in itself. Two lines of swaying coconut palms framed the scenic road, making for a picture-perfect entrance.
Next, a bit of detective work with Google Maps led us to a hidden gem – เกาะช้างปลาสด (Koh Chang Pla Sod)! It’s a local restaurant serving up the freshest Thai seafood – and you will hardly find the restaurant sign on the road as it is very small. And you will only be find the name in Thai on Google Maps. Be prepared for a wait here, as the focus is on quality and using the freshest ingredients. But trust me, the wait was worth it! The explosion of flavors was incredible, and the prices were much more affordable compared to tourist hotspots.
Finally, we made our way to Long Beach, a secluded paradise at the island’s southernmost tip. Often described by travelers as a hidden gem, it’s easy to see why. This beach boasted the same beauty as the famous White Sand Beach, but with no crowds in sight!
It’s our last day at Koh Chang! After a hearty breakfast, we checked out from KC Grande Resort Koh Chang and secured tickets on the 999 Bus back to Bangkok. Our bus departed around 1:00 PM, leaving us plenty of time for last-minute shopping.
Leaving Koh Chang was bittersweet. But one thing’s for sure – we’ll definitely be back! Next time, we’ll set our sights on the western side of the island for a different experience and a chance to explore the nightlife scene.
