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Journey Travel with us with reviews

Entering our seventh edition

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We just passed the hot season and entered the real rainy season.

However, can't we travel to the sea during the rainy season? Actually, we can travel to the sea in any season.

Just getting rained on doesn't make our hearts sink at all.

"“Koh Chang, I've always wanted to go there,” I often tell my partner.

Taking the opportunity to travel on our 5th anniversary seemed like the perfect plan.

Short on time, but definitely not boring.

Let's see where we went on our 2-day, 1-night trip…"

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We set off in the early morning of December 25, 2016.

At the end of last year, we headed to Trat Province.

It only took a few hours to reach Trat… Hellooooooooooooo! ~

The drive was surprisingly comfortable, with plenty of space to stretch out. I remember when I booked the accommodation, many places were fully booked, so I thought there would be a lot of people out and about today. !!!!! Since it's Christmas, too, but maybe some people are waiting to travel for New Year's. But I like it empty like this, no one is competing for sightseeing. Hee hee. If you drive into Trat and see a symbol that looks like a flying saucer, it means you are approaching the Mu Ko Chang National Park area.

We have successfully entered the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Continue driving along the road and you will see a sign for the ferry pier.

In a matter of minutes, we arrived at the port. As we drove in, we were immediately charged a fee. The checkpoint collected money for both car and passenger tickets. After paying, we encountered a second checkpoint, this one for ticket inspection.

After paying and checking everything, we drove to the pier to wait for the boat. It was so empty, there was no one there. We were the first ones, haha.

After a short wait, the boat docked at the pier. The view was truly breathtaking, especially the first mountain we saw, which was our destination for the day.

The large ship carried us forward, some people stayed in the car with the engine on, while others turned off the engine and went up to enjoy the view on the deck. Once we arrived, we had to tour the whole place. Let's go up and enjoy the view from above! ~!!

Having traveled a considerable distance, we are nearing the shore. We are preparing to disembark and activate the machinery on board the vehicle, as we must be the first to depart.

Most tourists, upon arriving on the island, head straight for the beautiful beaches and clear waters. They turn right to Koh Chang North, unaware that turning left to Koh Chang South offers a glimpse into the island's true natural beauty and authentic local life. Embracing new experiences like this is always rewarding. Our first landmark is the Ban Na Nai Mangrove Forest in Salak Phet, a hidden gem perfect for those seeking an authentic nature experience on Koh Chang.

To reach the mangrove forest, look for the Wat Salak Phet temple on your right. Opposite the temple, on your left, you will find a small entrance road with a sign that reads "Mangrove Forest Entrance, Ban Salak Phet." Turn into this road and continue straight ahead. The road is narrow and unpaved, making it difficult for cars to pass each other. You will mostly encounter tourists on motorbikes, as cars are less common. During the rainy season, the road may be muddy.

Let's take a look at the walking route map.

The journey was punctuated by stretches of lush mangrove forests, offering intermittent shade. However, there were sections devoid of any tree cover, exposing us to the relentless sun. During the midday heat, the sun's intensity was particularly harsh, leaving me feeling overheated. Carrying an umbrella would have been a wise precaution. In contrast, the foreign tourists seemed unfazed by the sun, strolling along with remarkable composure. Meanwhile, I was perspiring profusely, as if a tap had been turned on.

The bridge is starting to deteriorate and some parts have fallen off. Please be careful when walking.

Certain sections boast peculiarly shaped trees, leaning towards each other to form picturesque arches, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.

We continued walking, sweating profusely, until we reached the halfway point, which is arguably the highlight of the trail. It is a wide-open area with no shade, a golden-green meadow shimmering with a golden-yellow hue. The contrast with the bright sun is breathtaking. The backdrop of rolling hills and the faint red color of the bridge create a striking contrast, making it an ideal spot for photography.

We did not continue walking, so we missed another highlight of this place. Another point on the map is at point 4. If we walk a little further, we will find the mouth of the bay that connects to the sea. After returning, I saw the reviews and I was so sorry. The view is really good.

It's past noon now, and the sun is scorching hot. There's not a breath of wind. Hey, tell me... shouldn't it be starting to cool down by the end of the year? We drove back to continue our trip to the north side of Koh Chang. Let's go to a waterfall to cool down, hoping it will get a little cooler.

We stopped to cool off at Khlong Phlu Waterfall.

We need to walk another 500 meters to the waterfall.

Khlong Phlu Waterfall is a large waterfall with three tiers. The surrounding forest is in excellent condition, with numerous streams branching off from Khlong Phlu and various pools for swimming. We will hike to the top tier, which involves a steep and uneven climb on a mixture of dirt and rocks. The path is often slippery and wet, so please be cautious and watch your step.

Most of the foreigners I saw were having a lot of fun jumping into the water here. The water is freezing cold, even just standing near it you can feel the coolness of the waterfall.

We stood to take a picture, which was far from the point where the waterfall was splashing down. The wind was very strong, especially in the narrow gap behind us. It was really cold, even though the sun was shining brightly.

After enjoying the cool shade of the trees and the refreshing waterfall for a while, it's time to head back and check in to our accommodation!

Our accommodation for tonight is Kai Bae Beach Resort on Koh Chang, located in the Kai Bae Beach area of Koh Chang, over 800 meters from Kai Bae Beach. The hotel is located on the beach and is also close to the Kai Bae Beach viewpoint.

Walk to the customer service desk to check in and receive your room key and complimentary breakfast coupon for tomorrow.

The hotel features a compact outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy a refreshing dip.

The rooms on this side are in the new zone, newly built not long ago. This side also offers a high-angle view, looking out from the balcony to the sea and beach. Looking from the sea behind the accommodation, it is a mountain view.

Our accommodation zone is bungalow style. The rooms are very new because they have just been renovated and redecorated. We are located in the second row from the beachfront rooms. You can walk out a little and play in the water.

The accommodation offers a seating area in front of the room. The upper floor features hammocks and plastic chairs, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the cool breeze. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available.

The room is air-conditioned and features a large bed, wardrobe, safe, mini-fridge, television, dressing table, towel rack, and a fan. Most air-conditioned rooms do not have fans, which is a welcome addition and saves time waiting for my hair to dry. As a woman, it takes a while to get ready for bed, so I often have to bring a hairdryer.

Private bathroom and television.

The bathroom is spacious and well-maintained, featuring a bathtub for relaxation.

Let's change our clothes and go for a walk on the beach. The beach here is characterized by fine white sand, surrounded by nature, with a good atmosphere, quiet and private. We mostly see foreigners sunbathing, not many Thais. The foreigners here are friendly, some of them say hello. Huh... are we in Thailand? 55555555

It is normal to encounter elephants on Koh Chang, as it is their natural habitat.

And behind us two is the view of our accommodation.

He stealthily climbed the coconut tree, intending to steal a coconut to eat. He thought no one would see him. Hehe.

Seeking a sunny spot to bask in the sun. 5555555 From already being tanned, let's get even more sunburnt.

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the beach as we strolled side by side, enjoying the tranquility of the evening.

The last rays of sunlight have fallen, the light was truly beautiful. This moment always feels so fleeting.

It's time for dinner. Since we arrived at Koh Chang, we haven't had a proper meal. We only had snacks to keep us going. We were so busy sightseeing that we forgot to eat. Tonight, we're going to have dinner at Ai Yai Seafood Restaurant.

There are many restaurants to choose from on Koh Chang. This particular restaurant is not located on the main road of Klong Prao, but there is a sign with the restaurant's name at the entrance. The road is a bit narrow, so you will need to turn into a small alley. Parking is limited.

Contrary to expectations, the place was surprisingly empty. We had anticipated large crowds, especially since our visit coincided with Christmas, a festive occasion for Westerners, and also marked our fifth anniversary. Fortunately, the minimal foot traffic meant our food arrived promptly after ordering.

Showcasing the restaurant's ambiance from various angles, providing potential diners with a glimpse of the dining experience offered at this establishment on Koh Chang.

The restaurant is located by the river. If you come in the evening, you might be able to see the view. There are free boats available to take you to see the fireflies.

The shop is decorated with lights and a Christmas tree, which really fits the festive season.

We sat at the very back of the restaurant, which is an open-air seating area with no roof. The interior is divided into two sections: one with chairs and one with floor seating with cushions. Both sections are right next to the pond. If you come in the late afternoon when there's still some light, this corner is perfect.

This restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, including Thai cuisine and seafood. We ordered a lot of food, probably because we were very hungry. We ordered a total of 7 dishes, including: - -"

• Tom Yum Soup with Mixed Seafood
  
• Rice with Shrimp Paste and Fresh Shrimp
  
• Crab Meat Stir-Fried with Curry Powder
  
• Ayara-Style Rolled Fish
  
• Chicken Stir-Fried with Cashew Nuts
  
• Fried Shrimp Cakes
  
• Rice with Shrimp

The food is delicious and caters to the Thai palate. The service is prompt, and the prices are reasonable. This is a must-try restaurant on Koh Chang.

Returning to my room... before going to sleep, I'll dress myself up to fit the Christmas theme. I've brought a lot of props, haha. Let's play with them a bit. Good night and sweet dreams.

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Hoorayyyyyyy . . . S e a M o r n i n g

This morning, we woke up to a beautiful view at Laem Chaiyachet. Located within the Chaiyachet Resort on Klong Prao Beach, which is adjacent to Kai Bae Beach, it's just a short drive away with a sign indicating the entrance to the resort. While this is a private area belonging to the resort, we were able to walk in and enjoy the view. We had to park our car and walk through the resort to the back.

This sandy beach has a gentle slope, making it suitable for swimming. The wide beach provides shade for those who wish to relax by the water.

We arrived at 7 am. We walked quietly following the signs. It was very peaceful here in the morning.

Found it! . . . Laem Chaiyachet Viewpoint

We started exercising early this morning, climbing a little bit and panting heavily.

The presence of stairs to climb is a positive aspect of this location. The encounter with two consecutive flights of stairs indicates a significant elevation, which may induce a slight feeling of vertigo.

Behold!

The view is spectacular at this point. The water is so clear that you can see the rocks below. The turquoise water contrasts beautifully with the rocks. If you could sit here and watch the sunset, it would be amazing.

This area is not suitable for swimming due to the abundance of rocks. It is more suitable for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.

I am proficient in using props for photography. I enjoy it because it adds a lot of visual interest to the images.

If we turn around, we will be greeted by the beauty of the other side, which is equally stunning. This side is slightly closer to the mountains, giving it a feeling similar to climbing a mountain.

We took photos and sat down to enjoy the beauty of the morning sea. It was so peaceful. We would have loved to stay longer, but looking at the time, we had to hurry back for breakfast at our accommodation.

We walked to the dining room of our accommodation, which was adjacent to the swimming pool and directly facing the sea.

Upon arrival, present the coupon received at check-in to the welcoming staff and proceed to enjoy the experience.

The breakfast here offers a wide variety of options. Guests can choose from a buffet of food and drinks.

This morning, there is a wide variety of food available, both Thai and international. Feel free to choose and enjoy as you please. This is just a small selection of what is on offer.

A change of scenery to enjoy a meal by the sea is a different kind of good feeling. . . .

After lunch, we walked back to our room and took a nap. We couldn't come to the sea and not swim, or it would be like we never came at all.

I want to take you to float in the sea ~ The morning sun is still strong, so I can still get some vitamin C, haha. The sun is hot, but once you get in the water, it's so comfortable. There's a constant breeze.

The water is incredibly clear. We're swimming right in front of our accommodation. The tide is very high, unlike yesterday evening when the water receded significantly.

Is it so comfortable that you can just lie down and soak in the water? Wow!

We spent nearly an hour playing before we had to rush back to shore, check into our accommodation, pack our bags, and prepare to check out by noon.

The midday sun shines brightly on the sea, making it quite hot. However, many foreigners seem to enjoy it, as they lie down and sunbathe, aiming for a deep tan.

A refreshing glass of sweet, chilled sugarcane juice to quench your thirst and beat the heat.

The elephant handler brought the baby elephants out for a walk. He didn't tell them he was going to take them sunbathing, haha.

After checking out of your accommodation, turn right and drive for less than 3 minutes to reach the **Khai Bae Viewpoint**.

Reaching the viewpoint of Khai Bae Beach, if you don't take a picture with the Koh Chang Post Office, it's like you haven't arrived.

The scene is set with letters arranged to create a beautiful backdrop for taking pictures.

It's time to head back for real. We drove to the port… to wait for the car ferry to cross the sea.

It's time to say goodbye to Koh Chang. Time is short, but I will return to explore more next time.

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Farewell, Koh Chang . . .

A short trip of 2 days and 1 night was truly refreshing. It's been a while since I went, so I don't remember all the expenses, so I won't mention them. Let's just say that 3,000 baht per person is enough. The accommodation and food were great for two people, but next time I'll come back to go diving, plant coral, cook food, get a spa massage, plant trees, meditate... Oops, I'm getting off track. 5555555 Koh Chang has a wide variety of activities, so there's definitely a next time. Staying overnight and only getting to do this much is already very happy. I'll be back to make up for it next time, I promise.