On January 27-28, 2017, we embarked on a two-day, one-night trip. Due to work commitments on Sunday, our travel companions could only join us for a short period. We decided to pack our belongings and set off at 11 p.m. on Thursday, January 26th. The driver assured us that he could handle the long drive, as he was accustomed to staying up late. Additionally, an early departure would allow us to avoid the morning rush and drive at a leisurely pace. Before reaching the city center of Chanthaburi, we stopped at a gas station to rest and recharge. When asked if he was tired, the driver replied that he was not, as he had managed to catch a nap during the journey. After a brief two-hour rest, we continued our journey into Chanthaburi city.

The first destination was the Suan Mamuang Market, a bustling morning market with a wide variety of food stalls, from pork and chicken to seafood. However, as it was still early and our stomachs were not yet rumbling, we opted for some fried dough sticks and dumplings to tide us over. Leaving the Suan Mamuang Market, we drove to the King Taksin the Great Shrine, said to be another significant landmark in Chanthaburi. The shrine reflects the deep connection between the local people and King Taksin. After a brief visit to the shrine, we had to quickly depart from Chanthaburi city.

The next destination was "Pliew Waterfall", which is only 40-50 km from the city center. It was a short drive, but before we could go swimming in the waterfall, our stomachs started to rumble. We decided to have a bowl of tom yum noodles, which was located right at the entrance of the waterfall. The taste was okay, but not as good as we expected. We had heard that Chanthaburi Province is famous for its tom yum noodles with large mantis shrimps, but we didn't have time to drive around looking for it. So we settled for a bowl of tom yum noodles instead.

A short drive will take you to Pliew Waterfall. The entrance fee is only 40 baht per person, which is incredibly affordable considering the stunning beauty of the waterfall that awaits you.

I forgot to mention that I visited on a Friday, which meant the crowds were smaller, allowing me to enjoy the water to the fullest. The water was incredibly cold, and I even got to see some enormous fish up close. One important tip: don't even think about bringing food into the waterfall, as the staff will stop you at the entrance.

12:00 PM. We packed our belongings and moved to the pier from the Trat coast (natural bay), with our next destination being Koh Chang. The drive from Pliew Waterfall took almost an hour before we paid 80 baht per person and 120 baht per car to cross from Ao Thammachat Pier to Koh Chang. The ferry ride took only 30 minutes.

We then boarded the car and immediately drove up the shore. Our accommodation, "Khao Nok Homestay," was only 30 kilometers away according to the map, which seemed like a short distance. However, the road was full of steep ascents and descents, making it impossible to maintain a high speed. The entire journey took one and a half hours.

The journey to Khao Nok Homestay was long, but the fatigue vanished upon arrival. The serene beachfront accommodation, complete with hammocks for relaxation, offered a perfect escape for those seeking a laid-back lifestyle. Arriving at Khao Nok around 3 pm, we had ample time to unwind before our boat driver summoned us for a trip to Bang Baeu Market.

They offer free kayaking services, allowing you to enjoy an hour of arm exercise amidst the refreshing sea breeze, gentle waves, and calm waters. A truly blissful experience.

After an intense workout, we headed upstairs to shower and freshen up, as a grand feast awaited us: an "all-you-can-eat seafood buffet." The spread boasted an impressive array of shrimp, shellfish, crab, and fish. Despite my sensitive stomach, I couldn't resist indulging, leading to a rather unfortunate consequence. However, I persisted, determined to savor the culinary delights before me. As for the aftermath, well, that's a story for another day.

Day 2 of the trip began on January 28th at 7:00 AM, a relatively late start compared to other diving excursions. This was due to the company picking up tourists from various locations. However, "Khao Nok Homestay" has its own boat, eliminating the need to rush and wake up early. The morning began with a delicious breakfast of seafood porridge and fried rice.

At 10:00 AM, a large diving tour boat set sail for the heart of the Gulf of Thailand. The boat, which belonged to Khao Nok Homestay, carried us and approximately 6-7 other tourists who were staying at the homestay. The boat provided a high level of privacy, as it was exclusively for Khao Nok guests.

The boat drivers and staff were very friendly and helpful, providing assistance and information throughout the diving trip. The food was excellent, with meals prepared throughout the trip. The diving in the Gulf of Thailand is as beautiful as the Andaman Sea, with a variety of marine life to see. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my underwater camera, so I couldn't take any pictures. After almost a day of diving, everyone was very tired and fell asleep on the way back. The other tourists returned to their accommodation, while we packed our things and prepared to drive back to Bangkok this evening.

The last ferry departs from Koh Chang Pier at approximately 7:00 PM. On the way back, we stopped by Chanthaburi city for dinner. Initially, we planned to eat at a roadside stall, but while driving, we came across Chanthaburi Phochana, a long-standing restaurant that has been in Chanthaburi for over 40 years and also sells souvenirs. We decided to choose this restaurant and must say that we were not disappointed. The food at Chanthaburi Phochana is local cuisine, such as stir-fried pork with Chamuang leaves and stir-fried Chanthaburi noodles with crab. We were full and sleepy, but the driver couldn't relax as he had to drive back to Bangkok. The rest of us slept soundly all the way home.

...The two-day, one-night trip to Pliew Waterfall and Koh Chang was very impressive. We were able to explore the eastern coast of Thailand, which is only a few hours away, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere. The only downside to the trip was the time constraint. As mentioned, some members had work commitments on Sunday, which limited our time. However, for those who have an extra day, it is recommended to stay overnight after diving and wake up early to return. Stop by the roadside for some delicious food, you won't be disappointed....