**"Koh Chang" in 3 days 2 nights "3,000 baht"** Yes, you read that right! For just 3,000 baht, you can relax by the sea, go snorkeling, and take cool selfies in the middle of the sea at Koh Chang.

This recent trip was truly amazing, and I'm eager to share my experience while it's still fresh in my mind. Perhaps it will inspire you to follow in my footsteps before the rainy season arrives. We embarked on our journey to Koh Chang during the recent long weekend, from April 29th to May 1st, 2017. To be honest, my initial plan was to fly to Lipe or Phuket for another round of adventure. However, due to the long weekend, flight prices skyrocketed, exceeding three thousand baht for a round-trip ticket.

Instead of traveling far, we decided to visit a nearby beach near Bangkok. We found a great deal on a package at VJ Koh Chang Hotel called "Friend, Let's Chill" for 5,000 baht for two people (2,500 baht per person). The package includes a 3-day, 2-night stay in a Superior Double/Twin room and a 1-day, 4-island snorkeling trip (including lunch, snorkeling equipment, transportation to and from the hotel, and visits to Koh Mak, Koh Rang, Koh Lon, and Koh Wai). This amazing deal is valid every day, including holidays. We booked it immediately! (Note: This trip was self-funded, and we just wanted to share this great deal with you. We are not sponsored.)

The total cost of this trip is (excluding meals, as individual spending habits vary. If you enjoy seafood, alcohol, and grilled fish, bring more money. If you prefer instant noodles or local restaurants, you'll spend less. Alternatively, there are many 7-Elevens on the island for budget-conscious travelers.)

• Accommodation at VJ Koh Chang for 2 nights + diving trip with lunch included: 2,500 baht per person
• Ferry to Koh Chang and fuel costs for the round trip, shared with friends: 500 baht per person

Long holiday travel: Queues for car ferries are stretching far and wide.

We traveled to Koh Chang during the long weekend of April 29th - May 1st, 2017, which coincided with Labor Day, when almost everyone gets a day off. We had already anticipated that there might be traffic and crowds, but because we had gotten a good deal on a hotel room, we decided to go anyway. Little did we know that we would encounter something much worse than traffic jams…

We drove to Koh Chang in our own car, leaving Bangkok around 9 am and arriving at the ferry pier around 5 pm. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a substantial queue for the ferry, with the tail stretching approximately 2 km from the pier. Initially, we anticipated a maximum wait time of 2 hours, based on information indicating ferries departed every 30 minutes. However, this proved inaccurate. We waited a total of 7 hours to board the ferry, from 5 pm until after 11 pm!

The wait was truly a waste of time. It was already 9 pm when we reached the turning point to enter the pier, and we didn't actually board the ferry until around 11:30 pm. Along the queue, there were a few restrooms available at intervals. However, after 8 pm, there were no food vendors open. Thankfully, we had stocked up on some snacks and water in the car, otherwise it would have been a nightmare.

Upon boarding the ferry, the onboard shops selling drinks and snacks were already closed.

A brief warning for those planning to drive to Koh Chang during a long weekend:

• Do your best to arrive at the pier in time for the first ferry crossing to Koh Chang, otherwise your plans will surely be disrupted.
• Stock up on food, snacks, and drinks to consume in the car while waiting in line.
• Use the restroom before joining the queue, or you might end up relieving yourself in the bushes.
• If you want a more relaxed experience, avoid long weekends or consider leaving your car behind and taking the ferry as a foot passenger.

VJ Koh Chang

V.J. Koh Chang is located on Klong Prao Beach, approximately 20 minutes from the ferry pier. We saw old pictures of the resort, which used to be decorated in a traditional Thai style. However, the resort has recently renovated its rooms, making them more appealing to guests. The new design is inspired by modern hotels, featuring minimalist furniture that creates a relaxing atmosphere.

As mentioned in the initial details, we booked a 3-day, 2-night package for 2 people, including Superior Double/Twin room accommodation and one activity: 1-day snorkeling trip to 4 islands (including lunch, snorkeling equipment, round-trip transportation from accommodation, Koh Yark, Koh Rang, Koh Lon, and Koh Wai) or 1-hour Thai massage + lunch set. However, since there are 3 of us, we had to pay an additional 2,000 baht from the promotion and upgrade to a Deluxe room for an additional 500 baht per night so that we could all sleep in the same room.

After a long journey, we arrived at the hotel past midnight. Exhausted, we checked in and immediately fell asleep. We had booked a snorkeling tour for the next day, but we were too tired from the trip. We decided to cancel the tour, even though it meant losing our money. We couldn't bear the thought of waking up early at 8 am to go snorkeling. As a result, this review will not include any underwater photos.

The bathroom's design is particularly appealing, featuring a combination of marble-patterned and light wood-toned tiles that create a clean, minimalist, and visually pleasing aesthetic.

Upon waking, one can open the balcony door to embrace the fresh air and sunshine. However, this room does not offer a sea view.

The breakfast buffet offers a limited selection of options but covers the basics you would expect in the morning, such as eggs cooked to order (fried, omelets, scrambled), ham, bacon, sausages, bread, and jams. The hot dishes change daily, with three to four options available. On the first day, we had fried rice, rice porridge, stir-fried vegetables, and a curry dish.

The beverage options include orange juice, fresh milk, tea, and coffee. Salads and fruits such as pineapple, papaya, and watermelon are also available. While the food selection may not be extensive, the highlight is the restaurant's relaxing ambiance. Diners can enjoy their meals with a stunning ocean view and a refreshing sea breeze.

After a delicious meal, let's take a stroll along the serene beachfront of the hotel. During the day, the beach offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. As the sun sets, the hotel transforms the beachfront into a delightful barbecue dinner setting, complete with tables and chairs.

A short walk from the hotel, you'll find swings hanging from coconut trees, perfect for relaxing in the breeze and snapping some photos.

The seawater in front of the hotel is clear and clean, and it is suitable for swimming. However, the water is not deep. If you like to swim in the sea seriously, you may need to walk a little deeper into the sea. For girls like us, we can dip our feet in the water, soak for a while, and take some photos. Then, we can't stand the heat and come back to lie down on the poolside bed. :)

Enjoy delicious and affordable seafood at "Phu Talay Seafood Restaurant".

The restaurant's picturesque view and stylish decor, as seen in a review, enticed me to give it a try. The establishment is conveniently located in the Ramayana Hotel alley, with a clear sign at the entrance. The restaurant is on the left side of the road, a short drive from our hotel. The narrow road and limited parking were minor drawbacks, but our 2 p.m. arrival ensured a comfortable experience with a smaller crowd.

Let's take a look at the menu and prices. For a seafood restaurant on an island, the prices are quite reasonable. Most dishes start at around 100 baht, and the food is fresh. More importantly, the service is incredibly fast. Within 15 minutes, our dishes started arriving one after another.

The food we ordered was stir-fried soft-shell crab with curry powder, seafood salad, baked scallops with butter, and oysters with Thai herbs. The seafood was fresh, although the shellfish were not very large. We enjoyed the seafood dipping sauce, which had a mild flavor that was not too spicy. Overall, the food was delicious and met our expectations. The staff was friendly and provided good service.

If you're not afraid of the heat, you can sit here and enjoy the breeze. It's a beautiful spot for taking photos, and you wouldn't know it's part of Koh Chang.

Stroll along the white sandy beach

After a satisfying meal, we drove to the white sand beach for a leisurely stroll and relaxation. The sand was incredibly fine and soft, and the water was inviting for a swim. The waves were gentle, and the beach was noticeably more crowded than Klong Prao Beach. There were numerous restaurants, convenience stores, and hotels in the vicinity.

We stayed here until almost dusk, then returned to the hotel for a beachfront dinner.

Beachfront Dinner at VJ Koh Chang

The dinner at VJ Hotel Koh Chang offers both à la carte options starting at around 200 baht per dish and a seafood BBQ set menu. The set menu, priced at 800 baht, includes a salad, grilled seafood (including shrimp, fish, and squid), and ice cream.

Based on our dining experience, we recommend this restaurant for dinner, especially if you're seeking a romantic ambiance by the beach with stunning sunset views and a tranquil atmosphere. It's an ideal setting for enjoying quality time with your companion. However, the food was rather ordinary and didn't leave a lasting impression. The ambiance is generally quiet, with no music or live bands (although the adjacent resort has live music, which we ended up enjoying).

Enjoy a relaxing late night at "Sabai Bar".

If you're looking for a place to relax, listen to music, sip cocktails by the sea, and watch a fire baton show on Koh Chang, then Sabai Bar is the first place that will come up in your search. This bar has everything you could ask for, and it's incredibly popular, with seats filling up from early evening. If you want to secure a good spot, it's best to arrive at sunset so you can settle in for the long haul.

After trying three cocktails, I can say that they were not very strong. The alcohol was very diluted, but for the price of over 100 baht per glass, it was acceptable. However, the fresh oysters at this restaurant are amazing. They are 100 baht each and are about the size of a palm. They are fresh and sweet, and the spicy dipping sauce complements them perfectly.

At Sabai Bar, there are fire-twirling shows at 9pm and 10pm, which are the most popular attractions for tourists. In addition to the exciting twirling moves, the DJ plays energetic music that perfectly complements the show. You have to see it to believe it!

The next morning, we were wary of the long queues for the ferry, so we woke up very early to catch the first ferry. 55555 And it worked! There was no queue for the first ferry, and we were on board in no time. We left the island and arrived at the mainland around 9 am.

Our first trip to Koh Chang: A summary...

The island is okay, but not impressive. The ferry service for car transportation is a major drawback. We had a similar experience on Koh Samui, where the ferry system was much better organized. Despite the large number of vehicles, they offered online queue reservations, allowing us to know exactly when to arrive at the port and estimate our boarding time. Unlike Koh Chang, where we had to wait in line without any prior information. However, the hotels, restaurants, and the natural beauty of the sea and beaches are commendable. If given the chance, I would return (but not during peak season).

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