During the sweltering summer months, the allure of the sea is undeniable. For our group, the beach beckons as the ideal respite from the scorching heat. But which coastal haven to choose? Pattaya? Too close. Krabi? Excessively far, requiring a substantial financial outlay. Koh Chang? Perhaps! Its proximity and affordability make it an attractive option, aligning perfectly with our budgetary constraints. Without further ado, we packed our bags and embarked on our seaside adventure.

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A Private Getaway to Trat: A Weekend Trip with Friends

This trip, we decided to go as a group. Planning it ourselves would have led to endless debates, so we did some research and found that buying a tour package would be the best option. It was a great deal: 3 days and 2 nights in Trat for less than 3,000 baht per person. (I'm not here to sell tours, just sharing our experience.) It was truly amazing! It made us feel incredibly private and secluded.

After finalizing the details with the tour operator, we hopped into a van, packed with our group, and headed towards Black Sand Beach in Trat, our first meeting point with the tour guide.

Traveling to Koh Chang without a personal vehicle from Bangkok

This section provides information on how to travel to Koh Chang from Bangkok without a personal vehicle.

- Public buses from the Transport Co. (BKS) 999: Bangkok - Trat / Bangkok - Laem Ngop. Depart from Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The fare is around 200 baht.

  • Coach bus operated by Cherchai Tour (Eastern Region): Bangkok - Trat, departs from Ekkamai Bus Terminal, price around 200 baht.

- Minivan: Available at both Ekkamai and Mo Chit, priced at around 300 baht. Departures every hour.

Day 1

Black Sand Beach: A Natural Wonder in Thailand

At precisely 8:00 AM, we arrived at Black Sand Beach, one of only five in the world and the only one in Thailand. The mesmerizing black sand, believed to contain minerals that promote relaxation and well-being, invites visitors to simply lie down and immerse themselves in its dark embrace.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guides, Pla and Daeng, who had prepared a delicious breakfast for us. After fueling up, we embarked on a journey led by our young tour guide, Fluke, and his team. We crossed a concrete bridge that meandered through the mangrove forest, leading us to the black sand beach. The sand was incredibly fine and soft, though the tide was still high, limiting the extent of the beach.

We then ventured deeper into the mangrove forest, where we encountered the fishing community of Ban Yaimon. Witnessing the daily lives of these fishermen provided a glimpse into their unique way of life.

We then continued our journey to Laem Ngop Lighthouse, a landmark that everyone who visits Trat must capture. At noon, we had lunch at a seafood restaurant by the sea, Seafoood, not far from the lighthouse. The atmosphere was good and the food tasted good.

After a satisfying meal, it was time to continue our journey. Before crossing over to Koh Chang, we made a stop at the Royal Thai Navy Memorial at Koh Chang, where we paid our respects to His Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon. The memorial showcases historical images and information for those interested in learning more about the Battle of Koh Chang. According to our guide, P'Daeng, the memorial is never quiet during the day, as visitors who come to pay their respects and make offerings often set off firecrackers, creating a resounding boom.

Continuing our journey to the ferry pier in Trat province, there are two main ferry piers. We boarded the ferry at the Center Point Pier, an old pier well-known to locals. However, be aware that the journey to Koh Chang from this pier takes longer. We also boarded the ferry at Ao Thammachat Pier, which we didn't mind as we were in no rush. Having a guide was a good idea, as it prevented boredom and hunger. During the ferry ride, we were also treated to refreshing soursop juice, which was a welcome treat.

Approximately 45 minutes later, we arrived at Koh Chang. Without delay, we headed to our accommodation, Kai Bae Hut Resort, to shower and rest for a couple of hours before taking a stroll on the beach at dusk. We waited for P'Dang to take us to dinner at Ai Yai Seafood Restaurant, located near Klong Prao. Let me tell you, the atmosphere here is amazing. If you visit Koh Chang, don't miss this place.

After a satisfying meal, a long-tailed boat was waiting for us at the restaurant's pier to take us on a firefly watching tour. As we sailed up the canal, we were greeted by the sight of resorts, restaurants, and houses lining the banks. It would be incredibly romantic for couples, but only for adults, as a group like ours might not be the most romantic experience. You might find yourself laughing along with us instead. There was this one couple who ended up on the same boat as us, probably hoping for a romantic evening. But we, being the jokers we are, couldn't help but chat and laugh, especially about the fireflies. I remember it vividly, we even made the boat driver laugh. So, give it a try, and you might just fall in love with it.

With time to spare, we headed to the white sand beach to watch a fire baton show, a colorful highlight of our seaside visit. Access to the beach is available at various points, requiring a walk through narrow passages between beachfront hotels and bars, as there doesn't seem to be a wide-open beach directly accessible from the road. We had to find a narrow passage to reach the white sand beach, which was surprisingly crowded with Western tourists. We felt lucky not to encounter any Chinese tour groups.

Day 2

Today, we have to wake up early to go snorkeling around the islands. A two-wheeled vehicle will pick us up at the resort and take us to Bang Bao Pier. Along the way, we will feel like we are on a roller coaster, with some thrilling moments that will make us scream.

The Bang Bao Pier is a central hub for souvenir shops, convenience stores, and restaurants. If you're unsure what to do on Koh Chang, head to the pier. After obtaining your ferry ticket, follow the path to your designated vessel. Upon exiting the retail building, you'll likely exclaim in surprise at the large crowd waiting to board the ferry. You might wonder if you'll be joining a massive group of Thai, Chinese, and Western tourists. However, upon reaching your assigned boat, you'll find a comfortable group of approximately 20 passengers. The spacious vessel provides a sense of privacy, even though it's a shared trip. Kudos to Red and Pla from Man's Day Tour for this experience. This is not an endorsement or advertisement; I simply felt compelled to share my positive experience.

We spent the entire day on the boat, enjoying food and drinks, and diving at 3-4 islands. We returned to the Bang Baow Pier around 3 pm. After a fun and tiring day, we took a shower and rested before dinner. The dinner menu was incredibly generous, featuring a wide variety of seafood. It was a true feast by the sea.


Day 3

On the final day of our trip, we woke up a little later, around 9 am, and packed our belongings to head back. Before reaching the ferry pier, we made a stop at the Koh Chang Shrine, a sacred site on the island, to pay our respects and seek blessings. We then boarded the ferry and disembarked at the Center Point Pier, bidding farewell to our guide, Mr. Daeng, who had led us throughout the trip.

This trip to the sea was another unforgettable experience. The atmosphere and memorable stories along the way, the smiles and laughter of the people around us, may make us forget some bad things and may give us new perspectives on life. Don't be afraid to come out and travel.


The group tour costs 2,600 baht per person for 3 days and 2 nights, including 6 meals.

The cost of the van is 400 baht per person.


Image editing software: Canon 6D / Gopro

Photographer of General Mos



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