Gondola Ride, Venice of Thailand, Koh Chang in the Rainy Season... Turn Left, Please^^

This rainy season trip doesn't include diving, but I'd like to go on a boat trip to see the nature of Koh Chang, Salakkok community. What are you waiting for? Let's go!

Flying from Chiang Mai to U-Tapao International Airport in Pattaya with AirAsia, I rented a car from Avis at the airport and embarked on a leisurely road trip.

Rayong-Chanthaburi-Trat-Koh Chang, let's see if it will rain heavily during the rainy season. After picking up the car at the airport, let's go...

The sky in Rayong is clear and beautiful. What a stroke of luck!

Let's stop by and listen to Phra Aphai playing the flute.

A Delicious Stop in Rayong: Baan Malakor Organic Fish Noodle Restaurant

Arriving in Rayong around noon, hunger pangs set in, prompting a search for a satisfying meal. We opted for Baan Malakor Organic Fish Noodle Restaurant, conveniently located in Ban Khlong Klang along the beachfront road. If approaching from Mae Phim Beach, the restaurant appears on the right after a sharp left turn past Wat Tha Ruea Klang.

Baan Malakor boasts a unique feature: all their fish-based dishes utilize fresh, organic fish. Intrigued by the recommendation for "หมึกแดง" (red squid), we decided to give it a try. Our order included organic fish som tam (papaya salad), organic fish noodles, organic fish fishcakes, organic fish dipping platter, and organic fish pad thai. The total cost for this five-dish feast came to around 500 baht.

While the food was undeniably delicious, the lack of prices on the menu left us slightly in the dark about the individual costs of each dish.

Everything is delicious!

With full bellies, we set off for Trat!

The ferry ride to Koh Chang (Ao Thammachat) takes approximately 30 minutes. The cost to transport a car is 120 baht per car, and the cost for adults is 80 baht per person (one way).

Ko Chang is now in sight.

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Turn left at Koh Chang and head to the Salak Kok community.

Salakkok Village: A Hidden Gem on Koh Chang

Nestled on the eastern side of Koh Chang, Trat Province, Salakkok Village is a small fishing community tucked away in a narrow channel within a large bay. Resembling an animal enclosure, the village is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest that serves as a source of livelihood, a local fishing ground, and a nursery for various marine species.

This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the life of a traditional Thai fishing community. To reach Salakkok, it's recommended to hire a local songthaew (shared taxi) if you don't have your own transportation.

I've arrived!

Contact the community for a long-tail boat (rowing boat) ride. Adults 200 baht, children 100 baht. Support the local community, there are no capitalists here. It is a community-based organization that focuses on ecotourism and is managed by the community. The income goes to the community. It's great! Oh, there is also a community-run restaurant available.^^

In addition to the long-tail boat ride, there is also kayaking available. This is sure to please those who enjoy paddling.

The nature surrounding this village is stunning. The lush green mangrove forests are a sight to behold.

Let's pay and go for a gondola ride.

Let's board the ship.

The boat has departed. Each boat can accommodate four people.

Embark on a boat journey to experience the traditional fishing lifestyle of a community living in close harmony with nature.

The allure of artisanal fishing

A small fishing community living in close harmony with nature.

Nestled amidst lush greenery, Salakkok is a community truly embraced by nature. Its 500-acre mangrove forest is a testament to its commitment to environmental sustainability, earning it the prestigious Green Globe Award. As a pioneering community, Salakkok has embraced the use of DASTA BALLS for wastewater treatment, transforming waste into a valuable resource. This innovative approach has not only enhanced the community's environmental footprint but also generated additional income through the production and sale of DASTA BALLS. Salakkok's dedication to environmental stewardship and innovative solutions makes it a truly remarkable community.

Embark on a voyage to the distant reaches of the sea.

Exiting the narrow channel into the open bay.

At the mouth of the Salakkok Bay, there is a point where a sandbar protrudes in the middle of the two mangrove forests that extend almost to meet each other, resembling a meeting point between the Salakkok Bay and the sea. This is called Ko Nim.

Traveling during the rainy season is less crowded and more relaxing.

Let's take a selfie.

A light drizzle falls, bringing a refreshing coolness to the air.

The boat has turned around.

Ocean's Heart

We have arrived at the shore after a 40-minute boat ride.

A friendly cat greets you... Are you leaving already? Please come back and support our community again.

Before you go, scratch my belly for me, little sister (we don't know each other). I'm already waiting in bed. 555

The car will return today. This trip, we stayed at the Coconut Beach Resort on Koh Chang Island. We booked through Readme.

We still have time to take a selfie by the roadside. The sky is so beautiful!

Check in to your accommodation at **Coconut Beach Resort**, located on the private and naturally beautiful Klong Prao Beach.

Our accommodation is a Superior Bungalow with Sea View, priced at 4,000 Baht per night. This includes breakfast for two people. Breakfast for children can be purchased for an additional 130 Baht per child.

The service staff were excellent, helping me carry my luggage all the way to my room.

We have arrived at the accommodation, which is right on the beach with a beautiful sea view.

The interior is beautifully decorated in a traditional Thai style.

Exquisitely Thai.

The view is of the sea.

Fully equipped with amenities, including a safe deposit box.

Let's go swimming at the pool. There are two pools available. This pool is close to our accommodation and has a children's pool and an adult pool next to each other.

After playing in the water, I felt hungry. For dinner tonight, I had a meal near the Flora Sea. I walked along the beach for about 100 meters and arrived. It was getting late, the clouds were quite thick, but the sea was still beautiful.

Let's order some food. The restaurant recommends the Ryukyu fish egg sour curry, which costs over 300 baht per pot. It's delicious, but I personally prefer the sea bass or seafood sour curry.

The pineapple fried rice was delicious. The food was flavorful and we finished 5 dishes for approximately 1800 baht. The price is a bit high, but the taste is worth it.

Full and rested, return to your accommodation for a peaceful night's sleep.

Let's explore the surroundings after waking up and then have breakfast.

I encountered the same cat again, is it the same one that was wearing a collar?^^

The breakfast room is located on the beach.

The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options.

Get ready to check out! We'll be exploring the scenic views around Koh Chang and then heading to Chanthaburi. Coffee and cake lovers, follow me! https://th.readme.me/p/18858

Please follow our small travel page Fun Trip ^^

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