Koh Chang
With the third wave running rampant in Thailand, we decided to escape the chaos of Bangkok by car and drive about 5 hours from the city to Trat, where we boarded a ferry for a 30 minute ride over to Koh Chang. We would spend the next 5 days on this island and it really was an amazing time. Here’s how we thrived:
Go on a good old waterfall hike: Namtok Khlong Phlu
I mean, who doesn’t like a nice hike to a waterfall? It’s like the most basic thing to do on a tropical island. But hey, there’s a reason its so popular. You do have to pay an admission fee here, which was a bit of a nuisance for sure, but the hike and falls are really worth it. You can find spots to cliff jump, scramble over rocks and find your own little pools to lounge in, or just hang out while watching the powerful waterfall crash into the river.
Have the freshest seafood at Nong Bua
Just off the main road and on Khlong Prao Beach is this large restaurant serving amazing seafood as fresh as it gets. Coming from the hike, we were super hungry, so we went to absolute town, eating everything we could at this place. It was all great, so I highly recommend it. We also walked to the beach afterward and hung out here for sunset, which was an amazing side experience that comes with a late lunch at Nong Bua.
Go on a snorkeling trip from Bang Bao Pier
First of all, this pier is sick. Bang Bao Pier has tons of vendors and small mom-and-pop shops perched on stilts over the water, making this pier really more like a promenade. So walking to and from our boat was a joy to say the least. The actual boat trip itself was great! The snorkeling off Koh Rang is actually some of the best in Thailand, if not the best. Massive schools of fish, beautiful coral and unbelievable visibility made it all just so breathtaking.
Have dinner at El Barrio
For some seriously awesome, California level Mexican food, head to El Barrio. Definitely make sure to make a reservation in advance because this place is popping off every night, and rightfully so. They serve amazing margaritas (we as a group tried all 8, and all were amazing - just depends on your preference) along with authentic Mexican food. The owners are a delight, and it was honestly just a trip and a half speaking Spanish on a tiny street at this hole-in-the-wall (but beautifully decorated) restaurant on Koh Chang island in Thailand. Definitely a moment I’ll always remember. But yeah, the food, fucking awesome.
Then have drinks next door at Filou Restaurant
Not only can you have some bomb drinks while listening to live music here, but you can also play some air hockey or foosball. Any night out that includes playing some bar games is a fun time, and Filou’s upbeat environment, fantastic drinks and solid music definitely provided us with an entertaining evening.
Get breakfast at Saffron by the Sea
We found this place on Google Maps somewhat randomly after trying to go to island hotspot Le JaoJom, and boy were we glad we did. This place has a very homey feel, and the food was almost as amazing as the views. the restaurant is perched above the rocky beach, and serves amazing Thai food, although their eggs Benedict is the true winner in my opinion. Afterwards, you can walk on down and explore the tide pools, or just sit back and have a chit chat with the owners while you swing in a hammock. All in all, its a great meal experience.
Have a smoothie at BEACHTANGO
Our final activity on the island was to lounge on White Sand Beach, the longest on the island, and enjoy a passion fruit smoothie with our toes in the sand. Beach tango provides exactly that, with an entertaining waiter on the side. It was a great way to enjoy our last few hours on island time. White Sand Beach has tons of beachfront options to choose from, and I am definitely glad we chose beachtango.
