 You’ll never know if you don’t go!
The first time I went to Thailand I didn’t enjoy it at all, because I didn’t do my research and I really should know better considering I work in travel, shameful I know. Thailand has something for everyone you just need to find the place to suit you. But this time was FANTASTIC, I chose the right place for me. Now, if you’re like me, and want to get away from it all on a gorgeous beach, good hotel, great food, non busy beaches, sunshine AND for a price that you won’t need a second mortgage for, then the island of Ko Chang in Thailand is the place to go. Honestly, it requires a bit of effort to get to Ko Chang, we had to change planes in Bangkok (as with most of the destinations) in Thailand, and a boat ride, but although I arrived tired I was still able to muster the energy to sit at the pool bar or should I say in the pool on a bar stool, with a long cool drink looking out at the clear blue sea and almost empty golden sandy beach. Ko Chang is surprisingly tranquil considering it’s the second largest island after Phuket. This is because most of the centre of the island is a National Park, and no-one is allowed inside it, which also means no-one can build there. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of places to stay, there are, but these are on the coast. Obviously there are some beaches more popular than others, I stayed on Klong Proa beach which has a few bars and local restaurants but the most popular beach is White Sand Beach, which can get busy. Personally I prefer to stay a little bit outside the main area, have a bit more peace and quiet and travel to the more livelier part if I want to. When I say lively there are bars with music and restaurants but if its clubs you want, Ko Chang is not the place for you. I had been to Bangkok a for a few days before I arrived in Ko Chang so I was in desperate of some well deserved R and R (sightseeing and shopping really takes it out of you) so I mainly stayed on the beach but if I’d wanted to I could have taken a tour on a boat to snorkel or dive the clear blue waters, or chartered my own speedboat. The waterfalls on Ko Chang are a welcome treat after the heat of the day and don’t require too much effort to get there, in my case, a taxi. I did manage to drag myself away from the beach for an Elephant Trek (Chang means Elephant –Ko means Island hence Ko Chang is Elephant Island), which was the absolute best thing I have ever done. The trek itself was ok, but the end bit was spectacular. This is where you get to bath the Elephants. I assumed this meant you washed them, oh no. What they had actually meant was bath WITH the elephants. This I discovered as the mahout (the man who drives the elephant, if you in fact, drive an elephant) mumbled something in Thai. Suddenly the Elephant nose dived with me on its back. Next thing, I’m in the water with this amazing animal. I should have guessed as the Mahout starting laughing something was afoot. There are various treks and some are better than others but it’s a matter or personal choice. You get what you pay for. It was a bit uncomfortable as elephants are very hairy so wear ¾ length shorts, but it was excellent fun and an experience I will never forget. Tips for Elephant Trek - Wear ¾ length shorts - Take a sun hat and sun cream - A waterproof camera (disposable) is a good idea and a way to get some excellent shots, although there are people to take pictures with your camera from the shore - Don’t do it if you don’t want to get wet If you’re thinking of going to Ko Chang I would suggest you go quite soon. The Thai government has recently started promoting Ko Chang as an international tourist destination so go there before it becomes too commercialised. So to sum it up Ko Chang is really for chilling out on a beach with the odd bit of sightseeing with relaxing evenings sitting on the beach enjoying a drink while watching the sun set. Of course everyone is different, so check it out, do a bit of research before you decide, but remember, you’ll never know if you don’t go! Have Fun |
