Our trip to Koh Chang

[Lanzalad]

This was a trip we did a few years ago but as a few have asked about Koh Chang here you go..

Well we was running late as always and we got load up by 6am and collected our friends to head for the border of Cambodia and Thailand.

So with the two bikes and the four of us we was making good time and we got to the border around 10am and Krzysztof was in a bit of a panic as we all decided to do some shopping as my Cambodian visa was in process but Krzysztof didn't bring his passport..

So then I headed into the line for the Cambodian visa (1500 baht) next to Thai immigration still in Thailand and the man who took my passport told me to wait here and don't go anywhere, but we had planned on shopping in Cambodia for a few duty free goodies.

I told Puang & Krzysztof's lady to go and me and Krzysztof would wait here.. 5 minutes later Puang comes back sad and told me we can't go, we have to pay for them go for us.

 At this point I said "Thai mafia" and the Cambodian officer said yes to me..

Then i started to chat to him and he said mafia no good and told me to come to one side and we all got into his car and he drove all four of us around the small town inside Cambodia and took us shopping.

Here's a few Photo’s

Over the border

Back into Thailand.

So I ended up buying 2 sleeves L&M lights and case of Angkor beer for 850 baht what a deal...

Krzysztof was over the moon about it, he didn't even have his passport with him...

It was time to get back on track.

NEXT STOP KOH CHANG

Koh Chang 2 hours and 20 minutes away, I was thinking if the ferries run every hour we would make the 1pm crossing so it was foot to the board and gain some ground while everyone had 40 winks.

For this leg we didn’t stop and got there around 12:40, its some kind of ticket drive thru and check in if you’re crossing with a vehicle.

At the first counter you pay and I told puang to tell them we are taking the truck, 4 persons and 2 bikes.

So Puang does her Thai bit then asks me for 440 baht, at this point I told Puang this is the price for the truck, 4 persons and 2 bikes?

She told me 80 baht each and the truck is 120 baht … what a deal. I was smiling all the way onto the ferry.

here's a few shots of the ferry port and on the ferry heading to Koh Chang.

So we landed on Koh Chang and everyone was wondering if I could remember where I was heading to.

I told them the same place where all the baht buses are going up and over the top of that hill, at this point Puang looked up and said very big hill and have cloud and we drive over?

I said, Yes we can just like everyone else can darling.. 

So we hit the hill and I put on the power and around the sharp corners the truck was wheel spinning and Puang gave out the odd scream… but everything was ok.. 

We got the white sands and looking at the main street it seams more built but than before but I can remember the odd place as we drive past.

So I remember the name of the place "Tantawan" but can I remember where it is.. I dove into the drive no sign as before and there we where at the right place.. 

Puang jumped out and looked around you could see the beach thru the bungalows she was smiling and couldn’t wait to get checked in.

Now when we have called before for this place to make a booking we have always been told there’s plenty of a bungalow so we have never booked and something else has come up and we have ended up not going.

So this time we didn’t call and we just turned up.

Puang asked about the rooms and they only had one room as four rooms was taken this morning….

Well I was pissed off at this point and you know what its like finding a good place to stay at the very last minute..

So we all jumped into the truck and didn't waist a minute and we drove up white sands looking, we tried a few places and no Wi-Fi, not on the beach, rooms smelt of damp.

We was driving on almost coming to the end of white sands and we came to this place  “grand View Resort”

Puang went in and asked the questions and out she came with a one of the staff and a bunch on keys.

Now I guess the staff here have a played out routine on this as we was shown the main road side bungalows first as 1000 baht then the second row at 1500 and the third row beach side as 2000, Puang did her stuff and managed to get them for 1800 per night.

Sat on my balcony with all my supplies and WIFI..

Our bungalow

Meet the neighbours..

A walk around the hotel grounds

After a few hours of relaxing and having a few beers and 40 winks we decided to have a bit of a wonder down the main road into white sands.

 

 

 

 

 

After a wonder around on the main road we headed to the beach.

Here's a few more from around the island:-

 

[Binlid]

Smashing pics Phil, its 8 years since we were last on the Island

[Lanzalad]

1 minute ago, Binlid said:

Smashing pics Phil, its 8 years since we were last on the Island

It's a lovely place mate.. 

Maybe my best place in Thailand.

[Krapow]

Would you need wheels if staying there for a few days?

I don't mean a bike, as we have the child.

[Lanzalad]

5 minutes ago, Krapow said:

Would you need wheels if staying there for a few days?

I don't mean a bike, as we have the child.

No not really mate .. we needed to do a border runs which is a lot of milage and last time I rented a bike in Koh Chang got sting, so it was easy for us to take our own bikes.

Now if your going by minibus to Trat pier for the crossing then you just go as foot passengers and there's baht buses which will take you to your report.

[Krapow]

3 minutes ago, Lanzalad said:

No not really mate .. we needed to do a border runs which is a lot of milage and last time I rented a bike in Koh Chang got sting, so it was easy for us to take our own bikes.

Now if your going by minibus to Trat pier for the crossing then you just go as foot passengers and there's baht buses which will take you to your report.

So you could get about, see plenty just by foot?

We're not really into sit by the beach or pool kinda holidays, we like to see or do stuff.

[Lanzalad]

Just now, Krapow said:

So you could get about, see plenty just by foot?

We're not really into sit by the beach or pool kinda holidays, we like to see or do stuff.

You would need some kind of transport .. i know you can book trips to see places or book a driver for the day.

[Binlid]

3 minutes ago, Krapow said:

So you could get about, see plenty just by foot?

We're not really into sit by the beach or pool kinda holidays, we like to see or do stuff.

https://iamkohchang.com/getting-here/koh-chang-taxi-fares-songtaew.html 

[Krapow]

19 minutes ago, Lanzalad said:

You would need some kind of transport .. i know you can book trips to see places or book a driver for the day.

 

15 minutes ago, Binlid said:

https://iamkohchang.com/getting-here/koh-chang-taxi-fares-songtaew.html 

Yea, we hired one for the day in Chiang Mai.

[Steelers4Life]

Did a week out on Koh Samet last month. Now I feel like doing a week in Koh Chang after seeing these pics as I have never been out there. Maybe I will do a week on both islands next trip. TFP!  

[DumbDucker]

Nice report especially cool about the Cambodian immigration taking you around.

bought some  Marlboro lights once on a Cambodia border run they must have been fake were really nasty 

[tommy dee]

those fags are vile.  i did the same and coupdnt give them away even to locals who smoke their home grown.

 

[Lanzalad]

It’s not like you to give something away Tommy lol

[Baldylocks]

Wow fantastic pictures, going to be on my places to go next year with my mrs. 

[Lanzalad]

22 hours ago, Baldylocks said:

Wow fantastic pictures, going to be on my places to go next year with my mrs. 

Yes give it a try... for anyone who is new to Koh Chang i'd book for white sands which is a the biggest town on Koh Chang.. but still only very small.

Try to book this place

Tantawan Bungalow

 

[Aqualung]

Thanks for the TR Lanzalad. Brought back some great memories for me as it was were I spent my honeymoon.  3 years after that my wife decided to fook off  with a fat Cnut from Leicestershire and ive forgotten what she even looked like . 

However, I will never forget Koh Chang . A really great Island to chill out on . 

Cheers ! 

[davethailand]

Always liked Koh Chang, it actually saved me from cutting my holiday short last year as I'd had enough of Pattaya, we went to Koh Chang for 2 nights and ended up staying for 5.

If I go Thailand this year I'm definitely doing a trip there.

[Yessongs]

Did Ko Chang for a week this past March, wifey took me for my b-day. Nice place and kudos to Lanzaland for these great pictures. Hotter then hell in March, but got to deal with it.

Here is a word for the wise, do not let your Thai GF, Wife, fuck buddy or who ever or what ever you refer your significant other as......" You got my camera packed in the bag right"?  This while downstairs yelling upstairs to her. " No ploblem" she replies.

Get to the point where we drive the car on the ferry over there and want to take a few snaps......I open the bag and ask her where the camera is?  You can pretty much guess the rest of the story. Arghhhhhhh!  

One evening, down by this restaurant, this guy must have been 80 years old right?  His Thai Gal was carefully guiding his " Oxygen Tank" over to their table. Bless his heart, living the dream LOL!  

I asked the wife if she will do this for me a few years down the road too? " Sure, I just hope I do not forget to keep your oxygen on all night so you do not look like a frozen popsicle stick the next morning"  Geez....nice huh? 

Great pics here and Ko Chang is a great place to chill. 

 

[Horizondave]

Never been, bucket list I think..

[Lanzalad]

1 hour ago, Horizondave said:

Never been, bucket list I think..

Its a great place to chill out Dave.

The place we stayed at last time was great, a 5 minute walk and into White sands, the main town.

Lovely bungalows and swimming pool and beach on your door step.

[Scotty]

Last few trips we stayed at Klong Prau Resort, next bay to White Sands, a bit quieter but the beach was great for the kids. 

Not been for about 4 years, might take a drive down this time home actually if the weather is ok. 

[Rompho Ray]

1 hour ago, Lanzalad said:

Its a great place to chill out Dave.

I had actually been told that it was TOO quiet.  Who knows what to believe?! 

Great pics, thanks.

[Lanzalad]

4 minutes ago, Rompho Ray said:

I had actually been told that it was TOO quiet.  Who knows what to believe?! 

Great pics, thanks.

Ray c'mon things are never too quiet when you have a bungalow on the beach a 7/11 over the road and good WiFi .. 

[Rompho Ray]

3 minutes ago, Lanzalad said:

Ray c'mon things are never too quiet when you have a bungalow on the beach a 7/11 over the road and good WiFi .. 

Fair enough!

[Horizondave]

17 minutes ago, Lanzalad said:

Ray c'mon things are never too quiet when you have a bungalow on the beach a 7/11 over the road and good WiFi .. 

Never a quiet dull time when you have good company tagging along......................