Thailand Travel Chronicles – A vacation you don’t want to miss! Part 2

Chang Park Resort & Spa, Kai Bae Beach, Thailand

Let’s refresh our memory a bit. The last time we spoke to you, we were on our first ever backpacking adventure in Koh Samed at the Baan Thai Sang Thian resort; relaxing and just like that those 2 days were over. So, the night before we checked out, we did the same thing again, we started hunting for our next adventure and that’s then we found Koh Chang.

Let’s talk about how to get there.

From Bangkok – 4 words, Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal. As the name suggests this terminal connects all important eastern destinations in Thailand. Next, just get to this Bus Terminal from your hotel by 0715 Hours if you want to catch the 0745 Hours drop. Since we were traveling the first time and weren’t sure about the timings and we could only make it for the 0945 Hours drop. Depending on which bus you catch you will reach Trat at either 1330 Hours or 1530 Hours. From the bus stop at Trat there will be several rides available which will drop you to the Ferry point for Koh Chang. Ask the guys to drop you at Laem-Ngop or Centre Point Ferry (we traveled from Centre Point). You can’t really buy ferry tickets up front for Koh Chang because there wasn’t anything back then, but really there is no need to, if you are on time you will get a drop to Koh Chang.

Alternatively, if you want to go via a Travel Agent (Which I would do because then you can get a total package deal including ferry tickets to Koh Chang), you will get a decent air-conditioned mini bus with a bunch of other tourist which will drop you at Centre Point and from there you will be on your way to Chang.

From Rayong – As we all know we were traveling from Koh Samed to Koh Chang. So our first stop was to reach the Rayong port from Koh Samed and then start our journey to Koh Chang. Leave your hotel as early as possible to catch the first ferry to Ban Phae (This will affect your entire journey till Koh Chang, you can save up to 4 to 5 hours). We took the 6 am Ferry to Ban Phae, it takes around 1 hour. Reach Ban Phae and go to any travel agent and book a mini bus to Laem-Ngop / Centre Point Ferry and from there follow the same instruction.

[Tweet “A Vacation To Remember For Years To Come!!”]

 Tips:

  1. It’s possible that sometime these minibuses can stop in between and you might need to change your ride, but don’t be concerned, these things happen, just follow the instruction and you will reach your destination.
  2. Bangkok – Laem Ngop cost is around 250-300 Baht per person
  3. Rayong (ban Phae pier) to Lam Ngop cost is around 140 Baht per person
  4. From Laem Ngop / Centre Point to Koh Chang the ferry ticket will cost you around 50-100 Baht per person

For a detailed summary of Koh Chang arrival and departure please click here

Now the interesting part: The Resort at Koh Chang

As some of you would know we prefer places with fewer people so that was one of the reasons we chose Koh Chang and our hotel. It’s a pretty big island part of the Trat province. It has 14 beaches, yes 14, you heard it right and depending on where you want to stay it could take you anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to reach to your hotel/resort from the pier, you just need to tell the taxi driver. Since we booked our hotel in advance we knew exactly where we were going and it took us around 30 minutes to reach Chang Park. A tip for travelers, you actually don’t have to make reservations in advance, you can just reach Koh Chang and try your luck, and there is a place for everyone. Right from a 500 Baht / Night shack at the most serene beach to a 5 star resort. The good part is you will get the same white sand and one of the best sunsets you will ever see.


Chang Park has its private beach, although a 5 minute walk from the main building but the property is pretty impressive. There is a huge lawn between the hotel main building and the beach and before you hit the sand you have a decent size pool. As you can see the water is crystal clear, perfect for a quick snorkeling tour of your area.

Our room was on the 3rd floor and there were no lifts, not like it matters but just FYI. We hit a minor speed-bump when we checked into our room as we had two single beds, but after some deliberation with the front desk they managed to join the two beds. We didn’t really care because we were not going to spend too much time there anyway. Bathrooms were clean and the room was about the right size. But probably the best part was the view from our room.

If you are like us and love exploring the night markets Kai Bae has some good restaurants and bars right outside the hotel. They have some good variety and at a pretty decent price.


Verdict:

Our stay at Chang Park was pretty good. The hotel had a perfect beach, great for a sun bath and some quick snorkeling. The staff was good and the front desk was really helpful when we had to book a last-minute trip to Bangkok. We enjoyed the never-ending sunset and the two days we spent there were simply amazing. Having said that if you ask me what should you do the next time you go to Koh Chang? I would say, do some research, find the beach that’s right for you and just hit it.

[Tweet “Enjoy A Never Ending Sunset!”]

Tips:

  1. Go to Lonely Beach if you like staying up all night, they have some amazing full moon parties and some pretty good pubs. For more information click here.
  2. Resorts like Chang Park can be a bit pricey if you want to dine in, but always remember to book a room which has complimentary breakfast. The spread here was pretty good.
  3. If you are going back to Bangkok, try to book your tickets at least 2 days in advance from a local travel agent

Important Links:

  1. Chang Park Resort & Spa
  2. Kai Bae Beach
  3. Nightlife
  4. Our last post

To know more about our next pit stop , stay tuned….

Till then share your experiences with us. Let us know if you’ve traveled to Koh Chang and what were your best moments??

Get Your Best Camera Now!!

19 thoughts on “Thailand Travel Chronicles – A vacation you don’t want to miss! Part 2

  • November 21, 2015 at 5:09 PM
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    Beautiful photos. I am sure this was a fantastic vacation. Thanks for sharing for those of us that will never go there.

  • November 21, 2015 at 5:16 PM
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    Thanks and You’re most welcome, Karen! ? Why do say, “for those of us that will never go there”?

  • November 22, 2015 at 12:56 AM
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    Thailand wasn’t on my travel list but now it might be. It’s a beautiful country. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • November 23, 2015 at 4:01 PM
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    Thailand look amazing! I hadn’t ever thought about going to Thailand but now I am questioning if I should be adding it to the place I want to go. Looks and sounds like you had a great time that is awesome!

  • November 25, 2015 at 4:36 PM
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    @Dia – I’m so glad that its on your travel list now, Dia! 🙂

    @Cori – Truly loved every moment, Cori.. 🙂

    @Missy – Please do add it in your list, Missy… trust me you’ll love it, like we did or perhaps, you might love it even more 🙂

    @Carol – Awesome, Carol! Have a Super Vacation! 🙂

  • November 30, 2015 at 2:43 AM
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    Nice! would love to include this in our itinerary next time we are in Thailand, missed it last time, and what a sunset! amazing!

  • December 1, 2015 at 2:48 PM
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    Your photos are phenomenal! This is the second review I’ve read that basically screams “you must go”. looks like it’s time to add Thailand to my bucket list!

    xoxo,
    Roxy

  • December 1, 2015 at 3:01 PM
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    I visited Thailand for only a day two years ago, so I only got to see Bangkok but it was enough to leave a lasting impression. It seems like you had a really great time and the pics..Oh Em Gee! They are so beautiful lol you have officially confirmed that I must go back ASAP!

  • December 2, 2015 at 3:49 AM
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    Beautiful post and photos! I have always wanted to visit Thailand, Phuket is the city I dream of seeing! Thanks for sharing!

    Valerie
    Fashion and Travel

  • December 14, 2015 at 4:11 PM
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    That’s amazing! It looks like you had a fabulous time!

  • January 1, 2016 at 11:51 PM
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    I haven’t yet been to Thailand but that photo of the sunset in Koh Chang makes me want to pack my bags right now!

  • January 6, 2016 at 3:26 PM
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    @Voyager : Thanks! Please add it to your list! You’ll love the place 🙂

    @Roxy : 🙂 Glad to hear that!! Do update your bucket list!!

    @Jiselle: You bet! You ought to go back …. plan one soon 🙂

    @Valerie: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed our post! Plan your trip and just go for it!! 🙂

    @The Oracle: 🙂 – Indeed we had an awesome time… loved every bit of it!!

    @A Taste For Travel: Just do it- pack you bag and book your flights… 🙂

    All: We’ll keep posting pictures to encourage to all to travel soon… Please feel free to reach out to us if you need any tips or suggestions, we’ll be happy to help! 🙂

  • January 14, 2016 at 7:10 PM
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    I am all about anywhere that has a beach!

  • January 14, 2016 at 8:02 PM
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    My fiance traveled all through Thailand over multiple trips during school and his stories make me want to visit. This post and all your beautiful photos make me want to pack my bags right now! Thanks for the great reviews on places to go and stay, it makes planning a trip really helpful!

  • January 17, 2016 at 1:24 PM
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    We have never been to Thailand, but I’m hoping we can one day! The resort sounds great, what a vieuw!

  • January 17, 2016 at 3:10 PM
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    I love to travel. Your photos are beautiful!

  • Pingback:Thailand Travel Chronicles - Part 1 - The Logical Traveler

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