Koh Chang is really an idyllic beach resort town. Most people travel by motorbikes without helmuts but I suspect that its only recently that they have the automatic bikes. What else would your mode of transport be if there is just one single road around the island.
Except for the fact that we went during rainy season, its actually a very enjoyable trip. For those of you expecting those beautifully clear and blue sea at the beach, you are up for a disappointment. The beaches, although wonderful and stretches forever, its not as clean and clear as in Phuket or Koh Samui. However, the attractive trait of Koh Chang is that it is not as commercialized as the islands mentioned above.
Because it is a beach resort island, the whole island is packed with resorts, budget, cheap, luxurious, spa, grand resorts....there are just so many many selections. Seems that a lot of locals go thee for holidays too and everything is soooooooo CHEAP!!!!
Food, massage, resort, bikes.......
Well, we chose to stay in 3 resorts. We spend the first two nights in Koh Chang Kacha. Fantastic hotel with fantastic rates.....the location of the hotel is terrific as well. Its within walking distances to massage parlors, souvenier shops, mini marts and restaurants. Its also located at the White Sand (busiest) Beach.
Of course we mentioned that we were on our honeymoon to all the hotels so here is what they prepared for us.
{Koh Chang Kacha, Aana Resort, Bhumiyama Hotel}
I know, we are disgusting, right! I felt so ugly the whole time I was there due to my hair constantly getting wet due to rain, pool and sea. you know how newly weds are suppose to look really refreshed and in love......they must be wondering whether we are really newly weds.
The first day we were there, we visited both waterfalls on the island. Beautiful and I totally regret forgetting to bring my swimsuit with me. By the way, I bought a new bikini in Bangkok and finally got up the courage to wear bikini for the first time. I think it is totally addictive so there will be future chances of bikini wearing for me.
Back to the waterfalls.....we had to trek our way to the waterfalls as cars and motorbikes rae only allowed until 200 m before. Its wonderful actually because if people were allowed to drive up all the way to the waterfall, see the waterfall and come back out, it would totally not be worth the money. Yep, we need to pay 200 baht (about 8 SGD) to see the waterfalls and I did not even get to swim in the lake.
We rented a motorbike and travelled to one end of the island and I ended up with massive sunburn on my thighs and face. Yep, never never forget to wear sunblock even if the sky looks very very grey and there are interminnent light showers all the time.
Sidetrack: My sunburn has started peeling and its really gross......was debating whether I should take a picture and post it when RH goes:
"Ewwwww, don't lah"
I guess "don't" it is.
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Food in Koh Chang
If you ever go to Koh Chang, you have to try the Italian Restaurant - Invito......its fabulous......i know it is probably the last place on earth that you want to eat Italian Food but its truly fabulous.
Besides having a very romantic atmosphere perfect for honeymooners, it boasts a whole lot of pastas and wood fired thin crust pizzas (very very very thin crust). Not the normal type of pastas and pizzas you are accustomed to, we had the beef tenderloin pasta and meat pizza.....HEAVEN.......
The pasta sauce has a very strong wine taste but utterly delicious, I can't stop eatting it the moment I tasted it. The pizza was good too but not as good as the pasta. The wood fired pizza was roasted just nice and the crust is so thin its almost non-existent. Loads of toppings with a delicious sauce.
Then there is Bang Bao - the fisherman village. Seafood is both fresh and cheap..........Between the 2 of us, we ordered a plate of prawns, butter baked scallops and squid and it only cost us less than SGD $10.........woo hoo....
