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Eastern Sea Islands: Koh Chang

When it comes to the eastern sea, Koh Chang is likely to be one of the first islands that comes to mind. It is the second largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, after Koh Samui (according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources). The largest island, Koh Phuket, is located on the Andaman Sea.


Returning to Koh Chang, an island with marine beauty that rivals other popular islands among both Thais and foreigners. With a wide variety of activities to enjoy on the island, not to mention the numerous smaller islands surrounding it. In addition to marine tourism and beautiful beaches, Koh Chang also offers other interesting tourist attractions. Whether it's waterfalls, hiking, or accommodation with different atmospheres, there are plenty to choose from on this island. And one of the places I used to relax during my 2-night stay was Sea View Resort & Spa. Let's see where I went during my 3-day, 2-night trip to Koh Chang this time, even though it was raining. I can assure you that it's just as beautiful as any other season.



There are several ways to get to Koh Chang, depending on your preference.
You can take a van from Ekamai that will take you directly to the island, or take a public bus.
Alternatively, you can fly to Trat Airport.

This time, I chose to drive myself. The main advantage of driving is the convenience,
especially the ability to stop and explore along the way, as well as to drive around the island.
I will be driving a Chevrolet Colorado, which will be my companion throughout this rainy trip.

From Bangkok, I entered Chanthaburi province and turned onto the Khlung Wiman Beach Road, officially known as the Chalermprakiet Borommaratchachonnani Road. This road is considered the most beautiful in the eastern region before driving on to Trat province. A popular tourist spot is the Nang Phaya Viewpoint, which is so beautiful that it is included in the Dream Destinations recommended by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

After spending some time exploring the coast of Chanthaburi province, I continued my journey to Trat. Upon arriving in Trat, many people would head straight to the pier to catch a ferry to the islands, forgetting that Trat town itself has much to offer. My first stop in Trat town, amidst the continuous rain, was the Bang Phra Canal community. I arrived just as the sun was setting and found accommodation. The next morning, I had some time to wander around and take photos of the Bang Phra Canal community, with the occasional rain showers providing some photographic opportunities. The Bang Phra Canal community is another famous tourist destination in Trat province. If you visit Trat, you should take some time to visit and walk around, or even stay for a night. This community is considered an old trading community. In the past, it was a place where people met and exchanged goods. It was also awarded the Outstanding Tourism Award by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in 2007. Today, the community still preserves its old buildings, which have been converted into shops and guesthouses. Foreign tourists, in particular, like to stay here before heading to the various islands in Trat. Many people say that this place resembles Chiang Khan, hence the nickname "Chiang Khan of the East".

Next, I drove to Ban Nam Chiew in Laem Ngop District, a stopover on the way to the pier for the island. Since I was passing by, I decided to stop and visit. Ban Nam Chiew is a hidden gem, a community-based tourism destination showcasing local culture and way of life. It is located near the ferry pier for Koh Chang. The village is known for its production of "ngop," a woven hat made from locally sourced natural materials. Ban Nam Chiew is a community of two religions, Thai Buddhists and Muslims, who have lived together harmoniously for a long time. The Nam Chiew Canal flows through the community and into the Gulf of Thailand. Homestay accommodations are now available for tourists.

The next station is "Koh Chang", our destination for this trip. After completing our mission of visiting Ban Nam Chiew, we drove to the ferry pier in Laem Ngop district. We headed to Koh Chang, a dream island for many people. It can be said that if anyone comes to visit Trat province, Koh Chang's name will probably be at the top of many people's travel lists. However, this time we are traveling during the rainy season. Many people might wonder what is interesting about Koh Chang during the rainy season? 1. During the rainy season, various resorts and accommodations offer incredible discounts. 2. You will be refreshed by the green color of the mountains, trees, and grass. 3. The waterfalls are definitely beautiful. 4. There are not many tourists, so you don't have to compete for food or accommodation. 5. Lastly, traveling during this time helps you save a lot of money. Luckily, the sunny weather provided a peaceful beach atmosphere.



In the afternoon, it didn't take long to reach Koh Chang from the pier. Turning right, we headed to check in at our accommodation first. For our two-night stay on Koh Chang, I checked in at Sea View Resort & Spa, located on Khai Bae Beach. It only took half an hour from the pier on the island to reach our destination. "Sea View Resort & Spa" A green resort. Why green? Because from the moment we turned into the resort, we were amazed by the abundance of trees. Everywhere we looked, we were met with the lush greenery of large trees that the resort has preserved and cultivated to plant in various areas of the 40-acre property. This was my first impression of the place, as I am someone who appreciates the richness of the forest. The resort also boasts a private beach that exudes tranquility. It's the perfect combination.



The room I stayed in was located on the upper level, accessible by cable car. As mentioned, the resort's vast area necessitates transportation between different points. For instance, reaching my room required either a cable car ride or a resort-provided golf cart, ensuring convenient access without the need for walking.

My accommodation was a Grand Deluxe Sea View room, offering unobstructed ocean views. The spacious 61-square-meter room featured a sofa set and a comprehensive range of amenities. The bathroom's design emphasized openness and comfort. Stepping onto the balcony provided a breathtaking panoramic view of the sea.



The Sea View Resort & Spa offers a variety of room types, including the Panorama Suite, which is larger than the room I stayed in. At 72 square meters, it also offers sea views. The bedroom and living room are separated by a sliding door, which is a nice touch. The bathroom is also incredibly spacious, so much so that you could pitch a tent in it. 55555

However, what I particularly liked about the room was the bathroom. When you open the curtains, you are surrounded by lush greenery. Imagine soaking in the bathtub while enjoying the view - it's incredibly relaxing.



Grand Deluxe Sea View

The Grand Deluxe Sea View room is another room type offered by the resort, measuring 61 square meters.

While the interior design is similar to other room types, the Grand Deluxe Sea View is slightly smaller. However, it still boasts stunning sea views.

As with most rooms at the resort, the Grand Deluxe Sea View is strategically positioned to offer breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding nature. The resort takes pride in preserving the mature trees on the property, ensuring a harmonious blend of luxury and environmental consciousness.



The majority of the surrounding area is green, making it very pleasing to the eye. With over 40 rai of land, I consider this resort to be a green resort, which aligns with my personal preferences.


A peaceful reading corner amidst nature.

Superior Sea View: This room offers stunning sea views and overlooks the pool area. Located close to the beach, it boasts a similar interior design to other rooms but with a smaller footprint of 40 square meters. The room features natural wood furniture and a headboard adorned with traditional Thai murals, adding a unique touch of local culture.


After checking into my room, it was time for dinner. For my first meal, I decided to eat at the Sea View Sun Set restaurant. It's a beachfront restaurant, and it's not far from my room by cable car. The restaurant is decorated in a simple style, with tables spaced far apart to create an airy atmosphere. It's open to the sea breeze and offers views of the beach and the sunset. However, the weather wasn't cooperating today. The sky was full of clouds, and it looked like it could rain at any moment. All we could do was eat our food with our heads down, enjoying the cool sea breeze.



Waking up early, I had a plan to drive around many tourist attractions on Koh Chang Island today, including conquering the peak of Khao Laem, the second highest peak on the island. We drove back across to the other side of the island, heading to Salak Phet Village to admire the beauty of Koh Chang from another perspective and get closer to nature. Especially during the rainy season like this, the green forest and the mist floating in front of our faces are so refreshing.



The ascent to Khao Laem, once requiring an overnight stay to witness both sunrise and sunset, is now subject to new park regulations prohibiting overnight camping. As a result, conquering the summit and returning within the same day is the only option. The distance to the peak is not excessive, and the path is well-defined, with some steep sections but a relatively short roundtrip duration. So, with a prepared body and mind, let's embark on this adventure.



A panoramic view from the summit of Khao Laem.



On the summit of Khao Laem, I observed the rarely seen monkey cups, also known as Nepenthes. These intriguing plants are carnivorous, utilizing modified leaves as pitfall traps to capture insects and obtain nutrients. Notably, some species exhibit sharp bristles around the trap's opening, further enhancing their predatory capabilities.



Descending from the peak of Khao Laem, a short drive brings us to the vicinity of Ban Salak Phet. Here, I find myself at another highlight of Koh Chang: the Ban Salak Phet Mangrove Forest Nature Study Trail. Unlike any other mangrove trail, this one boasts unique beauty and lies a short distance from Wat Salak Phet. Ask locals near the temple for directions. The trail's length is manageable, yet it unveils a natural landscape unlike any other. Red mangrove trees (Rhizophora mucronata) abound along the path, making this a must-visit destination on Koh Chang. Coordinates: N11° 59.999' E102° 22.792'



The journey continues from the other side of Koh Chang. Turning the car back towards the resort, I glance at my watch. There's still time, and my legs are still strong. Before reaching Khai Bae Beach, I turn the car towards Klong Plu Waterfall.

Klong Plu is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls on Koh Chang, located within the National Park. Entry requires a 40 baht fee per person. A 20-minute walk brings you to the waterfall itself, cascading down a high cliff into a pool below. The water is perfect for swimming, and the surrounding forest is lush and green, with cool water flowing year-round. This makes Klong Plu a popular destination for tourists.


The afternoon before sunset, we returned to the resort after a relaxing kayaking trip to Koh Man, a nearby island. Kayaking is a popular activity for guests staying at the resort. However, I was worried that we wouldn't make it back in time to catch the sunset. Fortunately, the sky was clear, and we were able to enjoy the beautiful view from the Lighthouse Restaurant.



The resort boasts two expansive swimming pools, one located on the upper level and the other by the beachfront. This convenient arrangement caters to guests residing in different zones of the property.


After a relaxing stroll on the beach as the sun began to set, I took the cable car up to the Lighthouse Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant offers stunning sunset views and delicious cuisine, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening. For those who prefer beachfront sunset views, the Sea View Sun Set restaurant is an excellent option. I had the pleasure of dining there the previous day. If you're looking for a different perspective or want to avoid repetition, the Lighthouse Restaurant provides a breathtaking elevated vantage point. Fortunately, after several days of overcast skies, the evening sun emerged, casting a golden glow over the resort, living up to its name as a haven with breathtaking views.



Ascend the stairs to the restaurant. If the view is not yet high and beautiful enough, there is a staircase to climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the view. The view is equally beautiful.


The final day began with a lavish breakfast spread, offering stunning views of the ocean and the nearby Man Island. The breakfast was served at the Lighthouse Restaurant, the same venue as the previous night's dinner. Guests staying in the lower zone could access the restaurant via cable car or hotel shuttle.

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The late morning of the third day, the last day of our trip, after checking out of the hotel, we still had the whole day left. Since our boat back was booked for 7 pm, we took our Chevrolet Colorado and continued our exploration. Turning left from the hotel, we headed to the fishing village of Bang Ba.

Bang Ba is a fishing village where the houses are built on stilts extending into the sea. The villagers here make a living by selling goods in front of their houses, running restaurants, and offering bungalows for tourists to stay by the sea. They also take tourists diving and sightseeing, and go fishing themselves. Therefore, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery of the sea, we were also able to buy souvenirs.



A short drive from Bang Baen village, locals mentioned a stream where foreigners often enjoy swimming. Intrigued, I decided to investigate. The sight of the flowing water was indeed tempting for a refreshing dip. However, I couldn't recall the name of the stream. Upon arrival, I encountered villagers setting up food stalls for tourists. Perhaps due to the heavy overnight rain that continued until morning, no tourists were yet visible enjoying the water. This could be an alternative activity for those who prefer avoiding sunbathing by the sea.



Returning to the pier to prepare for the return trip, but it wasn't until 7 pm that we drove to collect the remaining parts from yesterday. After yesterday's hike and sightseeing around Salak Phet, the rain kept stopping and starting, causing us to waste a considerable amount of time waiting to take pictures. Of course, our equipment isn't waterproof like the Chevrolet Colorado we drove, which provided some shelter from the rain. Today, with time still on our hands, we continued our journey to the remaining part, the "Salak Phet Pier." Another landmark, beautiful and suitable for walking and taking pictures, with a white lighthouse standing prominently in the middle of the sea.



After spending three days and two nights on Koh Chang, it was time to head back to the city.

Koh Chang during the rainy season, a time when many say it's not worth visiting, actually offers a variety of attractions and activities beyond the beach. For those who enjoy exploring forests and mountains, this island can also be a great destination.
On lucky days with clear skies and sunshine, you'll be rewarded with quiet, white-sand beaches with few tourists. Plus, accommodation prices during this period are lower, with many resorts offering discounts.

Speaking of accommodation, if you're looking for a place with stunning views, beautiful sunsets, a long stretch of private white-sand beach, and lush greenery, I recommend checking out Sea View Resort & Spa.

Contact information:
Website: https://seaviewkohchang.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/seaviewkohchang/

You can also follow my travels on my Facebook page, "Saphaipae, Cool All Over Thailand":
https://www.facebook.com/saphipae/
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Thank you to everyone who visited my blog. See you again soon!


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