We retain 'Koh Chang' in the photograph(s).

We capture 'Koh Chang' in photographs.

Because travel is a 'camera', and memories along the way are 'photographs'.

We keep this love in a photograph...

We made these memories for ourselves...
[Photograph - Ed Sheeran]

Suddenly, a song lyric pops into my head,
perfectly capturing the moment as I post a memory photo.
Stored in an album, waiting for the day...
when we'll 'remember' those wonderful memories,
through the photos we've carefully captured.

When burdens and responsibilities weigh heavily,
one thing that keeps the body and heart going
is 'traveling'.

Have you ever felt that...
you want to go anywhere, anywhere
that can quench the burning in your heart right now?

Have you ever felt that...
you can't take it anymore, please
let me escape from the same old places,
the same old situations,
the same old people, maybe we will discover something
by ourselves.

Have you ever felt that...
you want to travel alone,
walk along the path ahead,
even though you don't know what you will encounter,
but who cares?
That's an adventure, isn't it?

But... Mom cares!
Therefore,
since the body and heart are now
ready to fly,
and to avoid worrying Mom,
inviting one or two friends
is not a bad thing, right? J

And this is the starting point of the 'Three Baby Elephants' trip.

The Trat Bus Terminal was eerily quiet this morning. It was only four in the morning, after all. The first ferry to Koh Chang wasn't until six-thirty, so there was plenty of time to kill. But then the uncle who drives the songthaew (we met him earlier this year on our first trip to Trat) came up and insisted that we get in his car. But... Uncle, please calm down. We just want to sit for a while longer. There's plenty of time, and there's nothing to do at the pier. As we sat there, the uncle started inviting other people who were going to the pier to get in his car. And then they all left. We looked around, and there were only three of us left who were going to Koh Chang. The three of us were our group! It was time to go... So we went. The lyrics to that song just popped into my head automatically.

This is my first time visiting Koh Chang.

During my previous trip to Trat,
I had hoped to wait at the pier.
However, the songthaew took me to...
I'm not sure if it's called a 'van station'.

Here, we had to exchange the ferry tickets we had purchased earlier.
(Fortunately, we didn't have to pay extra,
as the ferry tickets were included in the bus tickets,
which gave us a slight discount).

In the end, we couldn't escape the question,
"'Would you like to buy a van ticket for 120 baht?
We'll take you directly to your accommodation. Where are you staying?'"
We exchanged confused glances,
but ultimately, we simply replied, 'Yes'.

However, once we got into the van, 'it was actually quite nice'.
It was a comfortable ten-seater van,
and the driver was very friendly.

We can take the car on the ferry to Koh Chang, but it's too early for them to allow cars on board.

We are in a long line of pickup trucks, and it will probably be a while before we can board.

The driver suggests that we can either walk onto the ferry now or wait in the car.

Because we are tired, we decide to stay in the car.

The soft red glow of the setting sun, juxtaposed against the looming grey clouds, proved too tempting to resist. We couldn't help but capture the moment with our cameras, even as distant lightning flashed and a light drizzle began to fall. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the poignant lyrics, "I wish this story had no misfortune."

As the friends wished to watch the sunrise from the boat,

they opened the compass app to find the east.

From their seats at the front of the boat,

they all moved together to the back.

They let their emotions flow freely

as the sun began to rise above the horizon.

However, because the morning was very cloudy,

there was only a small window for them to greet the sun.

Just a little bit.

Koh Chang during the rainy season is actually quite nice.
Because you'll meet fellow travelers who won't leave your side.
You'll meet them at the Ekkamai Bus Terminal,
ride the same tour bus,
get on the same van,
and most importantly, board the same boat.
There's no hidden meaning in that, of course.

With the destination in sight,
We all eagerly watch it with anticipation.

Each of us comes from a different place,
But once we are on the same boat,
Our destination becomes one and the same.

Why are you so lonely?
'Lonely Beach'
Your loneliness
It radiates out so much that people can feel it.

The sea often draws out the loneliness
that resides in the human heart,
especially for those who already carry a heavy burden of it.
Like positive and negative poles of a magnet meeting,
before we realize it,
loneliness takes hold of our hearts,
and it's hard to shake off...

That's why most people escape to the sea to find love,
because when loneliness meets loneliness,
we are no longer alone in our loneliness.

No matter how far apart we are, If our destination is the same, We will meet there.

Sometimes, getting to know someone, Even for a short time,

Even though this time may be the first, The only, And the last time we talk,

The good memories that are made Will never fade away.

It was a pleasure getting to know you, 'Hens'. Have a safe trip back to the Netherlands.

Diu…

Sometimes we can hardly believe
that we can do so many things that are the opposite of ourselves.

Who would have thought that someone who can't swim
could love the sea so much?

Who would have thought that someone who gets seasick easily
would enjoy watching different ships
floating in the middle of the sea
and would love to sit on a boat and ride the waves?

Driven by an excessive fondness for sunsets,
I became consumed by the fear of missing a crucial moment.
Ironically, the sun rose earlier than anticipated.

My impatient companion sat gazing intently,
eagerly awaiting the moment of sunset.
Half an hour passed, and the sun remained in its position.
We resorted to an extended conversation to pass the time.

Watching the sunset

The setting sun reminds me that there is still hope for tomorrow.

I arrived at Koh Chang during a critical period, awaiting the results of my master's program application. I had high hopes for the future, and the possibility of not getting accepted filled me with a sense of dread. Today was the day the results would be announced.

Before coming here, I joked with my friends that if I didn't get accepted, I would cry by the sea.

I waited all morning, but the results still hadn't been released. As I watched the sunset, I decided to check one more time, hoping that this time would be the lucky one.

I was nervous. I thought I was prepared for any outcome, but I couldn't help but feel butterflies in my stomach.

As the page loaded, the document slowly became clearer. My thumb scrolled down the screen, my eyes frantically searching for my name.

Finally, a smile spread across my face.

Thank you, sun, for your unwavering meaning.

The truth is...
There are three of us
One can't swim
One can swim, but it's that time of the month
The other one can't swim well either
So, let's go to the waterfall!

If you want to see foreigners in bikinis besides the sea
This is the place to be, 'Khlong Phlu Waterfall'

Where there is 'water', there are 'fish'
This place is full of fish, and they like to bite!
There are all sizes,
from small to a foot long.

Two foreign women,
were tricked into the water.
I wonder if they will be bitten by the fish.
They screamed and everyone was scared.
I felt sorry for them,
they must have never experienced anything like this at home.

The other one, climbed the rope,
she wanted to go into the water,
but she was hesitant.
Because if she went down,
she would have to face a large group of piranhas,
who do not have teeth as weapons,
but like to use their mouths to extort flesh.
Biting left and right,
to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Travel Information
Koh Chang 4 days 3 nights (July 20-23, 2016)

• Travel -

Ferry and Bus Trip to Koh Chang

July 19, 2016

We embarked on our journey to Koh Chang via Roong Reuang Coach, departing from the Ekamai Bus Terminal. At the ticket counter, we purchased round-trip bus tickets (236 baht each way) and ferry tickets (140 baht).

The outward journey began at 11:30 PM, arriving at Trat Bus Terminal at 4:30 AM after a five-hour ride. The return trip departed at 4:00 PM, reaching Ekamai Bus Terminal at 10:00 PM, taking six hours. Water was provided on the bus, but no snacks were offered.

Transportation on the island was limited to shared taxis. Our group of three included one experienced motorbike rider. The island's roads proved challenging, particularly the numerous sharp and steep curves, which provided a thrilling, albeit slightly nerve-wracking, experience.

• Accommodation -

Accommodation in Koh Lanta, Thailand

July 20, 2016:

• One night stay at KLKL Hostel, booked through Booking.com.
• Located near Lonely Beach, approximately 2-3 kilometers walk.
• Price: 600 Baht/night (private room) without breakfast.
• Fan room (1 ceiling fan) with a capacity of 3 people.
• Note: It can be quite hot, so check carefully whether the room has air conditioning or a fan.
• It is recommended to bring your own toiletries as the hostel does not provide them.

July 21-22, 2016:

• Two nights stay at Pajamas Hostel, booked directly through Facebook.
• Price: 450 Baht/night/person (hostel dorm room with 8 beds).
• Includes breakfast, air conditioning, and a swimming pool.
• Separate male and female bathrooms.
• Toiletries are provided, but the shower stalls do not have doors (curtains are used instead).
• Located near Klong Prao Beach (approximately 5-600 meters walk).
• Close to Laem Chaiyachet, accessible by walking along Klong Prao Beach.

• Trip Schedule -

July 20, 2016
Daytime, Lonely Beach

Night bar

*For those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, this beach is the ideal location, as it boasts the highest concentration of clubs and bars in the area.
While Ting Tong Bar is frequently recommended for its energetic and upbeat music, we suggest Himmel Bar as an alternative.
Himmel Bar offers a similar energetic atmosphere, but with a more familiar international music selection.
Personally, we prefer the ambiance and music at Himmel.

The bars typically open around 11 pm and close between 3 and 4 am.
Cocktails range in price from 120 to 180 baht, while beers vary depending on size, with small beers costing around 60-80 baht and large beers around 100 baht.

Uno cards for entertainment.

July 21, 2016

Morning: Bang Baeu Fishing Village

Afternoon: Khlong Phrao Beach

Enjoy the sunset at Laem Chaiyachet.

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Free Time

July 22, 2016

Afternoon

• Khlong Plu Waterfall (Entrance fee 40 baht) + White Sand Beach
• Note: Khlong Plu Waterfall closes at 4 pm. Plan your trip accordingly.

Himmel Bar at night
*Because the roommates invited me to go, and it was the last night
Let's have a farewell party ;P

July 23, 2016
Travel back

- Food -
*All shops are within walking distance, as there are no cars and I don't want to spend money on a motorbike taxi.*

July 20, 2016
Breakfast: American breakfast (120 baht) at Sleepy Owl
Located at the entrance of the hostel where I stayed.
At that time, only this restaurant was open (after walking around looking for a restaurant twice).
However, there were only drinks and simple food available to order.
Such as American breakfast, bread, etc.
The kitchen was not open for savory food (rice, spaghetti...).

*Restaurants here start opening at 8 am.
If you arrive on the island by late night ferry and arrive in the morning,
You may have to be patient when looking for food.

Lunch: Noodles with wonton and roasted pork (45) + shaved ice (10) without toppings, just ice and syrup, with extra milk.
Dinner: Seafood at Red Seafood Restaurant (170) shared with two friends.
Late night: Blue Lagoon (120) at Himmel Bar, White Russian (120) at Ting Tong Bar.

July 21, 2016
Breakfast: Didn't eat, woke up late and it was already lunchtime.
Lunch: Rice with stir-fried seafood and fried egg (90) at Ruea Thai Seafood Restaurant, Bang Ba.

Afternoon Oreo shake + donut (90) at Bangbao Delight

Dinner: Ordered dishes at Nong Bua Seafood (240 baht) next to Pajamas Hostel, splitting the bill three ways.

July 22, 2016
Breakfast: Hostel breakfast (walked to Nong Bua Seafood to eat) with stir-fried noodles, bread, waffles, coffee, Ovaltine, fruit, and water.
Lunch: Restaurant at Sai Kaew Beach (220 baht)
Dinner: Shrimp and chicken stir-fry at Kung Kratha Kai Bae (220 baht)
Late night: Blue Margarita (120 baht) + Honey something (70 baht) at Himmel Bar

July 23, 2016
Breakfast: Same hostel breakfast as before, with fried rice instead of stir-fried noodles. The rest was the same.
Lunch: Food court at Trat Bus Station (50 baht)

• Miscellaneous -

Expenses for the first night at KLKL Hostel: flour + shampoo (10)
Mineral water (15) purchased before entering Khlong Plu Waterfall
Swimsuit (300) required at Pajamas, which has a swimming pool, but there is a rule that you must wear a swimsuit.

Total expenses: 5,106 Baht

Bus fare
One way 236 baht
Return 210 baht
Total 446 baht

Ferry fare

Round trip (purchase with bus ticket, price reduced) 150 baht (normally 80 baht each way) Total 150 baht

Van fare

Charter a van from the pier to KLKL Hostel for 120 baht.

(Songthaews will drop you off at the van terminal to exchange your boat tickets for those who have already purchased them.)

Total: 120 baht

The cost of a songthaew ride

From Trat Bus Terminal to the pier:
One-way: 80 baht
Round-trip: 60 baht

Transportation Costs in Koh Lanta

From KLKL Hostel to Bang Bao Fishing Village: 70 Baht

From Bang Bao Fishing Village back to KLKL Hostel to pick up luggage: 70 Baht

From KLKL Hostel to Pajamas Hostel: 150 Baht (chartered)

From Pajamas Hostel to Klong Plu Waterfall: 50 Baht

Entrance fee for Klong Plu Waterfall: 40 Baht

From Klong Plu Waterfall to White Sand Beach: 50 Baht

From White Sand Beach back to Pajamas Hostel: 50 Baht

Note: For the trip to Klong Plu Waterfall, the same songthaew was used throughout. It was not chartered, but the driver was called to pick them up whenever needed. The driver was very accommodating and his wife was always sitting next to him.

To Kung Katha Restaurant and Kai Bae: 100 Baht (roundtrip)

On the last night, a songthaew was chartered to take 7 people to Lonely Beach: 130 Baht per person (total cost 900 Baht). The driver picked them up at 10:30 PM and they returned around 2:30 AM.

Total cost for songthaews and entrance fee: 780 Baht

Food + drinks
July 20: 345 baht
July 21: 420 baht
July 22: 420 baht
July 23: 50 baht
Himmel + Ting Tong: 430 baht
Water delivery to Khlong Phlu: 15 baht
Total 1,680 baht

Accommodation Costs

• KLKL Hostel: 1 night for 200 THB (split 3 ways from 600 THB)
• Pajamas Hostel: 2 nights for 900 THB (450 THB/night/person)
• Total: 1,100 THB

Other values

Expenses:
- Shampoo and hair conditioner: 10 baht
- Swimsuit: 300 baht
- Souvenirs and snacks for the return trip: 520 baht
Total: 830 baht