Korean Job Discussion Forums

Rugged · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Location: Daegu

So, I'm heading to Thailand for the first time. I'm flying into Pattaya, but spending a week alone there doesn't appeal to me. I'd like to go to Ko Chang.

Has anyone been to Ko Chang? Is it easy to get around Thailand? Is it easy to find out about buses and ferries and such? What are the chances I'll find some westerners to hang out with? Are hotels as cheap as I hear?

All advice appreciated!

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

check out www.ajarn.com or int'l board here for Thailand

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

huck · Joined: 19 Jan 2003

The hotels in Ko Chang are more like bungalows, and yes, they are cheap. The beach isn't too good there, though. I liked Ko Samet a lot more. There was a superb 5 star hotel for $60 a night on Lonely Beach, where you had a huge room, separate bath tub and shower, swimming pool, free breakfast buffets....it was awesome, if you're willing to spend that much.

The bungalows are alright if you want to sleep under a mosquito netting with no A/C (usually a fan, though). On Ko Samet, I stayed at Jep's Bungalows which had cabin-like rooms, with private bathrooms and no mosquitos for $10 or so....it was nice, and their restaurant on the sand at the beach was great, and the beach there is so much nicer. Also, there's a 7-11 about a mile away, so you're not too cut off from civilization. And, supposedly Ko Samet doesn't get hit by the rainy season as much as other places...

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Ko Samet was also the only island I visited in Thailand. Just for a night. It was OK. I probably like the boat ride to and fro best. Loved the green water.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

On my vacation to Thailand, I went to Ko Chang for about 4 or 5 days, I think. It was very easy to get to from Ko San Road, little mini buses that included a ferry ride. I have a feeling it wouldn't be too hard to get there by public transit as well...transport in Thailand is much like Korea. Cheap and Plentiful.

My friend and I stayed i a bungalow for about $5-10 US, I think, meals were about a dollar.

The best thing we did was go swimming to that waterfall, forget the name. We also went snorkelling, which was awesome. Elephant riding too, although a bit pricier is a can't miss. Just ask at the office of your little shack for the info.

Not so much in the way of nightlife going on though, if that's what you're interested in.

You could also rent a scooter and cruise around the island to all the beaches, which I did not do but would have been really fun.

plattwaz · Joined: 08 Apr 2005 Location: <Write something dumb here>

Back to the OP --

Koh Chang, iny opinion, is beautiful. The beach and water is gorgeous, and it is fairly quiet and relaxing. There are more than just bungalows...some nice resort type hotels that are still quite cheap.

Transport there is easy - you can take a bus from Kaoh San Road, or arrange the bus and ferry yourself.

Night life is slim -- quiet bars on the beach for a few drinks in the evening is really about it. However, for me, after a day in the sun, that's about all I am up for anyway.

deessell · Joined: 08 Jun 2005

Koh Chang is one of my favourite islands in Thailand. Be warned though it's not party central like Koh Phangnan. Lonely beach is pretty good (although it's not really that lonely). One of the best bars/restaurants in Thailand is there, The Treehouse. They play really good music and it has a nice chilled out atmosphere. Their accomodation is basic, but I usually stay at Natures Garden their bungalows are 400bht, no aircon but they have a fan and private bathroom.

The tree house has now moved further down the island so just ask the driver to drop you off there. Have fun but remember it is one of the most heavily policed islands (as Thaksin and his cronies have bought up most of the land). So be carefull if you like to smoke. Also go island hopping and you can stay on the other islands. The accomodation is more expensive at around $15 a night but the beach will be on your doorstep.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Stayed two weeks. It was four years ago but I remember one of the custom boat hires could be to an island that has a cave lair for foxbats. Giant, fruit eating bats. Hire a long, teak dragon boat with driver.

Yeah there is a marine preserve set of small islands near there which you can hire a boat ride to, for great snorkling (and diving).

I went up the island and found it gets less busy, and one side has rocky shores. Saw a tourist snorkling in a wetsuit since the little jellyfish were drifting in.

There was partying there, sure. But lots of peace and quiet. The minibus ride was six hours from Kao San, Bankok. Crazy drivers!

Rugged · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Location: Daegu

What's Kaoh San Road? A highway? A road in Bangkok? Still trying to figure out transportation to Trat...

Thanks for the great advice!

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Kao San Road is backpacker hostel street in Bankok. It's really famous. When you arrive at the airport and ask for a minibus going there it's no problem. Everyone knows where it is.

It's a street one block long. Crammed with hostels, pcbangs, tourist agents, bars, used book stores, souvenir shops, restaurants. The tourist agencies are little offices and there you can get a minibus to wherever.

Here are some great photos of Thailand. On the right margin just click. No photos of Kao San road, though.

http://www.avontuur.com/inhoud/fotos/serie35.php

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

Pattaya is bad, just avoid that place. Spend one night on KSR but don't stay there. There is a newer strip of guesthouses toward the river, just stay on KSR and go towrd the river, turn right, then turn left. Its an extension of KSR but its newer.

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

Went to Ko Chang 3 years ago and the whole island (or so it seemed) was under construction - a main road being paved around the island, bungalow places being built, not many people (rainy season). I remember thinking that Ko Chang would be cool to re-visit in a year, but I've never gotten back there.