Hello all...

I have yet to file my trip report of my first visit to LOS but here is a location update.

I do not remember reading much about Koh Chang in CH so here it goes:

Getting there: from BKK to Trat bus about 5hr, about 200 baht or so. For some reason the return trip took longer. I should have flown but I had this notion about checking out the sights from the bus, not worth it. At the end of line take song tao to pier (50 baht, 10min) and then boat to the island (45 min?). At island take song tao to your hotel.

Places to stay: cannot comment much since I only stayed there for four days at the same place, the Coconut Beach Resort. My bungalow was the second row from the beach, very basic (no TV, hot water, fan), 400 baht/day. The resorts next to mine looked to have more amenities...I would not doubt for a minute that you could get plush accomodations for 1000 baht or so. I was in a thrifty mood so....

Things to do: the nice beaches are on the western coast (as well as the major resorts and ongoing development), lots of hiking (there is a national park here...fee for 7 days 200 baht), checking out the waterfalls, beach, kayaking, snorkeling.

Food was pretty good (mostly ate sea food) but more expensive than in BKK.

Getting around: I rented a motor bike for a couple of days (200 baht/day), easily cruised the whole perimeter of the island in a day. The eastern coast is less developed but far more interesting due to the locals and villages. Some places to stay there but beaches are a lot more rough.

Mongering: I brought a pooying with me so I was set since I had read somewhere that the possibilities were limited....THAT HAS CHANGED! There is quite a bit of development going on in the eastern part of the island (better beaches) which is leading to an increase in offerings for the mongering crowd. There is at least one disco (did not check it out) and the beer bar area (close to Plaloma Cliff Resort) was well stocked and I do not mean with beer (please keep in mind this is relative: I was there in low season and during weekdays). I saw several cuties in the 7 range and two in particular that had me trying to figure out how to dump my companion (one with a MASSIVE set of hooters...I was kicking myself). There could have been many more but I dislike being rude (to my date) so I could not roam around effectively. It appears that BF is around 300 baht and LT was 1000 (did not get the vibe that ST was even an option. I was also told by big hooters (chick from BKK who arrives on fridays for the weekend crowd) that many girls show up only on weekends.

Overall impressions: I liked it quite a bit and would imagine is a nicer stay if going there during the better time of the year (I was there in June). If you are in the mood to have a relaxed and chill time this is definetely a place to consider. I probably would not rought it as much and get a nicer place with AC, nicer bed and TV. I would not bring a pooying next time since I am confident to find company even in the low season...and if not well then I will hang at the beach or the forest. BTW, a few of the girls working in the resorts were very approachable so that is always another option.

Cheers...

Concarne

Plus, from Trat it is an easy, one hour, 100Baht minibus ride to the Cambodian border and Koh Kong.

I visited Ko Chang about a year ago. I took the plane to Trat, and the airline arranges your minibus and ferry, for an extra 200 baht. It's pretty easy.

I have never been to Samui, but compared to Ko Samet, it was expensive. I'm pretty sure the prices would be comparable to Samui. I stayed at the Northern part of White Sands Beach, at the resort where the road comes down the hill and first meets the beach. I chose that resort, only after wandering to some of the other local guesthouses and checking them out. For me, the big issue was my BKK-bred lady that was complaining about the heat the entire time. The rooms were expensive - the beach bungalow was 2000 with AC, and 1400 without. This wasn't roughing it - the rooms also had a fridge and satelite t.v. Although I was prepared to slum a little, I realised I made the right choice by the way my GF's face lit up when I told we could stay there.

There wasn't much nightlife at this end, but there was a beer bar with average looking women working in it. I didn't check on the price. Mostly, it was just a bunch of restaurants, catering to farangs.

Getting back to the airport was tricky. We had to call the driver, and arrange for him to pick us up. Good thing I brought the lady. We had to wait a fairly long time for him to show up, but eventually he did (the minibuses are timed for you flight), and we made it to the airport alright. Keep in mind there there is plenty of transportation options on the island, but I was looking for the most direct route. Overall, I really enjoyed my time on the island, and I would go back.

I just got back from a few weeks in Koh Chang. There is action in Kai Bae and White Sands, although the talent isn't very good with of course the occasional exception. The scene is more laid back though - far less hassles or aggressiveness on the part of the girls and the mamasans. Certainly not a destination for the hobby but its a nice place to relax and if you dont bring female company with you, it can be had.

I wondered why there were so many cats and dogs sitting about the bars, untill a bargirl introduced me to her pet dog bobby. It turns out that a lot of bargirls on Kochang own these pets and take them to the bars with them.

Songkran Koh Chang style.