Goodbye Chiang Mai, I Will See You Again. Hello Koh Chang!

How? How do I even begin to talk about Koh Chang?

Love at first sight? Not wanting to leave the beach chair I sat on the moment we got to the villa? I have no words. And yet, I will try, because this place deserves every ounce of affection I can give it.

The Journey: A Full Travel Day

Let’s get the logistics out of the way first. Getting from Chiang Mai to Koh Chang isn’t a “quick hop”—it’s a full-day commitment. A red-eye flight out of Chiang Mai, followed by a private van ride that included a ferry, and then—finally—the hotel. Along the way, there were plenty of food stops and bathroom breaks. Total travel time? Sun-up to sundown. Worth it? Absolutely. (A 10/10 recommendation for nap breaks along the way!)

Hello, Koh Chang: A Vacation Within a Vacation

From the moment I arrived, it felt different. In my head, I whispered, “Hello, Koh Chang,” and it whispered back, “Sit and stay a while.” Slower. Softer. Like stepping into a dream where the only things that mattered were the sound of the waves and the cold drink in my hand. Here are some of my favorite moments:

Bean Bag Breakfast

One morning, we wandered down the beach, hunger pulling us along, until—there they were—bean bags right on the sand. No hesitation. We plopped down, ordered food, and let the ocean set the mood for the day. There’s something magical about sipping coffee with your toes buried in the cool morning sand. It set the tone for the entire trip: relaxed, carefree, and completely enchanted by island life.

Out on the Town

One night, we visited one of John’s friend’s places, where the beers were cold, and the vibe was just right. Between casual games and deep poolside conversations about life, the universe, and everything, time seemed to stand still. At another bar, we found ourselves painting on the table because... why not? That’s the thing about Koh Chang—time moves differently, and creativity flows freely.

Chasing Sunsets

Every night, we found a new spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Some nights, it was from the beach, beer in hand, waves lapping at the shore. Other nights, we discovered hidden viewpoints, each one offering a unique perspective on the same breathtaking sky. I’ve seen sunsets before, but Koh Chang? It delivered a masterclass in golden hours and cotton candy skies.

Fire Shows on the Beach

One solo adventure led me to a Swiss traveler and my very first Koh Chang fire show. I’d seen fire spinning before, but this? This was something else. The speed, the precision, the sheer artistry of it all—it was hypnotizing. These performers aren’t just playing with fire; they’re dancing with it, weaving flames through the air as if it’s part of them. I was hooked.

Snorkeling for the First Time

I’ve never snorkeled before—barely swam in the ocean, thanks to being from a landlocked state. So, to say I was nervous is an understatement. But skipping this opportunity? No chance. The moment my face hit the water, I entered another world—coral, fish in colors I didn’t know existed, the feeling of floating over an alien landscape. It was awe-inspiring—and yes, terrifying at times. I’m not a strong swimmer, and I may have tried to breathe underwater too many times, but eventually, I got the hang of it. Our guides were incredible. If I ever make it back, I’m booking a private trip with them to escape the crowds. (And, let's be real, the hospitality workers aren’t minions—they’re humans!) That was my only challenge, aside from the realization that I had swum too far from the boat and had to paddle myself back. But that experience? Unforgettable.

Leaving a Piece of My Heart on Koh Chang

I can’t quite capture the depth of my love for this island. It’s a feeling that transcends words. The salty breeze, the easy laughter, the way time stretches and slows. Koh Chang felt like a vacation within a vacation, a secret slice of paradise where worries simply didn’t exist. I miss it already. And I hope someday, somehow, I can return.

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