Tag: Lonely Beach

  • Koh Chang: Paradise Cottage

    Koh Chang: Paradise Cottage

    When in Koh Chang there is only one place we want to be. This time we have been definitely sucked in by the wonderful atmosphere at Paradise Cottage on Lonely Beach.

    Lonely Beach is the party beach of Koh Chang but Paradise Cottage is located quite out from the action. His location makes it the perfect place to chill out. However, it is only a 15 minutes walk from the party bars which still makes it easy if you want a hard night out.

    There is a great choice of bungalows from wooden budget ones to concrete bungalows with terrace and sea view. Once you get here you will hardly want to leave. It is easy to spend the whole day chilling in this beautiful spot.

    The bungalows are good but the bar/restaurant area is simply awesome. That’s where you can hang out all day. There are 6 huts with hammocks all overlooking the sea. There is also a sandy area with bin bags where you can sunbathe sipping a beer or a cocktail or one of the tasty fruit shakes.

    The access to the sea is a bit rocky but it does not really matter. It is part of the beauties of nature.

    Nonetheless, what really makes a place very special is its people. Paradise cottage would not be the same without the people that runs it and create the super chilled and friendly  atmosphere.

    Upon arrival you are greeted by Julia, a lovely young lady with the unmistakable beautiful smile typical of the locals. She is hands on and always on top of all the reservations. She does a great job at running the bungalows and she is full of interesting tips and information.

    The restaurant/bar is run by Pong and Pam, a lovely Thai couple, and Chris a super friendly South African young man that has made Koh Chang his home for the last several years. These guys are the soul of Paradise Cottage Bar and Restaurant. They know their guests and they treat each one as a friend.

    They know how to create the perfect atmosphere in paradise. Music plays in the back ground all day long. They always seem to have the perfect tune for each moment of the day. It is quite difficult to leave this place. Why head out to the busy beach when you can enjoy this little corner of heaven?

    Food is very delicious, they offer some of the best Thai dishes and some favourite Western dishes. I am addicted to the curries.

    This is also the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset. What’s best then ending your day with a cold drink whilst watching the sun setting over Paradise.

    After sunset, they occasionally have live a live DJ mixing chilled house tunes through the evening.

     

     

  • Koh Chang

    Koh Chang

    Koh Chang or Island of the Elephant is a beautiful piece of paradise in eastern Thailand near the border with Cambodia. It lies in the Golf of Thailand.

    Second largest island after Phuket, it offers a little bit of everything for everybody. Beautiful quiet beaches, well equipped areas for families and crazy spot for party lovers.

    The island is stunning. Mountains covered with a lush rainforest are in the middle of the island.

    All around it is lined with white sandy beaches or rocky spots. There is a road that goes all the way around the island in a circle, except for the last part in the south. The road has never been finishes.

    There are few waterfalls scattered around the island. Unfortunately during the dry season there is not much water falling but they are still cool spots to visit.

    The west side of the island is the more developed.

    From the ferry arrival port, head right and you will get to White Sands (very popular spot with families and the largest beach on the island), Klong Prao (second largest village), Kai Bae (with big resorts and a smaller beach), Lonely beach (once a very quiet spot and nowadays party heaven when you can dance all night long), Bailan Bay (small and secluded Beach) and Bang Bao (main village on the island and starting poit for boat trips).

    Heading left from the arrival ferry, you end up in the less developed and more quiet east side of the island. With only few resorts and small local restaurants, it is the perfect place to stay away from the crowd.

    The best and easiest way to go around the island is by renting a motorbike. Price ranges between 200 and 250 Baht a day for an automatic bike. For longer stay you might be able to get a cheaper deal.

    The roads are very hilly and sometimes not very well kept. You need to know how to ride a motorbike to avoid ending up with a Thai tattoo (this is how people here call wounds from motorbike injuries).

    Even if you are a good driver, still be very careful. There are a lot of silly people on the road.

    Enjoy Koh Chang.