Koh Chang
Hi there,
this is my third attempt at posting this blog, the rest were lost through sketchy internet connections so I'm playing catch up!
After battling through Bangkok it was great to get to the low key island of Koh Chang down the South East of Thailand. The island revealed to us the struggle Thailand is going through to balance growth while trying to maintain its true Thainess. We made the mistake of booking accommodate from Bangkok and ended up staying at super resort place which really wasn't our thing. We spent three night there and then headed down the island to some fantastic huts on the water front set between coconut trees at Lonely Bay which was more backpacker styles and way more relaxed than the rest of the island. This place was great just to chill out and do nothing but read and swing in the hammock at the Tree House Cafe we found - literally built out over the sea and at high tide the breakers felt like they would crash onto the deck! We checked out the rest of the island by scooter, getting over to the eastern side which was mainly agricultural with lots of rubber plantations and way less tourist. Best beach was definitely Bang Bao at the bottom of the west side of island with beautiful white sands, blue skies and a group of snobby Parisians. As Koh Chang is a national park, I found it hard to reconcile the level of development happening there which is seriously polluting the beaches and costline. All this is a government initiative to push the island to a more resort style of destination, and they seem determined to sacrifice anything to achieve this which is a real shame. However there are some real gems still on the island, like the Lonely Beach area, which means I'll be back.
After over a week at Koh Chang we headed back to Bangkok for a couple of days before relocating to Kanchanaburi (of Bridge over the River Kwai fame). A day was spent rambling around Pratunam markets in central Bangkok getting supplies before heading West. The markets were amazing, each stall crammed into a 2mx2m area or less, literally hundreds of these sitting either side of narrow 'streets' (900mm wide). The whole area has a roof over it, so it has a dark, grungy pertina with temperatures pushing 35 degrees combined with some intriguing smells made for some interesting moments.
That's all for now folks. Love James.
this is my third attempt at posting this blog, the rest were lost through sketchy internet connections so I'm playing catch up!
After battling through Bangkok it was great to get to the low key island of Koh Chang down the South East of Thailand. The island revealed to us the struggle Thailand is going through to balance growth while trying to maintain its true Thainess. We made the mistake of booking accommodate from Bangkok and ended up staying at super resort place which really wasn't our thing. We spent three night there and then headed down the island to some fantastic huts on the water front set between coconut trees at Lonely Bay which was more backpacker styles and way more relaxed than the rest of the island. This place was great just to chill out and do nothing but read and swing in the hammock at the Tree House Cafe we found - literally built out over the sea and at high tide the breakers felt like they would crash onto the deck! We checked out the rest of the island by scooter, getting over to the eastern side which was mainly agricultural with lots of rubber plantations and way less tourist. Best beach was definitely Bang Bao at the bottom of the west side of island with beautiful white sands, blue skies and a group of snobby Parisians. As Koh Chang is a national park, I found it hard to reconcile the level of development happening there which is seriously polluting the beaches and costline. All this is a government initiative to push the island to a more resort style of destination, and they seem determined to sacrifice anything to achieve this which is a real shame. However there are some real gems still on the island, like the Lonely Beach area, which means I'll be back.
After over a week at Koh Chang we headed back to Bangkok for a couple of days before relocating to Kanchanaburi (of Bridge over the River Kwai fame). A day was spent rambling around Pratunam markets in central Bangkok getting supplies before heading West. The markets were amazing, each stall crammed into a 2mx2m area or less, literally hundreds of these sitting either side of narrow 'streets' (900mm wide). The whole area has a roof over it, so it has a dark, grungy pertina with temperatures pushing 35 degrees combined with some intriguing smells made for some interesting moments.
That's all for now folks. Love James.
Magic Garden Cafe Koh Chang
Thai construction near Magic Garden Cafe
Tree House Cafe
Klong Phrao Beach, Koh Chang Kai Bae
Sun set from Tree House Cafe
Tree House Cafe
Kao San Road Bangkok, Shoes on Kao San Road
3 Comments:
Fantastic to find your post this morning! You really made my day. Thank-you. The Tree Hut Cafe sounds wonderful and I can imagine you breathing very carefully in the market place! It is SO GOOD to know you're doing just what you planned. I love it for you, just as I would love some more pics. when you have an opportunity to get them up.
Take care. Love ya, Sue.
PS. You have a new niece. Iris Rua was born on Jill's birthday (13th August). She is well. Axel is recovering. You can meet her on fancysfotosblogspot.com
PPS. Just phoned Murray to say your new post is up.He says 'hello' and will catch you later.
Hi James, good to read of your latest adventures and see good pics. Will read it all out to Nanna. Hope you got my email with pics from Grant. He's now starting "work" at Ohakea after a relaxing week at home.
Classic James, I stayed just down from the tree house when I was there. We used to walk over to the tree house and smoke hooters and drink beers in the evening. Great place. Cheers Rowan.
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