THEGUIDE
koh chang
96
FAHTHAI
1 _
WHAT WE
RECOMMEND
For an experience that
goes beyond the usual
beach, bar and bungalow,
visit the Blue Lagoon. It
offers cooking classes,
Thai-language and yoga
lessons and art exchanges,
and has a lush garden.
(bluelagoonbungalows-
restaurant.com)
2 _
KNOW THE
NUMBER
61 – the number of bird
species found on Koh
Chang
3 _
BAAN ZEN
You'll have to check in to
one of Baan Zen's spartan
rooms (no air-con, no
TV, no smoking) at this
zen-like retreat on Koh
Chang to sign up for its
yoga, reiki, meditation and
chakra-balancing courses
– but that just serves to
intensify the possibly life-
changing experience.
(baanzen.com)
COUNTRY
CODE
+66
EXCHANGE
RATE
THB30 = US$1
FREQUENCY
3 flights per day
from Bangkok
ECO-TRAVEL
Koh Chang offers
plenty of nature
trekking and rural
wonders
E C O - R E T R E A T
Top 3
insider
travel tips
Rest Your Head
ARTIST’S PLACE TRAT
If you’re headed to Koh Chang,
this bohemian guesthouse in
Trat City is the perfect place to
rest up before catching the ferry
– the pier is just 30 minutes
away. Artist’s Place features
bicycle rentals and free Wi-Fi,
and there’s an excellent onsite
café called Pier 112.
(facebook.com/TheArtistPlace)
SHANTAA KOH KOOD
What it lacks in amenities
– don’t check-in expecting
a pool, all-day air-con or an
in-room fridge – this wonderful
resort on Koh Kood makes up
for it with a prime beachfront
location, excellent food, quirky
outdoor bathrooms and staff
willing to go the extra mile.
(shantaakohkood.com)
Top Tables
COOL CORNER
Run by an artist from Bangkok,
this chilled yet sophisticated
spot in Trat City boasts an
eclectic design, world music
soundtrack and a solid menu
of Thai and Western offerings.
On any given night, you'll come
across fellow travellers, resident
expats and hip locals.
(T: +66 84 159 2030)
I BUONI A NULLA
Though the name translates
as “The Good for Nothings”,
this restaurant run by two
expat chefs – Marco and Jo
– actually serves up some of
Koh Chang's best Italian dishes
at reasonable prices, making
it the ideal place to go when
you just want a taste of home.
(italianrestaurantkohchang.
com)
Bottoms Up
SHAMROCK CHANG
In the mood for live sport and
good company? This Irish pub
on Koh Chang offers all three
daily, from noon to midnight.
Along with a range of cold
beers, there's also a great menu
– try the pulled pork sandwich
with BBQ sauce.
(facebook.com/
ShamrockChangBarGrill)
Koh Chang
TEXT: THOMAS KEAN
