HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style

Stunning Sunset in Koh Chang, Thailand: Polaroid of the Week

Stunning Sunset in Koh Chang, Thailand: Polaroid of the WeekI originally planned to travel directly from Sihanoukville, Cambodia, to Bangkok but made a spontaneous detour to Koh Chang, a picturesque island in the Gulf of Thailand just north of the Cambodian border. (Thailand has two Koh Chang islands; the other is in the Andaman Sea near Myanmar.) This allowed me to discover another Thai gem and enjoy extra beach days before returning to bustling Bangkok.

I arrived with no preconceptions about Koh Chang, curious how it stacked up against Andaman Sea islands and Gulf favorites like Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. It was love at first sight! From the ferry landing in time for a breathtaking sunset to my final wave goodbye as the car ferry pulled away, every moment was pure bliss.

I didn't explore the full island but fell for its beaches—I'll be back. I stayed at Lonely Beach in the southwest, once truly lonely but now vibey without crowds. Known as the party spot, it felt relaxed during my visit, likely due to my secluded bungalow. I sought sun-soaked sands and toes in the sand, cherishing these last island escapes as my Asia adventure ends this month.


Tourist Attraction
  • Polaroid of the Week: Majestic Golden Buddhas in Bangkok s Serene Temples

    Amid the chaotic symphony of blaring horns, speeding scooters, and whizzing tuk-tuks on Bangkoks bustling streets, the citys hundreds of Buddhist temples offer tranquil sanctuaries for respite. After six months exploring North America and Europe, arriving in Thailands vibrant capital brought a wave of culture shock. We quickly embraced it by hopping into open-air tuk-tuks for tours of Bangkoks stunning wats. Zipping through main roads and back alleys, wed arrive at hushed temples adorned with sp

  • Weekly Polaroid: Phra Phikanet (Ganesha) Shrine in Chiang Mai, Thailand

    In Thailand, the revered Hindu deity Ganesha is known as Phra Phikanet or Phra Phikanesuan. As Hinduism spread across Southeast Asia, it brought cultural traditions like Ganesha worship. Here, he embodies fortune and success, with shrines throughout the country. Many Thai Buddhists honor him alongside Buddha, offering sweets, incense, flowers, and fruits to prosper their businesses. We might start packing extra donuts and flowers for our Phra Phikanet visits on future trips!  

  • Polaroid of the Week: Captivating Kathoey Cabaret Performance in Chiang Mai, Thailand

    Chiang Mai never fails to offer endless adventures. During our previous visit, time slipped away before we could catch a highly recommended cabaret show. Fortunately, we returned last month and enjoyed the vibrant kathoey cabaret with friends Betsy and Warren.Known as kathoeys in Thailand, these transgender women are more integrated into society than in many Western cultures. They often thrive in female-dominated fields like retail, beauty salons, and even as flight attendants for select Thai ai