Haad Tha Nam - all beaches

Koh Chang has a fascinating attraction known as the "Ghost Hotel". Yesterday, we decided to explore it a bit and it was quite strange. To reach the hotel, you have to drive down a narrow and winding jungle road to the southern tip of the island's west coast. Eventually, you'll come across a gate where two friendly local Thais collect a 100 baht entry fee (around $3) per person. As we drove through what was once a beautiful and lush tropical resort, we saw it - a seven-deck ship that appeared to be floating but was actually stranded on land, giving off an abandoned vibe. In front of the ship, there was a sign stating that renovations were in progress, although it seemed unlikely. Honestly, we were unsure where to park our cars or what we were allowed to see and do there. In the end, we discovered that we could park or drive almost anywhere, except for the ship itself, which was off-limits. Everything else was free to explore. Next to the ghost ship, there was a reception area where we decided to take a look. Inside, we found a man fishing from a window that resembled a ship's deck. Looking out from the reception area, we realized that the resort wasn't just limited to the ghost ship. There were actually numerous guest rooms designed to resemble docked ships or converted ships. It was truly unlike anything we had ever seen before. Despite the heavy rain, we still managed to wander around and peek into the various floating hotels on the premises. We even came across a small area with fresh bed linens and neatly folded towels, ready to be rented out. Here's where things get even stranger. If you visit websites like booking.com, you'll find photos of the resort in its prime, suggesting that you can actually book a stay there (at least as of August 1, 2020, post-COVID). The price is around 4000 baht per night, which is quite expensive for Koh Chang, even during normal times, especially considering the resort's rundown condition and questionable cleanliness and maintenance. So, if you're looking for a unique experience in Koh Chang, this surreal little corner of the island is definitely worth a visit, and the 100 baht entry fee adds to the novelty. If you plan to spend the whole day there, you'll come across a clean-looking creek with tire swings where locals were swimming. Before continuing down the coast, we also enjoyed a nice lunch at Indie Beach in Bang Bao.

Super super

This beach is simply stunning, and there are plenty of options for entertainment and dining. However, it can be a bit quieter during the low season in May, when the wet season sets in. Nonetheless, this can be the perfect time to visit if you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere without the crowds. Our accommodation was conveniently located right on the beach, making our stay even more enjoyable.

This beach is one of my favorites on the commercial side of the island. It features white sand and is commonly enjoyed by two fantastic resorts, Nature Beach Resort and The Siam Beach Resort, which both contribute to its charm. The beach offers one of the most remarkable sunsets on the island, and there is an abundance of food and drinks, beach chairs, and happy beachgoers. Whenever I visit the island, this is the beach I always choose.

This beach is being used for the exploitation of elephants. At this location, elephant trainers are seen 'washing' the elephants, allowing tourists to sit on them, take photos, and even bathe with them. The elephants are also coerced into performing tricks, such as posing for photos or falling into the water. This behavior constitutes animal abuse. It is important to spread awareness and refrain from supporting or paying for these activities if you care about the well-being of elephants. These animals did not naturally learn to interact with humans in this way. They belong in their natural habitat. It is crucial to use common sense and understand that the trainers do not carry sticks for amusement. Educate yourself on the treatment of these animals. Once they leave the beach, the elephants are chained for the rest of their lives. They are not meant for human entertainment.

Beautiful