It took 2 buses, 4 taxis, a boat, and 20 hours for us to travel from Chiang Mai to our last destination in Thailand - Koh Chang. It probably wasn't the best of itinerary choices, but we were committed thanks to our Bangkok travel agent. Fortunately for us, a few days on a tropical beach will wipe away any previous travel woes.
Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand and accordingly has plenty to offer. We decided to skip diving this time around as we already hit more pristine dive sites elsewhere. Maybe we'll try again in Vietnam. Instead, we caught up on reading, tanning, sleep, and picture uploading. Other highlights included:
- Thai cooking class - We learned to make phad thai, tom kah soup, paneang curry, and mango sticky rice. All of my absolute favorite dishes. I just hope I can find the right ingredients back home to repeat this delicious meal.
- Treetop Adventure Park - zip lines, cable swings, flying skateboards, and more. I've always loved climbing in the trees. :-)
- Ban Bang Bao - A village built out into the bay on stilts. A little too touristy, but still cool to see. Plus the neighboring beach was a great place to spend an afternoon.
- Lonely Beach - The neighboring village to Bai Lan (where we stayed). It was a quick 10 minute walk for great cheap food, bars, and movies.
- Coconut Cafe - Our daily breakfast place. So cheap, but so good!
We're leaving here a day earlier than planned not because there isn't more to do, but rather because we're both anxious to move onto the next leg of our journey. Thailand has been an absolutely wonderful host for the start of our adventure. It's one of the rare places where everyone is welcomed with open arms. The smiling people, the amazing food, and the beautiful scenery have made an ever lasting impression. I will definitely return some day.
Next stop, Cambodia...
