November 24, 2006 Bangkok – Ko Chang, Thailand

November 24, 2006
Bangkok – Ko Chang, Thailand

This morning Spizz and I got up at 6:00 and finished packing the rest of our things. At 6:30 we headed out of the house (before Ben or Ju woke up). We jumped in a cab and headed to the bus station.

We go the bus station about 45 minutes before our bus and just chilled out in the waiting area. I was impressed that they had PlayStaion 2’s in one of the corners (for a fee). Eventually someone from the bus came and got us and told us it was time to board.

When we got on the bus and gave our tickets to the guy collecting them he gave us a funny look. As it turns out, we purchased tickets for the wrong day. Luckily, he took care of everything and were allowed to ride the bus.

I slept for most of the 5-hour bus ride. At 1:30 we arrived at the waters edge and transferred to a ferry. It was nice to be off the bus an on the water. We rode the ferry to Ko Chang island (Southeast Thailand). The ferry was very touristy and filled mostly with white people.

When we got off the ferry we jumped in a white pickup truck taxi (filled with at least 10 people) and asked him to take us to our accommodation. We were the last stop and he was not sure where to go. Since our directions told us to go just past (1 km) Lonely Beach, we got off there.

It was the longest 1 km I have ever walked. It was hot and muggy. The massive hills made it ever more difficult. By the time we arrived at Bailan Family Bungalows I was drenched in sweat. Still, we were both excited to see what $6.50 a night would get us. The place is actually quite nice. We have a fan, electricity, our own bathroom, a hammock (on the front porch), and a single large bed (with mosquito net).

Once we checked in we ordered some cold waters and then headed down to the beach by our bungalows. I immediately jumped in the water (spizz just hung out on the beach). Even though the water was very warm (at least 85) it was very refreshing.

We explored the beach for a while and then decided try to find a waterfall. We walked for a few minutes before deciding to jump back in a taxi (all on the island are white pickups). Unfortunately, by the time we got to the national park (where all the waterfalls are) it was closing (16:30). Instead, we had the taxi driver drop us off at White Sand Beach.

White Sand Beach is one of the most touristy spots on the island. There were lots of shops and lots of people along the waters edge. Once again I felt the need to jump in the water. When I got out we sat down at one of the restaurants to have dinner and watch the sunset.

Dinner was good and the sunset was even better. We were both impressed by the beauty of the island. After relaxing at our table for a long time we decided to head back to our bungalow. Interestingly, the cab ride back was much more expensive than the one there. And, once again, we were dropped off at Lonely Beach and had to make the tough climb up the hill (in the dark). It was quite scary as the roads were crowded with vehicles and our only light was my small headlamp. Nonetheless, we made it back.


When we got back to our small room I took a quick shower and then got ready for bed. We then both crawled under our mosquito net (at 7:30) and watched a (poor quality) pirated version of the Borat Movie (thanks B!).

We were both fast asleep (with no need for covers or sleeping bags) by 9:30.