Briefly from Koh Chang

First, let me say that the flight from Narita was excellent. Because we were flying with Northwest, who we fly with regularly for the frequent flyer miles, is notorious for their poor service, we were not expecting much. However, their Thailand-Japan route is much much better than their Japan-Detroit route. We had our own TV screens, polite service and quiet neighbors!

We landed in Bangkok around midnight, and took an overpriced taxi downtown to our hotel. The White Orchid is a rather run-down affair in China Town, and we were happy that we were only there for two nights! After spending one full day and two nights in Bangkok, we were happy to board Bangkok Airways for a very pleasant 40 minute flight to Trat airport, and from there to make our way (very conveniently by van and ferry) to the idyllic island of Koh Chang.

Koh Chang was Brian's idea, and I think we stumbled on a gem. After looking at maps and other info, we decided to head to Klong Prao Beach, on the western side of the island. And, though we had initially thought to stay at the Coconut Beach Bungalows, we found upon our arrival that they were booked (Brian and I almost never make reservations ahead of time for this kind of island vacation!). So, we walked down the lane toward the beach, following signs for the Chai Chet Bungalows (click here to see them online). Well - we got lucky again. Not only did they have a bungalow available for the very affordable price of 700 baht per night, but it is even better situated than the Coconut Beach place. As we opted for the cheapest bungalow, we also got the simplest - no TV, no phone, no hot water, nor air con. But a beautiful balcony that looks out onto the ocean. No noisy backpackers, no music blaring late into the night...After the seedy White Orchid Hotel, the hub-bub of hustlers and the rats on the streets in Bangkok we find ourselves in paradise.

Unattractive White Orchid, taken through waves of Bangkok traffic:


Me, relaxing on the balcony of our bungalow in Klong Prau:



Today we walked about 6km to the Klong Plu waterfall:

In the heat and with the convenience of little public taxi/pick-up trucks, we opted for a ride back home.