Koh Chang Grand Lagoona

This is still my favourite island in Thailand. I've been coming for over ten years, and even with much more tourism, it feels like paradise compared with Phuket, Koh Samui, and similar places. The locals are very friendly, most beaches are clean, and the range and quality of food have improved over the years. In recent years, though, one particular group of tourists from an Eastern European country led by a war-mongering dictator has made the island feel much more crowded. Their loud, inconsiderate behavior sometimes spoils the atmosphere, which is usually relaxed and respectful.

The island has steep hills, monkeys, tight hairpin turns, and lots of Europeans. It's commercial and touristy, but there are many places to stay and rates are low. I wouldn't book ahead; many rooms at reasonable prices aren't listed by consolidators. Be wary of Agoda bargains, since there may be an issue, like construction in my case. Rentals are cheap, about $10 a day, but I fell off my motorbike three times, gently, and cars coming the other way were always over on my side. Credit cards, when accepted, come with a 3%+ charge. It was overcast and windy during my visit, so snorkeling and scuba were out. You can drive around the island in a day, and two days felt like enough for me. Beaches are clean but narrow, like the roads. Small tourist towns ring the island, with White Sands beach the liveliest in a good way. It's not much of a party island. Every other shop seems to offer massage, and there's a good range of reasonably priced food. The waterfalls were underwhelming, signs were poor, and almost all of them were in Thai.

Koh Chang has a relaxed island feel and, to me, never seems too crowded. You can still find Thai charm, friendly locals, and lots of good food. There are waterfalls to explore, snorkelling and diving, and options for nightlife as well as quiet time. The beaches range from lively White Sand Beach to quieter places in the south, and the sunsets are breathtaking. With jungle-covered mountains and clear water, it's a stunning place and one of Thailand's best destinations. It felt like a welcoming place from the moment I arrived.

The beaches and resorts are beautiful, and the island feels much quieter than Thailand’s more touristy spots. Once you get here, it’s hard to want to leave.