One of the many dirt roads around Koh Mak

We decided to end our week long stay on the islands by spending two nights in Koh Mak – a smaller island off of Koh Chang. We took a slow boat from Koh Chang’s fisherman’s village and an hour later we were on a gorgeous new island. Even before getting off the boat, I could already see that the water was crystal clean turquoise and the scenery resembled one of those posters you see in a tour agency. Koh Mak is definitely less touristy than Koh Chang with far less resorts, restaurants and activities. There are stretches of land where you see nothing but trees (and dogs). It is very quiet and somewhat secluded, a perfect romantic getaway.

We stayed at “Monkey Island” in a simple bungalow with a bed, mosquito net and an outdoor shower attached to the room (there is no ceiling, showering is done under the stars). In the evening, we listened to a live acoustic Thai music performance at the resort sitting a few steps from the beach. Can’t say I liked the music but I definitely enjoyed the atmosphere. In the middle of our first night we woke up to the sound of a major downpour. We were surprised by how dry everything stayed inside of the cabin but we both got soaked going out to the bathroom.

Learning to ride the bike on Koh Mak

The best way to explore the island is by riding a motorbike. We wanted to be sure to try every single beach and sample every dish around (not very hard to do as I counted 3 restaurants in total, not including resorts). Last year, while on Phu Quoc island in Vietnam, Kevin started teaching me how to ride the motorcycle. I am guessing there are still a few locals in Phu Quoc laughing their heart out at that unforgettable driving lesson. While in Koh Mak, we decided to try again, we were on a deserted island after all. This time, we rented an automatic bike and it made a huge difference! After a 10min lesson in the resort’s parking lot, I drove out to the main street and started riding around. We rode around on dirt paths exploring hidden paths and pristine beaches. It was super fun! Here are some photos from Koh Mak.

On Thursday morning, we left the island and embarked on a full day’s journey to Chiang Mai, all the way in the north of Thailand. A speedboat, minivan, bus, plane and taxi later, we were settling into our charming room at the guesthouse.

A First Glimpse of Koh Chang

We’ve just posted new photos from Koh Chang Island and surrounding islands in this approx 50 island archipelago in the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand.

View Koh Chang Island photos.
View Island Hopping photos.

First of all, we’re planning on spending a good deal of time in Thailand. A couple days after I arrive in HCMC we’ll take off for some island fun.

View Larger Map

Koh Chang

This archipelago is situated far from the famous islands like Koh Pi Pi and Koh Phangan and the full-moon parties. However, everything I’ve heard about Koh Chang sounds just as good if not better than most of the other more popular islands of Thailand. From beaches to hiking, motorbiking (although reportedly risky for beginners) to hanging out with elephants, this island getaway sounds like the perfect break from the fast paced life in New York City. In addition to the main island of Koh Chang there are several smaller nearby islands to explore and we plan on doing some island hopping just like we did last year in Si Phan Don, Laos.

Bangkok

We’ve been to Bangkok before but only briefly and many years ago. In 2001 we first landed in Bangkok coming from Israel (via Copenhagen). This city was the very first place we visited in Asia. However, three things prevented us from really seeing and experiencing Bangkok.

1) We landed and headed straight for Khaosan Road and sort of got stuck in that backpacker scene.
2) We ran around town trying to get malaria pills at a cheap price and also had to procure visas to Vietnam.
3) We took off to the beautiful island of Koh Lanta while waiting to receive our Vietnam visas.

This time, however, we’re all set to explore other parts of the city and to see how it’s changed over the years. For example, we’ve yet to check out Wat Phrakaew (with the Emerald Buddha) and the Royal Grand Palace as well as the nearby ruins of Ayuthaya, on the road to Chiang Mai.

North of Thailand

photo credit: garycycles2

Thailand, along with Vietnam and Laos, offers a lot of diversity for travelers especially when you compare the northern and southern regions of the country. All three countries feature mountain ranges in the north and have some things in common: gorgeous scenery, indigenous mountain tribes, cooler weather, and lots of great nature and hiking. We’ll have plenty of time to rest on the islands but we’re also planning on getting some exercise in the mountains. It seems like the main place to go is Chiang Mai, the capital city in the northern region of the same name. Many people recommend Pai, another town which is not too far. We’ll probably look into some motorbiking in this region in case we get tired of walking. If it’s anything like the northern mountains of Vietnam, where I did a 5 day motorcycle tour to the border of China in 2001, then it should be an excellent and scenic adventure!

Also on this trip Tamar and I may both visit Singapore (separately) and I’m planning on staying a few weeks longer to check out Malaysia in February. More on that to come! In the meantime, we’re looking for recommendations and open to anything.