Today, we embraced the quiet beauty of Koh Chang in its full glory, starting our day unusually early. At 5 AM, I found myself on the balcony, savoring a serene morning with a view of the sea slowly awakening under the pale light of dawn. The tranquility of these early hours, with just the soft murmur of the waves, was magical. Noi joined me a little later, and together we enjoyed the cool morning air before heading down to the resort’s restaurant for a refreshing breakfast.
After breakfast, our morning continued with a leisurely stroll along the bay. Pook, the resort’s cheerful dog, was quick to greet us with his wagging tail, adding a joyful start to our day. With no particular plans, we decided to just drive and let the island’s roads lead us to our first unexpected destination—the abandoned Galaxy ship and the Koh Chang Grand Lagoona Resort in Bang Bao Bay.
The story of the Galaxy is as fascinating as it is mysterious. Originally a cruise ship, it reportedly sprung a leak and was transformed into an affordable ship-hotel, offering rooms at just 20 EUR per night. This ship-o-tel was part of the larger, opulent Koh Chang Grand Lagoona Resort, which featured artificial lakes, a stunning beach, and diverse accommodation options from wooden lodges to floating houses. The resort’s grandeur, however, was short-lived, shrouded now in tales of financial woes, unresolved legal issues, and eerie tragedies, including the death of a tourist that fueled ghost stories. The true reason behind the abandonment of this once-thriving resort remains a topic of speculation and mystery, adding an enigmatic charm to our visit.
Curiosity sated, we continued our exploration of Koh Chang, eventually finding ourselves at a breathtaking viewpoint. The vista offered a panoramic view of the island and its surrounding waters—a perfect snapshot of the natural beauty that makes Koh Chang a gem in the Gulf of Thailand.
Our journey then took us to a quaint village where we indulged in authentic Thai cuisine at a local restaurant. The highlight of our afternoon was a gondola ride through a unique water village, offering us a glimpse into the aquatic lifestyle of the locals. This floating village, serene and picturesque, was a testament to the traditional and resilient ways of island living.
As the day wound down, we drove back to the resort, minds full of the day’s adventures and hearts content with the experiences shared. Dinner back at the resort was a delightful end to a day marked by exploration, mystery, and the serene beauty of Koh Chang’s landscapes and stories.
Our day on Koh Chang was a reminder of how travel can be a blend of relaxation, adventure, and the unexpected, each moment building memories that linger long after the journey ends.
