Elephant Island

Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is so named not because of the elephants that live here but because, apparently, part of the island’s shape looks like an elephant’s head. Frankly, I can’t see it and I’ve yet to see any elephants either despite now having travelled around the entire perimeter.

The difference between the west side and east side of this island is chalk and cheese. Most of the beaches are on the west side and thus the tourist developments. As mentioned before, where I’m staying is quite quiet but head a couple of miles north and almost the entire west coast becomes a rag tag and bobtail set of urban sprawls,

this being one of the better ones!

As soon as you head away from this side at the island’s northern tip, however, you enter a different, almost entirely unspoilt, world.

The contrast was so marked that I just had to stop a while to enjoy the view and the peaceful surroundings. And then blow me, out of nowhere, an oriental couple arrived, sat right next to me and started taking selfies.

I just don’t get it! So, off I went

through tropical forests and past acre upon acre of rubber plantation interspersed with some spectacular views.

Eventually, I came upon one of the more unspoilt beaches

complete with one bar/restaurant

and a few bungalows where you can reside for just over £7 per night. Very tempting, especially as some of the residences come complete with an innovative hot water system!

My final stop was at the southernmost tip of the island in a fishing village as yet untouched by mass tourism.

It’s quite a pretty place

but could be made so much more attractive

if the Thais were a bit more tidy (no pun intended!). They just dump rubbish everywhere and seem to be totally unaware of the negative impact such actions have on this otherwise beautiful island.