Top 6 sites to take a sunset picture in Koh Chang, Thailand

My first trip to Thailand dates back to 1998. The country has changed a lot since, as most of Asia has done. I was recently in Koh Chang, a small island close to the border with Cambodia, on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand.

I had different expectations. I was looking for a relaxing place to spend some time reading my books, making photos and enjoying the local food. I usually read guides and people’s comments before travelling to any place, the sort of sites as TripAdvisor. Some of the feedback was not great, describing the island as a party place, chaotic and impossible to drive. Was Koh Chang the paradise island with some of the best beaches in Thailand?

I usually rent a scooter wherever I go. That is the quickest way to reach the best places for my landscape photography as well as the local festivals for some street photography. I booked the flights for the busiest time of the year, Xmas/NYE. Was it a good idea?

What did I find once on the island?

Everything. You can have the most relaxing time as well as the biggest party ever, it is your choice. Stay in White Sand Beach and you can have all the party you want. Stay in Lonely Beach if you are a backpacker.

Go to the Bang Bao village to have a quiet night. Move to the West Coast, like in Long Beach, and you are on your own, peaceful day and night. I loved the island and I am looking forward to spending more time there in future!!

Can I rent a scooter in Koh Chang?

I rented a scooter to move around the island. The roads are not that easy, with lots of hills that make crazy ascents and steep descents, add that the condition of the surface is not that great.

I saw a few people with injuries due to motorbike accidents. This is not the place where you start riding. If you are not that experienced, take the shared bus, a better option.

If you rent a bike, just drive cautiously and it will be fine, don’t race, anything can happen on the road and there are so many villages where you may expect a sudden pedestrian or animal walking through.

Making photos

The photography side of my trip was great. I spent two weeks on the island and I wished I had more time. Most of the people stay on the west side of the island and this is where you have the most spectacular sunsets.

This is my list of the top 6 sites which you must visit for some great photos. I am sure there are other sites and please add them in the comment area and/or send me the photos and I will include them in the post. That would be great 😀

Enjoy

Best sunset location in Koh Chang

Kai Bae Beach Sunset

This is a very quiet location just before Lonely Beach. Come here to have a drink before the sun goes down. The beach is a long and wide one.

Usually, kids come to play football which makes a great silhouette subject. Fishermen go out 1-2 hours before sunset, just small boats to catch the dinner for themselves and the local restaurants. All fresh food on the island.

This is another fantastic subject. Lots of action to include in your photo

The fishing village

Go to Bang Bao for the best shots of a fishing village. Yes, Bang Bao is not anymore the place it used to be, it is quite commercial and when you walk in you may feel as if the locals live of tourism more than fishing.

As soon as you get through the first shops and you head down to the harbour you will have a completely different view. Moreover, you will have the sunset just in front of you, a site you want to see.

The Bailan Dock restaurant

The Bailan Bay is between Lonely Beach and Bang Bao. There are a few small resorts and backpacking places beside restaurants and bars. It is a quiet location.

There are a few docks where you can take great sunset shots including sunbeds, umbrellas and more, a real feeling of the relaxing life on this island.

Long Beach

Long Beach is the only site on the east coast in this list. It is a must-visit. It is not easy to arrive here and you need your own transportation system.

Even by motorbike was a challenging one. The road is really bumpy and without any sort of maintenance. Hopefully, it is going to be better this season.

If you don’t stay overnight on this side of the island leave one hour before sunset. Remember that we are close to the equator and it becomes dark very quickly. This beach is in a promontory facing west which makes it great for sunsets

The TreeHouse (above) was a basic and quiet place on the beach. Vegetarian food and drinks were available. You could spend a few nights there as well. Unfortunately, the land owner decided a few years ago to redevelop the area, which is a pity because the TreeHouse was a real magical place.

Kai Bae View Point

Probably the best viewpoint on the island, located between Kai Bae Beach and Lonely Beach. You will not be alone but you can always find a great spot in the wide area. The view of the small islands is just outstanding.

Are you still wondering if Thailand or Vietnam is a better choice for you? Here is my full comparison based on 25 points.

Bang Bao Lighthouse

I talked of Bang Bao as a great spot already in #5. Once you head down to the end of the harbour you will see a lighthouse. You can either add the lighthouse as the main subject of your photo or, even better, walk up to the top and look back to the village, what a great view!!

This is it!!

As you see from the map the sites are quite close to each other however is it almost impossible to cover two sites in the same night, except maybe Bang Bao.

Where to stay in the island?

This is a great question and there are so many options around. My favourite area was around Lonely Beach, a really easy-going village even in the busy Xmas/NYE time. Do not expect any big party here, just lots of live music and drinks to enjoy a nice conversation through the night.

Here below are the three accommodations I used in the past and I recommend for a stay in Koh Chang

Full Map of the top 6 site to make a sunset photo in Koh Chang

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