Koh Chang is one of our favorite islands in Thailand, in part because it’s so close to Kat’s family in Chanthaburi. We first went there together in 2018, and absolutely loved it, but chose to explore its smaller neighboring islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak on more recent trips. In March, 2026, we decided it was finally time to return to Koh Chang and see how the island has changed over the years.

We’ve visited Koh Kood three times now, and just can’t get enough of its tropical beaches and laidback atmosphere. Arriving at this gem of the Eastern Gulf is such a special experience: you instantly feel at peace when you see the Big Buddha Statue peak its head through the palm trees of Ao Salad Pier. Jumping off the ferry, and into a songthaew, you’re whisked away through the jungle roads to your hotel.

Koh Kham is a tiny private island situated off the coast of Koh Mak, famous for its abandoned luxury resort and unusual black volcanic rock formations. We spent the day here during our stay in Koh Mak and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We did nothing more than sunbathe, swim, take photos and explore Ananya Hideaway but the time simply flew by.

Koh Mak truly lives up to its reputation of being a “hidden gem”. There are no 7-Elevens or resort chains to be found here, instead a handful of sleepy roadside cafes and intimate family-run hotels dot the landscape. The lack of mass-tourism is noticeable as soon as you hop off the boat and take a golf cart to your accommodation, weaving through bumpy dirt tracks and lush coconut groves.