Koh Chang was the first Thai island I visited and it was the perfect introduction to this part of the world. I was hoping to discover something close to paradise and I certainly found it.
Spending my days lying on Lonely Beach and working on my tan, my evenings were spent watching the sunset and drinking 500 buckets at any one of the bars lining the beachfront.
Those are some of my fondest memories of Koh Chang.
The sunsets differed every night, but each one was stunning and had me excitedly reaching for my camera. I took over 200 sunset photos while I was there and these are some of my favourites.
My first sunset on Koh Chang. Stumbling over rocks on our way to the beach, I stopped to catch my breath and as I looked towards the sea this was the sight that greeted me. A stunning sunset that left me feeling relaxed and at ease. Little did I know, the best was yet to come.
This bright red sunset was seen from my favourite bar in Koh Chang: Sunset Bar. Given the name, it is one of the best places to watch the sunset on the island and this one didn’t disappoint.
I distinctly remember gazing out towards the horizon, lost in my thoughts as I heard backpackers in the distance eagerly discussing Adelaide hotel deals. According to my original plans, I should have been in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa at that very moment. As I looked around, I smiled to myself. I definitely made the right decision to stay in Thailand.
This golden sunset was the perfect way to end a day relaxing on the beach. Watching the silhouettes of fishing boats slowly making their way back to shore added to the feeling of tranquility.
One of my favourite places to watch the sunset is on the beach! Even though it was too cloudy on this particular night, I love the pink hue of the sky while the sea reflects a neon orange.
Walking back to my guesthouse after a day spent sunbathing on the beach, I couldn’t help but take a photo of this intense orange sunset through the trees.
With so many clouds in the sky, I was disappointed with the sunset on our final night. I shouldn’t have been though – within 30 minutes of the sun sinking below the horizon the clouds had turned a bright pink, slashed with blue streaks of sky.
And finally, the photo that I feel perfectly sums up Koh Chang – the warm orange glow of the sun, hints of purple in the sky and one of the many palm trees leaning out towards the ocean.
I thought I had seen the best sunsets in the world in Zadar, but they were nothing compared to the ones I experienced on Koh Chang.
If you love watching sunsets then head to Lonely Beach. You won’t be disappointed.
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Beautiful indeed!
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Three Cute Pandas from Chiang Mai Zoo!
Noted! Those are gorgeous sunset shots.
I’d love to be there :)
DebbZ recently posted..Poland: A heartbreaking story about Nazi Death Camp
Wow, I love that second last photo! These all taken with your DSLR?
Lindsey recently posted..Being Locked Out, Locked In, and the Amazing People at the Sydney Writers’ Festival
Yup!
Yep!
Amazing photos – we never made it to Koh Chang, looks like another place I’ll have to add to the list. I particularly like the one with the silhouette of the fisherman. Very well done.
Aaron recently posted..Travel Photography at the Great Wall of China
Thanks, Aaron!
Gawjus! Sigh, there’s so much to love – and miss – about Thailand…
Edna recently posted..5 years, 5 cities: Celebrating my birthday around the world
I know… I’m glad I’m only spending 6 months away from Thailand!
Wow! I particularly love the last one. So iconic!
A Montrealer Abroad recently posted..Postcards from uber-modern Paris: La Defense
These are all amazing sunsets!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Exploring Franconia Notch State Park – New Hampshire, USA
Thailand is high on my list. Maybe I should start here too!
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..Photo Teaser #31: Country Music Guitar Faces
I highly recommend it, Scott!
Beautiful! I just returned from a trip to Thailand…unfortunately we didn’t get to explore much of the islands or beaches. Already looking forward to my next trip there!
Liana recently posted..6 Things I Learned in Thailand
I LOVED Koh Chang. It was my favourite paradise in Thailand – but I really didn’t make it to the beach – I was staying inland in Jungle Way and hanging at the elephant sanctuaries! :D
Chrystal McKay recently posted..Luxury Hammam at Les Bains de Marrakech
It really fantastic sunsets!
Vi recently posted..Whale watching in Sydney. Best time, places and tour prices
Gorgeous, I want to be lying underneath that palm tree now! x
Jen recently posted..The Incident With The Bull…
I am such a sucker for sunsets, and these photos are gorgeous! Definitely sounds like a great place to be!
Ali recently posted..Thoughts on One Year of Unemployment
Beauuudifulll! Love the photos, Lauren, especially how the sunset gives the water an orange tinge, like you’re in heaven where the sea is made of sangria.
Waegook Tom recently posted..Buddha’s Birthday in Korea
Spectacular pictures! I will be heading to SE Asia in a couple weeks and I am looking forward to seeing such beauty with my own eyes. Thanks for sharing.
Adam Pervez recently posted..Life Hacker, Victim, Or None Of The Above? Watching A Photo Shoot In Lima, Peru
It was my favourite paradise in Thailand – but I really didn’t make it to the beach – I was staying inland in Jungle Way and hanging at the elephant sanctuaries! Thanks that you’ve shared this with us.
Brilliant photographs complimented with very descriptive writing style. You are quite a package. Keep it up. :)