Island Escape in an EV: Koh Chang and Beyond

We’d been longing for an island getaway for ages. Was it social media or TikTok’s fault? Those captivating videos of crystal-clear turquoise water were too good to resist. But before we gave in to temptation and hatched this plan, the question was, where to go? Phuket, we heard, was overpriced and overrated. Luckily, Pattaya wasn’t on our list for its crowds. Thankfully, a few recommendations from colleagues, students and some Googling skills of Teacher Jona led us to Koh Chang. Besides, we tend to believe the water is cleaner on islands, further away from mainland pollutants, however, I also realized it’s not that simple. Water clarity depends on various factors, including the time of year and nutrient levels, which can attract more phytoplanktons and zooplanktons. Okay, before this blog turns into an AP science lesson, let me tell you about our experiences and whether these destinations are worth visiting.

This trip also served as a test drive for our new electric vehicle, the MG4. We wanted to see its range and how easy it would be to find charging stations along the way, all while taking our time to enjoy the journey. It’s important to note, if you’re a planner who’s always in a hurry, this might not be the ideal car for you. Charging times can range from 30-50 minutes, which can add to travel time. However, for us, it was perfect for our spontaneous road trip adventure. We arrived home safely with plenty of charge thanks to strategic stops at charging stations. We never let the battery dip below 50%, aiming for at least 97% before continuing to ensure enough range for the next leg.

Ao Thammachat Pier: A Warm Welcome with a Wait

Upon arriving at Ao Thammachat Pier, we settled in for a wait of almost an hour as they loaded the ferry for car transport. Luckily, you can stay put in your car – no need to disembark. They’ll come around to collect payment: 120 baht for the car and 80 baht per passenger. The ferry ride itself takes about 30 minutes to reach Koh Chang. The wait needn’t be boring, though! You can capture some photos or videos from the deck, and there are even snacks available onboard.

A Bumpy Welcome, a Smooth Ride

Reaching Koh Chang, it took just a few more minutes to get to Centara Resort. We were a bit surprised by the hilly road – it brought back memories of our Phu Tab Boek adventure. But for our trusty EV? Easy peasy!

Hospitality

Arriving at the resort and checking in, we were greeted by the true spirit of Thai hospitality. The staff offered us drinking water and cool, scented hand towels to freshen up after the humid boat ride – a thoughtful touch we really appreciated. As they escorted us to our rooms, we found them impeccably clean and infused with a delightful scent. “Okay,” I thought to myself, “this is definitely not Bangkok!”

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I just want to share our honest experiences, both good and not-so-good, from this trip.

Rest, Recharge, and Rejuvenate

Reaching our room, we kicked back and showered. The long drive fatigue dissipated quickly, and we drifted off into a deep sleep. Waking up, it was already dinnertime. We headed to the hotel restaurant and opted for a family dinner package, a good deal for under a thousand baht. Most of the dishes in the set were curry-based and slightly sweet, catering to the Bangkokian palate, I suppose. Maybe it’s age catching up, but these days I crave the salty and sour flavors of Isaan cuisine. We paired dinner with a couple of beers, enjoyed the sunset and live music, and then retreated back to our room for some late-night chats before calling it a night.

A Breakfast Buffet to Remember

The next day, we indulged in the much-anticipated breakfast buffet. Compared to the curry-heavy dinner, this spread was a revelation! They offered a vast selection, including the chef’s daily specials, a variety of Western sourdough breads, cheese and of course, traditional Thai tea, milk tea, coffee, fruits, and everything in between.

Kayaking Activity

Embracing our spontaneous spirit, we opted to explore the resort itself. We inquired about activities and were recommended kayaking. We were complete novices, but luckily, we had Khun Robert, a kayaking pro, as our guide. He offered to take us to a nearby island, but feeling a bit apprehensive, we decided to stay close to the shore. The experience was surreal – we felt like kids, laughing at ourselves the whole time.

Drone Debacle and Poolside Perks

Next, we attempted some drone footage. Let’s just say the results were…well, let’s say they’ll be a reminder of my rookie piloting skills. But hey, at least we got some goofy shots of us waving at the drone from below! After that, we cooled off at the pool. Imagine our delight when we discovered a pool bar where you could order drinks and pizza while chilling in the water! Khun Poy (or Ploy) was incredibly friendly and offered a valuable tip: for a taste of local cuisine, order from a Facebook page calledKoh Chang All. We learned he’s Cambodian and a seasoned staff member at the resort. We also had a fun surprise encounter with Khun Raffy, a fellow Filipino! We were surprised to discover he’s actually the resort’s actor in this YouTube, when we were researching about this place!

Cabin Fever and Convenience

Later that afternoon, we started feeling a touch of cabin fever. We decided to take a quick drive outside the resort to a nearby 7-Eleven. We also grabbed some fruits and beers for some evening relaxation. The kayak adventure left its mark, though – my back still ached from dragging the kayak along the shore, and I’m pretty sure all that paddling didn’t move us as far as I’d hoped!

Second Breakfast and Back to Trat

The second morning’s breakfast buffet offered another curated selection of dishes. While some familiar favorites remained, Thai classics like khanom chin noodles with kaeng kiyaw whan curry and a unique pink sauce pasta with a Thai twist made an appearance. Poached eggs sizzling in pans alongside conchiang sausages with ketchup rounded out the spread. It was a delicious exploration of flavors, and we had to exercise some serious restraint to leave room for the rest of the day’s adventures!

After a few more attempts at capturing drone footage (hopefully with slightly improved results!), it was time to pack up and head back to Trat. Leaving the Centara with warm memories, we were also grateful for their convenient EV charging station – a slow charge, but only 100 baht for the night (9 pm to 6 am). This saved us the hassle of finding another station on the island, although we did see a few on Google Maps.

Back on the road, our trusty MG4’s battery dipped to 40% again after a few hours. Our preferred EV Pluz station was a good 36 km away, while the car’s navigation suggested a different station slightly off route. Opting for the quicker turnaround, we made a U-turn and headed to the recommended station. Being a different company, we needed to download the Pea Volta app. Everything was in Thai, and my rusty language skills weren’t much help. Thankfully, the kind gas station staff came to the rescue, guiding us through the registration process. My half-Thai status came in handy as I used my Thai ID and car plate number. While the car charged, we refueled ourselves with some cup noodles and drinks.

Durian and a Serendipitous Stay

Continuing our journey, the sight of durian vendors along the road sparked a craving. Unfortunately, the vendor informed us the fruit wasn’t quite ripe yet. This unexpected detour led us down a memory lane – we were in Chanthaburi! We’d visited a few months back and remembered a quaint hotel near Central Mall called U Sabai. On a whim, we decided to check our luck and see if they had any last-minute availability. To our delight, they welcomed us, offering adjoining rooms.

This unplanned stay turned out to be a gem. The hotel felt like a home away from home – clean, comfortable, and with delicious food. The back view of the river and sunset was idyllic, even with some neighboring construction. The community vibe was warm and friendly, making us feel safe and welcome.

Checking in early at U Sabai allowed us to explore the area a bit. As a Catholic, I felt a familiar yearning for the atmosphere of a church. Spotting the Immaculate Conception Cathedral nearby, we decided to pay our respects. We approached a parishioner and inquired about the possibility of having our car blessed. To our delight, they informed us a resident priest, Father Philip, was available.

The blessing ceremony was a heartwarming experience. We learned that Father Philip had spent time in Tagaytay with the Focolare Movement during his seminary days in the Philippines. We shared stories and photos, forging a connection that transcended language and culture. Feeling spiritually renewed, we returned to our hotel for a peaceful night’s rest.

The next morning, breakfast at U Sabai was another delightful experience. The atmosphere felt intimate, like a bustling Filipino fiesta kitchen. Staff members bustled around preparing the buffet spread, chatting and laughing together, creating a warm and welcoming energy that reminded us of family gatherings back home.

After a relaxing morning with some bookworming, we checked out a bit early, around 9 am. This time, we couldn’t resist indulging in durian, the “king of fruits,” in its rightful domain. We found a perfect vendor along the road and, like true durian enthusiasts, indulged in a roadside feast, then grabbed some durian chips and cake as souvenirs for friends back in Bangkok. And with that, it was time to hit the road and head back to the bustling city.

So, what’s the verdict on Koh Chang? It was interesting. We discovered a preference for mountains over beaches. While Koh Chang offered swimming, similar to our Khao Yai trip, the relentless sun on the beach wasn’t ideal, and we’re not the strongest swimmers. When it comes to the outdoors, mountains seem to call to us more than beaches.

Overall, though, Thailand never disappoints. The true gems of the trip were the fantastic accommodations, the friendly people, and the delicious food. The staff at Centara Beach Resort were exceptional, and we even managed to order Indian food from a local chef. Despite the lack of Grab or Foodpanda, through the magic of Facebook and Google, we found their contact details and enjoyed a delicious meal delivered straight to our hotel – it felt like a neighbor delivering homemade food!

The drive home was exhilarating. The MG4’s rear-wheel drive awakened a bit of a speed demon in me for a few hours. Knowing the roads well, I felt like a racer zooming back to Bangkok. It was the perfect escape to break free from routine and reset after the hustle and bustle of city life.

Vocabulary
Impeccably Clean: This means the room was extremely clean, without a speck of dust or dirt. Imagine your room being so clean, it looks like nobody has ever used it!
Spontaneous: This means you decided to do something on the spot, without planning it beforehand. It’s like jumping into a pool without checking the water temperature first!
Nutrient Levels: These are the vitamins and minerals that plants and tiny water creatures need to survive. Think of it like food for the underwater world!
Phytoplankton and Zooplankton: These are microscopic organisms living in water. Phytoplankton are like tiny plant factories, while zooplankton are little animal friends who eat them.
Serendipitous: This means a lucky discovery or a pleasant surprise you weren’t expecting. It’s like finding a hidden treasure chest in your attic!
Curator: This is someone who carefully chooses things to be included in a collection, like the delicious dishes at a breakfast buffet. Imagine the curator being the pickiest kid at a candy store, deciding which treats make the cut!
Phrases explained
True Spirit of Thai Hospitality: This means the Thai people were incredibly welcoming and kind, making you feel comfortable and at ease. It’s like everyone has a big smile and wants to be your friend!
Cabin Fever: This feeling describes getting restless and antsy from being stuck indoors for too long. Imagine being cooped up in your room for days, itching to get outside and explore.
Durian Enthusiasts: These are people who love the strong, spiky fruit called durian. It’s like having a superpower to enjoy a food that some people find smelly!
Blessing Ceremony: This is a religious ritual where someone asks for good luck and protection. Imagine sprinkling holy water on something to keep it safe and sound.
Bustling Filipino Fiesta Kitchen: This describes a busy kitchen full of people preparing food, with lots of energy and maybe even some music playing. It’s like a giant family gathering where everyone’s helping to make a delicious feast!

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