Porn Bungalow – An Idyllic Retreat on the Koh Chang Island

It took me a while to decide about the name of the post. What is ‘Porn Bungalow’? And what is ‘Porn Resort’? Depending from where you are coming from, the word “porn” may have different connotations.

And now, that I’ve awakened your curiosity, let’s solve the mystery!

Welcome to the “Porn’s Bungalows” on the beautiful island of Koh Chang! Updated post.

Porn’s Bungalow, Koh Chang

I have to recognize I was very intrigued when I first saw the sign ‘Porn Resort’ on the island of Koh Lipe, South Thailand.

But “Porn” is just a Thai name…

Porn Bungalow

And here I am, on the balcony of my bungalow, right on the Kai Bae Beach, facing the sea, surrounded by palm trees, beautiful women and bottles of dark Lao beer with the occasional cigar – every man’s dream! The reality is the beautiful women are missing and instead I may be surrounded by some blood thirsty mosquitoes…

Bungalow and Kayaks for Renting, Porn Bungalow

My bungalow is made of wood, quite rustic with bathroom included, but no internet and no air conditioning. I get visited every day by my new friend, a stray cat with green eyes and very good “business” skills. She always gets fed, no matter what! Other kind of visitors, such cockroaches and geckos, seem to be permanent residents of the same bungalow. No problem, the view is superb!

The calm sea with bluish and greenish colors, the sounds of waves and the songs of birds, big red leaves falling from trees giving a surreal autumn feeling – a forgotten paradise!

But one of the birds is intriguing me, if she is a bird… I swear the creature is saying from time to time “fuck off”! No, I am not going from here!

Kai Bae Beach (view from the bungalow)

The “Porn Bungalow” restaurant is too, made of wood, I really like it. The food is very good and subdued music is played to match the environment. They even have a “Porn Special” menu!

Porn’s Bungalows Restaurant

Koh Chang (The Elephant Island)

After crazy Bangkok, Koh Chang is a blessing. It has everything for everybody: peace for the older of us, beach parties for the young and restless, modern resorts or jungle bungalows, beaches and mountains.

The water is sooo good: warm and calm, almost wave less, and sandy seabed! From my bungalow I can walk through water far away from the shore, almost reaching a nearby island by foot – a benefit of the Koh Chang location: the Gulf of Thailand.

Kai Bae Beach Sunset

For the first time I tried kayaking, paddling to a nearby small island. Lot of sweat, but good exercise!

Kayaks, Kai Bae Beach

Too bad I didn’t learn to drive a motorbike. It is the easiest way to get around the island. I tried renting one, but the island’s roads are dangerous and the motorbike rental places don’t want to take the risk of having their bikes damaged by a newbie.

The island of Koh Chang is circumnavigated by one main road, following the beach line, with an interruption in the south of the island. The West coast is more developed, with few very good beaches and many resorts. The East coast is undeveloped, with a couple of resorts and a lot of peace. In the center of the island are the mountains and the jungle.

Scenic view towards Gulf of Thailand

It seems the most visitors to the island are Russians. Many signs, besides Thai and English, are also written in Russian. Close to the beaches, the road is peppered with street food, restaurants, convenience stores, massage parlours, pharmacies, travel offices and motorbike rentals. At night time, “lady bars” are waiting for customers in red lighted bars.

Koh Chang Food Street

Motorbike rental place. The gasoline for the motorbikes is sold in glass bottles.

Bar in a minivan!

My Thai girlfriend came from Bangkok last weekend, so we rented a car and made a tour of the island. Here are few highlights of the trip.

The roads are treacherous and narrow, with very steep hills and sharp curves, especially on the West coast.

Friendly monkeys near the side road pose for the photographers and are hoping to receive bananas in exchange.

Elephants seem to be out of place on a beach or on the street, but they are brought from nearby elephant camps for the tourists enjoyment and hopefully to raise donations for the camps.

Elephant in a photo shoot taking a bath

Ban Bang Bao Village

A fishermen village, now more a touristy place, Ban Bang Bao is worth a visit.

Ban Bang Bao Village, Koh Chang

Ban Bang Bao Lighthouse

There are many seafood restaurants in the island. This fish is called the “beautiful fish”.

“Beautiful Fish”

A stop at the colorful “Rasta View” Bar is a must. Enjoy a cocktail and listen to reggae music while watching the Ban Bang Bao village and the sea from above.

Rasta View Bar

Lonely Beach

Not so lonely, actually full of life at night-time! This is the backpacker’s paradise, with all night long parties. Many bars and even a tattoo street!

Morning after party, Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

Lonely Beach Pub

Fishing Villages

Small, lost in time villages can still be found on the island. Life goes on peacefully, with slow moving fishing boats, women preparing food in wooden houses and small children playing.

Fishing village, Koh Chang

Taking a rest

A big smile!

Ko Chang Map

What I tried:

• Kayaking
• Koh Chang mangosteen wine
• Raw prawns in spicy sauce

What I didn’t try:

• Motorbike
• Scuba diving
• Jungle trekking

Koh Chang is the first island in my one month long three islands hoping. Next: Koh Mak & Koh Kood islands.

Related

• Lonely Beaches – Koh Mak and Koh Kood Islands
• Island Life – Find Your Own Paradise
• The Island Paradise of Koh Lipe
• Sunshine, booze and tattoos: Koh Phi Phi Island
• Spectacular Railay Beach, Thailand
• Postcards from Bamboo Island