Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island. There is no airport but one advantage over other islands is that there is a car ferry. Allow at least five hours if you are driving down from Bangkok. The interior is mountainous and forested, and often looks kind of brooding depending on the light. The roads are mainly on the west side of the island and have to hug the coastline as they make their way to the beaches. The shoreline bays have shallow and clear water, although there can be lively surf in the rainy season. It is easy to get to adjacent islands to stay, or for day-trips ​for fishing and snorkelling. Evenings are good for al fresco dining on the sand, supplemented by ​cocktails at the beach-bars.

Above and Below: Ao Klong Prao (Coconut Beach) in different seasons.

To get to the main beaches you need to crest the initial hill - keep your wits about you because it is extremely steep, with a couple of tricky switchbacks. Alternatively, get a baht-bus from the ferry which drops off at resorts ​all along the coast.

​Below: Photos of White Sand Beach, again in different seasons. This is the first main beach on the west coast as you go south. Next is Klong Prao, then further down are smaller beaches such as Kai Bae and Lonely Beach. Some prefer the latter because they are less developed, but still have bars and restaurants.

White Sand Beach is 5 kms long - plenty of space!

Below: More White Sand Beach