Virtual Tour: Lonely Beach – Koh Chang Island
For the full experience of Lonely Beach on a calm Tuesday morning, please feel free to watch the video below. And if you haven’t done so already, please remember to Like and Subscribe to my channel! Muchas Gracias!
Although not a traditional, picturesque, white-sand beach like other iconic Thai beaches, Lonely Beach exudes a sense of calm and serenity tucked away down in the southwest corner of Thailand’s third-largest island.
A Brief History of Lonely Beach
Lonely Beach, one of the smaller, secluded beaches on Koh Chang, had its humble beginnings as a small fishing village back in the early 20th Century. As time went by, Lonely Beach, secluded from the rest of the island, became a sanctuary for backpackers in the early 90s and has evolved from there.
Despite the development of a few local hotels and bungalows, a couple of beachfront bars, Lonely Beach has kept its historical laid-back relaxed vibe. In my two days at the beach, the only noises that reverbrated from the shores were some kids playing and the sounds of the waves crashing into the rocks.
How to Get to Lonely Beach
The seclusion of Lonely Beach is one of its appeals, but also has its drawbacks. As the beach is not connected to any major resort, the only accessible way to arrive there is via motorbike or TukTuk. Expect to pay at least 100 baht, as the seclusion down in the southeastern corner of the island, makes it a longer ride.
The Appeal of Lonely Beach for Single Explorers
What I loved about Lonely Beach was its versatility in terms of travel experiences. To put that more clearly, as I am only on my second cup of coffee, is that Lonely Beach is a great escape for single travelers.
I found a lot of single travelers, carousing from beach bar to beach bar, socializing over beers and fruit cocktails. Everyone was very friendly, especially during the Full Moon Party at Mimo’s Bar, situated right on the shore. The vibe was a throwback to backpackers exchanging stories, travel advice and hidden gems.
Why Lonely Beach is a Great Fit for Families
Lonely Beach is a great place to take the family for a day since the beach is secluded from other beaches on the island. There are few crowds, which provides the kiddos with plenty of space to run around and cause havoc.
As well, as having ample space for the kids to run around in, the waters were shallow and calm. There was a sand dune steps away from The Nature Beach Resort which many of the resort’s children were playing in. Local families were at the beach as well, and for the most part, kids of all ages and nationalities were playing together peacefully and safely.
The Seclusion of Lonely Beach
What made Lonely Beach stand out amongst others was the seclusion of the beach itself. The beach is surrounded by a dense forest, which insulates the beach from the rest of the island, providing a pocket of tranquility and calmness.
Lonely Beach is perfect of the traveler in need of a break from the chaos of modern life and just needs a few days to reflect and recharge. Legend has it there was a monk who retreated to the caves of Lonely Beach for reflection and meditation. It’s easy to see why.
Final Thoughts and Appreciations
The main reason I found Lonely Beach so appealing was its diversity. It’s a great beach for all travelers; single and families. However, if you are seeking a beach with more amenities, Lonely Beach might not be for you. The facilities are scant, and the concessions are limited to the hotels and resorts in the area. The restaurants and bars tended to open a little later than other areas on the island.
Sections of the beach tended to be a little rocky. If you are searching for clean, white sand, I would recommend the aptly named “White Sand Beach” for a day of sunbathing by the shore. That said, I found the seclusion of Lonely Beach very appealing and it is the main reason I tend to return to recharge my batteries and reflect on life.
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