Our Sisaket to Koh Chang Road Trip Adventure

Travelling by car with my wife Taew is one of my favourite pleasures. Whether it's being dropped off to meet friends, going to the station to head to football, or going long distances, I get the chance to relax, sometimes navigate, sometimes improve my Thai, but always spend quality time with my good lady. long road trip never fails to entertain me.

Perfect Planning

Planning is necessary before setting off on any expedition. It might be the route that needs checking out, hotels that need booking, or perhaps arranging to meet friends along the way. All of that and more would be part of our journey from Sisaket to Koh Chang, spread over a couple of days.

The island paradise had been our annual destination for a few years. I officiated at the Beach Cricket Tournament, while Taew met up with friends from far afield and made new ones among the local ladies. Our friend John was also umpiring at the event. 

A Brief Stop in Buriram

It was a filthy morning when we set off towards Buriram. The roads, some with potholes filled with water, were not easy to spot, but Taew, as ever, did a fine job. I have never learned to drive, so I do my best to contribute by looking after the logistics.

We were heading to Buriram to meet Gary and Ploy and see his 96-year-old mum. While her mobility and sight have deteriorated, her memory is crystal clear when I prompt her, as she recalls stories of living in Scarborough around the war. We headed out for lunch and then stopped at one of the city’s several excellent cafes. 

It can’t be easy living in a foreign land at that age, especially for a woman. Most expats in Thailand are male. That means there is a shortage of female friends to chat with. We always enjoyed popping in to see her and hoped it brightened her day. Once Gary had made sure she was fine, it was time for the four of us to head to where we’d spend the night.

Nang Rong

A Night in Nang Rong

Steve and Fah had moved to Nang Rong a couple of years earlier after living not far from us in Minburi. The town, forty minutes south of Buriram, is of a decent size and an ideal place to stop before the second leg of the journey the following day, while catching up with our friends.

John had driven through and met us in Nang Rong. We stayed at the excellent Rabbit Hotel for the first time. It was outstanding value for 600 THB (£13.50), with clean, comfortable rooms and nice reception areas. It had only been open for a couple of years, so it would be interesting to see whether it maintained its appearance, with an awful lot of white in the décor.

A convivial evening ensued, first outside the Checkered Flag Bar before we men caught up with the ladies who’d gone on ahead to an open-fronted restaurant on the main road through town serving Isan specialities. 

I fancied a bag of Thai-style pork scratchings to accompany my beer. They are much lighter than the versions in the UK but do the job. Taew ordered me some, so I was surprised at the time they were taking to arrive. It was a case of “lost in translation” as I was served a plate of belly pork, straight out of the oven, and sliced into pieces for sharing. Absolutely delicious, if not too good for cholesterol!

While a night in Nang Rong is not everyone’s idea of a good time, it was invaluable to me. We live remotely, so I make the most of any opportunity to interact and catch up with friends. It’s so important for us to communicate, especially as we get older and rely increasingly on digital conversation. It’s the company, not the place, that counts. Not that I’m decrying the positives of Nang Rong.

PTT Service Station at Watthana Nakhon

Onward Journey

The following morning, John agreed to follow us in his car as the three of us headed towards the coast. Google Maps is generally reliable with its suggested routes, but they fall short in advising you of the road's undulations. At least I’ve never found the information.

The road from Nang Rong to Sa Kaeo was dramatic in parts, and in awful condition in others. It’s a route we hadn’t taken before, partly because of the recent conflict between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia, and because we’d previously travelled to Koh Chang via Bangkok. It was an experience. Many lorries use the route to get to the port at Laem Chabang, causing tailbacks where the road is a single lane, with overtaking often perilous.

It was a relief when Taew suggested we break for food. John followed us into the PTT Service Station at Watthana Nakhon, where we were greeted with a pleasant surprise. The food court, which sold excellent value options, was a mini museum, with lots of old American toys and signs. A pinball machine, mini cars and fridges from the 50s and 60s made the stop worthwhile.

The Final Leg

The Route 3395 from there to Chanthaburi was also a first-time experience. It had very little traffic, and the mountains forming the border with Cambodia were dramatic, making it an enjoyable ride. I saved the location of the Wat Mae Ya Som temple and the nearby area on my phone, hopefully for a future visit and stopover.

In Chanthaburi province, we joined Route 317, with Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary looking enticing across the way. It’s a beautiful part of the world, with a majestic golf course and resort, which some friends are members of. Perhaps one day I’d get to play there.

On this occasion, we travelled onwards, with a brief stop, to Trat and then towards the ferry pier. As things worked out, our smallish car was the last vehicle they could fit on the ferry, meaning John had to wait for the next one. Our crossing was extremely choppy, making the passenger deck hazardous. I was happy when we reached the sanctuary of Koh Chang.

Even more so when we drove for a few minutes to reach the Serenity Resort, where we stayed for 4 nights. As ever, it was peaceful, welcoming and the perfect base for us to enjoy our stay on the island.

In Closing

Sometimes a long road journey might seem like a chore. However, with planning, meeting friends and visiting interesting places, it can become a valuable part of a break, opening further opportunities to revisit the places seen along the route.

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Thanks for reading.