Eat and meet

Lonely Beach

Most visitors to Lonely Beach choose to eat and entertain at their resorts or bungalows, but there are options along the main street as well.

As you enter what is known as the village of Lonely Beach practically the first spot you come across is Joy Restaurant. It's nothing much to look at, a cement floor and a bunch of wooden tables, with a vague effort at some decor with plants and a small pond. It has a jungle feel, simple but effective, and that's how the food goes also. Don't expect any fancy carved carrots or linen napkins but the food is good and portions decent. Thai food comes in around 40-90 baht, and there's Western fare starting at 150B. They also serve breakfasts, pizza and pasta. Out front of the restaurant is a fruit stall which does reasonable prices on season fruits.

There's something to please all tastebuds at Mallika's Cafe and Restaurant -- a friendly open air eatery on the non-beach side of the main road. Owner Mallika came to Ko Chang ten years ago without speaking a word of English and has developed her own little culinary empire. She's also made a habit of learning to cook new dishes from her international customers. Mallika also bakes her own bread, and has plans to offer bungalows out the back in the future.

Party fiends can dance the night away at a few resorts along the beach, along with at Back Sound and Lemon Bar at the top of the hill at the southern end of town. The music often continues all night no matter how few people show up, much to the chagrin of the sleepless locals nearby.