Driving from udon to trat/koh chang

[Macca]

Remember that many of KC beaches are very difficult to access, with the hotels "owning" huge chunks of beach and the only way onto the beach being through the hotel.

I lived on the island for 4 years and was back there last month.
Not sure about hotels owning the beaches, Grand laguna at the very South West corner being exception, but yes they try to give that impression.
The problem / issue with KC is the best beaches are not visible from the road.
the tip I always give to day trippers is just go out and try every little soi and dirt track to see what you find.
The best best for me was at the back of Amari Emerald Cove just north of kai bae.

As for the journey it's long and tedious, also exhausting as there are so many idiots on the road you just can't relax.

[stattointhailand]

Roads can be a bit "iffy" in places on KC, and it used to be impossible to drive all the way round (not sure if they have built any new roads in the last couple of years)

But there's some nice places to drive to

And a boat trip is well worth while if you like snorkelling ...

or like deserted beaches

but watch out for these little b*ggers