So, You Want to Make a Koh Chang Travel Vlog?

Thinking about creating a travel vlog for your new YouTube channel? You know the channel you set up to document your voyages of discovery (and hopefully lead to the type of lifestyle promoted by Youtube travel influencers) well Koh Chang is a fantastic place to film one. We’ve got beautiful beaches, lush jungles, vibrant local culture and burgeoning food scene, so there’s plenty to capture on camera.

This guide is here to help you plan and produce a travel vlog that showcases the best Koh Chang has to offer. It will walk you through choosing the vlog’s focus, planning your itinerary, selecting the right gear, filming techniques, editing tips, and what not to say.

But before we start . . .

When creating your travel vlog, it’s tempting to emulate popular YouTubers. However, viewers are drawn to genuine personalities. Using your own voice and sharing your unique perspective helps build trust and connection with your audience.

Authenticity makes your content stand out and keeps viewers coming back for more. Remember, it’s your personal experiences and insights that make your vlog special. (Plus it helps if you,or significant other, has an arse that looks good in a bikini as that’s essential for your clickbait thumbnail.)

Planning Your Koh Chang Travel Vlog

Define Your Vlog’s Focus

Before whipping out your GoPro, it’s essential to determine the theme and focus of your vlog. Koh Chang offers a diverse range of experiences, and tailoring your content to a specific niche can enhance viewer engagement.

Combining various themes into one video will make it more appealing to a wider potential audience. Making separate theme specific videos will be more time consuming and may not attract the same audience.

Popular Themes:

Adventure & Nature: Highlight jungle treks, waterfalls, and snorkeling spots.
Cultural Exploration: Feature local markets, temples, and traditional Thai cooking classes.
Relaxation & Wellness: Showcase beach resorts, spas, and yoga retreats.

Selecting a clear theme helps in structuring your vlog and attracting a targeted audience interested in that particular aspect of travel.

Research and Itinerary

Crafting a well-thought-out itinerary ensures you cover the most captivating aspects of Koh Chang. Here’s a rundown of must-visit locations and activities that are popular among travelers and vloggers. These are the places you’ll find in pretty much all Koh Chang travel videos :

Top Attractions

Klong Plu Waterfall: A short hike through the jungle leads to this magnificent 20-meter-high waterfall, where visitors can swim in the refreshing pool at its base. It’s the most popular waterfall on the island and easily accessible from Klong Prao Beach.
White Sand Beach: Located on the northwest side, this is the most developed and popular beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere, accommodations, and stunning sunsets. It’s a great spot to capture the lively beach scene.
Bang Bao Fishing Village: Situated at the southern tip of the island, this village features wooden houses on stilts along a pier. While it has become more touristy over time, it still offers insights into local life and is a departure point for snorkeling and diving tours.

Activities

Snorkeling and Diving: The waters around Koh Chang are home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Join a snorkeling or diving tour to explore sites like the HTMS Chang wreck and the reefs around nearby islands.
Cooking Classes: Participate in traditional Thai cooking classes to learn about local cuisine and culture. These classes often provide hands-on experience and are a favorite among cultural enthusiasts.
Elephant Camps: I’d leave them out but if you decide to visit please highlight that they are tourist camps and not educational or a sanctuary in any way.

Incorporating these locations and activities into your vlog provides a comprehensive view of what Koh Chang has to offer, catering to a broad audience.

Equipment Checklist

Having the right equipment is crucial for capturing high-quality footage. Most Youtubers start off with just a good phone and a GoPro. Then they’ll realise no-one can make out anything they’re saying so will order an external microphone from Amazon. That’s pretty much the minimum required. But if you’re doing this seriously then your travel blogging camera kit will probably include:

Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera for high-resolution videos and photos.
Action Camera: A GoPro or similar device for underwater and adventure shots.
Drone: For aerial views of beaches and jungles, adding a dynamic perspective to your vlog.
Microphone: An external mic to capture clear audio, especially in outdoor settings.
Tripod/Gimbal: To stabilize your shots and achieve smooth footage.
Extra Batteries & Memory Cards: To ensure you don’t run out of power or storage during your shoots.

Is this necessary. If you’re a super personable type who’s born to be in front of camera, probably not. Many Youtubers think they have this skill but very few actually do. So having the appropriate gear enhances the production quality of your vlog, which in turn makes it more appealing to viewers.

Filming Tips and Techniques for Your Koh Chang Travel Vlog

Creating a compelling travel vlog involves more than just capturing beautiful scenery; it requires thoughtful planning, engaging storytelling, and technical proficiency. Here’s how to elevate your Koh Chang video and make it stand out from the sea of dross.

1. Select Visually Engaging Locations

Koh Chang offers a plethora of picturesque spots that can captivate your viewers:

Klong Plu Waterfall: A popular waterfall accessible via a short jungle trek. The surrounding lush greenery and the waterfall’s natural pool provide excellent visuals.
White Sand Beach: Known for its pristine white sands and clear waters, it’s perfect for sunrise or sunset shots.
Bang Bao Fishing Village: A traditional village built on stilts over the water, offering unique cultural insights and vibrant scenes.
Kai Bae Viewpoint: Provides panoramic views of the island’s coastline, ideal for establishing shots or drone footage.

When selecting locations, consider the time of day for optimal lighting and the presence of crowds to ensure clear shots.

2. Incorporate Diverse Shot Types

To maintain viewer interest, vary your footage:

Establishing Shots: Use wide-angle shots to set the scene, showcasing the location’s ambiance.
Close-Ups: Highlight details like local cuisine, handicrafts, or flora and fauna to add depth.
Time-Lapses: Capture the movement of clouds, tides, or bustling markets to convey the passage of time.
Point-of-View (POV) Shots: Use action cameras to immerse viewers in activities like snorkeling or trekking.

Incorporating various shot types enhances the visual storytelling of your vlog.

3. Prioritize High-Quality Audio

Clear audio is crucial for viewer engagement:

External Microphones: Use lapel or shotgun microphones to capture crisp dialogue and ambient sounds.
Voiceovers: Record narrations to provide context or share personal anecdotes.
Background Music: Select royalty-free tracks that complement the mood of your footage without overpowering it.

Ensuring high-quality audio enhances the professionalism of your vlog.

4. Craft a Compelling Narrative

A well-structured story keeps viewers far more engaged than a series of seemingly random shots:

Introduction: Set the stage by introducing the location and what viewers can expect.
Body: Share experiences, challenges, and discoveries, providing insights and personal reflections.
Conclusion: Summarize key takeaways and encourage viewer interaction through comments or subscriptions.

A cohesive narrative transforms your footage into a captivating story.

5. Editing Tropes

Drone shots with epic tropical music.
GoPro-in-mouth snorkeling shots.
Slow-motion walks into the water or turning in circles on the beach.
Speed-up scooter rides with vintage film overlays or Lo-Fi music.

Why Use These Tropes?

They work. People love the idea of discovery and escape.
They help set the vibe and appeal to both first-timers and daydreamers.
Many creators are influenced by each other and unconsciously repeat trends.

6. Utilize Editing Tools Effectively

Post-production enhances the quality of your vlog:

Editing Software: Use programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional results.
Color Grading: Adjust colors to enhance the visual appeal and maintain consistency across clips.
Transitions and Effects: Apply transitions to ensure smooth scene changes and use effects very sparingly to emphasize key moments.

Effective editing refines your vlog, making it more engaging and polished.

Editing and Optimizing Your Koh Chang Travel Vlog

Editing is where your raw footage transforms into a compelling narrative. It’s the stage where you craft the story, set the mood, and engage your viewers. Here’s how to approach this crucial phase:

1. Organize and Review Your Footage

Categorize Clips: Sort your footage into folders based on locations (e.g., beaches, waterfalls, markets) or activities (e.g., snorkeling, hiking, dining). This organization streamlines the editing process.
Review and Select: Watch all your clips, noting standout moments, clear audio, and visually appealing shots. Mark these for inclusion in your vlog.

2. Craft a Compelling Narrative

Storyboard: Outline the flow of your vlog—introduction, main content, and conclusion. This structure keeps your audience engaged.
Engaging Opening: Capture attention within the first 10 seconds with a teaser of what’s to come or a captivating scene.
Consistent Tone: Maintain a consistent mood and style throughout your vlog to provide a cohesive viewing experience.

3. Enhance with Music and Sound

Background Music: Choose royalty-free tracks that complement the mood of your scenes. For instance, upbeat tunes for adventure segments and mellow melodies for serene landscapes.
Natural Sounds: Incorporate ambient sounds like waves crashing, birds chirping, or market chatter to immerse viewers in the environment.
Voiceovers: Add narrations to provide context, share personal insights, or guide viewers through your experiences.

4. Apply Visual Enhancements

Color Correction: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to ensure visual consistency across clips.
Transitions: Use smooth transitions between scenes to maintain flow and prevent jarring cuts.
Text Overlays: Include on-screen text to introduce locations, provide fun facts, or highlight key points.

5. Optimize for YouTube

Title: Craft a descriptive and keyword-rich title, but try to think of something a bit more unique than “Exploring Koh Chang: Thailand’s Hidden Paradise.”
Description: Write a detailed description summarizing your vlog’s content, including relevant keywords and links to your social media or related content.
Tags: Add tags like “Koh Chang,” “Thailand travel,” and “island adventure” to improve discoverability.
Thumbnail: Design an eye-catching thumbnail that accurately represents your vlog’s content.
End Screens and Cards: Utilize YouTube’s features to promote other videos, encourage subscriptions, or link to external resources.

6. Maintain Appropriate Length

Conciseness: Aim for a duration that retains viewer attention—typically between 5 to 10 minutes.
Pacing: Ensure your vlog moves at a comfortable pace, balancing informative content with engaging visuals.

Final Tips: Crafting an Engaging Koh Chang Travel Vlog

As you embark on your journey to create a compelling travel vlog about Koh Chang, consider the following strategies to enhance your content and connect with your audience:

1. Revisit Your Vlog’s Purpose

Reflect on the initial goals you set for your vlog. Whether it was to showcase Koh Chang’s natural beauty, delve into its cultural nuances, or share personal adventures, ensure that your content aligns with this purpose. A consistent theme helps maintain viewer interest and establishes your unique voice.

2. Summarize Key Takeaways

Conclude your vlog by recapping the highlights of your experience. This could include:

Top Attractions: Mention the most memorable sites you visited, such as Klong Plu Waterfall or Bang Bao Fishing Village.
Cultural Insights: Share any unique cultural experiences or traditions you encountered.
Personal Reflections: Discuss how the journey impacted you or altered your perspective.

A concise summary reinforces the value of your content and provides closure for your viewers.

3. Offer Practical Advice

Provide your audience with actionable tips based on your experiences:

Best Times to Visit: Share insights on the ideal seasons or times of day for certain activities.
Budgeting Tips: Offer advice on managing expenses, such as affordable dining options or transportation methods.
Local Etiquette: Inform viewers about cultural norms to respect during their visit.

Practical information enhances the utility of your vlog and positions you as a reliable source.

4. Encourage Viewer Interaction

Foster a sense of community by inviting your audience to engage:

Ask Questions: Prompt viewers to share their own experiences or plans related to Koh Chang.
Call to Action: Encourage likes, shares, and subscriptions to expand your reach.
Feedback Requests: Solicit suggestions for future content or improvements.

Engagement not only boosts your video’s visibility but also builds a loyal viewer base.

5. Provide Additional Resources

Guide interested viewers to further information:

Related Vlogs: Link to other videos covering similar destinations or themes.
Travel Guides: Recommend reputable sources for in-depth information on Koh Chang.
Contact Information: Offer ways for viewers to reach out with questions or collaboration proposals.

Wait, there’s more . . .

Before uploading one final check.

Top Overused Travel Phrases I’d Gladly Never Hear Again

1. “Hidden gem”

If it’s on your YouTube channel with 200,000 views or in a blog post with SEO juice, it’s not hidden anymore. Let’s retire this one unless you’re actually crawling through jungle with a machete and a local shaman.

2. “Off the beaten path”

You mean a place that still has free Wi-Fi and sells banana pancakes? Cool, but let’s be honest , 90% of “off the beaten path” spots are now well-trodden by backpackers with vlogs.

3. “A must-see” / “You can’t miss this”

Says who? Travel is personal. What’s a “must-see” for you might be a “must-skip” for someone else. Maybe don’t tell me what I can or can’t miss?

4. “This place is like [X] meets [Y]”

“It’s like Bali meets Ibiza with a dash of Maldives.” Stop. It’s not a cocktail recipe. Let places stand on their own.

5. “The locals are so friendly”

Yes, many are. But this can veer into lazy exoticism if you’re not careful. Tell us how they were friendly, what you learned, what surprised you. They’re also making money off you, so most realise that being friendly and funny will lead to a higher income.

6. “I can’t even put it into words . . . ”

You’re literally a travel blogger. Please elucidate. That’s why I’m watching you. Not to hear nothing more than “Insane” and “Awesome” every 30 seconds.

7. “This is paradise”

Overused to the point of parody. Also, “paradise” varies: for some it’s an empty beach, for others it’s a high-speed train with working Wi-Fi and no screaming toddlers.

8. “We’re just going to head off on the scooter and see what we find“

Who doesn’t love a bit of spontaneity. Derived from spending the previous night going through this site (and others) looking for place s to shortlist for a spontaneous visit the following day.

9. “A once-in-a-lifetime experience”

Until you go again next year and vlog it again.

10. “The best [X] in Thailand”

I understand. It was probably very nice. But let’s not get carried away. Once you’ve claimed you’ve had the best Pad Thai or stared open mouthed at a half decent sunset there’s nowhere else to go in subsequent videos. It’s like having your guitar amplifier turned up to 10, there’s nowhere else to go after that. Unless you have one specially made that goes up to 11. So it’s one louder. And claiming your next Pad Thai or sunset view is one better is a dumb idea.

And having read all that you’ll ignore it but two million people will see a thumbnail like this and watch it anyway:

Lights, Camera, Koh Chang!