✅ Updated on 06.11.2025
The Backstory of Koh Chang Grand Lagoona and the Galaxy Ship
If you’ve ever googled “abandoned ship Koh Chang” or “ghost ship Koh Chang”, you’ve probably seen photos of a massive vessel stranded in the jungle. That’s The Galaxy — a former cruise ship that became a hotel, and eventually… a legend.
Here’s what I was able to piece together after a deep dive through blogs, forums, and countless comments. There’s almost no official information, but this is what I’ve found so far:
Late 20th Century: The Birth of The Galaxy
A Thai billionaire who made his fortune in real estate purchased 23.5 hectares of land in southern Koh Chang, near Bang Bao. Originally, he planned to build a floating hotel in Cambodia and bought an old navy ship from the Royal Thai Navy (which previously belonged to the U.S. Navy). But that project never took off.
Instead, the actual ship was transported to Koh Chang and placed in a lagoon — they even carved out a special channel for it. That’s how The Galaxy was born — the centerpiece of what was meant to be a luxury resort.
1990s–2000s: The Resort’s Golden Years
The complex went through several names over the years: Koh Chang Boat Chalet, Koh Chang Grand Lagoona Resort, and Aunchaleena Beachfront Resort. The property had everything: an 800-meter beach, private villas, wooden chalet-style cottages, floating bungalows, a pool shaped like a ship’s deck, and even a boat-shaped pool house.
2003: Sudden Closure and Rumors
In 2003, the company managing the resort shut down. The exact reason remains unclear — some say it was bankruptcy, others blame bureaucracy, and there are even strange rumors about a tourist’s death aboard the ship.
One version claims a Russian tourist fell from a staircase — some say it was an accident, others suggest it may have been suicide. There’s no official documentation to confirm any of it. Whatever the case, the resort slowly began to fall apart.
2010–2020: Decline and the Rise of the Ghost Ship
Parts of the resort continued to operate. A few of the remaining chalets were still rented out for 1,000–2,000 baht per night. But the once-iconic Galaxy boat on Koh Chang, now a symbol of decay, was locked up by 2016.
Locals and visitors began calling it the ghost ship of Koh Chang. Only the boldest (or the most shameless) dared sneak inside.
2020: The Pandemic Ends the Dream
COVID-19 delivered the final blow. After the pandemic, many hotels on the island closed or were sold off — and The Galaxy cruise ship on Koh Chang never came back to life.
2023: Tourists Return to the Ruins
In 2023, tourists were once again allowed onto the property for an entrance fee of 100 baht. The ship was already in a semi-ruined state: the air inside smelled of mold, bugs crawled through the halls, and the corridors looked straight out of a horror movie.
December 3, 2024: Fire Breaks Out
A fire severely damaged the main structure of The Galaxy. Access was temporarily restricted, and in the aftermath, the charred remains of the ship began to be dismantled.
2025: The Galaxy Fades, But the Site Remains Open
By summer 2025, all that remains of the Galaxy is its foundation — the upper decks have been completely dismantled and sold for scrap.
Still, the abandoned resort on Koh Chang is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entrance fee of 100 baht. The area remains surprisingly picturesque — especially the lagoon and the beach.
Visitors can still enter the smaller boat-shaped bungalows scattered across the site. You can even descend into the lower levels of the original Galaxy — the ship’s hull is still accessible.
🏖️ You Might Also Like: Best Beaches on Koh Chang
Location, Entrance Fee & Visiting Hours
The abandoned Grand Lagoona Resort and the iconic Galaxy cruise ship are located in the southern part of Koh Chang, not far from Bang Bao Pier. Here’s the exact spot on the map — just follow the route.
On the way to the resort, you’ll reach a checkpoint with a barrier — that’s where you’ll need to pay the 100 baht entrance fee per person.
🕗 Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✅ Recommended hotels on Koh Chang (great value for money):
Santhiya, Klong Prao Resort, Flora I Talay, Awa Resort, Dinso Resort & Villas, The Stage, Siam Beach Resort.
What to See at the Abandoned Grand Lagoona Resort
Grand Lagoona Resort isn’t just an abandoned hotel — it’s an entire forgotten complex you could wander for hours. Dozens of cottages, winding paths, crumbling buildings, and strange little details are scattered throughout the area. Some spots feel completely collapsed, while others look like they’re still waiting for guests to arrive.
The atmosphere is surreal — beautiful and eerie at the same time. Here are a few must-see highlights:
🐘 Elephant Statues at the Entrance
Right after the checkpoint, you’re greeted by massive elephant statues — they genuinely gave me a “wow” moment. The trees and bushes here are still somewhat maintained, but the cracked asphalt quickly reminds you this place is abandoned.
🚢 The Main Galaxy Ship
Once a seven-deck cruise liner, today The Galaxy has been reduced to its foundation and lower hull. You can still climb onto the concrete platform where the decks once stood — from there, you’ll get a stunning view of the lagoon and surrounding jungle.
I also descended into the ship’s lower hull — the atmosphere down there is even more intense. Just be careful: the metal is rusted and it’s quite dark inside.
🛳️ Ship-Themed Cottages and the Abandoned Bar
Near the main Galaxy boat are several smaller ships. One of them was clearly a bar or nightclub — on the second floor, you’ll still find a stage, bar counter, and a spot for a microphone. There are lounge chairs and tables along the sides. Surprisingly, the ground floor restroom is still functional — water runs from the taps.
Another nearby building is shaped like a ship with a built-in pool. The doors are open, and you can freely explore both floors.
🏠 Floating Bungalows and Lagoon-Side Homes
If you follow the path westward, you’ll come across decaying wooden houses and a rusting excavator abandoned in the middle of the trail.
But the farther you go, the more “alive” the buildings seem. Some still have TVs, wardrobes, fans, and even made-up beds. A few still have working air conditioning, and there are cars parked nearby.
It appears that some of these floating bungalows and lagoon-side cottages are still available for rent — check with the staff at the entrance if you’re interested in staying there.
Is the Abandoned Hotel on Koh Chang Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. For just 100 baht, you get a mix of emotion, atmosphere, and photo opportunities you won’t find at any luxury resort. If you’re drawn to places with a story — even if that story is covered in rust and mold — this place is for you.
And if you’re bold enough to spend the night, let me know in the comments what it was like. Next time I’m in Koh Chang, I’m definitely planning to stay in one of those lagoon-side cottages.
