Koh Chang island

Trat is Thailand’s easternmost province situated approximately 315 kilometers from Bangkok. It is home to the beautiful island of Koh Chang, a tropical marine national park which is the country’s second biggest island after Phuket. Its hinterland comprises over 70% virgin rainforests and is the best-preserved holiday spot in the country. Thanks to the escalating surge of the island’s development and reputation, it has thus been promoted as a captivating tourist hideaway with its chain of picturesque beaches, unspolied rainforests and an abundance of marine creatures, coral reefs, scenic waterfalls as well as a variety of cuisine and great nightlife, Koh Chang has been amongst the most sought-after holiday destinations is Thailand. The popular spots to get pleasure from here include Hat Sai Khao or White Sand Beach, Hat Khlong Phrao, Hat Khlong Kloi, Ao Khlong Son, Hat Kai Bae, Ao Bai Lan, Ao Kruat, Ao Sapparot, Ao Kalak Khok, Ao Salak Phet, Koh Chang Noi, Koh Ngam, Khlong Phlu Waterfall and many temples

Koh Chang is in Trat Province, in Eastern Thailand, about 330 kilometers from Bangkok. It is Thailand's second largest island, and the biggest in Koh Chang National Park. With about 5000 permanent residents the island is not heavily populated, but tourism (and development) has increased dramatically over the last few years. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. The "discovery" of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Koh Samui, it's probably better to go now than later.

Naval Battle Area
Close to Salak Petch Bay, Naval Battle Area is in the south of Koh Chang where the battle between Thai and French naval troops fought over the east border conflict on January 17, 1941

Tan Mayom Waterfall
Tan Mayom Waterfall is the three storeys fall of medium size where the King Rama V and VI once visited the place and singed their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.

Klong Nonsi Waterfall
Klong Nonsi Waterfall is a little fall in the northeast zone of the island.

Klong Nueng Waterfall
Klong Nueng Waterfall is a small fall situated remotely from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall.

Klong Son Bay
In the northernmost of the west coast, Klong Son Bay is rich with coral lines.  Klong Son Community is also set up in the area.

Klong Plu Waterfall
Having three storeys, Kong Plu Waterfall's entrace is 3 kms. from Ao Kong Phrao Community.  Walking from the entrance to the site takes only about 20 minutes.

Tri Petch Waterfall
Only one storey is of the Tri Petch Waterfall which is situated 3 kms from Salak Petch Community along the orchard of rubber trees.

White Sand Beach
One of the longest beaches on Koh Chang, White Sand Beach or Hat Sai Khao is easily accessible due to many roads passing to it. Its name suggests scenic beauty of the area while its back are views of coconut trees orchards and forests.

Bang Bao Beach
Bang Bao Beach is the location of a beautiful bay and private pier on the south coast of Koh Chang.  Most of the beach is dominated by Bang Bao Resort and Sunset Bungalows, private developments.

Long Sand Beach
Perhaps the most spectacular beach and finest waters on Koh Chang near the southeastern tip is Long Sand Beach with its crystal clear water.  It is a short boat ride away from the beautiful islands of Koh Phrao, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Ngam, and Koh Wai.

What to do

Walking/Hiking.
It's possible to walk around the island within 3 - 5 days. Alternatively there are lovely shorter paths where you can find waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints.

Thai Massage
At almost all beaches, masseurs and masseuses offer Thai massages for between 200-250 Baht. In all Beach-Villages, you'll find small Massage-Shops directly on the road. In Baan Khlong Prao you can attend courses in traditional Thai massage. There are also some Tattoo parlours on the island.

Elephant trekking
Ban Kwan Chang or the Klong Son Elephant Camp is supported by the Asian Elephant Foundation to provide a natural environment for elephants and their mahouts (Kwan, in Thai). Located at Klong Son, the camp offers a half-day tour from 8.30-11:00 a.m. which includes elephant bathing, feeding, performance and a 1.30 hour elephant trek into the forest. Cost 900 Baht including hotel transfer, water and bananas (to feed the elephants) A shorter 35-minute trek with a 15-minute performance is also available for around 450 Baht.

Snorkeling and Fishing
You can arrange a sightseeing trip combined with snorkelling or fishing at most resorts, beaches and fishing villages. It's possible to charter a local boat at White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Bang Bao for groups, but there is a minimum required, usually 10 persons, before the trip will go. It’s possible to put your name down to join a group for the day and chances are, you'll get on a boat. Cost about 400 - 600 Baht per person. Some tour operators organise a full day snorkeling trip to Koh Kra and Koh Wai for around 600 Baht per person which includes lunch and drinks.

Diving in Koh Chang
The best diving or snorkelling is around the small islands off Koh Chang's south coast, such as Koh Khlum, Koh Whai, Koh Phrao (some wrecks of Thai naval ships from WWII) Koh Ngam, and Koh Lao Ya. All of these islands, except Koh Khlum, have a few bungalows, but the boat service can be unpredictable and expensive. Dive shops operate at all the main beaches on the west coast. You can also book combined island sightseeing and snorkelling trips through local travel agents and resorts.