| Koh Chang is Thailand's second biggest island after
Phuket, Koh Chang [elephant island] offers an idyllic beach location
for a Thailand beach vacation. Beautiful
waterfalls amid unspoiled natural surroundings, pristine beaches, rich marine
resources, 50 outlaying tropical islands, and excellent sea-food Asia
are amongst
the many reasons to stay at this Thailand beach resort. Koh Chang has has only recently been
'discovered' by international beach lovers. Her rise in
popularity due mainly to the settling conditions in nearby Cambodia
Koh Chang Attractions
Monkey training School |
Koh Chang's attractions include a monkey training school, elephant
trekking and waterfalls. The pristine mountain backdrop and fine sandy
beaches ensure that this resort will be a favoured Thailand beach
destination for many years. Mid morning the tide goes out to
display excellent beaches, freshly cleansed by the sea.
Volleyball and football are played by locals and visitors alike
and night-time chairs are set on the beach in time for all to
enjoy the daily spectacular sunsets. The laid-back feel of the
island and slow pace of life make this Thailand beach resort as
close to paradise as any beach-lover could expect. |
Koh Chang Beaches
Sunset at White Sand Beach
Night dining a riot of colours |
There are 50 other islands of varying sizes in
the national park that encompasses Koh Chang. The best beaches are
on the western side of the island. Chang Noi beach is just off the pier but most
head straight to White Sand Beach which is favoured by most
visitors and consists of a long white strand bordered by a road
containing hotels, bars, restaurants and small shopping arcades.
Driving south to Kai Bae Beach the mountain view-point prior to
arrival offers exceptional views of the outlaying islands. Klong
Prao lagoon has seen much less development than other beaches.
Bai Lan is set in a small bay along a lengthy sandy beach and
offers wonderful views. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.
Bang Bao A fishing community on stilts with houses connected to
each other via wooden bridges. Sea food, naturally is fresh and
can be bought straight from the fishermen.
Salak Phet is an East Coast fishing village and offers simple
accommodation in home-stay or resorts. |
Koh Chang outlaying islands
Koh Kood, 129 sq km is in Koh Chang marine National
Park. It is located southeast of Trat. The easternmost island of
Thailand is the country's fourth largest. Scenic views, pristine
beaches, littl development and crystal-clear seas are amongst it's
charms.
Moo Koh Mak is actually a collective name for 9 islands of
varying size. Small resorts mingle with the few hundred local
inhabitants.
Koh Chang Hotels
Koh Chang Dining
Fresh sea-food appears on practically all of the islands
restaurants and cafe's. International favourites, Lebanese, Indian and
Chinese are all represented. Prices are very reasonable (expect to pay
between US$5-10 for a mid-priced restaurant).
Koh Chang - Getting Around
| Motorbikes are widely available for rent, rate around US$5-10 per
day). Public transport largely consists of pick up trucks fitted with
two rows of seats on the back and a roof rack. The rates are
relatively expensive by Thai standards and are set by the local
administration. |
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Koh Chang Water-sports
Jet ski's, banana boats and parasailing are banned except for
private licenced owners; thankfully there are few so swimmers can
enjoy the clear, sparkling sea in peace.
Koh Chang - Getting there.
| Koh Chang is 385 kilometers from Bangkok and covers an area of 3,522
square kilometers. It can be reached by taxi or bus (around 5 hours) from Bangkok's Ekamai station located on Sukhumvit Road and accessible by skytrain.
Boats and car-ferries leave Trat pier (Ao Thammachat) to the island
taking around 20 minutes. Upon reaching the island by ferry a road
swoops up and down the hilly perimeter road (not quite encircling
the island) and offers spectacular panoramic views of the islands
resorts. Flights to Koh Chang depart Bangkok and arrive at Trat -
more |
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