Called
by some 'the last paradise island in South- East Asia', the Ko
Chang Marine National Park has been untouched by modernisation
yet is only four hours by road east of Bangkok. Ko Chang lies within
the province of Trat which borders Cambodia to the north and east
while to the south, the Gulf of Thailand gives the area some outstanding
beaches including Had Sai Khao (White Sand Beach). The area measures
30 km. long by 8 km. wide, making its Thailand's second largest
island after Phuket, is the main isle in a 42-island archipelago
that forms Mu Ko Chang National Park, established as a nature preserve
in 1982
Mainly because of its isolation, only now is the island being discovered
by international travellers, and although accommodation options
and other tourism facilities are increasing, a sense of discovery
is still possible. If not precisely terra incognita, Ko Chang is
sparsely populated and roughly 70 percent of the land is virgin
rainforest. Rugged in its hills and cliffs, but strikingly beautiful
in its long pristine stretches of white sandy beaches and profusion
of lush greenery, the island beckons as a tropical paradise.
Ko Chang
itself has a mountainous interior, which accounts for the name, 'Elephant
Island', as from a distance the mountain ridges are said to look like
the backs of several elephants. Contrasting with a rugged forested
interior is a coastline characterised by small bays and exceptionally
fine beaches, the best spots being on the western side of the island,
notably, from north to south, at Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat
Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. Close by each of these beaches are small
villages where the inhabitants support themselves mainly by fishing,
harvesting coconuts and cultivating fruit orchards.
Of other main islands, Ko Kut is the second largest in the group and,
like Ko
Chang, is mountainous and still half covered with forest. On its
coast are some of the loveliest beaches in the archipelago. Ko Mak,
lying between Ko
Chang and Ko Kut, is covered mostly with coconut groves and exudes
a rather more inhabited air than its neighbouring islands. Located
off the north-west tip of Ko Mak, Ko Kradt is completely flat and
lacks topographical interest, through its beaches and surrounding
coral reefs and superb.
The waters around the islands have an abundance of colourful coral,
and generally the conditions are good for scuba diving, perhaps best
off Ko Kradat. Otherwise, snorkelling or hiring a boat to go fishing
are sporting alternatives.
Away from the beaches, hiking in the hinterland offers marvellous
views and a rare appreciation of tropical island scenery. Ko
Chang's natural sights include several picturesque waterfalls,
notably Tan Mayom, a multi-tiered cascade tumbling in stages through
a rocky gorge into a series of deep pools. Go Top Koh Chang
A stretch of long white sandy beach dotted with coconut tree orchards
is a common sight on Ko Chang – the largest and busiest island in
Trat and the second largest island in the country after Phuket.
Covering an area of 429 square kilometers, Ko Chang, boasts several
amazing natural wonders that blend magnificently with the traditional
way of life such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep
hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral
reefs and an abundance of marine life. In addition, numerous fruit
orchards dot the island.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west side spreading
from the north to the south they include Ao Khlong Son , Hat Sai Khao
, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western
shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there is a nature trail passing
through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat and meandering through wet forestland
to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community on the foot of the hill in the
south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated and
Ao Salak Khok. In addition, along the eastern shoreline is a road
cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier to
the south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are at Ao Khlong
Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands south of Koh Chang.
In addition to sea-based attractions Ko Chang has numerous inland
attractions including several waterfalls with reasonable access. They
are the Khlong Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometers from Ao Khlong Phrao and
a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall, a 4-kilometre
walk from park headquarters; and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls,
which are about 3 kilometers from Ban Salak Phet.
As well as the obvious activities Ko Chang offers many other attractions
including waterfalls, temples, the National Park and Museum or the
beautiful scenic lookout points, which are all worth a visit. Divers
will find fascinating diving areas off of the shores of Ko Chang and
the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral reefs, sunken warships,
a reminder of times past, can be visited in the Salak Phet Bay. Go Top
The Koh Chang National Park occupies an area of 650 square kilometers
and is comprised of 47 islets, which spread from Laem Ngob to Klong
Yai Districts. . The most popular islands includes Ko Chang, Ko Klum,
Ko Ngam, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Rung where natural wonders await travelers.
The most popular season for traveling to the National Park is from
November to March. The park headquarters are divided into 4 units
namely Tha Than Mayom, Ban Khlong Son, Tha Khlong Plu and Ban Salak
which provide useful tourist information. At any one of the headquarters,
an entry fee of 200baht is collected.
For transportation to Ko Chang, please refer to the traveling to
Ko Chang section.
Wat Bang Bao is on the roadside, next to the turn-off to Ban Bang
Bao.
Wat Khlong Prao is located in Baan Khlong Prao, also right off the
main road.
Wat Khlong Son is approximately 500 metres from the intersection
in Ban Khlong Son, in the direction of the bay.
At the top of the hill after Sapparot Bay towards Ban Khlong Son
there is a Chinese temple.
Wat Khlong Nonsi is situated just before the Dan-May Pier in Baan
Khlong Nonsi. Turn towards the sea at the intersection on the main
road. Proper clothes should be worn during temple visits.
Ko Chang Naval Battle Area
This area is located to the south of Ko Chang close to Salak Petch
Bay. It is the area where the battle between the Thai and French
Naval forces was fought over the eastern border conflict. The Thai
Navy holds an annual event to commemorate the combat victory and
make merit for the dead naval forces on 17 January.
Namtok Than Mayom
A 3-tiered medium-sized waterfall located behind the park’s office.
There is a trail situated 500 meters from a durian orchard that
leads to the site where King Rama V and VI had visited and signed
their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade. Go Top
Namtok Kiri Phet
Located to the south of Ko Chang, approximately 3 kilometers from
Ban Salak Petch.
Namtok Khlong Nonsi
This is a little waterfall in the northeast zone of the island.
The path to the area lies 3 kilometers from Baan Daan Mai or 3 kilometers
from the national park office.
Namtok Khlong Nueng
This is a small 120 meter high waterfall situated in a remote area
from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall is an ideal
place for relaxation.
Ban Salak Petch and Ban Rong Than
These are the largest fishing villages on the island and are ideal
venues for visitors wishing to experience or observe their lifestyle.
Bungalows and food shops are available.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
Another ideal spot to learn more about the lifestyle of fishermen
where residents build up their houses with poles pitched into the
sea and the community is linked together via a bridge that reaches
every house. In addition, Bang Bao is one of the zones rich in corals.
Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)
One of the longest beaches on Ko Chang, this beach provides the
most magnificent seascape. The beach, which is 2 kilometers long,
is dotted with reasonably priced bungalows and resorts. Embracing
the beach to the rear are orchards of coconut trees and forests.
Khlong Son Bay
Rich in coral lines, the bay is located on the western coast of
Ko Chang where Klong Son Community is situated.
Namtok Khlong Plu
A large 3-tiered waterfall situated 3 kilometers or a walking distance
of approximately 20 minutes away from Khlong Prao Bay that is a
rewarding experience. Go Top
Tri Petch Waterfall
This single level waterfall is situated 3 kilometers from Salak
Petch Community along an orchard of rubber trees.
Hat Khlong Phrao and Laem Chat Chet
Laem Chai Chet is along the sea adjacent to Kai Bae Beach, which
is rather steep but offers possibilities for swimming. Standard
bungalows with facilities are available. The northernmost area of
Klong Phrao Beach is adjacent to Chai Chet Bay and Beach where visitors
can take in the beautiful landscape while enjoying the superb relaxation
and tranquil retreat.
Kai Bae Beach
This beach is close to Khlong Phrao Beach and is similar to Khlong
Phrao in that the beach is steep but safe for swimming with quite
a few inexpensively priced bungalows in the area.
Ao Bai Lan
This small bay with its long sandy beach where visitors can enjoy
the spectacular view in serene ambience is situated close to Kai
Bae beach.
Hat Khlong Kloi
This shady beach with coconut trees located next to Bang Bao Village
is a perfect place for relaxation.
Activities in Ko Chang
The main thing to do when in Ko Chang is to relax. Other than that,
there are numerous activities for visitors such as fishing, snorkeling
and visiting nearby islands. In addition, many resorts rent out
kayaks and arrange jungle treks as well as provide all day boat
tours to the nearby islands. Moreover, scooters can be rented in
most places, which make the island easier to explore independently,
however the driver should have some two-wheel experience as the
roads have a tendency to fade away to nothing more than tracks.
Furthermore, there are diving schools at all of the 4 largest beaches
on the west coast, where tours can be booked or various diving licenses
can be obtained and sailing-tours can also be booked in many resorts
and travel agencies. Go Top
Accommodations on Koh Chang
There are many resorts and bungalows on Ko Chang thus visitors purchasing
boat/ferry tickets from any of the piers should inform the staff
of the desired beach and resort accommodations reserved to prevent
misunderstandings on the destination. Facilities on Ko Chang include
mainly bungalow-type accommodations on most beaches which generally
rent out bicycles and boats. Budget and high-end accommodations
are also available with prices ranging from 100 bahts (bungalow)
to 6,500 bahts for superior/deluxe rooms in boutique hotels and
internationally accredited resorts.
Best time to visit Ko Chang and other islands
The season is from October to May as from mid May to mid October
most of the resorts are closed, but visitors will still be able
to find a few open, as some of the owners actually live there and
are open all year round.
Dining delights in Ko Chang
Ko Chang is still virtually an untouched gastronomic paradise as
the islanders have made a living fishing in the beautiful blue seas
for centuries. There are plenty of seafood restaurants dotted around
the island and with the recent addition of a number of resorts,
visitors can now enjoy a wide range of local and international cuisines.
As the island only has a single road and most restaurants are located
on the road or in resort compounds, they are easy to find. It just
takes a little looking around to find a place that suits your fancy.
Reservations are not normally required but if you want to dine further
up the scale it is best to book in advance.
Getting to Ko Chang
A 5 hours bus trip from the Eastern Bus Terminal will take visitors
to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 06.00 a.m. until 12.00
p.m.). From there continue by song taew transport to Laem Ngop,
which is 17 kilometers from town, or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat
and Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day. Go Top
Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on Ko
Chang every hour from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. The trip takes 45
minutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. Visitors can continue
to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae by local bus which
charges 30 baht per person. The schedules and fares are subject
to change without notice due to climate condition. For current information,
please contact TAT Trat office, Tel: Tel: 0-3959-7255, 0-3959-7259-60
Fax: 0-3959-7255.
Ferry Services
Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat or Ko Chang Center Point
Landings between 7.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a traveling time of
30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please
note that vehicles used on the island should be the 4-wheel drive
types as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to
be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang are song taew services
to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.
Naval Battle Monument Pier (Krom Luang Pier)
Wooden boats depart every hour from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The passenger
fare for a round trip costs approximately 100 baht. Call tel. 039
538 084 for more details.
Center Point Pier
Ferries leave hourly from 6.00 a.m. until 7.00p.m. Call 039 538196
for more information.
Rates for round trip:
4-wheel vehicles, 60 bahts/passenger
6-wheel vehicles, 250 bahts, no charge for driver and one passenger
10-wheel vehicles, 500 bahts, no charge for driver and one passenger
Ao Thammachat Pier
Ferries leave every hour from 6.30 a.m. to 7.15 p.m. Contact 039
528288-9 for more details. Go Top
Rates for round trip:
4-wheel vehicle, 60 bahts/passenger, no charge for driver
6-wheel vehicle, 500 bahts, no charge for driver but 60 baht fee
is applied for any passenger
10-wheel vehicle, 1,000 bahts, no charge for driver and one passenger
Ko Chang Ferry
Ferries depart every 45 minutes from 6.30 a.m. until 7.15 p.m. For
more information call tel. 039 597143.
Rates for round trip:
4-wheel vehicle 150 bahts, no charge for driver, but a fee of 60
bahts/passenger is applied
6-wheel vehicle, 500 bahts, no charge for driver but 60 baht fee
is applied for any passenger
10-wheel vehicle, 1,000 bahts, no charge for driver and one passenger
For visitors planing to stay at Ko Wai there is a ferry service
from Laem Ngob to Ko Wai at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 120
bahts/person/one way.
For visitors planing to stay at Ko Kham there is a ferry service
from Laem Ngob to Ko Kham at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 170
bahts/person/one way.
For visitors planing to stay at Ko Mak there is a ferry service
from Laem Ngob to Ko Mak at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 150
bahts/person/one way.
Facilities on Ko Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations
on most beaches and rental services for bicycles and boats. Go Top
Several smaller isles south of Ko Chang include Ko Wai, Ko Lao Ya
and Ko Kradat. Noted for both deep-water and shallow-water corals
are the Ko Kra group and Ko Rang which are to the west of Ko Mak.
Travel to other Islands
Most visitors come to Amphoe Laem Ngob where there are 2 piers namely
Laem Ngob and Ko Chang Centre Point, offering daily boat services
to islands such as Ko Mak, Ko Wai, and Ko Kham. Tourist spots in
Ko Chang and other groups of islands.
Ko Chang Noi
Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi lie to the north of Ko Chang. The
sea between Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi is abundant with corals.
Ko Kham
This island is located near Ko Mak and is endowed with natural wonders
such as crystal clear seas, chie sandy beaches, coral reefs and
most importantly, tranquility and privacy. Ideal for swimming and
diving, the trip to Ko Kham from Laem Ngob takes 2.5 hours.
Ko Klum
Like Ko Chang, this is an island of historical significance during
the Thai-French Naval Battle in 1941. Attractions on the island
include the stone yard landscape and fishing activities.
Ko Kradat
This island is situated to the northeast away from Ko Mak. In the
past, the area had an abundance of Kradad trees (paper trees); hence,
the name of the island. This island is notable for the fact that
it is the only island in Thailand to be issued a land title deed
during the period of King Rama V as a measure to protect the island
from French colonization. Ko Kradad is famous for its white long
sandy beach and wonderful coral reefs.
Go Top
Koh Laoya
This wonderful island which is less than 1 kilometer long and 300
meters wide with beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water and colorful
corals lies about 3 kilometers west of the southeastern end of Ko
Chang. Ko Laoya forms an island group with Ko Laoya Klang and Ko
Laoya Nok and is connected to Ko Laoya Klang by a wooden bridge.
Travel time from Laem Ngob to the island takes about 2.5 hours and
only chartered boats can reach the island. Accommodation is available
but must be reserved well in advance.
Ko Mak
This is a large island to the south of Ko Chang that is blessed
with several beautiful bays and beaches and coral reefs nearby that
are still in perfect condition. The islanders make their living
by growing rubber and coconut trees. The best time to visit is from
November until late April. There are a number of accommodations
and tourist facilities available. A passenger boat departs Laem
Ngob daily at 3.00 p.m. and returns from Ko Mak at 7.00 a.m., traveling
time is 3.5 hours.
Ko Ngam
This island is situated southeast of Ko Chang and is comprised of
twin mountains linked by huge rocks with a huge sand knoll at the
middle. The little bay formed by the lines of the mountain stretching
into the sea makes the island a splendid and serene site worth visiting.
Accommodations are available.
Ko Phrao
This island situated in front of Salak Petch Bay has clean and calm
seas, and is cool and shady with coconut trees. Travel time from
Laem Ngob is two hours. Accommodations are available on the island.
Ko Rang
This small island at the west of Ko Mak does not have enough flat
area suitable for setting up of any resorts and bungalows. However,
Ko Rung is well known as the location for its bird’s nest concessions,
sea turtle eggs and bat's dung. The main attractions at the island
are the stone knolls and the magnificent deep-sea corals.
Ko Wai
This big island, which a part of Ko Chang National Park and is situated
next to Ko Laoya, has stone laden beaches. However, Ko Wai is famous
for its coral and is also the best place for fishing and swimming.
As for accommodations, Ko Wai Pakarung Resort is ready to serve
tourists.
