Koh Chang Island Information and travel guide

Koh Chang is the largest island when compared with other 51 islands in Trat Province. This island is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket Island which is Thailand's biggest island. Koh Chang covers an area of 429 sq. kms., comprised of fine beaches, coral reefs, and rich marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. Many fruit orchards spotted the whole island.

Koh Kut is the island smaller than Koh Chang but bigger than other islands in Trat, located in the southernmost point in Trat territorial waters. Visitors to the island can take a speedboat transport from Koh Chang within one hour. The majority of inhabitants grow rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants while some others make a living on fishing. Scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees which are mostly located on the western shores which are abundunt with rich mangroves.

Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending from the north to the south. To the east are Ao Sapparot which has a ferry pier, and the other beach called Ao Salak Khok. There is a road which passes along the eastern shoreline that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, visitors should be careful while driving since the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved with steep hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son, near Koh Chang Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.

Koh Chang is enriched with several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong Phlu waterfall is located 3 kilometres from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes walk from the parking lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall is a 4-kilometre walk from the park, while the Khiriphet and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3 kilometres from Ban Salakphet.Scenic beaches of Koh Chang Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From Hat Kai Bae, Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill in the south with the help of a natural trail. To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry embarkation is located, and Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.

This Chinese style shrine in the north of the island, with two huge elephants guarding the entrance, has been a saviour to the Khon Kard for generations. Throughout the history of the island, when the fishermen found themselves facing a strong monsoon or a poor harvest, they would seek guidance from the Chao Po Koh Chang. Island folklore records amazing stories of answered prayers when people have asked for help at the shrine.

An important part of the island's history took place at the Naval Battle Ground (Boriwaen Yutthanavee). It was here that the French and Thai navy clashed during the height of the French colonization of Indochina. This culminated in a battle on 17th January 1921, when the Royal Thai Navy's ship, "Thonburi" was sunk.

A museum has been built on Laem Ngnob Beach, on the mainland, with an exhibition of Koh Chang's naval history on display. On top of the building is a statue of Krom Luang Chumpon Khet Udomsak, a key figure in the battle, with his face turned to look at Koh Chang. Every year, the people of Trat province hold memorial services from the 17th to 21 st of January, floating garlands in the sea, to honour those who perished. The actual battle was near Ao Salak Petch and the wreck is now a popular dive site.

Koh Chang National MARINE Park is new and virtually unknown to the outside world. Only a few people know of its secret wonders. It can be unofficially called it one of the last paradise islands in South-East Asia". This national marine park has been a heaven to the locals who need to replenish their mind and energy. Therefore, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. However, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometres east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.

Koh Chang National Marine Park is a secret retreat to be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous developments. The lack of infrastructure and population makes a few thoughts of modernization. The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. Slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang National Marine Park continues at its own pace, and still it is a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity. The coastlines of the Koh Chang National Marine Park is a spectacular work of nature's art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang National Marine Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy marine life.

Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of Koh Chang National Marine Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural National Marine Park.

Geography

In Trat province, 312 km. from Bangkok, the second-largest island in Thailand, 30 km in length and 8 km in width, was discovered, and then became one of the most famous sites among travelers. It is called Koh Chang because its appearance is like a sleeping elephant. Koh Chang is covered with dense rain forest and with the relative savage nature, bisected by the steep wall of mountains.

Considered as one of the most untouched island in Thailand, Koh Chang became an easy-found paradise for thousands of tourists from all over the world. Those who long for the pure, calm, peaceful, and magnificent island could feel like being in your own world here.

As the matter of the fact that Koh Chang today has changed a little because of the flowing of tourism industry, it still enormously keeps its beauty and its characteristic features for nature lovers to appreciate.

Weather & Climate

Koh Chang, like the rest of Thailand, has 2 seasons, the rainy season here lasts from June until October and the dry season from November until May. Most visitors are on the island between December and March, this is also the best time for a stay, since the temperatures rarely exceed over 30? Celsius. In November and December it can become occasionally quite cool because of the wind in the evening and at night.