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Ko Chang National Park and archipelago
Forty-seven of the islands off Trat's coastline belong to a national park name after Ko Chang (Elephant Island), which at 492 sq km is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. Ko Chang itself is about 70% undisturbed island rainforest - the best preserved in Thailand, perhaps in all of southeast asia. With steep hills and cliffs reaching as high as 744m Khao Jom Prasat. Beach forest and mangrove are also found in abundant. Notable wildlife includes the stump-tailed macaque, small Indian civet, Javan mongoose, monitor lizards, water monitor, Burmese and reticulated python, king cobra, barking deer and wild pig. Avian species (61 resident plus 12 migratory species) include Pacific reef egret, nightjar, green imperial pigeon, white-winged tern, blue-winged pitta, hooded pitta and three hornbill species.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays of Ko Chang 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 combination of steep terrain and year round stream creates several scenic waterfalls. It is recommended that you take a hiking trip into the interior of Ko Chang to explore the beauty of this island.
Ko Chang is the ideal location for the real rest as the weather there is very comfortable with the average temperature not too cold or too hot. Ko Chang is influenced by the noreastern and southwestern storms. That triggers limitations to the water transportation to the group of islands.
During the rainy season from May to October, visitors are not allowed to the islands south of Ko Chang; for example, Ko Kut, Ko Mak, Ko Wai, and Ko Kham. The boat trip to Ko Chang can be made all year round.
Tourist spots in Ko Chang and other groups of islands
White Sand Beach
is one of the longest and most crowded beaches on Ko Chang. Bungalows and resorts are easily found. At the back or the beach are orchards of coconut trees and forests. The beach is easily accessible due to many roads passing to it.The name suggests scenic beauty of the area.
Klong Phrao Beach
The beach is rather steep. Swimming is safe. The northernmost of Klong Phrao Beach is adjacent to Chaiyachet Bay and Beach which has beautiful rocky landscape but swimming is not recommend.
Kai Bae Beach
is close to Klong Phrao Beach. The beach, like that of Klong Phrao, is steep and swimming is safe.
Ko Mun Nok-Mun Nai
is a small isle opposite Kai Bae Beach. The Beach around the isle can be seen at low tide. The sea in the area is some what shallow and plenty of gold-colour corals.
Bang Bao Fishery Village
is very interesting because residents in the area build up their houses with poles pitched into the sea and the bridge reaching to every house is set up to link the community together. Bang Bao is one of the zones rich with corals.
Tan Mayom Waterfall
is the three storey fall of medium size. King Rama V and VI once visited the place and singed their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.
Klong Nonsi Waterfall
is a little fall in the northeast zone of the island. The side walk to the area lies 3 Km. grom Baan Daan Mai or 3 Km. from the national park office.
Klong Plu Waterfall
has three storeys. The entrance is 3 Km. from Ao Klong Prao Community. It will take about 20 minutes from the entrance to the site by walking.
Klong Nueng Waterfall
is a small fall situated remotely from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall.
Ko Chang Noi
and Leam Chang Noi lie in the north of Ko Chang. The sea between Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi is abundant with corals.
Tri Petch Waterfall
has only one storey. The place is situated 3 Km. from Salak Petch Community along the orchard of rubber trees.
Naval Battle Area
is in the south of Ko Chang close to Salak Petch Bay. The zone is where the battle between Thai and French naval troops fought over the east border conflict on January 17, 1941.
Ko Lao Ya is in Ko Chang group off Ao Salak Phet (bay), It has white sand beach, very clean and clear water, some beautiful coral and fish.
Ko Wai
Resplendent with tranquil beaches, tropical flora and corals. It is one of the most beautiful islands in Ko Chang Group.
Ko Phrao
is in front of Salakpetch Bay. From Laem Ngob, it takes two hours to the island, Ko Phrao has clean and calm seaside, and is cool and shady because it is plenty of coconuts trees.
Ko Rung
is a small island at the west of Ko Mak. The isle has not enough flat area suitable for the setting up of any resort and bungalow. Ko Rung is place of concessions of bird nests, Charamed eggs and bat's dung. Stone knolls and deep-water coral under the sea of Ko Rung are very magnificent.
Ko Mak
an island with a village, is located about 4 hrs. by boat from Leaem Ngop.
Ko Ngam
is small island about 1.5 hours by boat from Laem Ngop. Twin Island Beach Resort welcome on the no ordinary islands called Small “Phi Phi”
It is blessed with delightful and beautiful sceneries, ideal for relaxation and swimming.
Ko Chang at a glance
Description : Part of a National Park, with all the characteristics of a huge mountainous tropical island : jungle, peaks (the highest at 743m), waterfalls & beaches
Comments : Being the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket (30km long & 14km wide), very few people visit it thoroughly : most visitors relax themselves in one area only - White Sand Beach and besides this beach the rest of Koh Chang is like Koh Samui was 15 years ago.
What to do ? In Laem Ngop, visit the National Park Info Center for the latest news. A few colonial buildings are also worth a look / Once on Ko Chang, ride the back of the songthaew / Relax on a hammock / Change color / See huge butterflies, frogs, lizards or, if lucky or unlucky, wilder animals like macaque or king cobra ! / Degust coconuts or pineapples / Walk a fishing village on stilts / Treat yourself with seafood (big fish for around B100) / Dive & swim by waterfalls / Walk the sea toward an island and snorkel toward corals (equipment for B50) / Tour other islands : in all, over 40 to test ! / Get a tank and explore the water (about B1800 for two dives) / If courageous & adventurer, walk the jungle across the island / Learn some Muay Thai Boxing / Party with new friends
Recomended Resorts
Koh
Chang Resort & Spa
 Rates
from $
60.-
Sea
View Resort
Rates from $ 74.-
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