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From Wikitravel

For other places with the same name, see Ko Chang (disambiguation).

Ko Chang (เกาะช้าง) is an island in Trat Province, Eastern Thailand.

[edit] Understand

Ko Chang is Thailand's second largest island, and the biggest in Eastern Thailand. With about 5000 permanent residents the island is not heavily populated, but tourism (and development) has increased dramatically over the last few years.

Ko Chang is one of Thailand's most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. 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 Ko Samui, it's probably better to go now than later.

[edit] History

Prior to World War II, Ko Chang was little known by anyone. During this period, the few families there made a living growing coconuts and fruit on the mainland. In January 1941, during the Japanese occupation, the Thai Navy fought the French in a battle in the waters to the south-east of Ko Chang.

Nothing else happened to Ko Chang until the first backpacker foreigners started arriving on the back local fishing boats in the mid-1970s. In 1982, Ko Chang along with surrounding area became part of the protected Mu Chang Marine. Only very recently, in less than ten years, Ko Chang has turned itself into a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and local Thais.

This sudden tourism boom however, has been fraught with controversy concerning land encroachment etc. The government is trying to "develop" it from a backpackers' paradise to a top-level destination, and construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts.

[edit] Geography

The largest island in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago, Ko Chang was named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island.

Koh Chang has an area of approximately 429 square kilometres. The topography contains high mountains and complex stone cliffs. The highest mount is Khao Salak Phet which is 744 metres high, rich in fertile evergreen forest which is the main water source. Therefore, there are many waterfalls, beaches and splendid reefs in the west of the island.

Most accommodation is located on the western side of the island, where the sandy beaches are. On the eastern side of the island there are no sandy beaches and this side is far less touristy. There are some nice waterfalls.

70 percent of this undisturbed island is rainforest, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The island also offers tall mountains and rock cliffs. The tallest mountain on Ko Chang is Salakpetch.

[edit] Climate

Ko Chang has the same seasons as the capital Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February. March to May are roasting hot and between June and October it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year.

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Daily highs (°C)	31	32	33	35	33	32	32	32	31	30	30	30
Nightly lows (°C)	20	22	24	25	25	24	24	24	24	24	22	25

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Bangkok Airways [1] flies three times a day from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (the "new" BKK) to Trat. The flights depart at 09:00, 12:15, and 16:35, and takes 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Direct door-to-door minibus transfers from Trat airport to Ko Chang resorts cost 475 baht/person one way and 800 baht/person return including the ferry crossing.

From Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the free express shuttle bus from outside the arrivals concourse to the airport's own bus terminal, and from there the next available bus to either Trat or Chanthaburi, then proceed as described below.

[edit] By bus

From Bangkok the easiest, most direct, and most economical way to get to Laem Ngop (where the Ko Chang ferry piers are) is to take a 1st class bus from the Eastern (Ekamai) Bus Terminal direct to the Laem Ngop piers. The fare is 268 baht and takes just over five hours. Departures from Ekamai are at 07:45 & 09:45, and return at 14:00 and 16:00. Subject to seat availability, this bus can also be boarded at Chanthaburi and at Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, as of 1 Dec. 2009, there is a more comfortable way to travel from Bangkok Airport to Ko Chang: the new bus line # 392 starts from the airport at 07:30 and returns from Koh Chang at 13:30. Tickets can be bought online at the Suvarnabhumi Burapha Bus Company [2] and more departures will be added in the 2nd or 3rd month of operation.

Alternatively, there are 1st class (approx. 5 hours, around 250 baht) and 2nd class services from both the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit) direct to Trat, and frequent songthaew services from Trat to Laem Ngop (approx. 30 minutes, 50 baht/person). Departures from Ekamai are more frequent than from Moh Chit. If coming by bus from the south, the #511 air-con bus can be used to connect directly between Bangkok's Southern (Sai Tai Mai) and Eastern (Ekamai) bus terminals.

Connection in Trat can also be used if coming from Pattaya (2nd class bus, 4 hours, around 200 baht).

There are direct minibus services to Laem Ngop from Pattaya, Ban Phe (gateway to Ko Samet), and Bangkok's Khao San Road and Victory monument (in front of the Payathai hospital). They, however, are less comfortable and spacious than public buses, and you may be charged significantly more by travel agencies selling tickets to these, as often with any tourist-oriented transportation in Thailand.

It may also be possible to proceed directly to Laem Ngop by minibus or songthaew from the Hat Lek / Koh Kong border crossing with southern Cambodia, depending on the time of year, time of day, etc - enquire locally. Price around 120 baht (one way) from the border to Trat bus station

[edit] By boat

Most ferries operate from Laem Ngop, which has three piers . The Laem Ngop (Tha Khrom Luang or Tha Laern Ngop) pier is approximately 700 metres west of Laem Ngop. The 'Centrepoint' (Tha Centre Point) pier is located about 3.5 km north-west of Laem Ngop. These piers serve both vehicle and passenger ferries.

Koh Chang vehicle ferry pier is located in Thammachat Bay (Ao Thammachat), around 15 km west of Laem Ngop.

All piers on Ko Chang are situated on the eastern side of the island. The major piers are the two Dan Kao piers, Tha Dan Kao and Tha Ferry Dan Kao, who handles most of the traffic. To take a boat from Laem Ngop to the Dan Kao piers take around 45 minutes. The car ferry from Laem Ngop take around 1 hour and arrives at the Tha Ferry Dan Kao pier, situated 400 minutes southeast of the Tha Dan Kao pier. The car ferry from Thaachat Bay stops at the Ko Chang Ferry Pier (Tha Ferry Ko Chang) in the Sapparot Bay (Ao Sapparot), 3 kilometres northwest fom the Dan Kao piers.

Light meals, fruit, fruits and beverages are available at all the piers and on the car ferries.

[edit] By taxi or limousine

From Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi international airport the ride takes a total of about 5-5.5 hours by Limousine [3] or Taxi. Most Taxi's will decline this ride as the risk of empty return is too high for them. Most (airport) limousines will deliver you at the hotel or resort on Koh Chang, especially if they can make it back to the mainland before the last ferry sails.

[edit] Get around

In the daytime, you can catch a songthaew on its route around the main road for 50 or 100 baht/person, depending how far you go. Starting from 5.00pm, many of them start to ask "taxi" price, telling you that they operate as a public transport only until that time, and may quote prices as high as say 500 baht from Lonely beach to the Dan Kao pier (bargain if you choose to hire, do not support silly prices!). However, if you have some time and patience, you still can try and have a "shared" ride with some drivers, maybe for a higher rate if they expect little or no other passengers.

These taxis are also waiting at the Dan Kao Pier (50 baht/person to White Sand beach, 100 baht to Lonely beach). At the Dan Kao Ferry-Pier there may be no taxis available. If you arrive without a vehicle you may have to walk the 400 metres to Dan Kao Pier.

Small motorcycles can be hired for 150-250B. The main road almost circles the island and there are plans to complete the circuit in the near future. Cars are also available for rental, most hotels can help with it. 4x4 car recommended, since some roads might be in bad condition, especially near Lonely Beach.

If there are 2 or more people going with you, hiring a songthaew may cost the same price, or even be cheaper than paying per each person in a "shared" songthaew (there is no difference, an empty songthaew can easily be hired). Just do not forget to bargain if their price sounds quite silly when compared, say, to Bangkok taxi-meter (on Ko Chang it can be difficult if not impossible to get the same price, but at least it should not cost double or even more). Most folk however, just stay put on the beach of their choice and walk to wherever they want to go.

[edit][add listing] See

• The Mu Ko Chang National Park - National Marine Park comprising parts of Ko Chang and 46 other islands

• War memorial monument - in the very south of the island

Waterfalls:

• Klong Plu - the most popular, and the only one on the west side of the island

• Klong Nonsi - on the east side of the island

• Klong Nueng - said to be the most breathtaking

• Khiri Petch - medium sized, about 3 kilometers from Salak Petch village

• Kongoi - 5 waterfalls near Bangbao

• The Thanmayom - near Thanmayom pier

[edit][add listing] Do

Walk with a Ranger from the Than Mayom Waterfall to the Khlong-Plu Waterfall. The tour takes 8-10 hours and costs 500 baht per person.

Trek in the jungle with Tan who has been taking guided treks for over 10 years and speaks very good English

Learn Thai cooking [4]in one of the 3 thai cooking school located around klong prao Kati Culinary, Koh Chang Thai cooking, Blue lagoon

Discover or Practice Yoga , Reiki or Chakras balancing at Baan Zen [5]

Guided kayak trips[6] run by a British team and uses new sit inside sea kayaks and equipment all imported from the UK.

Enjoy “rope and harness” [7] tree climbing and share the fun activities and amazing views from the top of the trees

Charter your own Sailing boat [8]

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

Menus are similar to the rest of Thailand, but an island-surcharge is unavoidable due to higher transportation cost of raw materials. There are many restaurants on any given beach open both daytime and evening with a strong concentration of tourist-minded facilities in White Sand beach village.

The beaches of Ko Chang are all dotted with restaurants dishing up some delicious seafood as well as offering romantic evening views. And don’t forget to try Koh Chang’s very own wine which comes in a variety of fruity flavors including: mangosteen, pineapple and grape.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Beer Chang, if you wish to sample the famous "Changover" the following day.

Koh Chang's nightlife and bar scene is gaining a reputation everyday. (A good reputation that is) Unlike some of the other tourist stops, Koh Chang offers both Quiet beach bars with amazing sunset views, and dance til you passout disco bars. As you'll se below each village offers something different.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Most of the hotels are located on the west side of the island, with many resorts and guest houses all along the road that leads down the coast. Generally speaking, prices drop off the further away from the port you get. Supply far out-strips demand, so finding a place to stay should never be hard, though the best or cheapest places may fill up at weekends.

• Independent Bo Bungalows - from 200 baht low season, from 300 baht high season.

• KC Grande Resort - bungalow-village with restaurant - from 1800 baht.

• Koh Chang Kacha Resort & Spa [9] - in the centre of the beach. Fantastic beachside swimming pool, beach-front bungalow-villas, pool-side deluxe villas, deluxe hotel rooms, and many rows of bungalow in tropical-style garden. The best place for families. Good value for money, friendly staff, delicious food. From 1800 baht (low) 3500 baht (high).

• Pump's House - from 1500 baht; double room for four 2500 baht (high season prices).

• Pattamas [10] - at the southern end of White Sand beach. Roomy upstairs apartment with balcony, large BR, lounge and bathroom. Great value at 800-2000 baht. Three cheaper rooms available at 400-800 baht. Pattamas restaurant serves authentic thai dishes, coffee, teas, beers, and spirits. Staff are friendly and happy. Tel: 0896088668

• Rock Sand Resort [11]). Right by the sea with a terrace over the sea to sit and watch the Koh Chang Sunsets.

• White Sand Beach Resort [12]).

[edit] Klong Son Bay

• Siam Royal View [13] - Chang Noi Beach - Villas & Beach Bungalows Koh Chang

[edit] Klong Prao Beach

• Big Elk [14] - Cozy Bungalow Park with holiday houses, bungalows, swimming pool, pool table, internet and just 300 meters from Klong Prao beach. Rates 350 - 700 baht.

[edit] Kai Bae Beach

• Garden Resort - Quiet and charming resort with luxury bungalows, swimming pool, high speed internet and just 150 meters from the beach. Rates 1,200 - 2,700 baht.

• Koh Chang Cliff Beach Resort, [15]. price from 2,000 Bht

• Gajapuri Resort and Spa [16]. five star bungalows on the beach. High season rates 4,000-12,900 bath.

• Sea View Resort & Spa, [17]. prices from 1,600-10,000 baht: over 100 rooms.

• Siam Bay Resort Koh Chang, [18]. 100 moo 4, Kai Bae Beach , Koh Chang Trat (tel: +66(0)87-0265515) 60 luxury bungalows on the beach, large family bungalows on the hill side and new Seaview and Pool Villas. High season rates 500-4,000 baht, "green season" rates 300-2,200 baht.

[edit] Hat Tha Nam (Lonely Beach)

• Bhumiyama Beach Resort (ภูมิยามะ บีช รีสอร์ท) 99/1 Moo 1(Lonely Beach) Tambon Koh Chang Tai , Trat (Tel: 08 1860 4623, 0 3955 8067 Fax: 0 3955 8070, E-mail: sales@bhumiyama.com [19] is the only 4 star resort on Lonely Beach, offering beautiful sea view bungalows and hotel rooms. Its located next to Nature Resort. Prices starting around 3000 baht.

• Kachapura Tel 086 0500754. Newly built, well-appointed concrete bungalows spread around a serene tropical garden layout in Hat Tha Nam's 'town' strip. It's a trek through the garden to get to the beach, which is anyway rather rocky, so better to walk 5-10 minutes down the road to the beach and bar at Siam Huts. Some noise from nearby bars at night in the bungalows near the road. Fan bungalow 500B, AC 700B.

• Lonely Beach Resort New concrete bungalows with fan, tv and wifi at about 500B. Restaurant serves Thai and western food. A 5-10 minute walk to the sandy beach.

• Nature Beach Resort is mostly a backpacker place. They have bungalows starting from 300 baht. They have quite good bungalows for about 500 baht with fan. They recently rebuilt the restaurant and the bar. They restaurant is good, but the atmosphere in the beach bar is not the same as it used to be.

• Oasis Bungalows [20] is a unique place in this area. It is situated hillside with stunning sunset views from the restaurant deck, where you can enjoy Isaan home-style dishes, sandwiches or pasta. The cute wooden huts come with fan and mosquito net, attached open-air bath with the islands best shower. Sunee gives you a warm welcome and you get the feeling to stay with good friends.

• Paradise Cottage is located at the end of Lonely Beach (most people in the area can point you to it) and has very nice, large and clean waterfront cottages from 300 baht. There is a somewhat rocky but very pleasant waterfront, an amazing bar, and lounging areas with very friendly staff and outstanding food.

• P & Nico Guest House & restaurant , exellent pizzas- probably the best in Koh Chang and thai food ; Nore more french menu

• Siam Beach Resort Koh Chang, [21] tel: +66(0)87-0265515. Right on the beach. Formerly a backpacker place, converted into a 3,5 star resort with large swimming pool in early 2006. Premium Sea view and Deluxe pool view hotel rooms, all with a sea view, cable TV, refrigerator, hot water, comfortable beds and breakfast for two start at 1500 baht. Exclusive Pool Villas offer relaxation to those that require a bit more privacy and plenty of comfort. Stay longer in the Koh Chang Condominiums [22].

• Siam Hut [23] Right on the beach, offering a quiet atmosphere (unless they are hosting a beach party, in which case don't expect to sleep before 2am), friendly staff, delicious food and spartan waterfront bungalows for around 400 baht/night, with more expensive AC bungalows at 680B.

[edit] Bailan Beach

• Ao Bai Lan Beach Resort (อ่าวใบลาน บีช รีสอร์ท) Laem Bai Lan (Tel: 08 1761 4582), 10 rooms: 150-200 baht

• Bai Lan Resort (ใบลาน รีสอร์ท) 6/1 Tambon Ko Chang Tai, 6 bungalows: 100 baht, Pitching a private tent reqires paying a fee for 50 baht per person/night

• Whitehouse Bailan Resort (ไวท์เฮ้าส์ ใบลาน รีสอร์ท) Tel.(66)8-1409-8307 (66)39-558-113 "The Best of Bailan" To enjoy your unique vacation experience with cozy white cottages and relax by the swimming pool, sunbath on beautiful beach, unwind with skilled masseurs and flavour the many nearby delights on the island.Our friendly and personalised service will ensure your stay will be a memorable one. 15 std.rooms & 18 cottages : 500-1,000 baht[24]

[edit] Bang Bao Bay

Bang Bao is on the south side of the island. It's little more than a long stretch of wooden deck that takes probably 5 minutes to walk from end to end, with dive shops, seafood restaurants, local housing, and a few places that provide accommodation for visitors.

• Alysia Spring Resort Bang Bao, [25]. 27 rooms with A/C, hot water, fridge, cable TV, safe, balcony. Internet. 1 km to beach, free shuttle service. English and German-speaking staff. From 800 baht/night.

• Bang Bao Blue Wave Resort (บางเบ้า บลูเวฟ รีสอร์ท) 47 Mu 1 Tambon Ko Chang Tai (Tel: 08 1451 5512), 51 rooms: 300-800 baht

• Bang Bao Sea Hut (บางเบ้า ซี ฮัท) 53 Bang Bao Village, Koh Chang (Email: info@BangbaoKohchang.com, [26].

• B. Phoem Phun Thap (บ. เพิ่มพูลทรัพย์) 24/1 Mu 1 Bang Bao Village, Tambon Ko Chang Tai, (Tel: 08 1732 2798) 2,000 baht/ 20 person

[edit] Tan Mayom Beach

The first beach on the east, has very few places to stay as there is no sandy beach. The place is however, very natural.

[edit] Other locations

• Ao Sapparot Camp and Resort (อ่าวสับปะรด แค้มป์ แอนด์ รีสอร์ท) Ao Sapparot, 3 rooms: 400-500 baht

• Arawan Bangalow (เอราวัณ บังกะโล) 4 bungalows: 100-200 baht

• Baan Mae Resort (บ้านแม่ รีสอร์ท) 12/4 Mu 3 Koh Chang Tai (Tel: 08 1782 6924, 08 7133 7100) 17 rooms: 600-1,500 baht

[edit] Other listings

Overnight camping is possible. 2-person tents cost 150 baht and 8-person tents cost 400 baht. You can also camp in your own tent for 20 baht/person.

If you want to spend one night in the jungle, it can be arranged at a fee of 700 baht.

• Aiyapura Resort & Spa [27] Beautiful Thai Villas and suites surrounded by greenery tropical garden with ocean view. Breathtaking panorama view from Klong San Bay. Rates from 4,000 baht.

• Siam Bay Resort Koh Chang [28] Stay in Luxury bungalows right on the beach, or enjoy the spacious family bungalows with a Sea View. Rates from 600-3500 baht.

• Four Star Hotel & Resort

[edit] Get out

• Ko Mak
• Ko Kut
• Ko Samet
• Pattaya

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!