If you are looking for a relaxed tropical beach holiday destination far away from the hustle and bustle of modern metropolises, the elephant-shaped island of Koh Chang in Thailand might be just the right place for you. Stunning beaches, waterfalls, jungles, coral reefs with snorkeling and scuba diving in clear tropical waters, trekking, spas and a variety of hotels on Koh Chang offer the combination for a perfect holiday.
The Elephant Island of Koh Chang (or Ko Chang) is the second largest island in Thailand located in the Gulf of Thailand in eastern part of the country. Designated a National Park, it used to be a sleepy backward island inhabited by fishermen and frequented by backpackers. Today, Koh Chang has become a popular travel destination for both Thai and foreign tourists, and new hotels and beach resorts are springing up fast. Ko Chang now receives some 660,000 visitors annually.
The main beaches on Koh Chang, White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Chang Noi Beach, and Lonely Beach are all located on the west side of the island. Some of the beaches have become very popular while others offer more peace and privacy. The eastern side of Ko Chang is home to small beaches, waterfalls, coves, and fishing villages. There is also a war memorial monument on the southern tip of the island.
Activities on the island include diving, snorkeling, elephant riding, and ATV and sightseeing tours. Trekking on Koh Chang is very rewarding, as the island is mountainous and mostly covered with tropical forests. Massage and spas on Koh Chang are available at many hotels as well as on the main beaches. Thai cooking classes, kayaking, minigolf, and birdwatching tours are also available on Koh Chang.
The Elephant Island of Koh Chang (or Ko Chang) is the second largest island in Thailand located in the Gulf of Thailand in eastern part of the country. Designated a National Park, it used to be a sleepy backward island inhabited by fishermen and frequented by backpackers. Today, Koh Chang has become a popular travel destination for both Thai and foreign tourists, and new hotels and beach resorts are springing up fast. Ko Chang now receives some 660,000 visitors annually.
Koh Chang attractions: from beaches and waterfalls to diving and trekking
Mountainous and abundant in natural resources, Koh Chang offers its visitors lovely sandy beaches, coral reefs, tranquil fishing villages, and many beautiful waterfalls. Most tourism facilities on Koh Chang are located on the west coast settlements of Hat Sai Khao, Hat Kai Mook and Hat Ta Nam. Ko Chang belongs to a Marine National Park together with 52 nearby islands, making snorkeling and diving in Koh Chang especially good.The main beaches on Koh Chang, White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Chang Noi Beach, and Lonely Beach are all located on the west side of the island. Some of the beaches have become very popular while others offer more peace and privacy. The eastern side of Ko Chang is home to small beaches, waterfalls, coves, and fishing villages. There is also a war memorial monument on the southern tip of the island.
Activities on the island include diving, snorkeling, elephant riding, and ATV and sightseeing tours. Trekking on Koh Chang is very rewarding, as the island is mountainous and mostly covered with tropical forests. Massage and spas on Koh Chang are available at many hotels as well as on the main beaches. Thai cooking classes, kayaking, minigolf, and birdwatching tours are also available on Koh Chang.
Koh Chang travel information and practical tips
Koh Chang enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with three main seasons: warm and dry season from November to February, which is the most popular time to visit Koh Chang, hot and humid (but mostly rainless) season from March to May, and hot and rainy season from June to October.
Photo: clayirving, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
How to get there. Ko Chang does not have an airport of its own. Instead, you can travel to Koh Chang by taking a flight to Trat airport close by in the mainland, or taking a bus to Trat from Bangkok. There are frequent ferries to Koh Chang from a Laem Ngop jetty near Trat. Some hotels in Ko Chang even have their own boat services.
Once on Koh Chang, you can get around by pick-up truck called songthaews or by taxis. Motorcycle and car rental in Ko Chang are available, but the roads on the island are not in particularly good condition.
Hotels & restaurants. The majority of hotels on Koh Chang are located on the western side of the island opposite to the ferry piers. There are many types of accommodation choices on the island, and restaurants on Koh Chang serve both Thai and foreign cuisines. English is spoken on Ko Chang by most people working in tourism professions.
Safety. Like most of Thailand, Koh Chang is a quite safe place with very little violent crime. However, theft and scams are not unheard of, so you need to be careful to avoid them. Always suspect “special offers” on gems or sightseeing tours involve something suspicious, and always agree on the price before taking a ride in a taxi. Respecting local culture and avoiding any illegal activities will also help you to stay safe.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Sihanoukville
