Koh Chang - Gulf Island

INTRODUCTION

Big Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island being some 30km long and 8km wide.

It's located south of Trat in the eastern gulf of Thailand towards Cambodia.

Some two-thirds of the island is rainforest, with the majority of accommodation located on the west coast.

The busiest beach is Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) though it's still relatively quiet compared to Patong on Phuket. There's plenty of resorts but nightlife is limited. The beach here is great for swimming and probably the best on the island.

WHERE TO STAY?

Not a lot of low priced resorts on Chang but some good mid range and higher end resorts. One of the best is ChaiChet Resort at the northern end of Khlong Phrao which has good sized aircon rooms for 1000 baht+.

EXPLORING THE ISLAND

As the island is big it's best to explore via a motorbike or jeep.

Inland from Khlong Phrao there's the Khlong Phlu waterfall which is quiet large and the swimming hole it big enough for a few dozen people. However there's a 200 baht entry fee for farangs as it's part of a National Park.

There's some good views at the southern end of Hat Kai Bee. West of the upmarket Sea View Resort lies a small island which can be reached by walking low tide or via kayak. It's only about 800-1000m offshore.

Further south is Lonely Beach a magnet for backpackers.

At the southern tip of the island lies the village of Bang Bao which doesn't have a beach but some restaurants, cheaper accommodation and a pier for trips to southern islands.

ACTIVITIES

After you've explored the island on wheels, visted the waterfall, relaxed on the beaches it's time to head south and visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.

There are snorkelling trips available for as litle as 700 baht that take you to 2 or 3 sites plus provide lunch and water. On the way back you visit Koh Wai which has beautiful beaches and limited accommodation. Some people stay here because it's very quiet apart from the daytrippers. The resorts are only basic though.

You can also visit Koh Maak and Koh Kood. Both have a number of resorts from basic to upmarket. Haven't been to these islands yet but reviews of Kood seem to be better and it's larger than Maak but very quiet and more of a couple's island.

GETTING HERE

The quickest way is to fly into Trat airport and take a bus to one of the 3 piers along the Laem Ngop coastthat have boats to Chang. There's 2 car ferries and 1 passenger only ferry. Passengers without cars can also use the car ferries.

You can also catch buses and mini buses from Bangkok, Pattaya and Ban Phe (pier for Samet) to the piers at Laem Ngop.