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Ko Chang

Ko Chang is Thailand’s second largest island, located within Trat Province. Once considered a relatively calm island frequented by hikers, a wide range of development has increased the profile of the island with a number of new resorts.

Located in the Trat province, travelers has a number of options for arriving at the island. Direct flights are available from Bangkok to Trat (1 hour flight time), and there are bus and ferry options to get to the island from there. It is also possible to take a bus directly from Bangkok to Trat (just a 5 hour drive). To get to the ferry crossing at Laem Ngop from Trat there are a number of buses which travel from surrounding areas. Ferry crossings take roughly 45 minutes and offer many daily crossings, as well as amenities on car ferries.

A number of small, local villages on the island celebrate traditional Buddhist culture, as well as providing a number of industries. Baan Khlong Son is a fishing village offering visitors tours, as well as squid Ban Salak Phet is another fishing village located on the Ao Salak Phet bay, and its ancient culture has largely been left intact, including a temple commemorating King Rama V. Locals also celebrate Ko Chang Yutthanavani which honors the Royal Thai Navy and their liberation of the island.

The island is just over 400 square kilometers with a wide range of cliffs, evergreen forests, waterfalls, reefs and beaches. Namtok Khlong Phlu is a 3-tiered waterfall near Long Beach and Klong Plu, Klong Nueng and Kongoi are among the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. There are also several coral reefs, including those at Ao Khlong Son at Klongson Beach. A number of beaches, including White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach, Ao Bai Lan and several others offer waterfront relaxation, as well as a variety of activities.

In additional to natural sight seeing, Ko Chang offers a variety of fun options for travelers. With its pristine beaches, snorkeling, canoes and diving offer an opportunity to experience the water. For those seeking to see more of the island, there are firefly boat trips, aircraft flyovers, ATV rentals and elephant treks available (Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp). Those seeking a bit more leisure can enjoy the island’s many resort spas, and shop with the local vendors at White Sands Beach. Most of the restaurants in the area serve traditional Thai cuisine, especially in the White Sands area. Local specialties include fresh fish and local fruit wine.

Ko Chang Resorts

The island offers a number of hotel options, ranging from guest rooms to resort hotels. Near the White Sands area, you can find basic rooms as well as the Koh Chang Kacha Resort, which features several rooms as well as villas, a pool and a tropical garden.

At Klong Prao Beach, the Amari Emerald Cove Resort is the island’s only 5-star resort and offers the finest luxury accommodations. Kai Bae Beach features a number of quality resorts including the bungalows at Gajapuri Resort and Spa.

Lonely Beach offers the widest array of Resorts on the island. Bhumiyama offers the best quality accommodations, and is within walking distance of the Nature Resort. The recently renovated Siam Beach Resort also offers bay views with pool villas also available for those seeking a getaway.