Trat (province) > Ko Chang
Ko Chang
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Trat (province) > Ko Chang -->
Ko Chang (เกาะช้าง) is in Trat Province, in Eastern Thailand, about 330 kilometers from Bangkok. It is Thailand's second largest island, and the biggest in Ko Chang National Park. With about 5000 permanent residents the island is not heavily populated, but tourism (and development) has increased dramatically over the last few years.
[edit] SloganBased upon the Trat (province), it holds the same slogan as the province, i.e. With no less than 50 offshore isles, it also boasts the finest red gems, sweet Rakam fruits, indigenous dogs, the historic Ko Chang Naval engagement, the eastern-most province.
[edit] UnderstandThe 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. Ko Chang (เกาะช้าง) previously an unsettled island, is now important as a harbour for ships to escape from the monsoon, and dietary or fresh water resources, especially at Ao Salak Phet or Ao Salat which is well known to pirates, Hai Lam Chinese and Vietnamese. At present, there are 8 villages on the island. Ko Chang is being heavily developed. It seems like the government is trying to "develop" it from a backpackers' paradise to a top-level destination. Construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts.
[edit] HistoryPrior 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 thwart with controversy concerning land encroachment etc. [edit] GeographyKoh 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] AdministrationKoh Chang is a district of Trat Province. It consists of 2 Tambon (sub-districts)
Koh Chang Island consists of the following villages:
[edit] BoundaryKoh Chang is surrounded by 52 islands. To the east of the area lies Cambodia and to the west, the Thai province of Chanthaburi. [edit] ClimateKo Chang has three seasons, they are:
Due to its location and being an island, Ko Chang does get more than its fair share of rain, 4,000 mm. per year. [edit] Get in[edit] By planeBangkok Airways flies two times a day from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (the "new" BKK) to Trat. 0800 and 1625, and the flight takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. Direct door-to-door minibus transfers from Trat airport to Ko Chang resorts cost 280 baht/person 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 busFrom 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 Centrepoint pier. The fare is 232 baht (or 438 baht for a round trip) 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. Alternatively, there are 1st class (approx. 5 hours) 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). 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. There are direct minibus services to Laem Ngop from Pattaya, Ban Phe, and Bangkok's Khao San Road. 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, phase of the moon, etc - enquire locally.
[edit] By boatMost ferries operate from Laem Ngop, which has three piers, of which two are currently operational. 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. Another vehicle ferry pier is located in Thammachat Bay (Ao Thammachat), around 15 km west of Laem Ngop. Almost 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] Get around In the daytime, you can catch a songthaew on its route around the main road. These taxis are also waiting at the Dan Kao Pier. 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. Unless you are intent on traveling around the island all day by public transport, then a Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle) sounds like the best bet. Most folk however, just stay put on the beach of their choice and walk to wherever they want to go. [edit] TourismThe recent success of Ko Chang as a serious tourist destination has been quite phenomenal. Much of that success must be due to its close proximity to Bangkok. Ko Chang is just 5 hours away, much more convenient for the average Bangkokian family holidaying for the weekend than say Phuket. Ko Chang too 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. Some critics however, worry that the Ko Chang tourism boom won’t survive as they believe that ‘gross over-development’ will only, over time, frighten off tourists to on of the other more unspoilt islands nearby. Investors though, claim that what they are now doing in Ko Chang is nothing on the scale of the likes of Samui. With the development of Ko Kong in Cambodia as a casino resort, it makes Ko Chang even more of an ideal place for a stop-over between the two islands.
[edit] CultureThai Buddhism is a large part of the people’s lives on Ko Chang and so there are some temples scattered around. [edit] LifestyleBaan Bang Bao or Bang Bao Fishery Village is unique in that every dwelling was built in the sea. There are small bridges connecting each one. Some of the abodes have been transformed into guesthouses and seafood restaurants. Baan Khlong Son or Khlong Son Village has rubber plantations, orchards and traditional fishery. For tourists there are fishing tours, squid fishing or snorkling to view schools of fishes on Koh Mapring and Koh Chang Noi nearby. Baan Dan Kao or Dan Kao Village has indigenous folk of Koh Chang Noi who rear the fish in floating baskets especially “Yamsawat Fish” or Blue Spotted Sea Bass which are popular among the consumers who prefer to eat live fish. Baan Dan Mai(Dan Mai Village) and Baan Khlong Non Si (Khlong Non Si Village) have orchards, coconut plantations and traditional fishery. The lychee trees grown here are the traditional breed called “Silaman 200 years”. This breed of lychee tree has the large size and it is believed to be found on Koh Chang Noi only. Baan Salak Petch or Salak Petch villagers mainly work about coastal fishery. Most houses were built in the sea like those in Bang Bao Village but it is a bigger community. Every house is connected with the wood bridge. Baan Rong Than or Rong Than Village is an area which used to be the sites, owned by most villagers, for charcoal making from mangrove wood. Baan Jek Bae or Jek Bae villagers work about traditional fishery, rubber plantation and coconut plantation.
[edit] Events & FestivalThe Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day is organized in late January at the Ko Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop. The event commemorates the Royal Thai Navy’s fight against the French on January 17, 1941. There is an exhibition by the Royal Thai Navy and merit-making and tribute rites are performed [edit] See
Waterfalls:
Ko Chang Naval Battle Site (บริเวณยุทธนาวีเกาะช้าง) located in the southern part of Ko Chang. The Trat waters near Ao Salak Phet and Ao Salak Khok also added another page in the Thai history of fighting for the country’s sovereignty. On 17 January 1941, the Royal Thai Navy managed to evict the invaders although they lost a certain number of squadrons and soldiers. 17 January has become a memorial day for the fighting, of which a service is held annually at Ko Chang Naval Battle Memorial in Amphoe Laem Ngop. Ko Ngam was the first point of confrontation in the Franco–Siamese War in which the French army sent aircraft on a reconnaissance and bombing of the island, whereas Ko Wai is the point where French patrol aircraft crashed after being fired by HTMS Songkhla and HTMS Chon Buri. A squadron of 7 French warships led by the Lamotte Piquet Cruiser, 2 sloops and 4 gunboats invaded in 3 divisions. The Lamotte Piquet alone made Division 1 blocking the south of Ko Wai and Ko Bai Tang. Division 2 comprising 1 sloop and 1 gunboat blocked the channel between Ko Khlum and Ko Wai whereas Division 3 comprising 1 sloop and 3 gunboats blocked the channel between Ko Khlum and Laem Bang Bao. Ko Mai Si is a small private island located not far from Ko Kut where there is beautiful nature, sandy beaches and clear water –home to diversified marine life and ideal for diving. Various plant species grow wild on the island, which used to be a confrontation site between the Lamotte Piquet and HTMS Thon Buri that was in commission at Ko Lim. In assisting HTMS Songkhla and HTMS Chon Buri which were heavily fired and eventually sank near Ao Salak Phet and Ao Salak Khok, the HTMS Thon Buri was also hardly attacked, ran aground and sank near Laem Ngop. Semi-homestay accommodation is available for a group visit of 15–30 persons. A 3-day/2-night package sells at Bt 4,500-5,000, 2-day/1-night at Bt 4,000-4,500. For more details, please contact Tel. 0 2750 6873, 0 9980 5757. Ao Khlong Son (อ่าวคลองสน) a bay in the northernmost west of the island where Ban Khlong Son Community is located, with a beautiful coral reef. Accommodation is available. Klongson Beach is the first beach on the right after you disembark at the ferry pier. Namtok Khlong Nonsi (น้ำตกคลองนนทรี) a small waterfall to the northeast of the island accessible by a 3-km. pathway from Ban Dan Mai or about 4 km. from the national park’s headquarters. Namtok Than Mayom (น้ำตกธารมะยม) a medium 4-tiered waterfall located some 500 metres through a garden behind the national park’s headquarters, with the 3rd tier being the most beautiful. King Rama V, King Rama VII and Queen Rambhai Barni used to visit this waterfall as evident from the royal initials on the rock. Namtok Khlong Phlu (น้ำตกคลองพลู) a large and most breathtaking waterfall on Ko Chang with water cascading down 3 tiers of the cliff to a basin, with an entrance located 3 km. from Ao Khlong Phrao plus another 20-minute walk. Long Beach/ Hat Sai Yao (หาดทรายยาว) located near Ao Salak Phet to the south of the island with a long stretch of sandy beach where swimming is available. Trekking to the naval battle site, as well as a trip to admire nearby islands such as Ko Lao Ya, Ao Salak Phet, Ko Wai, etc. is provided. The viewpoint in the area is terrific and so are the snorkeling opportunities. The only way to get to this beach is by boat. Accommodation is available. Monkey Training Centre (โรงเรียนฝึกลิง) located at Mu 4 Hat Sai Khao, Tambon Ko Chang, the centre provides training as well as shows of monkey’s abilities, especially in collecting coconuts. There are 3 shows daily at 10.00 a.m., 02.00 p.m. and 04.00 p.m. Admission is Bt 200. For more details, please call Tel. 0 1982 8661, 0 6531 3398. Ban Salak Phet (บ้านสลักเพชร) the largest and oldest community on Ko Chang located in the southern part. The villagers’ main occupation is coastal fishery in an advantageous area sheltered from winds and storms by islands and mountains. There is an old temple in front of the village known as Wat Salak Phet built in the reign of King Rama V on his royal visit to the island. Ao Salak Phet is the largest bay on the island. Namtok Khiri Phet (น้ำตกคีรีเพชร) a single-storeyed waterfall located 3 km. from Ban Salak Phet Community through a rubber plantation. Namtok Khlong Nueng (น้ำตกคลองหนึ่ง) a small waterfall near Namtok Khiri Phet – Ban Rong Than, located some 2 km. deeper inside the island from the Salak Phet Community with another 480-metre walk. The waterfall cascades down from a narrow gorge for 120 metres. Swimming is available. Bangbao Beach is a small fishing village where the villagers still live in houses built on stilts, all connected by wooden bridges. The area is developing quite quickly in regards to tourism. The road getting there is steep and winding. Bang Bao Fishery Village (หมู่บ้านประมงบางเบ้า) a village of houses on stilts built into the sea with bridges connecting them together. Most of the villagers are descendants of the Salak Phet villagers, living a simple way of life and earning their living from coastal fishery, with abundant soft cuttlefish and corals. There is a pier, fish dock, and manufacturing of shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried shrimp and salted fish. The area is an ideal berthing area for fishing boats, with mountains and islands providing a good shelter from wind and storms in the monsoon season. Ban Rong Than (บ้านโรงถ่าน) a small community located near Salak Phet in the southern part of the island. It is a scenic viewpoint where the mist-covered peak of Khao Salak Phet in the north and Ko Maphrao Nai and mountains near Laem Yai in the east are visible. A panoramic view of the whole area of Ao Salak Phet is also available from Samnak Song Atulaphon Banphot on the hill. Ao Bai Lan (อ่าวใบลาน) located next to Hat Kai Bae and accessible by a pathway across the mountain which takes about 1 hour, with a scenic view of mountains along the way. Ao Bai Lan has a long stretch of serene beach ideal for swimming and relaxing. Hat Kai Bae (หาดไก่แบ้) a sloping and long stretch of beach connecting with Hat Khlong Phrao where swimming is good. There are several bungalows for rent at economy prices, some with mountain bikes available. Hat Khlong Phrao- Laem Chaiyachet (หาดคลองพร้าว-แหลมไชยเชษฐ์) a long stretch of sloping beach connecting with Hat Kai Bae where swimming is possible. There are several bungalows for rent with standard rooms and necessary facilities. The northernmost end of Ao Khlong Phrao connects with Laem Chaiyachet with a scenic rocky cape but swimming is not possible. Laem Chaichet nestling between White Sand and Klong Prao beaches is a great place to see the sunset and admire Klong Prao’s natural beauty. Activities to do here include: snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. Coconut Beach Resort and Chaichet Bungalow are located on this site. Accommodation, the national park offers accommodation as follows: Khlong Son Office–9 rooms for 2–6 persons at Bt 800–2,500. For more information, Tel. 0 3955 5086 or contact National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Bangkok, Tel. 0 2562 0760-2, www.dnp.go.th. Transportation on the island: from the pier, there is a Song Thaeo minibus to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao, Hat Kai Bae at Bt 30. A chartered fare has to be agreed for a journey to other beaches. 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. Ko Chang Noi, north of the Ko Changh an abundance of coral. Tri Petch Waterfall, located 3km from Salak Petch Community, has just the one storey. White Sand Beach is one the island’s longest beaches that attracts a lot of visitors. At the back or the beach are orchards of coconut trees and forests. Located north of the beach is the White Sand Beach Resort which has more than 100 bungalows, some of them very near the beach. The stretch of peaceful beach in front of this resort is 680-metre long. Ao Sapraros is the location of the pier to and from Ko Chang. Lonely Beach is extremely popular with backpackers hoping to find cheap budget accommodation. The road leading there is a difficult one; it is steep and curved. Donkao Pier is where there are ferries to Center Point and Lae Ngob Pier. There is no accommodation. Salakkok is a small fishing village that is popular for its cheap and fresh seafood.
[edit] DoPackage tours for snorkeling, diving, elephant riding etc. are widely available. Snorkeling tours day cruise to southern islands. Relaxing and snorkeling. Khlong Plu waterfalls is medium size waterfall within a half a mile walk from parking area. Swimming possibility. Entrance fee to park 400 baht.
Hiking on Ko Chang is popular due to the natural pristine surroundings including waterfalls, especially the routes Klong Son to Kai Bae and Kai Bae to Bang Bao. Elephant Trekking is possible at the Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp at Klong Son, it is supported by the Asian Elephant Foundation to provide a natural environment for elephants and their mahouts. The camp offers half day packages which include elephant bathing, feeding, performance and a one hour elephant trek into the forest. The cost is 900 Baht all inclusive. In the afternoon there is a shorter program costing 450baht. Canoeing 1 or 2 seater canoes can be hired at many places on the island. Canoeing through the mangrove forests is most popular. Diving The area may not have the best diving site in Thailand but it is still excellent. There are quite a lot of PADI courses around of various different skills. Depending on how far it is, a day trip to one of the dive sites ought to cost you in the vicinity of 1,300-2,000. All trips include 2 dives, full equipment, transportation, food & drinks and a Divemaster. Snorkeling that costs around 600-700baht.
Hin Luk Bath has turned into one of the most favored dive sites around with its boulder formations which appear from a sandy seabed 15 meters down The way they jut out allows a vast array of corals and barrel sponges. It is also possible to spot angel fish and barracuda.
Ko Chang has plenty of spas comprising of various forms of massage, aromatherapy, herbal scrub, and reflexology. They can be found at Koh Chang Grand Orchid Resort & Spa, Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Aana Resort and Spa and at the V.J. Hotel & Health Spa. Shopping Market stands along the main road. Pretty much the same pirate-products in every stand. Lots of salesmen on the beaches, especially White Sands Beach. ATMs and 7-Eleven convenience stores can be found alongside the main western coastline road.
[edit] LearnBesides diving, Thai cooking courses on Ko Chang are where wanna-be Thai cuisine chefs can learn to cook up all their favourite dishes such as tom yum kung, sweet green curry and chicken with cashew nuts.
[edit] Local ProductThe Ngop (native hat) is a cottage industry product made by villagers in the Nam Chieo community. It is located on the route to Laem Ngop district. [edit] Local FoodMenues 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 is 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] NightlifeBeer Chang, if you wish to sample the famous "Changover" the following day. Koh Chang nightlife and bar scene is constantly developing, there are a number of nice bars and restaurants to enjoy yourself at. Other than that Ko Chang is not, unlike some of the islands down south, famed for its nightlife. [edit] Sleep Most of the hotels are located on the west side of the island. [edit] Sai Khao Beach (White Sands Beach)Located in the north west, in a section called Hat Sai Khao. This area is being developed quite rapidly, so prices are going up. However, you can still find bungalows for 400 baht/night.
[edit] Klong Son Bay
[edit] Klong Prao Beach
[edit] Kai Bae Beach
[edit] Hat Tha Nam (Lonely Beach)
[edit] Bang Bao BayBang 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.
[edit] Retirement LivingMore and more foreigners are living on Ko Chang, many of them retirees. A favourite spot for them are on the beaches. There are some other retirees though, who reside in extremely quiet locations well away from the tourist scene. Of course, the cost of living off the beaten track is far cheaper.
[edit] Media/ContactNationwide Television, Satellite TV, cable TV and local TV (Koh Chang Television) channels are available on Koh Chang (www.kohchangtv.com). International newspapers and magazines are also available in a couple of bookstores at White Sand Beach, Lonely beach and Ao Khlong Phrao. Landline telephone, satellite telephone system, mobile phones and internet connection are available on Koh Chang. And, there is a Post Office on the island.
[edit] Local TipsThe best time of the year to see Koh Chang is from November to February where the weather is cooler and the seas are calmer. Other than that you can go any time of the year. Do's
Don’ts
[edit] Suggested Itinerary
[edit] Useful Contacts
[edit] Get out
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