Koh Chang

Koh Chang (Ko Chang) Ko Chang is the largest island in the Ko Chang Archipelago. The name means Elephant Island, named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island. Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island, and much of it is covered with national parkland. The island’s beaches and rainforests are its biggest allure, offering diving, trekking, and sailing. Trat Airport is the gateway for those arriving from Bangkok’s international airport. Buses from the Bangkok airport also offer a more inexpensive alternative to flying. Once in Trat, ferry services complete the final leg of the journey to land on the eastern side 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 few sandy beaches; as such, this side is far less touristy. There are some nice waterfalls though.

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 only way onto the island is by Ferry. All vehicle transfers from anywhere else will use one of these two ferry ports. See "By Boat" section for details.

Koh Chang is an island of fishing villages and, as a result, the best dining on the island features fresh seafood. Travelers will find numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes set up along the beachfront, showcasing the island's stunning coastline.

Trat attracts mainly domestic tourists, and 5-star resorts on Koh Chang compare favorably to similar properties in places like Phuket or Samui while offering a slower pace of holiday than can be had in the more developed areas of Thailand. Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park also offers plenty for nature lovers, including waterfalls, virgin rainforest a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Waterfalls
Klong Plu - the most popular waterfall, and the only one on the west side of the island
Klong Nonsi - waterfall on the east side of the island
Klong Nueng - said to be the most breathtaking waterfall
Khiri Petch - medium sized waterfall, about 3 kilometres from Salak Petch village
Kongoi - 5 waterfalls near Bang Bao
The Thanmayom - near Thanmayom pier
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

Koh Chang's beaches are typical of those found around Thailand's islands, sporting beautiful white sand and warm blue waters. The island's most popular beach is even called White Sand Beach, although right around Koh Chang travelers will find similar idyllic conditions. Klong Prao Beach, midway along the island's west coast, is also a popular resort area with several high-end properties.

Be sure to check out the interactive map of Koh Chang for information on hotel locations, attractions, and must-see destinations.

Activities

Diving

• Diving is Cool, (situated in the lovely village of Bang Bao), the center of all diving activities on Koh Chang
• Eco-Divers Koh Chang, Booking office can be found in White Sand Beach ( near Kacha Hotel ), Kaibae ( just in front Kaibae Resort, on the main street ).The main office is located in front of the 7/11 at the entrance of Klong Prao
• The Dive Adventure, a Five Star Padi IDC diving school that offers Scuba Diving, Padi Courses and Snorkel trips into Koh Chang National Marine Park, so if you looking for a great day out Snorkelling, Diving or Discover Scuba Diving, or you wish to start your Padi Diving Certification.
• Scuba Zone (Scuba Koh Chang), 21/23 moo4 Whitesand, An extensive range of snorkeling and diving equipment focusing more on quality than price, but still cheaper than Western prices.
• BB Divers, Bang Bao 16/2 (Koh Chang), BB divers is a Belgian diving school, located on Koh Chang and on Koh Kood, Thailand. They have been active on Koh chang since 2003, and opened up their Koh kood branch in 2011. BBdivers is a five star PADI IDC center. They train divers from non diver up to instructor level. BB divers offers daily trips to the best dive sites, daily snorkeltrips with professional guidance and padi courses is many languages.

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.

Thai Cooking Classes in one of the 3 thai cooking school located around klong prao: Kati Culinary, Koh Chang Thai cooking, Blue Lagoon.

Kayaking Guided sea kayaking trips. KayakChang.com is run by a British qualified guides. They use imported sea kayaks and equipment. They offer single day expeditions off the west coast and multi day expeditions in the southern islands.

Rope and harness- tree climbing and share the fun activities and amazing views from the top of the trees.

Charter a sailing boat

Boat Charter Thailand,. Sailing Yachts, Motor Boats, Bareboat or Crewed, Luxury Charters, Fishing Trips, Traditional Boat Tours.  edit
Gulf Charters Thailand (Yacht Charter Koh Chang), Ao Salakpet (Located on the pier of Island View resort). Yacht Charter, bareboat and skippered sailing yachts, operating in Koh Chang since 2005.  edit
Thailand Yacht Charter (Yacht Charter in Phuket and Koh Chang), [8]. Skippered, crewed and bareboat sailing yachts, catamarans rental in Phuket and Koh Chang.

Snorkeling

Kon Tiki snorkeling cruise (Kon Tiki Island hooping), 98/7 Moo4 Kai Bae Beach, Koh Chang, Thailand, [9]. With Kon Tiki you can enjoy your snorkeling cruise on Koh Chang National Marine Park. Experience Koh Maak, Koh Rang and the Monkey Rock. Include Free Soft drinks and free Snorkel and Mask, Fins for rent.  edit

Learn Thai massage

• Ni's school of medical massage

Photography The island has plenty of incredible sites and awesome locations for street and sunset photography.

Zip Line There is a zip line company in the island.