Chang Island (Ko Chang)

Ko Chang (Thai : เกาะช้าง), also Koh Chang is the second largest island of Thailand (largest island in the Ko Chang Marine Park archipelago), located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. The name means Elephant Island. Ko Chang was named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island. At present, there are 8 villages in total. It is a mountainous island and Khao Salak Phet is the highest peak of all at 744 metres. Visitors are also met with several waterfalls, splendid reefs and rainforests. The island has an area of approximately 217 square kilometers. Ko Chang was previously an unsettled island but it 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.

The island is part of the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park. During World War II, when Thailand was occupied by the Japanese, Ko Chang was the scene of a naval battle between the reluctant Royal Thai Navy and a Vichy France squadron, in which the Thais were decisively beaten.

Until the mid-1980s the infrastructure on the island was undeveloped, but tourism has increased significantly since then. Around the year 2000, malaria was eradicated, the area became a national park (and began charging entry fees). The island now receives 655,000 visitors annually, about two thirds of them Thai. Ko Chang is one of the few places with virgin forest, but the rush to cash in on tourism has had a heavy toll on its virgin forest. Land prices have skyrocketed. there are also beautiful if not high end resort now popping up all over the island.

Climate

Ko chang has three seasons, they are:

• Cool season (Nov-Feb)



• Hot season (March-May)



• Rainy season (June-Oct)

Due to its location and being an island, Ko Chang does get more than its fair share of rain, 4,000 mm. per year.

Transportation

Air

Ko Chang has no airport. The nearest airport is in Amphoe Muang Trat on the mainland. Koh Chang Air Taxi however, does offer scenic seaplane service.

Roads

There are only two main roads on Ko Chang, one on the east coast and one on the west coast. Both roads start at Ao Sapparot in the north near the ferry piers. The two main roads run the entirety of the coastlines. There are also shorter roads which branch out to Ploytalay Resort and Keereephet, Klong Neung and Klong Phu Waterfalls.

Ferry Boat

At Laem Ngob in Trat Town opposite Ko Chang there are 3 piers offering ferry service to Ko Chang.

• Lacated at Ao Thammachat, the ferries depart daily at Ao Sapraros pier.



• Located at Center Point Pier, ferries are hourly to Dan Kao Pier.



• Laem Ngob Pier has less frequent ferries.

Motorbike

These can be either hired or taxied out. The island is full of both motorbike rental places and motorbike-taxi drivers.

Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle)

These run up and down the two main roads and can either be used as public transport or privately hired.

Long-tail Boat

Tourists enjoy hiring long-tail boats to take them to nearby islands.

Activities

Hiking

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

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.

Canoeing

Canoeing through the mangrove forest is most popular.

Diving & Snorkeling

The area may not have the best diving site in Thailand but it is stil worth it. There are quite a lot of courses around of various different skills. For e.g.: Hin Kuak Maa, Hin Luk Bath, Hin Rap South, Hin Run Trek, Ship Wreck.

Spa

Ko Chang has plenty of spas comprising of various forms of massage, aromatherapy, herbal scrub, and reflexology. Spa service is found at many of the top resorts and hotels.