Koh Chang is located in the eastern gulf of Thailand in the Trat Province, close to the border of Cambodia. Koh Chang is the secound largest island in Thailand after Phuket. The island covers an area of approximately 425 square kilometers and is some 320 kilometers south east of Bangkok.

Once only accessable by road and ferry. Now with daliy flights avaliable from Bangkok to Trat makeing access much easier its fast becoming a top holiday destintion.

Koh Chang a tropical marine national park with over fifty other islands scattered around it, still has 75 percent of its rainforest undisturbed. The pristine rain forests and high mountain peaks with scenic waterfalls, provide an abundance of wildlife

The islands white sand beaches, coves and coral reefs with clear blue waters, make it perfect for both snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

To maintain the natural landscape of Koh Chang laws has been enforced to limit the height of buildings to just three storeys. Water treatment systems are required for all new construction projects and island residents are discouraged from cutting down trees.

While the western side of the island has undergone a transformation. The eastern side prefers to retain its traditional face, wherein fruit trees and orchard plantation are generally seen. Fishing villages, such as Bang Bao and Salak Phet, incorporate visitors into their daily scene.

Homes are built on stilts that sit in the waters of the villages and have piers with ferrys to the neighbouring islands. The accommodation and small restaurants along the water take effort to blend in smoothly with the local Thai lifestyle.

The beaches of Koh Chang are all unique in character. The sandy coves and coral reefs with clear blue waters, make it perfect for both snorkling and diving enthusiasts.

White Sand Beach has many luxury beach resorts. An excellent selection of   restaurants. The bars and pubs in the area make it the place to go to for night time entertainment.

Klong Prao Beach is known for its natural beauty and a more peaceful environment is idea for those who want a calm and quiet vacation.

Kai Bae Beach is a popular area for those on a tight budget. You will find good quality economically priced bungalows and beach huts scattered in and around the area.

Mu Ko Chang National Park is a collection of over 40 large and small islands. The island chain is situated in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 8 kilometers from the coast of Trat province. The main island is Koh Chang and measures nearly 30 kilometers long and is almost 14 kilometers wide.

Other main islands in the group are Koh Kut, Koh Mak, Koh Chang Noi, Koh Khlum, Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Mai Si and Koh Rang. The park received status as a national park on 31st December 1982 to become the 45th national park in Thailand.

Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park most of the area consists of some complex mountain ranges, such as Khaokaw Mountain Range, Tabard Mountain, Tachoat Mountain and Kampang Mountain. At the ridge of the mountains, 100 to 836 meters above sea level, is the border of Thai and Cambodia.

The highest peak is Khaotabath Mountain standing at 836 meters above sea levels. The area is the source of canals such as Klong louk, Klong kaew, Klong hinpleang, Klong lue, Klong kajai, Klong malagor. The water in all of the canals flows to Klong sator and to the sea.

National Parks Thailand

Bangkok Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok to Trat twice daily. The flight time is 55 minutes.

Car, Taxi or Minibus is the most convenient way to travel to trat from Bangkok or Pattaya to Trat. The journey takes about 4 hours from Bangkok and 3 hours from Pattaya.

Minibus and full bus services are available from Khao San Road Bangkok and can be booked through local travel agents in the area. Prices vary as some times the ferry crossings are included.

Ekamai Bus Station Bangkok is the main bus station for traveling to eastern provinces located opposite to Sukhumvit 63 (Ekamai) which is easily accessible by the BTS Sky train.

Air-Conditioned and ordinary buses depart from Ekamai Bus Station Bangkok for Trat every hour. The journey takes about 5 hours.

From Trat there are three piers Ao Thammachat, Centre point and Laem Ngob. Ferries depart to Koh Chang on a frequent basis every day. The ferry ride takes 40 minutes to the pier at Koh Chang.

The main transportation on Koh Chang is by Songthaews, pick-up trucks modified for public transportation. They have two rows of seats at the back of the truck where passengers sit face to face and can accommodate up to 8 or 10 people depending on the size of the passengers.

Air - Rail & Bus Time Tables

White Sand Beach is where you will find many excellent seafood and western restaurants. The beach bars and pubs in the area make it the place to go to for nightlife on Koh Chang.

Rent a motorbike or jeep to explore the island and discover the many beaches along the coastal roads. In the evening, there are plenty of restaurants live music bars and nightclubs around the island.

Koh Chang is an adventure island. The fertile rainforests, orchards, waterfalls, hills and unpolluted sea offer a great variety of activities. The colorful spectrum of the corals is idea for snorkeling and Scuba diving.

Others may prefer to visit the local villages, boat tours to neighboring islands, trekking in the rainforest and hills with spectacular waterfalls. Or simply hire a motorcycle for sightseeing around the island.

The majority of accommodation and resorts in Koh Chang are thatched roof bungalows sitting on spacious land and long beaches. At the same time, there are numerous hotels and Spa resorts of modern architecture providing luxury services and amenities.