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Koh
Chang Information
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Chang , in the
Gulf of Thailand, a designated National Park, is approximately 300
kilometers south east of Bangkok. To
prevent environmental damage the Government of Thailand has ensured
that no roads will lead to Koh Chang . The island is connected to
the mainland by ferries only.
Away
from sun , sand & sea Koh Chang
If
you want to take a break from the Koh Chang beach, a wide range
of activities await both on shore and inland.
Thai
Cooking Schools Koh Chang
If
there's one thing visitors can take back with them, it's the remembrance
of Thai cuisine. Nowadays, it's easy enough to re-create a lot of
your favourites dishes since most Thai ingredients can be easily
obtained or substituted. Such knowledge is given at most Thai cooking
schools including the one at the Koh Chang . Classes take a few
hours and students usually learn the art of fruit and vegetable
carving as well as traditional stir-fried dishes. You will have
an opportunity to cook by yourself and dine with fellow students
after class.
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Elephant
Trekking Koh Chang
During
harvest seasons in March/April, and in August/September, visitors
are allowed to pick ripe pomelos from the trees with compliments
of Chutiman, the proprietor. On your return route, the mahout
may lead the elephant through a different path that exposes
you to wild vegetation, giant trees and wildlife. Cold drinks
and coffee are served as you refresh back at the camp. If
you don't have time, you can still experience the thrill of
a one-hour trek (500 Baht) without the waterfall. Open daily
from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, you can start your tour any time
of the day.
Visit
to Baan Chang Thai (Elephant House) - Koh Chang ... Click
here
Snorkeling
& Diving Koh Chang
The
best diving season is between October/November and April.
The best sites are on the west and southern tip of the island,
between Koh Chang ( Ko Chang ) and Koh Kood ( Ko Kut ). There
you can see soft corals, anemones, myriad reef fish, and sometimes
eel. Hin Luk Bat and Hin Lap both have coral seamounts. Further
south, white-tip reef sharks can be found near Hin Phrai Nam.
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In
addition, there are two wreck dive sites. The Koh Chang ( Ko Chang
) Wreck is a Thai warship sunk by the French navy in 1941. The wreck
is only 15 metres deep in the Salakphet Bay on the southern tip
of the island. The other wreck is the Pak One Wreck which sank after
hitting a coral reef in August 1996 on its way to Vietnam. It resurfaced
almost 8 years later. The 900-ton sunken tanker posed a danger to
ships on international waters. The Royal Thai Navy drained off its
600 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and resank it between Koh
Chang and Koh Samet. It now lies horizontally in 35-metre-deep waters.
There
are a few diving centres on Koh Chang ( Ko Chang ) such as the Ploy
Scuba Diving in Bang Bao. They provide free transfer to and from
the resort. Language barrier is no problem to the centre since they
provide instructions in different languages. Following the standards
of the sister centre in Koh Samet, this is the premier diving operator
in Eastern Thailand.
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Canoes
and Kayaking Koh Chang
For
a relaxing trip along the coastlines, try paddling canoes. Canoes
can be found along the beaches and some Koh Chang resorts.
Viewing
Fireflies Koh Chang
During
the cooler months on Koh Chang ( Ko Chang ), you can rent a boat
to slowly cruise along the waters at night to see fireflies in the
mangroves. Thousands of fireflies send out mating signals as they
settle into the mangrove forest, lighting up the whole tree with
their simultaneous flashing in the dark. It's like rows of Christmas
trees.
Klong
Plu Waterfalls Koh Chang
One
of the best-known waterfalls, Klong Plu is close to Klong Prao and
Kai Bae beaches. The fall plunges down a narrow drop-off into a
pool, where you can go for a refreshing swim. Heading 3 km south
from Klong Prao along the main road, you will see a sign of the
waterfall on the left. Turn left into the path and follow the sign
for 2 km. You'll find a ticket kiosk to pay the entrance fee. Walk
along a well-marked footpath for only 20 minutes or about 400 metres
past many kinds of vegetation, birds and giant trees, and you'll
encounter a spectacular view of the waterfall.
This
is also a 3-level waterfall, which has served as an important source
of fresh water for the island. King Rama V visited Klong Plu twice.
Most visitors stay at the first level which is already a breath-taking
sight. Walking to the second and third levels will need the assistance
of park officials or guides, as the path is slippery and difficult
to reach. Swimming and camping are allowed.
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Other
Activities Koh Chang
The
Shrine of Jao Po Koh Chang
Leading
up a steep road on the west coast to Ao Sapparos, not too far from
the pier, you will see the shrine of Chao Po and Chao Mae Koh Chang
on the right.
This
is a highly revered shrine especially for local people. Chao Po
Koh Chang (literally the Deity of Koh Chang) has guarded people
on Koh Chang (Ko Chang), nearby islands and the mainland of Trat
for generations. Fishermen struck by monsoon or lost their directions
in the sea put their faith on Chao Po Koh Chang. Legend has it that
many prayers have been answered, and the locals have been praying
to Chao Po Koh Chang concerning various hardships, from low yield
harvests to sickness or other miseries.
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Koh
Kood
Situated
80 kms southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Koh Kood is the farthest
island from the mainland. It is also the easternmost island of Thailand
bordering Kampuchea. With an area of 129 sq. kms Koh Kood is the second
largest island of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and fourth largest
in Thailand, after Koh Samui. It is supported by essential infrastructure,
which include a hospital, schools, police station, electricity (mainly
for state-run facilities), water and telephone system. Fuel and solar
energy are, the main sources of electricity here. Most resorts generate
their own electricity.
Koh
Rang
To
the west of Koh Mak is a group of 12 islands known as the Moo Koh Rang.
Of these, Koh Rang Yai is the largest. It is covered with tropical virgin
rainforests and boast of the longest and most beautiful beach in the area,
the Had San Chao or San Chao Beach, where the sand is powdery white and
water crystal clear. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater beauty up
to 25 meters deep. Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain. Its only low-lying
area are at the shores. Koh Rung is a small island at the west of Koh
Maak. The isle has not enough flat area suitable for the setting up of
any resort and bungalow. Ko Rung is place of concessions of bird nests,
Charmed eggs and bat's dung. Stone knolls and deep-water coral under the
sea of Koh Rung are very magnificent.
Koh
Maak
Lying
between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, about 40 km from the mainland is a group
of 9 islands called the Moo Koh Maak (Moo Ko Mak). Only 4 of these islands,
including Koh Maak, Koh Kradad, Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied.
Koh Maak, with an area of only 16 sq km and a 27 km coastline, is the
third largest island of the Marine Park. It has a flat terrain with plenty
of coconut and rubber plantations. The main attractions are the long beaches
and clear seawaters. There are only a few hundred people living here,
most of them related.
Koh
Maak
Just
1 km northwest of Koh Maak is Koh Kham, a small island with clear seawater,
coral reefs and coconut-fringed sandy beaches that are excellent for swimming,
snorkelling, fishing and angling for squids. The island is almost within
swimming distance from Koh Maak's Ao Suan Yai beach. Aged lava exists
on the island which means a volcano existed in prehistoric times. Big
boulders believed to be volcano rocks are seen on its pristine beaches.
During low tide a sand dune practically links the island to Koh Maak (Ko
Mak).
Naval
Battle Area
is in the south of Koh Chang close to Salak Petch
Bay. The zone is where the battle between Thai and French naval troops
fought over the east border conflict on January 17, 1941.
Tan
Mayom Waterfall
is the three stories fall of medium size. The footpath
up to the site, situated 500 meters from durian orchard, is near the office
of the national park. King Rama V and VI once visited the place and singed
their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.
Klong
Nonsi Waterfall
is a little fall in the northeast zone of the island.
The side- walk to the area lies 3 Km. from Baan Daan Mai or 3 Km. from
the national park office.
Klong
Plu Waterfall
has three stories. The entrance is 3 Km. from Ao
Klong Prao Community. It will take about 20 minutes from the entrance
to the site by walking. Klong Nueng Waterfall is a small fall situated
remotely from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall. Klong
Son Bay which is rich with coral lines is in the northernmost of the west
Koh Chang Noi and
Leam Chang Noi lie in the north of Koh
Chang. The sea between Koh Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi is abundant with
corals.
Klong
Son Community
is set up in the area. Klong Plu Waterfall has three stories. The entrance
is 3 Km. from Ao Klong Prao Community. It will take about 20 minutes from
the entrance to the site by walking.
Klong
Son Bay
which is rich with coral lines is in the northernmost
of the west coast. Klong Son Community is set up in the area.
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Tri
Petch Waterfall
has only one storey. The place is situated 3 Km. from Salak Petch
Community along the orchard of rubber trees. White Sand Beach
White
Sand Beach
This is Koh Chang's largest and longest and busiest beach. The beach
is noted for its beautiful and fine white sand. Here you will find
the shops, beach vendors and tourism related businesses. Boat charters,
tours and motorcycle rentals can be arranged here. At the back or
the beach are orchards of coconut trees and forests. The beach is
easily accessible due to many roads passing to it The name suggests
scenic beauty of the area.
Bang
Bao Fishery Village
This beach is southwest portion of the island.
The beach here lines the beautiful bay. There are a few fishing
villages in this area. This is another one of Koh Chang's pristine
locations, is very interesting because residents in the area build
up their houses with poles pitched into the sea and the bridge reaching
to every house is set up to link the community together.
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Bang
Bao is one of the zones rich with corals. Koh Mun- Nok & Mun Nai
is a small isle opposite Kai Bae's Beach. The Beach around the isle can
be seen at low tide. The sea in the area is some what shallow and plenty
of gold-colour corals.
Long
Sand Beach
is next to Sa Lak Kok Bay. The area is covered with forest and orchards
of coconut trees
Klong
Phrao Beach
This beach is south of the Hat Sai Khao beach, and
it is not a busy beach. The bay, tropical vegetation and beach-line are
very beautiful. There is a nearby fishing village, but not many services.
( Hat Khlong Phrao ) Laem Chaiyachet is the long seaside adjacent to Kai
Bae Beach. The beach is rather steep. The northern most of the each which
has beautiful landscape but swimming is not recommend.
Kai
Bae Beach
is close to Klong Phrao Beach. The beach, like that of Klong Phrao, is
steep but swimming is safe.
Koh
Lao Ya
lies at the south of Koh Chang. The group comprises Koh Lao Ya Nai, Koh
Lao Ya Klang and Koh Lao Ya Nok. The transportation from Laem Ngob takes
about 2 hours and a half. The islands has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear
water a cololurful corals, Lao Yo Resort provide accommodation service
here.
Koh
Wai
situated next to Koh Lao Ya is a big island most
of Beach which are plenty with stones. The area occupies many bay which
has beautiful beach lines and wide wonderful coral zones. Koh Wai is also
the best source for fishing. As for accommodations, Koh Wai Pakarung Resort
is ready to server tourists.
Koh
Khlum
is a historical island during the Thai-French Naval Battle like Koh Chang.
The island is proper for fishing. The landscape comprising stone yard
is worth a visit.
Koh
Phrao
is in front of Salakpetch Bay from Laem Ngob, it takes two hours to the
island, Ko Phrao has clean and calm seaside, and is cool and shady because
it is plenty of coconuts trees.
Koh
Ngam
is situated in the south of Koh Chang. The place comprises of two islands
with a huge sand knoll at the middle. The little bay formed by the lines
of the mountain stretching into the sea is a splendid and serene site
without storms. It takes two hours to go from LaemNgob to the place.
Koh
Chang Scuba Diving.
A group of about 10 islands south of Koh Chang have coral reefs and are
ideal for diving and fishing. Boats to the island can be hired from Ao
Cho, Laem Sok Pier or Laem Ngop Pier that will take you to the islands
where the diving is good. Diving season in Koh Chang is from October until
May. The diving around Koh Chang is at reasonably shallow depths at 5
- 25 meters. Visibility is between 7 and 30 metes. There are fantastic
reefs with a variety of corals. The main dive sites are Hin Luk Bat, Hin
Sam Sao, Hin Raap and Koh Rang.
• Dolphin
Divers Koh Chang
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Scubadive
Thailand Koh Chang
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REC-TEC
Divers Koh Chang
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Dive
Point Koh Chang
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BB
Divers Koh Chang
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Ploy
Scuba Diving Koh Chang
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Seahorse
Diving Koh Chang
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OK
Diving Koh Chang
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