Marina
Koh Chang
The only yacht marina in Koh Chang Marine National Park. We
provide launching, retrieving wet and dry berth, supplies
and maintenance services. There are 52 paradise islands for
your cruising experience.
Koh
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
If
you want to take a break from the beach, a wide range of activities
await both on shore and inland.
Thai
Cooking Schools
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.
Elephant
Trekking
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.
Snorkeling
& Diving
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.
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.
Canoes
and Kayaking
For
a relaxing trip along the coastlines, try paddling canoes.
Canoes can be found along the beaches and some resorts.
Viewing
Fireflies
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.
Other
Activities
Village
trekking and nature walks
Mountain
Bikes
Daily
cruise
Diving
school
Movie
& Music library
Private
yoga, Pilates and meditation
Trampoline
Dart
or Archery
Sea
Bicycle
Jungle
walk
Aiyapura
Gym
Klong
Plu Waterfalls
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.