Koh Chang Travel Guide
Introduction
Thailand is renowned for a number of things, but the three most famous aspects of the country are the relaxing massages, the marvelous landscapes and the friendly people earning the country the reputation of “land of smiles”. Thailand features some of the most gorgeous and serene islands in the world which become host to thousands of tourists every year. One such island is the Koh Chang which is situated in the eastern part of Thailand.
Koh Chang – Beauty at Its Best
The second largest island in Thailand, The Koh Chang is one of the most beautiful Thai destinations and features clear, blue waters and long strips of sandy white beaches. The island has a meager population of around 5,000 residents; however, the area has seen a recent influx of tourists due to the rapid development of various facilities in the past few years. The island also hosts some of the most exotic wildlife found in Thailand which includes, snakes, elephants, deer, snakes and a myriad of other animals. The island provides a perfect place for those who are looking to find a quiet and relaxing destination to spend their holidays.
If you’re thinking of making a trip to this beautiful island, it is imperative that you take into account its various seasons before planning your vacation. The island faces the same seasons as Bangkok, with the weather becoming extremely hot between the months of March and May. The Island receives a hefty amount of rainfall between the months of June and October and a number of guesthouses and accommodation services are closed during this season. The best time to visit Koh Chang is between November and February when the temperature is relatively cooler.
For those looking to spend their holiday in Koh Chang, this guide highlights some of the features of the island to help you plan your vacation.
If you’re thinking of making a trip to this beautiful island, it is imperative that you take into account its various seasons before planning your vacation. The island faces the same seasons as Bangkok, with the weather becoming extremely hot between the months of March and May. The Island receives a hefty amount of rainfall between the months of June and October and a number of guesthouses and accommodation services are closed during this season. The best time to visit Koh Chang is between November and February when the temperature is relatively cooler.
For those looking to spend their holiday in Koh Chang, this guide highlights some of the features of the island to help you plan your vacation.
Places worth Seeing
Once the issue of accommodation is resolved, you’re all set to see the wonderful places in Koh Chang. Don’t expect a whole list of sites and attractions. The island of Koh Chang is fairly simple and its allure lies in its gorgeous beaches and related activities rather than a mass of monuments, temples and cultural offerings.
If you have to pin down one specific feature that Koh Chang excels in, it’s waterfalls. Here’s the pick of the best:
Klong Plu – Situated on the western side of the island, the Klong Plu is one of the most renowned of the waterfalls on Koh Chang and provides tourists with a breathtaking view.
Klong Nonsi – Another worthy mention when it comes to waterfalls, and it is located on the eastern side of the island.
Klong Nueng – The view provided by the Klong Nueng fallsl will leave you truly mesmerized by its splendor and beauty.
Khiri Petch – The Khiri Petch, located 3 kilometers from the Salak Petch village, is a medium sized waterfall.
Kongoi – The Kongoi is a collection of 5 waterfalls and provides a splendidview. It is situated near Bang Bao
The Thanmayom – The Thanmayom is another honorary mention and is situated near the Thanmayom pier
Other sites:
War memorial monument – Situated in the southern areas of the island, the site hosts a myriad of historical artifacts and provides an insight into the history of the island.
Bang Bao - a traditional village where island life is as it has been for centuries. Residents don’t mind their daily comings and goings and their distinctive stilted houses being the subject of curious tourists.
If you have to pin down one specific feature that Koh Chang excels in, it’s waterfalls. Here’s the pick of the best:
Klong Plu – Situated on the western side of the island, the Klong Plu is one of the most renowned of the waterfalls on Koh Chang and provides tourists with a breathtaking view.
Klong Nonsi – Another worthy mention when it comes to waterfalls, and it is located on the eastern side of the island.
Klong Nueng – The view provided by the Klong Nueng fallsl will leave you truly mesmerized by its splendor and beauty.
Khiri Petch – The Khiri Petch, located 3 kilometers from the Salak Petch village, is a medium sized waterfall.
Kongoi – The Kongoi is a collection of 5 waterfalls and provides a splendidview. It is situated near Bang Bao
The Thanmayom – The Thanmayom is another honorary mention and is situated near the Thanmayom pier
Other sites:
War memorial monument – Situated in the southern areas of the island, the site hosts a myriad of historical artifacts and provides an insight into the history of the island.
Bang Bao - a traditional village where island life is as it has been for centuries. Residents don’t mind their daily comings and goings and their distinctive stilted houses being the subject of curious tourists.
Things to Do
If you wonder about the things you can do in this part of the world, you’ll be up for a surprise. You can do a lot.
Perhaps one of the most exciting things to do in Koh Chang is to go scuba diving in the pristine waters situated off of the island. The Diving School of Koh Chang, situated in a picturesque village of Bang Bao, provides tourist with lessons and equipment to go deep sea diving and is the central hub off all the diving activities of Koh Chang,
Another popular activity for tourists is the hike that starts from the Than Mayom waterfall and ends at the popular Khlong-Plu Waterfall. The tour, which spans over a period of around 8-10 hours, provides a relaxing experience. The tour costs around 500 baht a person and is guided by a professional park ranger.
If foreign cuisines are your poison of choice, then the cooking schools of Koh Chang Thai cooking, Blue Lagoon and Klong Prao Kati Culinary provide the perfect avenue for learning delectable and mouth watering Thai cuisine.
There are also a plethora of agencies which can arrange for a slew of activities like trekking, elephant rides and snorkeling amongst others.
Another popular activity for tourists is the hike that starts from the Than Mayom waterfall and ends at the popular Khlong-Plu Waterfall. The tour, which spans over a period of around 8-10 hours, provides a relaxing experience. The tour costs around 500 baht a person and is guided by a professional park ranger.
If foreign cuisines are your poison of choice, then the cooking schools of Koh Chang Thai cooking, Blue Lagoon and Klong Prao Kati Culinary provide the perfect avenue for learning delectable and mouth watering Thai cuisine.
There are also a plethora of agencies which can arrange for a slew of activities like trekking, elephant rides and snorkeling amongst others.
Shopping
A tour to any part of Thailand will never complete unless you spend some time shopping around. The same holds true for Ko Chang. For the shopping aficionados amongst you, it offers a good range of outlets designed to fulfill your desires.
The Madoosila Bang Bao Plaza provides the perfect combination of trendy outfits to prevent you from making a fashion faux pass.
The Pearl Beach and Books Thailand provide a hefty collection of second hand-books for a leisurely read during your vacation.
The Scuba Zone provides an extensive array of various snorkeling equipment that are available in a range of prices.
The Madoosila Bang Bao Plaza provides the perfect combination of trendy outfits to prevent you from making a fashion faux pass.
The Pearl Beach and Books Thailand provide a hefty collection of second hand-books for a leisurely read during your vacation.
The Scuba Zone provides an extensive array of various snorkeling equipment that are available in a range of prices.
Koh Chang Photo Gallery
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Elephant Trekking
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Koh Chang1,150.00THB
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Tree Top Adventure Park
Half Day, Adventure Tour, Koh Chang1,290.00THB
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Koh Chang By Boat Incl. Lunch
Full Day, Water Rafting Tour, Koh Chang6,250.00THB
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Snorkeling With Speedboat incl. Lunch
Full Day, Water Rafting Tour, Koh Chang1,200.00THB