I want to share with you my newly discovered Asian pearl titled what to do on Koh Chang in eastern Thailand, near the border with Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand. Located about 300 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, it is the largest and most popular island in the Koh Chang Marine National Park.
The island itself is the second largest in Thailand after Phuket Island, with a length of about 30 km and a width of 14 km at its maximum. Its name literally means elephant island, and it does have baby elephants. Very green, with white beaches, with extremely tasty and cheap food, massages, waterfalls, small coves. A jewel not yet conquered by the mass tourist.
Around Koh Chang there are other smaller islands that are equally charming and beautiful - Ko Wai, Koh Mak, Ko Rang, which can be reached by boat for a trip. I recommend both for a romantic and a family vacation. Attractions in Koh Chang can be reached by plane to Trat or, as we did, by bus that takes you from Bangkok and takes you to the chosen hotel on the island, it turns out significantly cheaper, the journey takes about 5-6 hours by ferry. There are morning buses from Bangkok airport and from Pattaya, including the ferry.
This is what the beaches and hotels around them look like. Very peaceful places conducive to relaxation. Sometimes I wonder why people create such beauties with a lot of work and then abandon it, what is the fate of the second small temple. One only has to look at its details to understand my point! I visited it for the third time now in April because it is quite calm with wild and half empty beaches and still good prices.
There is a minibus that goes around the island, but it is quite expensive and for that, as always I rent a motor scooter for about 5€ a day and go around with it, but you have to drive very carefully in places because there are steep and dangerous turns, especially after rain !!!
In many places, the restaurants next to the beach prepare tables around 5-6 in the evening directly on it after low tide for a romantic dinner on the beach itself. Very often during the day, monkeys come down from the jungle to look for food around the ring road of the island or even to the bungalows, of which there are places even at the beginning of the jungle.
There are other small islands around and the corresponding possibility for diving or snorkeling, but more on that later. With its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, lush rainforests and vibrant marine life, Koh Chang has become a coveted destination for travelers seeking an idyllic getaway. The landscape of the island is characterized by green hills, cascading waterfalls and a coastline dotted with white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The lush interior is home to dense jungles teeming with exotic wildlife, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Koh Chang boasts an impressive range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as rhinoceros, macaque monkeys. The island offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the living coral reefs and discovering the kaleidoscope of marine life beneath the waves. Whether you are an experienced diver or a beginner, there are numerous dive centers that offer courses and guided tours for all experience levels. For those who prefer to stay on land, Koh Chang offers options for trekking, jungle trekking and elephant trekking.
The island's lush rainforests are criss-crossed with trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls, panoramic views and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Adventure activities such as ziplining, kayaking and ATV tours are also available to add an adrenaline rush to your tropical getaway. When it comes to relaxation, the beaches of Koh Chang provide the perfect setting to relax and soak up the sun.