KOH CHANG TRAVEL GUIDE

Koh Chang, the largest island of Trat province (East of Thailand) and second largest island, after Phuket in Thailand. This island very rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. The best months to visit this beautiful island is between december to march every year whilst the monsoon season between july to october, during this time, the sea is rough and not reccommended for swiming. Mosts of smaller resort will be close due the lack of visitors / customers.

GETTING THERE

1. BY PLANE - u can take flight from Bangkok to Trat airport, from the airport u can take many minivan to the ferry pier (at Laem Ngop).

2. BY BUS - From Bangkok, u can take bus from Ekkamai (Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal) to Trat (overnight or daytime), duration for this trip around 5 hours and costly around 230Baht/way, from Trat bus station u can transfer by a roofed pick-up truck (Songthaew) to Ban Laem Ngop, where regular ferry services will take you to the island.

3. BY MINIBUS - u also can take minibus from bangkok or from Trat town to ferry pier. If From Bangkok especially Khao San Road, u can book from travel agent, which cost around 600Baht/person,,maximum person for 1 minibus around 6 person..(u must ask travel agent, price for included ferry fare)

4. BY BOAT - In Trat have 3 pier servicing Koh Chang, all of this pier located at Laem Ngop. From Trat just take Songthaews around municipal market, it will cost u around 30Baht.

Boat leaves from Laem Ngob pier to Dan Kao pier on Koh Chang every hour from 7 am and the fare 30Baht. Boat leaves from Centrepoint pier to Dan Kao pier on Koh Chang every hour from 7 am and the fare 30Baht. Boat leaves from Ao Thammachart pier to Ao Sapparos pier on Koh Chang every hour from 6.30 am and the fare 3oBaht and 150Baht for car.

GETTING AROUND

1. By Songthaews - u can take this pick-up truck to go around this island.

THINGS TO DO & SEE

1. Scuba Diving - As one of Thailand's paradise islands, location between Koh Chang and Koh Kood have some superb dive site. The island dive centre offer day trip for qualified diver and beginner can sign up for open water dive course.

2. Fishing - u can charter boat and joint fishing trip around the island

3. Elephant trekking

4. Off Shore Island (Koh Chang National Marine Park) - KOH KOOD (Koh Kut) Off the southern coast of Koh Chang, Koh Kood is blessed with spectacular mountains and waterfalls, the best known being Nam Tok Klong Chao. Koh Kood's beaches are as good as any on Koh Chang, all with pure white sand and lined with coconut trees. The island has a good selection of accommodation available for all budgets.

OTHER ISLANDS Other highlights include Koh Mak, Koh Rayang Nai, Koh Rayang Nok, Koh Lao Ya and Koh Wai. All of these are at the southern end of Koh Chang, between Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Most have accommodation available for overnight stays or can be visited as day trips.

5. Bang Bao Village - This is traditional island lige in Thailand. Bang Bao magnificent unique housing, with each house all connected to each other with small bridges. Around the area are a good seafood restaurants and souvenir shops. This village similar to Koh Panyee at Phang-nga near phuket but here lack of promotion.

6. Tan Mayom Waterfall - This is three storey waterfall around 500 metres from durian orchard and also close to the National Park offices. Have footpaths to the site.

7. Beaches - Had Sai Khao (White Sand Beach), Klong Phrao Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Had Sai Yao ( Long Beach) and Klon Son Bay.

ACCOMMODATION

1. Baan Rim Nam Guesthouse (Klong Prao Beach), prices from 450Baht/night, air-cond, ensuite, 24-hour electricity, doesn't have own restaurant.

2. Bailan Family Bungalows (Bailan Beach), prices from 200Baht/night, traditional thai food available, fan, hot shower water and western style toilet.

The other accommodation just find at the Hotel Banner ----->>>>>>>.

HAVE FUN