The elephant island
True island life
Koh Chang is Thailand's third largest island (after Phuket and Samui). It is the largest island in eastern Thailand and is part of a marine park, Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park, of about 650 km2 and over 50 islands. Nowhere near as developed or bustling as Phuket and Samui, it has kept an authentic and secluded character.
Estuary near Klong Prao beach, Koh Chang
Waterfalls
A combination of mountainous terrain and rainforests results in Koh Chang being littered with waterfalls. Klong Plu is the most popular and the one most visited as it is accessible and has water all year round in large pools that make it easy for swimming. Others are less accessible, hidden away and rarely visited.
Other waterfalls are: Kai Bae, Klong Jao Leuam, Klong Nonsi, Than Mayom, Kiripetch and Klong Neung.
Namtok Klong Plu, Koh Chang
Getting there
There are several means of getting to Koh Chang. Trat province, to which Koh Chang belongs to, can be reached from Bangkok either by rental or chauffeur driven car, minibus, regular public connections or plane (nearby Trat airport is only a short distance from the pier to Koh Chang, for details visit Bangkok Air).
Koh Chang itself is connected with the mainland by ferry. Ferries operate all year round from early morning until the evening. Information and timetables on these ferries can be found here: Koh Chang ferries.
Click here for detailed information on getting to Koh Chang.
Lighthouse & pier, Bangbao, Koh Chang
Fauna
The fauna is diverse and includes barking deer, the Small Indian civet, the Red-headed trogon, Tickell's blue flycatcher, the Great hornbill, the Hawksbill sea turtle and the Silvery lutung.
Tree birds, Koh Chang
Mangrove Forests
The island is home to several mangrove forests, peaceful and natural habitats. Some of those (Salakphet and Salak Khok) can be visited on elevated walkways, boats or by paddling through them with kajaks.
Learn more about mangrove forests here.
Mangrove forest, Koh Chang
Activities
Descend from mountain peeks through jungles while passing waterfalls to arrive on bays with sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs. Koh Chang has plenty to offer for everyone.
People on boat, Koh Chang
There is an abundance of things to do: diving (there are terrific dive sites, some at coral reefs), go on fishing boat trips, go sailing, do jungle or elephant trekking or follow Thai cooking lessons...
The beach spa, Koh Chang
Or just enjoy the beauty and tranquility of white sand beaches...
