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Ko Chang, Thailand
Ko Chang, Thailand
Author: Skorpion87 (public domain)

Introducing Ko Chang

Ko Chang Budget Travel Guide provides an introduction to one of the biggest islands in Thailand. Through my description here, I hope that visitors, particularly budget travellers, will have a better idea about Ko Chang. All the major places of interest on the island are also listed and described here.

About Ko Chang

Ko Chang is an island on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. It is the second biggest island in Thailand after Phuket. The island has a size of 217 square kilometers. There are eight villages on the island, with a total population of around 5,400 people. The island provides shelter for ships during fierce storms as well as a source of fresh water.


Bay of Ao Salak Phet in southeast Ko Chang
Bay of Ao Salak Phet in southeast Ko Chang
Author: Khaosaming (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0)


Despite its small population, Ko Chang receives as many as 700,000 visitors per year. They come mainly to admire the natural beauty of the island, which is part of the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park, which covers an area of 650 sq km, much of it in the sea surrounding the island.

Ko Chang has one of the few remaining virgin forests in Thailand, and unfortunately, it is being heavily tapped by commercial purposes. There are now a number of budget resorts that have been built on the island, and it should not be long before high end resort descend on it. The fragile beauty of Ko Chang may not last long. Environmentally sensitive visitors wanting to visit the island should do so sooner than later.


Lighthouse at Ban Bang Bao, Ko Chang
Lighthouse at Ban Bang Bao, Ko Chang
Author: Khaosaming (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported)

Budget Travel to Ko Chang

There are ferry boats connecting Laem Ngob in Trat Town, on the Thai mainland, to Ko Chang. The services depart from piers at Ao Thammachat, Center Point Pier and Laem Ngob Pier.

Budget Travel within Ko Chang

Transportation is basic on Ko Chang. You can rely on motorcycle taxis and songthaew (passenger pickup trucks) as the mode of transport.


Beach of Hat Khlong Phrao in Ko Chang
Beach of Hat Khlong Phrao in Ko Chang
Author: Éclusette (Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5 Generic)

Places of Interest in Ko Chang

I arrange the sights in alphabetical order:
  1. Ao Bang Bao
    A relatively isolated and quite beautiful bay on the southern part of Ko Chang.

  2. Ao Salak Phet
    Bay at a promontory on the southeast part of Ko chang. There are a few village houses here.

  3. Hat Klong Phrao
    Beach on the central western part of Ko Chang. It is quiet and not too crowded.

  4. Hat Sai Khao
    This is the longest and most popular beach in Ko Chang.

  5. Khlong Phlu Waterfall
    A big waterfall on the west coast of Ko Chang. It can be reached by a 3-km hike.

  6. Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park
    A marine park comprising come 46 islands.

  7. Than Mayom Waterfall
    This is a three-tier waterfall on the east coast of Ko Chang. It has nice views of the island.

Islands off Ko Chang

  1. Ko Kradat
    Tiny island south of Ko Chang, with some of the prettiest beaches. The privately-owned island is home to an upscale resort.

  2. Ko Kut
    The second biggest island in the group after Ko Chang itself. It has good beaches and waterfalls.

  3. Ko Mak
    A relatively flat island to the south of Ko Chang, covered mainly with coconut plantations.

  4. Ko Rang
    Rocky islet located at the far south of Ko Chang.

  5. Ko Wai
    Small island to the south of Ko Chang, with a rocky coast lined by coral reefs. It is a popular spot for fishing.

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