Archive for February 8th, 2010

Introduction

Welcome to Ko chang

In Trat province, 312 km. from Bangkok, the second-largest island in Thailand, 30 km. in length from the north to the southeast and 8 km. in width from Laem Ngob to the southwest side, was discovered, and then became one of the most famous sites among travelers.

It is called Koh Chang because its appearance is like a sleeping elephant. Koh Chang is covered with dense rain forest and with the relative savage nature, bisected by the steep wall of mountains. Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending from the north to the south. They include Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill in the south.

Considered as one of the most untouched island in Thailand, Koh Chang became an easy-found paradise for thousands of tourists from all over the world. Those who long for the pure, calm, peaceful, and magnificent island could feel like being in your own world here.

Map of Ko-Chang-map

On Koh Chang there is a multitude of beautiful beaches, most with accommodation, some of them still untouched and lonely.
The 4 main beaches of the island, White Sand Beach, Khlong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach and Lonely Beach, are all on the west coast. In addition, Wai Chek Beach in the southwest and Long Beach in the southeast of Koh Chang are worth a visit. There is still no accommodation on Wai Chek Beach and Long Beach, so those who make the effort to visit usually don’t have to share these magnificent spots. Its not only the charming beaches but all the many bays and unspoiled villages of the island that are worth a visit.

Its pristine white sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sun-bathing, or snorkelling in clear blue waters. Watching the beautiful sunset after a day filled with satisfying activities remains one of the favourite pastime. Land activities, from elephant trekking to hiking through the mountains and rainforest with several waterfalls, form a great complement to the beach activities.

Koh Chang hosts more than 400,000 visitors annually, a quarter of them from Sweden, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Britain and Hong Kong. Word has gotten out on Koh Chang’s charms and the number of visitors has increased dramatically over the years. The west coast, blessed with better beaches and clearer sea water, has most of the accommodation. The major beaches on the west side of the island include Klong Son, Hat Sai Khao (White Sand), Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Bai Lan, Tha Nam (Lonely Beach) and Bang Bao. The east coast remains as it once did years ago, while the west coast has developed rapidly.

Beaches

White Sand Beach

White Sand Beach the longest and most popular beach on Koh Chang. It is about 2.5 kilometres long and lined by rocks, over-hanging palms and broad-leaved trees.The southern 1.5 kilometre long area, located at the road, is during the season the busiest part of the entire island. The main road runs pass all the resorts, shops, restaurants, pubs and coconut groves. White Sand Beach it is the best place for those who enjoy the white wonderful sand and the association with other travelers: most visitors prefer coming to this beach that makes the beach so colorful.The beach slopes gently into the sea and is very wide during low tide attracting hordes of visitors, especially in the evening, when it transforms into a playground. Regular football and volleyball games are played as the sun sets right off its shore.

Relaxing on the White Sand Beach, Ko Chang

Deck chairs, although not many, are provided by hotels and resorts, and usually available only for guests. Some fee may apply if you wish to rent it. Restaurants and bars are plentiful along the beach. Don’t miss fresh-from-the-sea seafood dinner served amidst the sound of the waves gently lapping the shore. Feeling achy? Not to worry. Many beachside open huts offer massage services from 200 baht to 300 baht. Public toilets are located alongside beach and the road in most restaurants. If you’re not a customer, prepare to pay a fee of around 3-5 baht.

A very common sight, beach vendors can be seen treading the length of the beach offering all sorts of knick-knack from silk, clothing to costume jewelry.

Had Sai Khao

Had Sai Khao is famed for delicate white sand along a 6-kilometer beach. The beach is dotted with towering palms and coconut tress. The most popular beach in the island, it is not surprising to see a wide variety of resorts and bungalows lining behind the trees. At night Had Sai Khao is illuminated with lights from pubs and bars, restaurants that are located along its beachside road. There are plenty of grocery stores, car and motorbike rental shops and petrol stations.

Had Sai Khao Beach, Ko Chang

A long strip of powdery sand that slopes gently into the sea. Casuarinas and palm trees line the beach while forested hills lurk in the background. During low tide, the beachfront becomes much wider and consequently attracts lots of beachgoers. The northern end is sandy and quiet, while the southern end has plenty of stones.

The busiest area of Koh Chang, where a wide variety of accommodation ranges from the basic thatched-roof huts to the upmarket units with air conditioning, hot water and TV. The main road features numerous shops, bars, pubs and restaurants, tour operators, vehicle rentals, mini-marts and a police kiosk. Many of the commercial banks offer mobile currency exchanges, which are scattered around the island.
White Sand Beach is the hub of many activities, where people like to take a stroll while watching the sunset. Various sport activities, such as football, volleyball and Frisbee games, regularly take place along the beach.

Caution: Be cautious when swimming since the currents can be strong especially during the green season (May-Oct) as there is no lifeguard on duty.

Klong Son Beach or Had Klong Prao

This is another long sandy beach. They are situated south of White Sand Beach. Klong Prao Beach, growing rapidly into popularity after White Sand Beach. The area is covered with coconut grooves and wild vegetation. Klong Prao Beach starts where the gently-curved Laem Chaichet ends.

Klong Prao Beach, Ko Chang

Coconut trees line the beach and the northern end has a beautiful rocky landscape. Resort development has grown rapidly, although the beach itself does not get too crowded. Generally tourists get attracted by the blue marine waters and the beautiful backdrop of deep green mountainsThe beach itself doesn’t offer much in terms of facilities. Most facilities like public restrooms and internet cafés can be found on both sides of the main road not too far from the beach. Hotels and resorts are usually the ones who provide deck chairs. However, a beach towel is essentially all it takes to enjoy the sand and the sun. Those with tense muscles are also in luck, as there’s quite a few massage places where at around 200 to 300 baht you can have your body and feet pampered.

Although there are quite a few beach vendors selling all kinds of souvenirs and trinkets, not many food hawkers are seen on the beach. This is perhaps due to the fact that most hotels and resorts’ restaurants are conveniently located along beachfront, making it easy for beachgoers to enjoy food without having to go very far. Restaurants serving up local Thai dishes and popular Western fare can be found dotting both sides of the road. Northeastern specialties like spicy papaya salad, grilled chicken and minced pork in roasted rice and basil leaves are sold at many restaurants in this area, especially around the front of Klong Plu Waterfall. A variety of fresh crustaceans and fish are also a must.

Laem Chaiyachet

At the northernmost part of the beach is the rocky Laem Chaiyachet or Chaiyachet Cape which is an ideal site to watch the magnificent sunset or the sunrise above the southern hills of Bang Bao. Laem Chaiyachet is a favourite on-shore fishing ground. A fishing pier is erected near the cape which is also a great viewpoint for the whole of Klong Prao Bay. The road runs almost everywhere in suitable distance from the beach and accommodation. Two small islands, Koh Suwan and Koh Rom are located at the southern end of Khlong Prao Beach.

Sunset at Laem Chaiyachet

The beach sits between White Sand and Klong Prao beaches. The area has a small cape with a rocky curve that rounds into a secluded bay, thus very peaceful.

Another beautiful view of Laem Chaiyachet

The bay has a wide sandy beach. Only a handful of bungalows exist on this stretch of land, making the beach less crowded than other beachesAn ideal spot for onshore fishing and sunset watching. Villagers can be seen collecting tiny shrimps, which are the crucial ingredient for the famous Koh Chang shrimp paste.

Kai bae Beach or Haad Kai Bae

Kai Bae Beach (Haad Kai Bae) is situated south of Khlong Prao Beach. It is an almost 2.5 kilometre-long beautiful sand beach, which is partially lined by over-hanging palms and broad-leaved trees. Beaches on the southern coast are also guaranteed of its beauty and tranquility.

Kai bae Beach, Ko Chang

Like all beaches on the west coast Kai Bae Beach is flat, but nevertheless all the time suitable for bathing. In the dryer months, at low tide however, one must walk up to 100 metres to the deeper waters. Four islands, Koh Yuak, Koh Pli, Koh Man Nok and Koh Man Nai, are idyllically placed in the bay. At low-tide Koh Man Nai can be reached by foot. Compared to White Sand and Klong Prao beaches, Kai Bae Beach may be less appealing, but the fact that it’s a wonderful combination between the convenience and touristiness of the White Sand Beach and a peacefulness and independence of Lonely Beach, Kai Bae still attracts a fair share of the visitors. The beach is a short distance away from the main road. Much of the beach stretch is shrouded by shady overhanging palm trees, making it a great spot to chill out and perhaps have a little picnic.

Resorts and hotels along Kai Bae Beach, like most of other beaches on Koh Chang, provides beachgoers with basic facilities like restrooms, deck chairs, towels, hammocks, swings as well as some sport equipment like football, volleyball and Frisbee. While these things are usually free of charge, others are not, and require small fees. An abundance of beachside massage huts offering traditional Thai and foot massages can also be found here. If you’re hungry, there are many restaurants and cafés situated alongside the beach, where quick drinks and light meals are served all day long.

Koh Chang-customised souvenirs like T-shirts, keychains, and an assortment of trinkets like jewel accessories are the usual wares beach vendors are hoping to make some baht out of. Chances are you will also find the same sort of stuff on sale in shops along the main road. Be warned that these beach traders will mercilessly approach anyone in sight, if you’re not interested in buying their goods, simply and politely say ‘no, thank you’ – and with a smile! Unfortunately (or fortunately – depending on how hungry you are!) there is no food hawkers roaming the beach. Food and drinks can only be had from the seaside restaurants and café.

A wide range of activities from lying idly on the pristine sand, soaking up the tropical sun, getting lost in a good paperback to swaying gently in a hammock, having a picnic and getting in a variety of fun sports like football and volleyball. Alternatively, swimming in the sea, snorkeling, getting a massage or just walking along the beach (especially when the tide is low) are some of the great ways to spend your time here too.

Since there’s no food vendors around, restaurants and cafés along the beach seem to be the only source of food and drinks on Kai Bae Beach. Unless you particularly want to have street food, eating from nearby restaurants is probably your best option. However, a lot of roadside eateries and food stalls can be found flanking the main road. Not only do these eating places provide tasty food, they also generally very cheap. Simple sandwiches and snacks can easily be made by getting ingredients from the beach’s many supermarkets selling both local and imported foodstuff.

Kai Mook Beach

The Koh Chang Marine National Park is comprised of 52 islands, all of which are least exposed and best preserved in nature. Rich in rainforests, well-laden with colourful corals, abundantly stocked with healthy marine lives, encompassed by spectacular coastlines, gorgeous landscape, pristine beaches and crystal clear sea, a visit to these islands is a journey back to nature. Fresh, tranquil and laid-back, these islands are most worthy of a holiday.

Lonely Beach

Lonely Beach is an enclave of simple beach huts, sporadic generator electricity, and limited running water. The best day really depends on the person. You can bask in the sun while intermittently slipping into the beautiful ocean, spend a few hours sea kayaking along the rugged coast, embark on a day in the jungle, or get a taste of how Thai people truly live in one of the small fishing villages populating the area.
Only 1 km long, Tha Nam Beach is popularly nicknamed in many tourist brochures as the Lonely Beach. A small beach that features fine white sand on the northern end and stones on the southern end.

Lonely Beach, Ko Chang

The northern end is one of the best places to swim along the west coast, and is separated from Kai Bae by a forested hill.

Although surrounded by the rocky landscape, there is still a strip of decent sandy beach in this area where visitors can participate in all sorts of beach activities. Fringed by overhanging palm trees, the beach affords a stunning view of the jungle-clad mountains in the background. The beach is wide, clean and safe, making it perfect for family to relax or have a picnic. It’s possible to visit Lonely Beach at any time of the year, but it’s most beautiful (not to mention pleasant weather) towards the end of the year from October to around April/May.

In terms of facility, visitors can find a handful of Internet cafés, ATMs, bank outlets, grocery shops, travel agents and tailors located alongside the main road. The beach itself has the usual concentration of restaurants, cafés, deck chairs and beach towels, which are offered by beachside hotels and resorts. Restrooms are also available for a small fee, and usually free of charge if it’s in a hotel or a resort.

Among the most common stuff they’re selling are jewel accessories, hand-made bracelets and anklets, scarves, paintings, clothing items and customized Koh Chang souvenirs. Remember to bargain as these are often overpriced.

Many small huts along the beach usually offer massage services. The most common ones include the traditional Thai massage and foot massage. Prices range from 200 to 300 baht. Kayaking and canoeing are also available at a small fee.

The beach area of Lonely Beach is home to some restaurants and cafés, most of which belong to a hotel or resort. Since there seems to be no food vendors roaming the beach, these eating places come in handy when you’re feeling peckish while relaxing or sunbathing. Almost all restaurants have a selection of favourite Thai dishes as well as popular international dishes. A wide range of drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – is also on offer.

Klong Son Beach

Klong Son Beach and Khor Khao Bay Situated northwest of Koh Chang, this is the first beach as you disembark and head west of the island.

Beautiful beach of Klong Son

It is approximately 1.5 kilometres wide, at the southern part scarcely 2 kilometres long and at the northern section easily 3 kilometres. On the northern end of the island, Klong Son Beach is the first beach that greets you after disembarking at the ferry pier.

Another view of Klong Son Beach

It has a scenic cape with a stretch of sand and plenty of coconut trees. The sea-water is calm. The main road has numerous shops that are vital to the everyday life of local people. The beach is home to the island’s first 5-star hotel with in-house spa facility. Located behind a lush tropical forest, the beach’s charm is in the seclusion and silence that it provides.

Village Road of Klong Son

Had Klong Son

Had Klong Son is a wide beach with plenty of coconut trees. Two small islands are located at each end of Khlong Son Bay – Koh Chang Noi in the northwest and Koh Mapring in the southwest. This is popular with the fishermen as a port, since it is quite well protected against the violent winds during monsoon. The Premwadi Resort has a pier suitable for fishing and a powdery beach safe for swimming.

Pearl Beach

In recent years the island has become more popular with travelers and Thai people alike. There are only a few beach resorts. The standards of beach huts vary quite a bit. Some are open only the dry seasons. Most better beaches (and better accommodation) you can find on the west coast. Besides hanging around at the beach you can do some nice walking on Koh Chang.

Pearl Beach Hat Kai Mook

Also known among the locals as Hat Kai Mook, Pearl Beach is a relatively small beach, compared to other areas on Koh Chang. The beach can be a little difficult to swim, walk and do activities on since it’s full of small stones and pebbles – not an ideal place for those looking for a massive expanse of great sandy beach. However, the beach still features some appealing features available as it offers a great .spot for snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing, and a few small boutique resorts.

Salakphet

It is situated on the south of island around Ao Salak Petch (Salak Petch Bay) which is the largest bay on Koh Chang. Salak Phet measures 3 kilometres in length and is between 1.5 and 2.5 kilometres wide. The villagers are mostly fishermen.

A fishing village on the southern tip. Distance wise, Salakphet is close to Bang Bao but the stretch of 3-km ring road linking the west and east coasts has yet to be completed.

Sail boats at Salakphet

Ao Salak Petch is an ideal shelter for fishing boats. There are many piers that serve fishing boats as well as boats to neighbouring islands and Laem Ngob. Beautifully, the islands Koh Mapring, Koh Phrao Nai and Koh Phrao Nok are situated in the mountain-surrounded bay. 3 villages, Baan Rong Than, Baan Salak Phet and Baan Chek Bae, find protection in the bay. They are built mostly on stakes into the sea and are inhabited by fishermen, rubber- and coconut-farmers.

A monastery known as Atulaporn Banpot and the Salakphet Temple are religious rendezvous for locals. At the south end of the bay is a small beach with a memorial commemorating the sea battle of 1941 between the Thai and French navies. Two kilometres northeast is the 12-storey Kiriphet waterfall, with a great view of the bay. The area is open round the clock but the best time to visit is from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A marker on the waters near Salakphet indicates the location where the French and Thai navies fought.

Sitting on the southwest of the island, Salakphet features a laid-back atmosphere of a fishing village, where peaceful and undisturbed local life can still be seen and experienced. The village of the same name once used to be Koh Chang’s thriving commercial centre, but now it’s pretty much quiet and doesn’t see many tourists. The bay has a few small bungalows and lovely home stays.

Baan Jek Bae

The Koh Chang Marine National Park is comprised of 52 islands, all of which are least exposed and best preserved in nature. Rich in rainforests, well-laden with colourful corals, abundantly stocked with healthy marine lives, encompassed by spectacular coastlines, gorgeous landscape, pristine beaches and crystal clear sea, a visit to these islands is a journey back to nature. Fresh, tranquil and laid-back, these islands are most worthy of a holiday.

Baan Jek Bae or Jek Bae Village is a small community in the east of Aow Salak Petch.Most of the villagers earn their living by doing the traditional fishery, rubber plantation and coconut plantation. Although the coastal area of Jek Bae Village is the stony beach and mangrove forest, its coastal scenery is placid and beautiful. It also has a number of the resorts of which the style is in harmony with the nature. Almost every resort offers the touring service of the fish rearing in floating baskets which are located in Salak Petch Cove including the activity of going out for fish and squid fishing, fish netting, sea kayaking or coral view snorkeling like other villages which are situated in the coastal range of Aow Salak Petch. Jek Bae Village is, therefore, suitable for the tourists who prefer tranguility and simpleness.

Baan Dan Kao

Baan Dan Kao or Dan Kao Village is a small village, not far from Tha Daan Kao. The tourists can notice the sign “Fish Rearing in Floating Baskets Group” on the left side of the road. If roaming along the orchard ditches, the tourists will see the indigenous folks of Koh Chang Noi who rear the fish in floating baskets especially “Yamsawat Fish” or Blue Spotted Sea Bass which are popular among the consumers who prefer to eat live fish.

Bang Bao Beach

Located on the southwest end of Koh Chang, Bang Bao Bay (Ao Bang Bao) is a small fishing village built entirely on stilts stretching out into the bay. The narrow Bang Bao pier is lined with houses, shops, restaurants, souvenir shops and guesthouses. Corals here are very much intact, making Bang Bao one of the most ideal parts of the island to do some diving. If you’re bored with the beach, come to Bang Bao Bay to experience a bit of a local flavour and see how fishermen live.

Bang Bao Bay is a well protected bay at the southwest end of Koh Chang. The quaint fishing village Baan Bang Bao is built on stakes far out into the bay and has become quite a popular attraction. Many seafood restaurants offer a rich selection of fresh seafood and small shops sell souvenirs or refreshments.

Bang Bao Bay has lately become a resort and recreation area with bungalows built on selected scenic sites. The beach at Bang Bao has clear waters with rocks and corals off its shores. A good place to fish, snorkel and swim.