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the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the second
largest of the country after Phuket. Covering an area of
429 square kilometres, it features fine beaches, coral ranges
and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources
such as hills, forests and streams, the latter an important
freshwater source. They also create several beautiful waterfalls.
Fruit orchards dot the island.
Most of the scenic
beaches and bays are on the west side spreading 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 all the way almost
to Hat Kai Bae. From here is a nature trail through Ao
Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meandering through wet forest
land to Ban Bang Bao a fishing community on the foot
of the hill in the south.
To the east are
Ao Sapparot where a ferry landing is situated and
Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is also
a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet a community
and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, roads
on Ko Chang are earthen and some sections go up and down
steep hills. Care should be exercised while driving.
Coral range worth
viewing are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi
and around islands south of Ko Chang.
On Ko Chang itself
are several waterfalls with reasonable access. They include
the Khlong Phlu Waterfall 3 kilometres from Ao Khlong
Phrao and a furthers 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi
Waterfall a kilometre walk from the park headquarters;
and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls which are about
3 kilometres from Ban Salakphet.
Getting to
Ko Chang
A 5 1/2 hours
drive by bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal will take visitors
to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 06.00 a.m.
- 12.00 p.m). From there continue by Songtaew transport
to Laem Ngop or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and
Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day.
Distance from town to Laem Ngop is 17 kilometres.
Passenger boats
usually leave from Laem Ngop to Tha Dan Kao on Ko Chang
every hour from 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. The trip takes 45
minutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. Visitors can
continue to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Kai Bae by local bus which
charges 30 baht per person. The schedules and fares are
subject to change without notice due to climate condition.
For current information, please contact TAT Trat office,
Tel: (039) 59725960 Fax: (039) 597225.
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