Ko Chang

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.