Koh Chang – A Piece of Heaven on Earth
At approximately 217 square km, Koh Chang is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket and although it may not be as developed or well-established as its bigger brother in the Andaman Sea, its popularity amongst both local and foreign travellers continues to grow – and it is certainly not hard to see why. Blessed with long white sandy beaches, teeming coral reefs, lush virgin rainforests, spectacular mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife, Koh Chang is no longer a secret known to only a few adventurous backpackers and pirates. Situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Trat, Koh Chang is roughly 310 km south-east of Bangkok. The island is too hilly to accommodate a landing strip, although there is an airport at nearby Trat. Ferries run from the port of Laem Ngop on the mainland to various beaches and bays around the island. Koh Chang can also be reached by boat from Cambodia to the east. The island’s climate is hot and humid. The hottest month is April, with an average temperature of 34C while January is the coolest month when temperatures can drop to the low 20s. Annual average rainfall on the island is 3,200mm with much of this falling during the monsoon from May to October. The name Koh Chang translates as Elephant Island, derived from the island’s undulating coastline which resembles an elephant’s head. Although elephants are not indigenous to the island, many have been imported to work in agriculture, logging and, more recently, tourism. Today, elephant treks through the lush virgin rainforests are a “must do” for many tourists. Sitting on the back of these magnificent pachyderms as they bathe in a river at the end of the trek is a truly unforgettable highlight. Despite the recent boom in tourism, Koh Chang remains a true tropical paradise with 70% of the mountainous island covered by virgin rainforests. The island’s highest peak is Khao Salak Phet at 744 metres, while there are a number of spectacular waterfalls, the most famous of which is Than Mayom (also known as Thara Mayom). However, it is Koh Chang’s long white sandy beaches and secluded bays that are the island’s biggest attraction. Koh Chang is actually part of the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park, an archipelago that includes 52 islands and islets covering a total of 650 square km. In fact, the second largest island in the archipelago, Koh Kood, is the fourth largest island in Thailand at 129 square km. Stunning beaches abound throughout the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park, and a number of rich coral reefs provide stunning sites for both snorkelling or diving. The island was first “discovered” in the 1970’s but remained unknown as a tourist destination until the mid 1980s. Today Koh Chang receives around 655,000 visitors a year, roughly two thirds of them Thais. The previously uninhabited island now has 9 permanent settlements that include banks, shops, restaurants, internet cafes and convenience stores. Accommodation for tourists ranges from cheap beach huts to 5-star luxury resorts. Before the advent of tourism, Koh Chang was little more than a shelter for ships during the monsoon season. Pirates, Hai Lim Chinese and Vietnamese all used the island as a base to replenish their supplies of fresh water and food. During World War II, Koh Chang was also the site of a naval battle when, under Japanese occupation, the Royal Thai Navy fought an ultimately losing battle with a Vichy French Squadron. While some older tourists bemoan Koh Chang’s lost innocence, it still retains a delightful charm. With all the conveniences of a major tourist destination yet with the unspoilt beauty of secluded beaches and rainforests, there is something for everyone on Koh Chang. Article by : Thailand Websites Terms and Conditions for use : You may use this article, you can even edit this article, however you must leave ALL links intact including the attribution to the author. You do NOT have to include the picture on your page. We regularly check for copies using copyscape. |
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