Koh Chang
WELCOME TO KOH CHANG (Elephant Island)
Koh Chang is Thailand’s second biggest island following Phuket, located in the eastern part of Thailand, close to the border of Cambodia. Koh Chang along with 50 smaller islands is part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park. Clear waters of various blue shades surround the island while a terrain of high peaks and steep cliffs provide magnificent scenic points, around 90% of Koh Chang is mountainous forest, and the island has its name because of its silhouette which vaguely resembles a huge elephant.
In a matter of years, Koh Chang has undergone a huge change. Until recently only the simplest accommodation was offered but now, Koh Chang is booming with accommodation ranging from economically priced bungalows to luxury resorts. To ensure that Koh Chang is as unspoiled as possible, a law has been enforced to limit the height of buildings on the island at 3 storeys. A water treatment system is required for all new construction projects and island residents are discouraged for cutting down trees.
In 2003, Koh Chang was able to get a special status that meant less bureaucratic management with the government financing infrastructure like waste water treatment facilities, garbage treatment sites and piers. While it is a place that faces more rapid growth, the community tries its best to maintain an ecologically sound environment.
The majority of resorts in Koh Chang are thatched roof bungalows sitting on spacious land and long beaches. However classy hotels and resorts providing luxury services with modern architecture and amenities are fast becoming more numerous.
There are many good beaches on Koh Chang with clean white sand, and clear blue sea. The most popular is White Sand Beach. Restaurants, resorts, bars and pubs scatter the area making it the place to go to for nightime entertainment. Klong Prao Beach is distinct because of its more serene environment good for those who seek a calm and quiet vacation. Coco Golf’s favourite beach is Kae Bae, and we normally use the Sea View Resort & Spa which has grown from a bungalow resort to a combination of new luxury rooms and comfortable bungalows. A small island is opposite which can be reached at low tide; a stunning sunset is one of the most memorable features of Kae Bae and the Sea View Resort & Spa
Fishing villages, such as Bang Bao and Salak Phet, incorporate visitors into their daily scene. Homes are built on stilts that sit in the water and the village itself has a pier that serves as a gateway to satellite islands. Accommodation and small restaurants along the water blend in smoothly with the local lifestyle.
While the western side of the island has undergone a transformation, the eastern side has seen much less development as it’s facing the mainland and lacks the refreshing sea breeze.
Ferries both vehicle and passenger carrying run from the Thammachat Pier and also Centre Point Pier near to Laem Ngob, and there are passenger ferries and boats running from the old pier in Laem Ngob town. In order to get around the island, there are pick up trucks called songtaew that have drop off points on the only main road. Motorbikes and cars are also available for rent.