It was only a few years back that visitors to Koh Chang (Elephant Island) remember it as a mountainous sleepy town nestled among coconut trees. Tourists were given the simplest of accommodations. But now, Koh Chang is a boomtown where moderately priced bungalows to luxury resorts can be found on the west side of the island.
Modern thatched roof bungalow resorts are plenty, sitting on spacious land and wide beaches. Yet this large island also gives visitors hotels and resorts with modern architecture and amenities of an international standard.
Located in the eastern part of Thailand, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) is close to the border of Cambodia. Around 85 per cent of Koh Chang (Ko Chang), along with 50 smaller islands, is part of the Mu Koh Chang (Ko Chang) Marine National Park. Clear waters of varying shades of blue surround the island and a terrain of high peaks and steep cliffs provide magnificent scenic points.
In 2003, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) was able to get a special status that meant less bureaucratic management while the government would finance infrastructure like wastewater treatment facilities, garbage treatment sites and piers. While it is a place that faces rapid growth the communities tries its best to maintain an ecologically sound environment.
Fishing villages, such as Bang Bao, incorporate visitors into their daily scene. Homes are built on stilts that sit on the waters and the village itself has a pier that serves as a gateway to the satellite islands. Accommodations and small restaurants along the water take effort to blend in smoothly with the local lifestyle. The island also boasts the presence of a tropical rainforest and waterfalls. Along the coastline are many notable beaches, including White Sand beach where everyone gathers to watch the sunset, get pampered with massages, dine at restaurants or hang out at bars. But if one wants to get away from it all, there are quiet beaches, such as Lonely Beach, located at the south end of the island.
The area attracts both individual travelers and families from around the world. Activities of every sort are plentiful, from swimming and relaxing on the beach to scuba diving and nature trips into the rainforest. Travel to nearby islands is easy and accessible, with many water transport options. Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has numerous satellite islands, such as Koh Mak and Koh Kham. All one has to do is choose their choice of sand, snorkeling or diving preference.
Recently, several tour companies offer travel packages to the nearby country of Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville. As a result, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has grown in reputation as a top resort destination in global tourism.
Upon arrival at the island, the pace is relaxed. In order to get around the island, there are pickup trucks called songtaews that have drop off points on the main road. Motorbikes and cars are available for rent. One can hang out at the beach, get a massage, get a little tattoo, eat well or surf the internet. There are several beaches to hang out, such as Khlong Prao or Kai Bae beach, although Had Sai Khao (White Sand beach) serves as a central destination where restaurants are located and day and night activities take place.
Koh Chang (Ko Chang) suits every traveler's needs - providing accommodations and activities at every imaginable budget.
But the one common thing that Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has is the opportunity to escape from the stresses of daily life. Every person has their own way of doing it and Koh Chang (Ko Chang) manages to provide all the different options to do it.
