LEISURE ISLANDS - KOH CHANGS THAILAND.The Koh Chang Marine National Park is comprised of 52 islands, all very well preserved by nature. Rich in rainforests, well-laden with colourful corals, abundantly stocked with healthy marine life, and encompassed by spectacular coastlines, the archipalego offers a great way to island hop. The islands have gorgeous landscapes, pristine beaches and crystal clear sea. However, only 10 of these islands have accommodations, which range from the very basic thatched roof huts of 400 baht a night to the more luxurious and sophisticated properties that can cost as much as 20,000 baht a night.
Many of these island resorts only accept package tours of full board groups because of their exclusivity and distance from the mainland. The packages include boat transfers, full meals, usually at least 2 nights accommodation, and some of the packages include side trips to other islands.
Most of the islands have limited or no development at all, and many are uninhabited. The following are some of the best islands off the main island of Koh Chang beginning from the north, and then traveling west and then south of Koh Chang.
KOH CHANG NOI - Laem Chang Noi.Koh Chang Noi is an island off Laem Chang Noi (Chang Noi Cape) which is located at the northwestern tip of Koh Chang. The island is comprised mainly of rocks and forest whereas Laem Chang Noi is a cape of purely rocks with no vegetation at all. The beauty of this area lies in the seabed between them, where you will find splendid unspoiled virgin coral reefs. Facing the island and cape is the new five-star resort known as the Aiyapura Resort & Spa which has well-appointed rooms with a splendid landscape and superb view.
KOH YUAK, KOH MAN NAI, KOH MAN NOK.Off the west coast of Koh Chang are a small group of islands delightfully visible especially from Klong Prao and Kai Bae beaches. These include Koh Yuak which has a small beachfront of sand formed from decayed corals. The water is clear and shallow, qualifying it as a good snorkeling spot.
From the shores of Klong Prao Resort the islands form a picturesque view especially during sunset. Next to Koh Yuak is Koh Plee and Koh Suwan, both of which have rocky shores. Around the area of Koh Suwan is an unnamed island which has colourful corals about 6 meters deep. Locals call this Koh Rom which means Umbrella Island because of a beautiful large tree with an umbrella shape. This is a new-found snorkeling site.
Further down south is Koh Man Nai which is directly facing the shores of Kai Bae Beach and very close to the Sea View Resort. The water between Sea View Resort or Kai Bae Beach and Koh Man Nai is quite shallow. During the low tide when the island bares its lovely sandy beach, you can actually walk amid chest-deep waters from the resort to the island.
Another island, called Koh Man Nok, looks as if it's behind Koh Suwan. It is the twin island to Koh Man Nai and is linked together by shallow waters with plenty of gold-coloured seaweed.
KOH KHLUM
Koh Khlum has a historical significance as the battleground between the French and the Thai navies during the French colonization of Indochina. It was also a shelter for the Thai naval forces. Koh Khlum is a good dive site especially at the Larn Hin area where you find corals at Hin Look Bard and Hin Larp which are about 10 to 20 meters deep. It is also a great fishing spot with an abundance of larger fishes.
KOH PHRAO or Koh Sai Khao
This is a small island situated within Ao Salak Petch (Salak Petch Bay). Originally it was known as Koh Phrao because of the long lines of coconut trees on the island. Today, it is more commonly called Koh Sai Khao to reflect the abundance of fine white sand on the island. So abundant is the sand that a sand dune now extends to the sea and is particularly obvious during the low tide.Koh Sai Khao has a scenic view, clean clear seawater and is very serene. A concrete pavement by the seaside allows a pleasant stroll. One side of the island has a concrete bridge which stretches out into the sea and serves as a pier and a great view point.
Koh Sai Khao Resort provides the only accommodation available on the island in the form of bungalow units. Only full board packages are available.
KOH PHRAO or Koh Sai Khao
This is a small island situated within Ao Salak Petch (Salak Petch Bay). Originally it was known as Koh Phrao because of the long lines of coconut trees on the island. Today, it is more commonly called Koh Sai Khao to reflect the abundance of fine white sand on the island. So abundant is the sand that a sand dune now extends to the sea and is particularly obvious during the low tide. Koh Sai Khao has a scenic view, clean clear seawater and serenity. A concrete pavement by the seaside allows a pleasant stroll. One side of the island has a concrete bridge which stretches out into the sea and serves as a pier and a great view point.
Koh Sai Khao Resort provides the only accommodation available on the island in the form of bungalow units. Only full board packages are available.
KOH LAOYA
Situated further south of Koh Sai Khao is a group of 3 small islands called Koh Laoya Nai, Koh Laoya Klang and Koh Laoya Nok. They are famous for their long white sandy beaches, sparkling clear seawaters, green forests and an amazingly beautiful coral settlement beneath the shallow seawater, particularly at Laoya Klang. A wooden bridge links the islands of Koh Laoya Klang to Koh Laoya Nai. Here, you will find the water beneath the bridge very transparent. There is only one resort here called Laoya Resort which accepts only full board packages.
Boats to Koh Lao Ya Leaves the Kroma-luang Chumporn Pier in Laem Ngob on Fridays and Sundays at 09.00 am. Travel time is two hours.
KOH WAI
Koh Wai is a bigger island further south of Koh Laoya with huge bays. Koh Wai has some of the best corals for diving and snorkeling. It's a peaceful island only 10 km south of Koh Chang. Small and inviting, Koh Wai can be reached from Laem Ngob once a day at 3 pm, or with the Island Hopper boats (Tel. 01 865 0610) from Koh Chang, which runs several times a week during high season.
The beaches of Koh Wai are beautiful with reddish clean sand, some of which has corals right from the beach, especially the lump corals which are found to be large and in their best condition. The northern beach is the most popular due to its long sandy beachfront and healthy corals. Seawater is relatively shallow and snorkeling is a favourite activity as Koh Wai is blessed with a coral reef of up to 2 kms long. Encircling the island are many rocks making it a perfect fishing ground with a great quantity and variety of fishes. There are 2 accommodations to choose from, the Koh Wai Pakarang Resort offering full board packages and the Koh Wai Paradise Resort offering cheap and simple lodgings. Both are bungalow-style resorts.
KOH NGAM
Koh Ngam is an enchanting island just a few hundred meters off the southern coast of Koh Chang. It is a small island with a very narrow sand dune that forms a gorgeous contour holding the northeast and southwest section of the island together. The almost kidney-shaped island would look like 2 separate islands from afar. Besides holding the island in one piece the sand dune created 2 crescent-shaped lagoons which are only 50 meters apart. The lagoons are excellent for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or fishing. Corals and fishes are plenty. Occasionally, you may see dolphins in the area. For the more adventurous, a hike up the rocks to a 100 meter-tall hill on the southwest side of the island is both challenging and rewarding. Ropes are provided to guide you. Over the hill is a white sand beach where you will also see plenty of decayed corals. The beach is an excellent viewpoint for the islands of Koh Wai, Koh Mak, Koh Laoya, Koh Kradad and Koh Chang. It is also a great place to watch the sunset. Koh Ngam is ideal for a family vacation.
There is only one resort here, the Twin Island Resort, which offers only full board packages. Fresh-water ponds are found on the island. A waterfall flows across the island during the rainy season.
MOO KOH MAI SEE
This is a group of islands southwest of Koh Chang with unspoiled nature most suitable for swimming and fishing. The islands are made up of mostly mountains and forest with some coconut groves around the fishing villages. Koh Mai See Yai has a splendid sandy beach along its bay on the east side.
KOH MAI DANG
A small island east of Koh Wai, Koh Mai Dang is peaceful and tranquil. It’s white sandy beaches and unspoilt corals are the main attractions. A great place to fish and camp.
KOH KOOD (Koh Kut) SUB-DISTRICT
A group of 24 islands south of Koh Chang was designated as the Koh Kood sub-district in 1990. These include the main island of Koh Kood (Koh Kut), 9 islands of Koh Maak (Koh Mak) and 12 islands of Koh Rang. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) sub-district has a very small population of less than 2,000. About 70% of the population is on Koh Kood (Koh Kut) while the rest live on Koh Maak (Koh Mak). Almost all other islands are uninhabited. Fishing and agriculture are the main occupations.
Situated 80 kms southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the farthest island from the mainland. It is also the easternmost island of Thailand bordering Cambodia. With an area of 129 sq. kms Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the second largest island of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and fourth largest in Thailand, after Koh Samui. It is supported by essential infrastructure, which includes a hospital, schools, police station, electricity (mainly for state-run facilities), water and telephone system. Fuel and solar energy are the main sources of electricity here. Most resorts generate their own electricity.
The oldest village in Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the Klong Mad Village where the people are of both Thai and Cambodian origins. These early dwellers had migrated from neighboring Koh Kong since the turn of the 20th century during the French colonization of Indochina. Koh Kood has a mountainous terrain in the central region. About 70% of Koh Kood is covered by tropical rainforest. Development is scarce and mostly in coastal areas. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) boasts of scenic beauty, crystal clear sea, pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and a very pure natural environment.
The resorts tend to cater to the higher priced market and include boat transfers in their packages. For example, The Beach Natural Resort offers a 3 days, 2 nights full board package which is inclusive of round-trip speed boat transfers, accommodation, 8 meals, snorkeling trips, waterfall tour, fishing gears, local guides, music/ karaoke lounge, banana boat, donut boat, sea-kayak as well as tour insurance. All for 4,500 baht per person (air-con rooms)! The Bai Kood Shambala Resort offers similar deals starting from 4,500 baht per person up to 6,500 baht depending on the room type. For those who prefer outdoor living, tents sometimes are available. There are several other resorts, most of them on the west coast. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is little known to foreigners. Most of the visitors are Thais who find it a paradise. Most resorts have a minimum requirement on number of guests per package, usually 10. However, if you do not have your own group you can join the others to meet the minimum required.
The west coast is lined with a series of pristine beaches, sparkling clear sea, captivating views and a great place to catch the magnificent sunset. Most of the best known beaches are along the bays. Noted fishing villages include the Ban Klong Mad and Laem Hin Dan. The famed Klong Chao Waterfall is situated further inland between Ao Klong Chao and Ao Tapow. This is a fabulous waterfall with a large pool at its front. A 20-minute boat ride from the Klong Chao Bay plus a short hike leads to the fall. Alternatively, you can hike up the 4 kms trail.
Two of the most beautiful islands closest to the shores of Koh Kood (Koh Kut) are Koh Mai Si Lek and Koh Raet. Both are small islands of coconut trees, fine beaches, healthy corals and excellent sunset viewpoints.
Khun Chamorn Chumsai, a former resort owner on Koh Kood, says that the island is now attracting more visitors with higher budgets despite their short term stay. One of the small, specialized cruise lines, Seaborne Cruises has a global travel itinerary which now docks at Koh Kood. "They come for the day and we provide food and day accommodation for what's considered an older crowd with more sophisticated tastes," he says. Meals on the beach can be five-star feasts, which may include barbecues, caviar, etc, and drinks at times may be served by a uniformed waiter wading through the water, right up to a swimmer.
KOH MAAK (Koh Mak)
Lying between Koh Chang and Koh Kood (Koh Kut), about 40 kms from the mainland is a group of 9 islands called the Moo Koh Maak (Koh Mak). Only 4 of these islands, including Koh Maak (Koh Mak), Koh Kradad, Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied. Koh Maak (Koh Mak), with an area of only 16 square kilometers and a 27 km coastline, is the third largest island of the Marine Park. It has a flat terrain with plenty of coconut and rubber plantations. The main attractions are the long beaches and clear seawaters. There are only a few hundred people living here, most of them related.
In order to get there from Koh Chang, there are daily trips leaving early in the morning from Bang Bao pier. These are usually large boats offering snorkeling excursions to the four main islands of Koh Maak, Koh Wai, Koh Kradang and Kho Kham who drop you off at your place of choice. There are two operators that drop people off, namely companies like Bang Bao Boat and Greham Boats. A one-way trip to Koh Maak from Bang Bao costs 300 Baht. From other parts of Koh Chang situated closer to Koh Maak, prices can start at 80 Baht when you rent a long-tail boat.
Koh Maak is an island with shores of soft sand beaches, with a particularly scenic beach on the northwest. Inland, there is a vast area of rubber plantations and coconut plantations. Visitors get around by renting motorbikes on days when they're not at the beach.
Accommodations are mostly charming bungalows like the Koh Mak Resort at the north-west of the island. Bungalows are situated right by the beach and the resort is geared up to satisfy your seaventure fantasies. Architecturally interesting resort bungalows like Cococape Resort also offer different design themes for their rooms, including that of a traditional Thai bungalow to a mediterranean family room. Places like Holiday Beach Resort and Kooh Mak Buri Hut Natural Resort feature colorful bungalows and a community atmosphere of locals and visitors alike. Kooh Mak Buri Hut Natural Resort offers short trips to a nearby temple and rubber plantations besides cliff climbing.
There are about 10 resorts mostly situated at the northwest or southwest of the island. Almost all the resorts are sold on full board packages with sightseeing trips and transportation. Some good examples are the Koh Mak Cococape Resort and Koh Mak Resort which offer packages that include 2 nights ccommodation plus snorkeling trips by speed boat or fishing boat. Koh Mak is shaped like a cross. The best beaches are on the south-west coast at Ao Kao, and the northwest coast at Ao Suan Yai, where the tiny Koh Kham lies in the distance.
The main pier to Laem Ngob is the Ao Nid Pier, east of the island. Infrastructure is limited but there is a road system that conveniently links up the island. Ao Suan Yai, to the northwest has the longest and most beautiful beach where you can view Koh Raet, Koh Phee, Koh Kham as well as the captivating sunset. The beach is lined with lazy coconut trees. There are some fine restaurants here too. During low tide a sand dune appears between Koh Maak (Koh Mak) and Koh Kham (Koh Kham) allowing you to walk across.
Ao Khao on the southwest is another spectacular site of fine beach with clear waters and great views of Koh Kood (Koh Kut), Koh Rayang Nai (Koh Rayang Nai), Koh Rayang Nok and the beautiful sunset. There are some reefs teeming with plentiful fishes and is a favourite site for the anglers.
There is no public transport on the island. Visitors walk or rent bikes to get around. Some of the resorts have cars and vans for quick trips at a minimum fee. From November to April, one boat a day leaves from Laem Ngob boat pier to Ao Nid on Koh Maak's southeastern coast.
KOH KHAM
Just 1 km northwest of Koh Mak is Koh Kham, a small island with clear seawater, coral reefs and coconut-fringed sandy beaches that are excellent for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and angling for squids. The island is almost within swimming distance from Koh Maak's Ao Suan Yai beach. Aged lava exists on the island which means a volcano existed in prehistoric times. Big boulders believed to be volcano rocks are seen on its pristine beaches. During low tide a sand dune practically links the island to Koh Mak.
MOO KOH RANG
To the west of Koh Mak is a group of 12 islands known as the Moo Koh Rang. Of these, Koh Rang Yai is the largest. It is covered with tropical virgin rainforests and boasts the longest and most beautiful beach in the area, the Had San Chao or San Chao Beach. The sand here is powdery white and crystal clear water. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater beauty up to 25 meters deep.
Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain. Its only low-lying area is at the shores. Birds and reptiles are the main wildlife. Northwards from San Chao is Had Ao Cho or the Ao Cho Beach which is the site of a Marine National Park Ranger Unit. Here, the water is transparent and swimming safe. Camping is allowed at a small fee and with the approval of the officer in charge but you have to prepare your own food. Water supply and toilets are available. In front of the Ranger office is a bridge made by dropping rocks and stones into the sea. The bridge was built to help transport supplies from the International Red Cross Organization to the Vietnamese refugees in the past.
Further south of Koh Rang Yai is Koh Rang Lek which is the main freshwater supplier to the former. There is a bird's nest concession in Koh Rang Lek and it is also a major source of bat's dung, which is known to be great fertilizers. Lucky visitors may see sea-turtles laying eggs on Koh Rang Lek and other nearby islets as they are chosen nesting grounds. The locals call them Jaramed eggs. The other well-known asset of Koh Rang Lek is its beautiful oval-shaped stones which has very smooth textures.
The islands of Koh Kra, Koh Thong Lang and Koh Thian on the northeast of Koh Rang Yai are great sites for skin diving. An array of varied corals and fishes abound. Of these islands, Koh Kra has the longest beach, although only 20 meters long. Swimming is not recommended here as the seabed is carpeted with corals. These three islands are only walking distances apart and the seawater is so shallow that it is possible to do so during low tide, but you should float with a life jacket or buoy to avoid stepping on some of the healthy corals.
The last coral island you should not forget is Koh Yak where you will virtually swim with the fishes while you snorkel. However, Koh Yak is a rock island with no beach. It is off the shores of San Chao Beach.
Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand.
