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Koh Chang Travel Guides |
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 Koh
Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknown
to the outside world. Few people know of its secret
wonders. Some even boldly call it the last paradise
islands in South-East Asia. A paradise it is, Koh Chang
Marine National Park has been a heaven to the locals
who need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge. Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island
Marine National Park, all of which are untouched by
modernization with their natural resources kept intact.
Thus, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true
hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in fact,
Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or
approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45
minutes by boat or ferry.
It is surprising even to the Thais
that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island
in the whole of Thailand, behind Phuket. Despite its
size and close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is
least known, undeveloped, untouched, forgotten, and
left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing
in disguise.
 Koh
Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to
be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected
by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department
of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual
virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous
developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and
population.There are few thoughts of modernization.
The locals as well as their regular
patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle,
tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang Marine National Park
continues at its own pace, and still, a paradise for
those who appreciate nature at its basics more than
the sophisticated luxury of modernity.
 The
coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is
a spectacular work of natures art and there are beautiful
beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang
Marine National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile
virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking
waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines,
colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters,
idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance
of healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.
Realising the rich tourism resources
and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National
Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up
more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious
visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise
of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is
set to be the new holiday destination within an old
natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret
no more.
Be the first to discover the secret
wonders of Koh Chang Marine National Park. |
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Geography |
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In Trat province, 312 km. from Bangkok, the second-largest
island in Thailand, 30 km in length and 8 km in width,
was discovered, and then became one of the most famous
sites among travelers. It is called Koh Chang because
its appearance is like a sleeping elephant. Koh Chang
is covered with dense rain forest and with the relative
savage nature, bisected by the steep wall of mountains.
Considered as one of the most untouched island in Thailand,
Koh Chang became an easy-found paradise for thousands
of tourists from all over the world. Those who long
for the pure, calm, peaceful, and magnificent island
could feel like being in your own world here.
As the matter of the fact that Koh Chang today has
changed a little because of the flowing of tourism industry,
it still enormously keeps its beauty and its characteristic
features for nature lovers to appreciate. |
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Climate |
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| Koh Chang, like the rest of Thailand, has 2 seasons,
the rainy season here lasts from June until October and
the dry season from November until May. Most visitors
are on the island between December and March, this is
also the best time for a stay, since the temperatures
rarely exceed over 30? Celsius. In November and December
it can become occasionally quite cool because of the wind
in the evening and at night. |
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Koh Chang Attractions |
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Boriwaen
Yutthanavee |
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The Naval Battle Ground is a historical site where the
French and Thai naval forces fought during the height
of the French colonization of Indochina. The battle
of 17 January 1921 is remembered. During the battle
the Royal Thai Navys ship, Thonburi, was sunken. The
Royal Thai Navy and the people of Trat province hold
memorial services from the 17th to 21st of January annually
by floating garlands onto the sea in honour of those
who perished during the battle. The site is located
near Ao Salak Petch. The wreck is now a popular dive
site.
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Ban
Salak Petch - Ban Long Than |
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 These
are the 2 biggest community on Koh Chang. They are situated
south of the island around Ao Salak Petch (Salak Petch
Bay) which is the largest bay on Koh Chang. The villagers are mostly fishermen.
Ao Salak Petch is an ideal shelter for fishing boats.
There are many piers that serve fishing boats as well
as boats to neighbouring islands and Laem Ngob.
Ban Long Than on the west of the bay
is the main residence of the community. A monastery
known as Atulapornbanpot Monastery and the Salak Petch
Temple are the focal points of religious affairs.Salak
Petch is a genuine fishing village worthwhile of a visit.
It represents the local way of life. Bungalows, food
and drink stalls are found scattered around. Visitors
rarely miss the Salak Petch Seafood & Resort which
is popular for its fresh seafood. At present the roads
are unpaved.
A project to link the roads around
the island has been approved and soon Koh Chang will
have a proper road-link around the island. |
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Bang
Bao Fishing Village |
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| The Bang Bao Bay has been a sanctuary for fishing boats
seeking shelter from the monsoon for over a century. It
has lately become a resort and recreation area with bungalows
built on selected scenic sites, fine seafood restaurants
that guarantee fresh daily catches and local shops of
souvenirs.
There are some small resort bungalows in Bang Bao.
Facing the sea, in front of the village houses, turn
right and you will come across some small bungalow establishments
followed by the 50-unit Bang Bao Cliff Cottages. Thatched-roofed
bungalows are set on a cliff in terraces that descend
to the shore. Clear waters and rocks here are enchanting
and you can enjoy fresh seafood with a fascinating sea
view.
Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, fishing
and lazing around! |
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Haad
Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) |
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| As the name implies, this is a long beach of powdery
white sand. The beach slopes gently into the sea and is
very wide during low tide attracting hordes of visitors,
especially in the evening, when it transforms into a playground.
Regular football and volleyball games are played as the
sun sets right off its shore. At night the Koh Chang Lagoon
Resort, Best Garden Resort, Ban Pu Koh Chang and some
other resorts serve dinner alfresco with sumptuous barbecue
on the beach. There are many bungalow resorts of reasonable
prices here. The main road runs pass all the resorts,
shops, restaurants, pubs and coconut groves. |
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Klong
Plu Waterfall |
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| Klong Plu Waterfall is one of the best known and most
popular waterfalls due to its close proximity from the
favoured beaches of Klong Prao and Kai Bae. Heading 3
kms southward from Klong Prao to Kai Bae along the main
road you will reach the Klong Plu Waterfall signboard
on your left. Follow the sign for 2 kms until you reach
the entrance where you will find some food and souvenir
vendors as well as restrooms. The 20 minutes, 400 meters
hike along the stream to the waterfall is a fascinating
experience. On the way are countless species of vegetation,
birds and giant trees.
Klong Plu Waterfall is a large
fall of 3 levels. It has been an important water source
to the Koh Chang dwellers for a long time. Klong Plu
derived its name from the Phu Pha Mek Sawan Mountain
where King Chulalongkorn The Great(Rama V) used to rest.
Most visitors stay at the first level only as the 10-meter
fall here is already a breathtaking sight. Besides,
it is too slippery and far to reach the next two levels.
To do so, guidance from the Park's office should be
requested.Swimming and camping are also allowed here |
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Koh
Laoya |
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 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, clear seawaters,
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 surprisingly transparent.
There is only one resort here called Laoya Resort which
accept only full board packages. |
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San
Chao Po & Chao Mae Koh Chang |
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 On
arrival at Ao Sapparos and while on the way up a steep
road leading to the west coast, not too far from the
pier, you will see the shrine of Chao Po & Chao
Mae Koh Chang on the right. This is a highly revered
shrine for both the locals and visitors. CHAO PO KOH CHANG (literally Godfather
of Koh Chang) has been a saviour to the Khon Kard (the
original name of Trat people) for generations. In the
past, when seafaring depends solely on sails with no
support or help from the state, fishermen who often
find themselves facing a strong monsoon, in desperation,
and lost, seek faith and guidance from Chao Po Koh Chang.
Amazing stories of answered prayers
spread and Khon Kard had since been loyally praying
to Chao Po Koh Chang when encountering low yield from
their harvest, sickness or other miseries. Those on
the mainland will pray with joss sticks in the direction
of the shrine. |
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