It is the country's third largest island, after Phuket and Ko Samui, and the largest island in the Mu Ko Chang National Park archipelago.
The name means Elephant Island, and comes from the elephant shape of its headland. Despite the presence of elephants on the island, they are not indigenous to the island. At present, there are 9 villages on the island.
It is a mountainous island, with Khao Salak Phet being the highest peak at 743 metres. The island is known for several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs and rainforests. The island has an area of approximately 217 square kilometers.
History
Plaque commemorating the Ko Chang battle
Prior to World War II, Ko Chang was little known. During this period, the few families there made a living growing coconuts and fruit.
During World War II, when Thailand was occupied by Japanese forces, Ko Chang was the scene of the 1941 Battle of Ko Chang between the Royal Thai Navy and a Vichy French squadron, in which the French won a decisive victory.
Geography
Ko Chang is part of an archipelago of 51 islands, and is approximately 30 km long by 14 km, wide with a total area of 217 km². It is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, which covers an area of 650 km², of which 70% is offshore.
The interior of the island is mountainous, covered with tropical rain forest. The highest point is Khao Salak Phet, measuring 743m. There are sandy beaches on the island, dotted with hotels and resorts, in addition to some rocky beaches.
The main settlements on the west coast are around Sai Khao, Hat Kai Mook and Hat Ta Nam, with the village of Bang Bao being situated on the south coast.
Wildlife
Ko Chang is home to populations of the Stump-tailed macaque, the Small Indian Civet, the Small Asian Mongoose, 61 bird species, and a number of snakes and deer.
The Koh Chang Wart Frog (Limnonectes kohchangae) was originally thought to be an endemic species, but has also been found on the mainland.
Administration
The island forms a district (amphoe) in the province of Trat. It was formed on April 30, 1994, when it was split off from Laem Ngop District, at first being classed as a minor district (king amphoe).
Following a decision of the Thai government on May 15, 2007, all of the 81 minor districts were upgraded to full districts.With the publishing in the Royal Gazette on August 24, the upgrade became official.
The district is subdivided into the two subdistricts (tambon) of Ko Chang (Thai: เกาะช้าง), consisting of 4 villages and with a total population of 3,010, and Ko Chang Tai (Thai: เกาะช้างใต้), covering 5 villages and with 2,346 inhabitants.[
The district contains the following 9 villages (muban):
- Ban Salak Phet
- Ban Salak Phet Nuea
- Ban Salak Khok
- Ban Chek Bae
- Ban Dan Mai
- Bang Bao
- Ban Khlong Son
- Ban Khlong Phrao
- Ban Khlong Nonsi
Transport
Air
Ko Chang has no airport, with the nearest airport being in Trat on the mainland. Ko Chang Air Taxi offers a seaplane service.
Road
There are two main roads on Ko Chang, running the length of the east and west coasts. Both roads start at Ao Sapparot in the north, near the ferry piers. Shorter roads branch out to Ploytalay Resort and Keereephet, Khlong Nueng and Klong Phu waterfalls.
Songthaew operate on the two main roads, providing both public transport and taxi services.
Motorbike rental and motorbike-taxis are available.
The nearest long distance road transport is at Trat town, from where the 310 km journey to Bangkok takes 5 hours by bus.
Boat
Ferries run from Laem Ngob in Trat town to Ko Chang, connecting with Ao Sapparot pier, Dan Kao pier, and Laem Ngob pier.
Long-tail boats are available for transport to and from nearby islands.
Economy
Ko Chang's income comes largely from tourism, but some traditional livelihoods still exist.
Many of Ko Chang's villages rely on fishing, with Ban Salak Phet (Thai: บ้านสลักเพชร) being the largest and oldest community on Ko Chang, in a sheltered location in the south of the island.
Other fishing villages include Bang Bao (Thai: หมู่บ้านประมงบางเบ้า), at Bang Bao Beach, which consists of houses on stilts built into the sea, and Ban Khlong Son, which also partly relies on rubber plantations.
Ban Dan Mai and Ban Khlong Non Si also have coconut plantations, and orchards of lychee trees. The variety of lychee grown, Silaman 200 years, is believed to be found only on Ko Chang.
Tourism
The first foreign backpackers started arriving on Ko Chang in the mid-1970s, using local fishing boats, when the island was still undeveloped.
In 1982, Ko Chang along with the surrounding area became part of the protected Mu Ko Chang national park, with approximately 85% of the island, together with nearby coral reefs, falling within the park.
It has since become a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and Thais, with a number of tourist resorts being developed.
Despite this, tourism on Ko Chang remains considerably less developed than on Ko Samui or Phuket.
Attractions
The hilly nature of the island provides it with a number of popular waterfalls, including Klong Plu (น้ำตกคลองพลู). It is the only one on the west side of the island, and has an entrance 3 km from Ao Khlong Phrao.
Waterfalls on the east side of the island include Klong Nonsi, Klong Nueng, Khiri Petch which is about 3 kilometers from Salak Petch village, the 5 waterfalls of Kongoi near Bang Bao, and the Thanmayom waterfall near Thanmayom pier.
Ban Salak Phet village has a temple, Wat Salak Phet, built in the reign of King Rama V on his visit to the island.
Bays include Ao Salak Phet, the largest on the island, and Ao Bai Lan (Thai: อ่าวใบลาน).
Ko Chang's beaches include Hat Kai Bae (Thai: หาดไก่แบ้) beach, and Hat Khlong Phrao-Laem Chaiyachet (Thai: หาดคลองพร้าว-แหลมไชยเชษฐ์) beach.
Activities
Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, elephant trekking, diving & snorkeling.
The island also has a number of spas offering various forms of massage, aromatherapy, and reflexology.
Ko Chang is also home to a number of cookery schools.
Events & Festivals
Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day
Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day, which occurs in late January at the Ko Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop, commemorates the Royal Thai Navy’s engagement against the French at the Battle of Ko Chang on January 17, 1941. There is an exhibition by the Royal Thai Navy, and merit-making and tribute rites are performed.
Lonely located at the northern end of the island. Was the site of Ban Chang. If you're coming from the ferry takes about 15 minutes to the intersection of Directors. On the left is the Seven Eleven is located. Either way, the stores of the villagers Directors. If you turn left from the Klong Son. It can also be near a waterfall, her counterpart at the elephant camp called home mahout (elephant trekking activities).
The Call Center There are still traditional culture and lifestyle. The Area Directors in the morning to the market. You can buy And eating local flavor of the island at the regular price.
Lonely Beach It is located in the office, Ranger checkbox. 2 (Lonely) Lonely as a large bay with white sand beaches. Ran parallel with dark green pine forests. Directors are underwater reef not far from the shore. Can swimming and diving, snorkelling or scuba it. In addition, the park has hiking trails prepared Chang - Chang takes approximately 4 hours if I was able to visit for adventure. Park staff was very kind to me but to everyone.
White sand beach on the west coast of the island. Next to the Directors are not far away. Away from the ferry terminal, about 5 kilometers, it takes about 15-20 minutes to the beach, about 6 miles long, wide beach to swim along. In addition to playing in water Visitors can rent a bike Or motorcycle riders play On the beach road is paved length parallel to the shore. Which can be used to travel to other beach areas. Along the way on the beach with hotels and resorts, restaurants, shops, along the length along the side of the road. Including banks A convenience store at Seven Eleven stores and fast food. Chester's Grill was opened a branch with white sand.
Beach area along the beach in the evening there will be food. This is mostly seafood and barbecue place are in the hull. You can eat all the food, set up the menu. By weight or price And the food is affordable. Night of White Sand Beach It is filled with colors and lights of shops, pubs and restaurants as well as bars. The shop is new, most probably inevitable "Bar" is a cozy beach with live music. There is also a "KC Bar" and elsewhere in the same neighborhood on the beach.
Pearl white sand beach or rocky beach is a small beach between white sands of Klong Prao. The beach is small rounded stones across the beach. Has called pearly white sand beach or rocky beach area itself is not so much as it is a popular swimming beach rock. But there are many, such as hotels and accommodation. Also, it is cheap and economical than the other.
The Pearl Beach Road area The site of the Post Office, Koh Chang. And close to many shops, restaurants Thailand. The restaurant is located mush and fired. Current white sand beach Is being developed as a larger community, another important part of the island.
Cape Chai Chet Cape is a large rock on the beachhead at the beginning of Klong Prao. With views of spectacular, especially when the sun goes down. Cape Chai Chet is a place that attracts visitors to the island to visit our lot at the entrance to Cape Chai Chet. A large tourist The island is home to the Plaza. And VJ Plaza, with its restaurants, boutiques, restaurants, Thailand. Europe, including pubs, bars and restaurants that serve drinks. With nightly live band playing. To serve tourists If you want to find all the food you can drop by to visit Cape Chai Chet has.
Klong Prao Beach is next to the white sand beach. And pineapples from the pier about 12 kilometers and takes about 25 - 30 minutes Klong Prao beach is long and wide, under the shade of coconut palms. Suitable for swimming and recreational activities. Or play sports on the beach Klong Prao beach to get away from the main road of the island, about 2-3 miles hotels and resorts. Most of this area is not located close to the main road, a white sandy beach. If you want to stay at Klong Prao. And do not bring your own car. Recommended that it be used to hire a motorcycle. (Price per day is about 150 - 200 baht) to help facilitate a guarantee to the people very much.
Centered on Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang, VJ Plaza and Plaza. Located at the beginning of Klong Prao. Is one of the major shopping areas of the island. There are many restaurants in this area. Restaurants and Thailand And European food Including the establishment of the Bank. Thailand Commercial Bank Branch island. Current Klong Prao Beach has developed into a large community of the island. There are a number of commercial construction projects along the way.
Long Beach is a sand beach of Koh Chang. Away from the pier pineapple about 15 kilometers, it takes about 30 minutes, is one of the most popular beaches in Koh Chang Lonely Beach is known for its tourists in Thailand. And foreigners are well-bungalow resort hotel built next to each other as long as the beach. Appearance and atmosphere of the beach sand is similar to the white sandy beach in the past, both in shops and restaurants, was built with simplicity. A shed length along the road. Kai Bae beach is wide open. You can swim and sports In front of the beach Especially water sports such as water skiing, canoeing, kayak, etc., is known as a water sports center of the island ever.
There is also a white sand beach at sunset. Very beautiful and one of the island. And during low tide, it looks to the sea. You can walk across the island to the beach it is located only 500 meters from the water, according to various resorts. Provides diving at Koh Wai Mun Nork it in, which is not far from Kai Bae well.
Lonely Beach or Sand Beach. Next to the white sand beach about 2 miles to drive over the hill first. The way through the city. Which is popularly known as "the Garden" at this vantage point. It can be seen island.Resort. And nearby islands on the west side of the island at all.
Lonely Beach or Sand Beach. Is known to foreigners as well. Especially tourists using a large backpack. Also known as a "backpacker" Most teens are out traveling experience. The accommodation at Lonely Beach Or Lonely Beach It is very cheap, starting at 50-150 baht (it looks KATOM) are popular with foreign tourists to stay for a long time. Lonely beach Or Lonely Beach In the evening, the restaurant and bar. Many of the tourists.
Lonely is the Bang Bao. This is one of the larger community of the island. Bang Bao is a village in which the fishery from the past. The construction of the houses, residents will use QuickSet growing body extends into the sea. The corridor connecting it to the home. It uses a plank laid across it.
Sands are currently being developed into a wide concrete walkway. Easy to walk The sides of the restaurant. Souvenir shop Store fresh seafood If the other end of the corridor. A large berths. For tour boats Boat For travel to the islands, including fishing boats and large. Little remains traditional fishery. Deposit in the name of Bang Bao. The seafood That is affordable You can shop and eat in the restaurant area. Or you can buy dried Dried salted fish species, especially the "paste" made of Genuine Ecai which is the ultimate souvenir of the island ever.
Kai was the site of Ban Salak. Located in the eastern part of the island. In Koh Chang Markers coastal village is a fishing village that still retains the traditional way of life, culture and traditions as well. In addition, the Kai also mangroves. And the largest mangrove forest on the island up to 650 acres, which is currently building a concrete walkway to the corridor study the natural way for tourists.
Baan Salak Kok Ecotourism is the source of one another. Club tour with folk carving shed by the activity for tourists to do many things, such as rowing, kayak nature Kai area. Or take a boat trip to the beauty of Kai. And a boat ride to the evening. Kai's night with dinner on board as well.
Lonely is the community Salak. Which is the largest community on the island. From the ferry If you turn left and travel to the east coast of the island. You will find orchards along the way along. Lonely located to the south of the island. On the east coast Here is the location of the various police stations, government offices, hospitals and Ko Chang. Around Koh Chang, the largest bay on the island. There are a number of berths And a fishing village as well as Bang Bao. At present, the development of tourism Lonely more open several new bungalows and resorts. Including restaurants And small shops Big interchangeably and are increasingly popular.
The long sandy beach is located just south of the island. Lonely before the left fork to the beach. This is a bay and sandy beach. This can take a dip in this area. And also hiking views of the nearby islands such as Koh Wai, Koh Chang, Koh Wai and watch the Battle of Koh Chang.
Located between Klong Prao Beach and Kai Bae Beach. By staying away from the Tourist 3 km. If you're coming from the ferry terminal. To observe the waterfall entrance is on the left hand side. The waterfall is located away from the main road of the island. Deep into approximately 2 miles, then hiking for about 20 minutes, Klong Plu Waterfall is the largest island of the west. If you want to visit Niagara Falls. The national park is a fee to visit Ko Chang 20 baht per person.
Klong Plu Waterfall is one or the other exotics cloud overshadowed. May come from the canal, which was named Mountain peaks. "Overshadowed the clouds of heaven" is divided into three levels, with a waterfall flowing over a cliff into a pool below, all year round. Entrance there are several local restaurants. Both Thailand and the Northeast. It also offers massages Thailand.
Treehouse is a waterfall has 4 layers making up the waterfall near Ranger bisexual. 1 (Chet) through a durian for about 500 meters.
Treehouse is a stream flowing down through the layers. Soundtrack by black granite There are almost perpendicular cliffs. The surrounding area is ideal for a peaceful rainforest air cab amp and a waterfall, one of the island. His many senior royal family has ever visited. As shown monogram And the title is on the rocks of the Treehouse.
Kiri Diamond Falls Located in the national park. A tiered waterfall Thanmayom deeper into the community. Before Ranger checkbox. 3 (Chang), about 4 kilometers to the signs to the waterfall Kiri diamond right hand. Through the rubber, a distance of 3 km, which is very high waterfall. Can be seen from a certain point of the Sand Village. People in the village using water from the waterfall Kiri diamonds. Consumer
One waterfall A small waterfall is located near the waterfall Kiri Diamond - Ban Rong Than. The waterfall inside the community Salak is about 2 kilometers from the main road. Then walk for about 500 meters, the waterfall, falling from a narrow gorge at a height of 120 meters to swim.
Klong Toei Located to the northeast of the island. The waterfall is a small class. A pedestrian zones from home for about 3 kilometers from a Ranger bisexual. 1 (Chet) over a distance of about 4 km.
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