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The Koh Chang Marine
National Park is comprised of 52 islands, all of which
are least exposed and best preserved in nature. Rich in
rainforests, well-laden with colourful corals, abundantly
stocked with healthy marine lives, encompassed by
spectacular coastlines, gorgeous landscape, pristine beaches
and crystal clear sea, a visit to these islands is a journey
back to nature. Fresh, tranquil and laid-back, these islands
are most worthy of a holiday. However, only 10 of these
islands are facilitated with accommodation which range from
the very basic thatched roof huts of USD 10 a room-night to
the more luxurious and sophisticated properties that can
cost as much as USD 100 a room-night.
There are also many island resorts that accept only package
tours of full board groups because of its exclusiveness and
distance from the mainland. These are well-preferred by
those who love isolations. They include boat transfers, full
meals, some with side trips and usually at least 2 nights
accommodation.
Most of the islands have limited or no development at all.
Many of them are uninhabited.The following are some of the
best favoured islands off the main island of Koh Chang
beginning from the north, 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 unspoilt 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 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 isle which is
found to harbour colourful corals about 6 meters deep.
Locals call this Koh Rom which means Umbrella Island because
of an outstanding beautiful big 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 waters between Sea View Resort or Kai Bae Beach
and Koh Man Nai is quite shallow. During the low tide when
the island bare its lovely sandy beach one 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 plentiful 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 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, 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.
KOH WAI
Koh Wai is a bigger island further south of Koh Laoya with
huge bays. The beaches of Koh Wai is 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 of conditions. The northern beach is the most
popular due to its long sandy beachfront and healthy corals.
Seawater are 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 accommodation 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 aplenty. 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
unspoilt 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.
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 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, 9 islands of Koh Mak and 12 islands of
Koh Rang. Koh Kood Sub-district has a very small population
of less than 2,000. About 70% of the population are on Koh
Kood while the rest live on 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 is the farthest island from the mainland. It is
also the easternmost island of Thailand bordering Kampuchea.
With an area of 129 sq. kms Koh Kood 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 include 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 is the Klong Mad Village
where the people are of 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 are covered by
tropical rainforest. Development is scarce and mostly at
coastal areas. Koh Kood boasts of scenic beauties, crystals
clear sea, pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and a
very pure nature environment.
Boats from the piers in Laem Ngob and the Dan Kao pier on
the mainland take about 4 ? to 5 hours to reach Koh Kood.
Speed boats takes slightly over an hour. The resorts which
cater to the higher priced market include this trip in their
packages. There are several resorts, most of them are on the
west coast. Koh Kood 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 is a great place
to catch the magnificent sunset. Most of the best known
beaches are along the bays which include the Ao Pak Waeng,
Ao Klong Ta Tin, Ao Klong Yai Kee, Ao Tapow, Ao Klong Chao,
Ao Klong Hin and Ao Prao. 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 a fabulous waterfall with a large pool at
its front. A 20-minute boat ride from the Klong Chao Bay
plus a short hike lead to the fall. Alternatively, you can
hike up the 4 kms trail.
The east coast is equally beautiful with fascinating views
of the glorious sunrise. The prime areas include Ao Sapparos,
Ao Klong Kwaen, Ao Yai Kerd, Ao Hin Yai and Ao Chak. Ao
Salad and Ao Yai are the major fishing villages here. The
Khao Paenthee is the highest hill and has just been recently
discovered as a superb viewpoint for the sparkling
island-dotted seas.
Two of the most beautiful islands closest to the shores of
Koh Kood are Koh Mai Si Lek and Koh Raet. Both are small
islands of coconut trees, fine beaches, healthy corals and
excellent sunset viewpoints
KOH MAAK
Lying between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, about 40 kms. from the
mainland is a group of 9 islands called the Moo Koh Mak.
Only 4 of these islands, including Koh Mak, Koh Kradad, Koh
Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied. Koh Mak, with an area
of only 16 square kilometers and a 27 kms 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.
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. A good example is the Koh Mak Cococape
Resort which offers a 3,800 Baht package that include 2
nights accommodation plus snorkeling trips to Koh Rang, Koh
Kra and Koh Yak by speed boat or 2,800 Baht by fishing boat.
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 link 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 Mak and 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
Rayang Nai, Koh Rayang Nok and the beautiful sunset. There
are some reefs teeming with plentiful of fishes and is a
favourite site for the anglers.
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. Aged lava exist on the island which
proves the existence of a volcano in prehistoric times. Big
boulders believed to be volcano rocks are seen on its
pristine beaches. During low tide a sand dune surface that
links the island to Koh Mak and you can walk across 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 boast of the
longest and most beautiful beach in the area, the Had San
Chao or San Chao Beach, where the sand is powdery white and
water crystal clear. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater
beauty up to 25 meters deep.
Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain. Its only low-lying area
are 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 is safe.
Camping here 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 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 found to
be the chosen nesting grounds. The locals call them charamed
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. All these 3 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.

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