Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Koh Chang Guide July 2016 Web
Koh Chang Guide July 2016 Web
Touch
With
Social Media
In This Issue....
Articles & Information
Hello and a warm welcome to the latest Transport 8
issue of our Koh Chang Guide. The Koh Useful Information 16
Chang group of islands are a fantastic Beach Cricket Tournament 2016 20
place to visit and explore and we make Useful Numbers 22
this guide to help show you what to see, Activities: Contacts 23
answer your questions and help you to get Activities 24
the best from your visit. We hope that you 3 Places to Visit on the Mainland 34
enjoy your stay on the beautiful islands of Trat and the Mainland 36
the Koh Chang archipelago! Koh Chang Nature 38
Koh Mak, Koh Kood & the Other Islands 39
Contents
Maps
Bangkok Islands of Trat Province 8
Trat Town 36
Trat Province 37
Koh Mak 39
Koh Chang Koh Kood 41
Koh Chang 44
White Sand Beach North 46
White Sand Beach South/Pearl Beach 48
Klong Prao/Chai Chet 50
Kai Bae 52
Lonely Beach 54
The Koh Chang Guide magazine is Bailan Beach 56
published quarterly by White Sand Bang Bao 58
Publications Company Limited, Salak Phet 60
222/12 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh
Chang, Trat 23170. All content copyright Social Media
2001-16. All rights reserved. f a c eb o o k.com /KohC ha ng Guid e
Printed By: The Post Publishing Co. Ltd. p i n t e r e st .com /g ui d etokohcha ng
We welcome your recommendations, g o o g l e. com /+koh-cha ng -g uid e
comments and suggestions. i n st a g r a m .com /kohcha ng g uid e
Tel:- 089 936 5621 - Thai f l i ckr. c o m/koh-cha ng -g ui d e
Tel:- 081 919 8219 - English lin ke din .c om/co m p a ny/the-ko h-cha ng -g ui d e
6 w ww.ko h - c h an g - g u i d e . c o m
7
Transport
Reaching the Region
By Air
Trat Airport, owned and operated by
Bangkok Airways, is located on the mainland
17 kilometres from the Koh Chang ferry.
Bangkok Airways Flight Schedule
Bangkok - Trat Trat - Bangkok
PG301 PG302
Dep. - 08:20 Dep. - 10:00
Arrive. - 09:20 Arrive - 11:00
PG305 PG306
Dep. - 11:40 Dep. - 13:10
Arrive. - 12:40 Arrive - 14:10
PG307 PG308
Dep. - 17:00 Dep. - 18:30
Transport
8
Transport
Buses take from four to six hours to get down
Buses: To/From Bangkok
to Trat or to the Koh Chang ferries. Most
99 Express (089-752-5732, 090-356-1092) convenient are the buses run by Tanakawee
or 99 Express that go directly to the ferry stops
Ekamai Bus Station to Ferries - 07.45 am, 09.45 am
Ferries to Ekamai Bus Station- 02.00 pm at Centrepoint and Ao Thammachat. Expect
(service also stops at Suvarnabhumi Airport) to pay around 275-300 Baht for your journey.
If you get a bus to Trat, the nearest town
Cherdchai Tour Tanakawee
to Koh Chang, you will arrive at Trat's bus
(02-391-2237) (02-391-2331)
station, about 1km out of town (See the Trat
Ekamai Trat to Ekamai to Ferry (Ao Map). Taxis will be waiting to take you the 20
to Trat Ekamai Ferry (Ao Tammachat)
06.00 am 07.00 am Tammachat) to Khao San kilometres to the Koh Chang ferry for about
07.00 am 08.00 am 08.30 am Rd. 300 Baht. You can reduce this to 50 Baht if you
09.30 am 09.00 am 11.30 am are prepared to wait and take a shared taxi.
Ekamai Trat to
11.00 am 09.30.am There are also minibuses that pick up
12.30 am 10.00 am to Trat Ekamai
10.30 am 10.00 am from guesthouses around Khao San Road
01.15 pm 11.00 am
in Bangkok and travel directly to the ferry
Transport
10
Transport
Baht. Note that it doesn't stop at the airport
but on request they will drop you off in a
nearby part of Bangkok from where you can
get a taxi.
Transport
Daily minibus services operate from Pattaya
via Ban Pae (ferry port for Koh Samet) to the
ferry departure point at Laem Ngop. The cost
is around 500B from Pattaya or 400B from
Ban Pae and the journey takes 4 or 2.5 hours
respectively. More expensive services often
use better minibuses - ask.
Going to Laem Ngop the services typically
leave Pattaya at 8am and pick up in Ban Pae
at 11am. A return service leaves Laem Ngop
at 1pm daily. Public buses leave for Pattaya
from Trat's bus station at 05.00, 09.30, 12.00
and 15.00 daily. It's a long hot journey and the Your Private Home
minibus option is more comfortable.
on the Beach
By Car
Eastern Thailand and its islands can be easily
reached by road and two regular car ferries Resort-style Villas,
operate to Koh Chang.
There are two main driving routes from Bungalows and Condos
Bangkok, both around 310km long. for Rent or Sale
The first route is to take Highway 3, the
Bangna - Trat road. There is a quicker elevated
tollway running above Highway 3. Continue Waterfront Bars and Restaurants
until the Chonburi Bypass and here turn off 2km long sandy beach
onto Highway 344. Follow this road past
Ban Bung and when you reach the Klaeng Lots of sports and activities
Crossroads turn back onto Highway 3 and on water or land
continue on towards Trat.
Alternatively you can leave Bangkok on
the Motorway that is a continuation of the
Rama IX, Srinikarin road. This road goes
onwards and meets highway 344 where you
can continue to Trat as detailed above.
To avoid Trat and go directly to the ferry Please call us for viewings and/or reservations
departure points turn right onto the well-
signposted Laem Ngop road about 20km tel: +66 (89) 474 4335, +66 (39) 555 144
outside Trat. e-mail: sales@siam-royal-view.com
www.siam-royal-view.com
If you're driving from Pattaya take Highway
11
Transport
36 which joins Highway 3 heading towards Bae is 80B, Lonely Beach costs 120B and Bang
Trat shortly after Rayong. Bao is 150B. NB - In the quieter season these
taxis will often not leave until they are full
Travel to and from Cambodia unless you hire the whole taxi for 800 baht or
If you're coming to Koh Chang from even more. It is expensive but there is no point
Cambodia then it is most convenient to travel arguing - pay or wait.
to Koh Chang via daily minibus services from
both Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville taking Koh Mak, Koh Kham, Koh Kood & Koh Wai
you directly all the way to Koh Chang (and It is now easy (at least in the high season from
also the other way round from Koh Chang October to May) to get boats and speedboats
travelling to Cambodia). Local travel agents from Koh Chang to the other local islands.
can book the trip for you. Bang Bao Boat and Kai Bae Speedboat both
These trips involve a full day's travel but they offer a daily service from Koh Chang to these
take you door to door. Don't forget cash and a islands. They can all be booked through local
passport photo for your Cambodian visa. travel agencies.
And there are ferry services to Koh Mak and
Boats to the Islands Koh Kood from the mainland that operate year
Transport
12
Transport
Koh Mak/Kood Ferry Timetable
ctio n
Koh Mak 10:50am, Koh Kham 1.20pm,
g A
Koh Rayang 10.20am, Koh Wai 1.30pm,
Koh Kood 12.00pm Koh Chang 2pm
Transport
Tel: 039-558-046, 087-054-4300
Beach Club & Restaurant
Bang Bao Speedboat - From Koh Kood (2 Times daily) Delicious European and Thai food
Koh Kood - 9:00, 12:00
Cool drinks - fine wines
Koh Rayang - 9:30, 12:30
Koh Mak - 10:00, 13:00 Scenic Beachfront / Sunset
Dining
Koh Wai - 10:30, 13:30 Huge infinity-Edge Swimming Pool
Koh Chang - 11:00, 13:50 Kilometre long beaches
Tel: 039-558-046, 087-054-4300
13
Transport
Getting Around Koh Chang main beaches wait anywhere on the road about
On Koh Chang white share taxis run 45 minutes before ferry departure and share taxis
between all the beaches as far as Bang Bao will stop and pick you up as they pass taking you
and the ferry terminals from 6am until late to the ferry departure point. If you are travelling
evening. They can be flagged down anywhere to Trat airport then you can book a minibus that
and used to travel around the island. If you are will take you directly to the airport. Book this on
planning to return to your hotel late at night 039-516-005 or 086-563-8889.
dont rely on the taxis since evening services
are a bit erratic. Either book a taxi yourself or
Travel Agencies
take advantage of the transport services that are
On Koh Chang you will find that you can book
increasingly being offered by many of the hotels,
transport and island activities at any of scores of
bars and restaurants on the island. little travel agents. But how can you know which
Alternatively cars, motorcycles and bicycles
ones are reliable? Don't worry, there is one way.
can be hired from many hire firms and resorts
Travel agencies in Thailand can apply for official
around the island. recognition through the Tourist Authority of
Roads are of variable quality and there are
Thailand (T.A.T.). After paying a deposit and
some dangerous hill sections. If you are an
passing a review the T.A.T. issues them with a
Transport
inexperienced motorcycle rider then think license number. So ask your travel agent for their
carefully before hiring a motorbike. EveryT.A.T. number. Then you can be sure that they are
year the island has quite a few road deaths
licensed and in the event of any difficulties you
and many visitors have their trip spoiled by a
can contact the T.A.T.
motorcycle accident. If you don't wear a helmet
A well-established White Sand Beach travel
the local police will be waiting to fine you.
agent with TAT accreditation and a good
reputation is Island Net (Tel: 039-551-215).
Leaving Koh Chang In Lonely Beach Jungle Fresh Travel is a reliable
When leaving the island from any of the Travel agency.
14
Useful Information
www.koh-chang-guide.com Climate
Our website is packed with information Southeast Thailand only really has two
on Koh Chang. We update it regularly so seasons, a dry period that runs from
if you can't get a copy of our printed guide November to May and a wet season from
you can still get hold of a wealth of Koh June to October. Temperatures are coolest
Chang information. We also provide room from November to December with daily
bookings as well as featuring properties maximums averaging around 30C. Just
and businesses for sale on the island. Also before the wet season this can rise to the
you can read or download interactive PDF high thirties.
files of all of the latest copies of our guides It can rain heavily in the wet season but
and maps so that even if you are outside rainfall is by no means constant and sunny
Thailand you can stay up to date on Koh days are still common. All the resorts and
Chang. facilities on Koh Chang remain open and this
For those of you on Facebook joining our can be a good time to visit for those seeking a
Group - The Koh Chang Guide - is a good quieter holiday. The busiest time for visitors
way to stay up to date with events on the to the region is December to April.
Useful Information
island.
Tourist Information
Koh Chang Guide App There is a Tourist authority of Thailand
Some helpful people have now created a (TAT) office in Laem Ngop.
Free Koh Chang Guide App that is available Information on Koh Chang National Park
for iPhone and iPad at the Apple store. It can be obtained from the National Parks
takes the form of a clickable map of Koh offices in Laem Ngop or from their offices at
Chang that gives you information about and Koh Chang.
ratings on hotels, restaurants, shopping,
things to see & do and help info. Health & Medical Facilities
Koh Chang International Clinic, part of the
Bangkok Hospital group, (039-551-555 or
www.kohchanginterclinic.com) is located on
White Sands Beach. They are open 24 hours
a day. Service is good but it costs.
There is a small hospital in Koh Chang just
south of where the mainland ferry arrives
(Phone - 039 586 131/160). Klong Son, Kai
Bae, Klong Prao and Bang Bao also have
small clinics.
Trat has two large hospitals. Bangkok Trat
Hospital is a private institution, which has
excellent facilities and is recommended,
especially to those with travel insurance,
in the event of any major accidents or
emergencies (039-532-735). Trat Hospital
is a government run institution and offers
generally good treatment, but longer waits.
(039-511-040/1).
The region has some Malaria although
cases are extremely rare. Dengue fever is
also a slight risk. The locals don't take
prophylactics but the choice is yours.
Increasingly people are using their holidays
in Thailand to have dental work done.
Dentists here are as good as in the rest of the
world and charge a fraction of the prices in
16
Useful Information
Europe and the US. Now you can use the place so withdrawing cash is no problem.
Koh Chang Dental Clinic or Baan More Fun There are also lots of banks and foreign
Dentist in Trat to get your teeth healthy. exchange offices at the main beaches. Some
Contacts are 086-320-0702 and 039-557-235. of them, notably Bangkok Bank and Krung
Similarly Thailand is a good place to buy Thai bank, are also open on weekends and
prescription glasses, sunglasses and contact foreign exchange booths often open until
lenses since prices are much lower than back 8pm. Various hotels and guesthouses will
in Europe or elsewhere. You will find a great change both traveller's cheques and cash but
number of optical shops in all of the island's the rates offered are lower than the banks.
shopping areas. Many resorts and restaurants also accept
The founders of the new Lanna Rehab credit card payments but they often charge
in Chiang Mai, were responsible for the an extra three percent processing fee.
establishment of the largest addiction rehab
facility in SE Asia on Koh Chang. Lanna Communications
Rehab is now their crowning achievement, WiFi is now pretty universal on Koh
with 25 luxury rooms in a safe, secure Chang. If your resort doesn't have it then ask
Useful Information
and private location, fully qualified staff, them why not. Many restaurants and bars
evidence based program and a commitment also have wireless connections. Since we're
to a clinically led program. If you are looking
on an island the service can be poor so if
for help and support for yourself or a loved you are told that the internet is down then it
one then this is the place to call. probably is - usually not for too long though.
Koh Chang also has a dwindling number of
Animal Health Services internet cafes offering net access for the few
Koh Chang has a non-profit organisation of you still travelling without laptops, iPads
devoted to animal welfare. The Koh or smartphones.
Chang Animal Project offers all kinds of The island's main Post Office is at Pearl
inoculations and veterinary services from
their clinic in Klong Son on the road leading
to Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp. You can
contact the Foundation on 089-042-2347 or
online at www.kohchanganimalfoundation.
org. Donations are gratefully accepted and
always put to good use.
There is also a vet in Chai Chet who
provides a good service (039-551-674).
Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency
after normal ferry hours contact the Ko
Chang International Clinic call centre on
039-551-555 or Bangkok Trat Hospital on
039-532-735. They can arrange for emergency
evacuation by boat and ambulance to Trat.
The main police station on Koh Chang is
at Dan Mai. They can be contacted on 039-
586-191. There are also police stations in
White Sands Beach (Tel. 039-551-544) and
in Chai Chet, Kai Bae and Bailan Beach.
Alternatively the Tourist Police can be
contacted on 039-557-382/3 or 1155.
Banks
Koh Chang has ATMs all over the
17
Useful Information
Beach. There is also smaller post office at the Immigration
beginning of the pier in Bang Bao. Passport holders from 42 countries are not
Postage rates are reasonable. A small required to obtain a visa to enter Thailand
postcard to any country is 12B and large for tourism purposes and will be permitted
postcards are 15B. Air-mail letters start at 14 to stay in the Kingdom for a period of
Baht and increase depending on destination not exceeding 30 days. Visitors entering
and size. The post office will not send letters the Kingdom at land border immigration
with stamps of insufficient value so it is best checkpoints will be allowed to stay for only
to get them weighed and stamped in the post 15 days. The regional immigration office
office to be sure that they will be delivered. is located at Laem Ngop. The location is
NB: If you are receiving mail on Koh Chang marked on the Koh Chang Map. They can
or giving somebody a postal address on deal with visa extensions and other queries
Koh Chang then please note that there is here. If you have a 30 Day Visa for Thailand
real confusion over the house and business you can extend this for to 30 days. You can
numbering system on the island. House also get a 30 day extension on a two month
number 222 might be a long way away from visa. These extensions cost 1,900 Baht each.
Useful Information
house number 223 since numbers are given Phone 039-597-261/265. A visa overstay will
out in date order. To give your post a better cost you 500 Baht per day and payment is a
chance of reaching its intended address then relatively routine process as you leave the
you should include the beach or village name country.
of the place you are sending mail to. Thus NOTE: The Thai government have
our address is White Sand Publications, recently implemented a new tourist visa
222/12 Moo 4, Pearl Beach, Koh Chang, permitting stays of up to six months. This
Trat, 23170. costs 5,000 Baht and is available from your
local Thai embassy or consulate. It is a
multiple entry visa so you will need to
leave and re-enter Thailand every 60 days
but despite this it is very useful if you are
planning a longer stay in the Kingdom.
Environmental Protection
Please remember that you are in a national
park. Avoid littering and leave Koh Chang
as beautiful as you found it. If you would
like to help with keeping Koh Chang clean
then visit the Facebook page of a local group
that is working to do something about and
maybe volunteer a little time to helping to
preserve paradise. The page is at
Facebook.com/groups/keepkohchangclean
As the island develops, there are inevitably
issues with litter, pollution and destruction
of natural resources. If you see any such
transgressions then we suggest that you
report them to either the national park office
or to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Or
stick them on a Koh Chang Facebook page.
What you say can have a big impact!
18
Useful Information
Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial Important Dates & Events
content in any manner is prohibited without On Thai public holidays banks, post
the express permission of White Sand
Publications Company Limited. While every offices etc. are closed but all trans-
care has been taken in the production of this port and most tourism-related busi-
guide White Sand Publications Company nesses still operate as normal.
Limited assumes no responsibility for errors
or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed Also remember that Koh Chang is an
for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. island served by ferries. On the first
day of public holidays many people
Photography travel to Koh Chang by car and long
Thanks to Jon from Koh Chang Photographer queues for the ferries can develop.
who has again provided us with some great Set off early if you're coming down on
images of Koh Chang. He is available on
084-727-5413 for all kinds of photographic these days and you can save your-
Useful Information
assignments and specialises in wedding selves a long wait.
pictures and beach portraits.
Many thanks again also to David Vinot July
for contributing many excellent pictures, 19th Tuesday - Asana Bucha Day
particularly to this issue which features
many of his photos. You can check out his 20th Wednesday - Buddhist Lent
work at www.davidvinot.com. Our excellent These are Public Holidays celebrating
whale shark cover was kindly contributed the Buddhist Lent period when monks
by Karin Golsteyn and Paweena Khamsap traditionally retreat to their temples in
sent us a great image for the gallery page. contemplation as new life grows and
springs forth.
August
12th Friday -
The Birthday of her Royal Highness
the Queen of Thailand.
This day serves as a Public Holiday to
celebrate the Queen's birthday and
is also the day that Thai people cel-
ebrate Mothers' Day.
19
Koh Chang Beach Cricket Tournament
After the great success of last year's It is going to be a fun event for both
inaugural Koh Chang Beach Cricket participants and spectators in this
Tournament we are delighted to beautiful beachfront setting and
announce that the second event visitors are welcome to explore the
will be held on Saturday 20th and other facilities available at Siam
Sunday the 21st of August 2016 on Royal View which include a pitch
the beach at Shambhala Beach and putt golf course, swimming
Bar at Siam Royal View in Klong Son pools, restaurants and bars and a
(See map on P.52). yacht marina, so why not visit for a
great day out?
Visiting teams from Bangkok,
Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai There will be food and beer tents on
will be taking part. In addition there site and the event will, of course, be
Beach Cricket Tournament
will be overseas teams this year free to watch. And the beachfront
as well, of course, as Koh Chang's setting with a swimming pool and
local heroes. swim-up bar is certainly a great
place from which to spectate.
Also the event will be welcoming
back England fast-bowling legend The competition will take place
Alan Mullally who will again be the from 9am until 5pm on the Saturday
star turn and guest of honour. and from 9am until the men's and
ladies finals in the middle of Sunday
The format will be six players a side afternoon.
with six overs per innings so there
will be lots of short and entertaining If you'd like to take part in the
cricket matches. If you're already a tournament then there may still be
fan of this ancient sport then you places for teams.
will already know what to expect You can find out more at the
but if you're new to the game then website
consider this the perfect opportunity www.kohchangbeachcricket.com
to come and find out what on earth or get in touch with us at;
is going on. info@koh-chang-guide.com
The Venue
20
Beach Cricket Tournament
21
Useful Numbers
Useful Numbers Labour Office - Trat 039-530-843
Bangkok Clinic - Ko Chang 1719 / 039-5511-51/2 TAT Laem Ngop Office 039-597-259/60
Koh Chang Hospital 039-586-131/160 For Activities and Hotel phone numbers please see the
relevant sections of this guide.
Koh Chang Dental Clinic 039-557-235
Useful Websites
Trat Hospital 039-511-040/1
www.koh-chang-guide.com - Our website has a
Animal Clinic Chai Chet 039-551-674 wealth of information about Koh Chang including
maps, transport info, property and accommodation
Useful Numbers
Koh Chang White Taxis English: 089-909-8909 www.thaivisa.com - This huge website/forum covers
Thai: 081-862-8770 almost everything an expat could wish to know about
visiting and living in Thailand.
Trat Airport 039-525-767-8 , 1771
Koh Chang on Facebook
Cenferry 039-538-196
www.facebook.com/kohchangguide
Trat Bus Station / 999 Express 039-511-986 Our Facebook page has plenty of photos and info on
Koh Chang related events and news.
Koh Chang Ferry (Ao Thammachat) 039-555-188
www.facebook.com/groups/kohchangtalk
Bus: 999 Express 089-752-5732 A fast growing Koh Chang group popular with island
expat residents.
Bus: Cherdchai Tour (BKK , Trat) 02-391-2237
www.facebook.com/groups/wiparkkohchang
Bus: Tanakawee (Trat) 039-252-222 Koh Chang's main Thai language group is a hotbed
of intrigue, heated debate and information. Wish we
Bus: SWB (Klong Son) 089-113-3490 could understand more of it. Sadly auto-translation of
International Direct Dialling Call 007 or 009 or 001 + country Thai to English produces rather unusual results.
code + number
www.facebook.com/kohchangwelcome
country codes: Australia - 61, Cambodia - 855, Canada - 1,
Denmark - 45, France - 33, Germany - 49, Italy - 39, Japan One of the most up-to-date and content rich
- 81, Netherlands - 31, UK - 44, USA - 1 information sources for Koh Chang.
22
environmental problems on Koh Chang.
Activities Contacts
Diving & Snorkelling
Activities Contacts
Massage, Beauty, Saunas & Spas
Majesty Spa www.majestyspakacharesort.com 089-457-0984
Siam Sanctuary www.siamsanctuary.com 039-510-756
Travel Agencies
Island Net www.koh-chang-guide.com/island-net/ 039-551-215
Jungle Fresh Travel facebook.com/jungle-fresh-koh-chang-travel-agency 089-279-0021
Elephant Trekking
Ban Kwan Chang www.facebook.com/ban-kwan-chang 089-815-9566
Chang Chutiman www.facebook.com/changchutimantour 089-939-6676
Thai Cooking Schools
The Happy Turtle www.happyturtlekohchang.com 087-132-7668
Gyms
BB Gym www.kohchanggym.com 039-558-040
Golf
Siam Royal View Golf www.siam-royal-view.com 039-555-144
Real Estate
Siam Royal View www.siam-royal-view.com 039-555-144
Koh Chang Guide Property www.koh-chang-guide.com/real-estate 081-919-8219
Trips & Activities
Natcha Tour www.natchatour.com/ 089-099-4030
Siam Royal View Marina www.siam-royal-view.com 039-555-144
Treetop Adventure Park www.treetopadventurepark.com 084-310-7600
Tattoo Studios
23
Activities
Diving & Snorkelling good diving at 5-18m around the seamounts
There are some excellent diving and and small islands to the West of Koh Chang.
snorkelling opportunities around Koh These include Koh Man Nok and Hin Sam
Chang and the region is rapidly developing Sao. The deeper dive sites are located off
into a major centre of diving in Thailand. some of the islands and seamounts to
The diving in the area is mainly at the South of the Archipelago. Hin Luk
reasonably shallow depths with good reefs Bat has a lot of good coral and some
located at 5 to 25 metres. Visibility can good swim-throughs. Hin Raap is a
reach 30m but is variable. You can dive deeper rocky site with good soft corals.
year round but the best time is between There are also some good dive sites around
October and the end of May since rougher Koh Rang Island. This is slightly further
seas during the rainy season can reduce away from Koh Chang but well worth the
visibility or make it difficult to reach the journey to dive some interesting pinnacles
dive sites. However there are calmer and see some of the best coral reef in the
periods in the rainy season when diving region.
Activities
conditions are OK. Koh Chang now has two wreck dives.
There are impressive reefs in the area with The first is the HTMS Chang which lies in
a variety of soft and hard corals including waters to the South-East of Koh Chang.
Massive, Columnar and Stagshorn Corals. The 100 metre long vessel provides all
These support a range of tropical reef life kinds of pleasure and technical diving
including Blue Tipped Rays, Moray Eels, opportunities to those who fancy
Trigger Fish, Grouper and Batfish. Turtles something a little more adventurous.
can be spotted and Whale Sharks are also The newest wreck is the 30 metre T11. Sunk
seen in the area from time to time. by the Thai Navy in December 2013 this
There are a series of dive sites offering wreck is in shallower water and divers with
24
Activities
an Open Water diving certificate are able to gradual slope of the beaches makes for good
dive the site. swimming conditions.
You can book your diving by visiting the Note, however, that during the monsoon
offices of the dive shops or from resorts and heavy seas with strong rip tides can
travel agencies on the island. Or refer to develop off Koh Chang's beaches and
the list of dive shop contact numbers at the people drown every year. There is little in
beginning of this activities section. the way of lifeguards or safety equipment
The price for a two-day Discover Scuba so if you go out and get into trouble you
course is 4,500B whilst full PADI certification can't expect any help. Basically, dont swim
costs around 14,500B. Pleasure dives cost beyond your abilities and if the sea looks
2,700-3,000B, depending on site, for two dangerous it probably is so stay out of the
dives with lunch. All other PADI courses water when its too rough.
are also available.
Koh Chang Dive Supply is a large retailer Gyms and Yoga
of all kinds of Diving equipment. They also If you want to stay in shape while on Koh
Activities
offer a full repair and servicing workshop Chang then you might fancy a workout
for all sorts of Scuba equipment and are the at BB Gym in Lonely Beach. They have all
largest equipment dive equipment supplier kinds of weight and cardiac equipment,
in Eastern Thailand. Their office is located Yoga classes, WII games and a swimming
between White Sand Beach and Chai Chet. pool. And thankfully there is also a bar and
Siam H20 is another dive equipment restaurant in which to recover.
retailer. Their recently remodelled shop Golf
has a huge stock of gear from diving and Yes, there is a golf course on Koh Chang.
snorkelling equipment to free diving and Opened several years ago at the Siam Royal
spear fishing kit. They also specialise in View Resort on the north of the island
Technical diving and equipment for Nitrox five minutes from the ferry ports, this par
and Trimix diving. 3 course has 9 holes with different tee
You can take advantage of Scandinavian positions so you can play in one direction
Chang Diving Center's Nitrox compressor in the morning and then you can play a
if you'd like to do some nitrox diving whilst different route in the afternoon. They rent
on Koh Chang. clubs and balls for only Baht300 and after
If you fancy taking the effort out of diving your round you are welcome to take a dip
it is worth noting that B.B. Divers have six in one of the resort's infinity pools or take
underwater scooters that you can use to lunch or dinner at their marina pub or their
make like James Bond as you cruise the popular Beach Club.
reefs. If you need some practise before you head
Whilst the beaches of Koh Chang out on the fairway then a visit to the nearby
themselves offer little opportunity for driving range may be in order. It is located
snorkelling other islands in the chain can in Klong Son, a couple of kilometres up the
be reached by boat trips and there is some road inland from the 7-Eleven in a peaceful
excellent shallow reef for snorkelling at these and attractive valley.
sites. On Koh Chang the rocky shoreline at
Bang Bao Cliff Cottages offer some good Boat Trips
snorkelling. A variety of boat trips around the islands
are available. These can be used as a means
Additionally most of the dive shops will
of travel between the islands or simply to go
take snorkellers on their boats. Contact them
for prices and details. for a day trip of sightseeing or snorkelling.
Note that some of these boat services
Swimming stop operating during the monsoon when
It is generally fine to swim off all of the sea can be rough so check with travel
Koh Changs beaches. In the high season agencies to see what services are currently
conditions are calm and safe and the running.
26
Activities
Activities
27
Activities
Natcha Tour in Bang Bao offer an one in nearby Salak Phet. Both of them give
interesting adventure on their overnight you a trip over secluded snaking waterways.
"Secret Island Camping" boat trips, currently The ten minute riverside walk through the
going out three times a week. jungle to Klong Plu waterfall in Klong Prao
Bang Bao Boat and also Nor Nou Kai Bae is extremely pleasant and there is a one
Hut Speedboat both run a regular speedboat kilometre circuit path up through the rain
service between Koh Chang, Koh Wai, Koh forest over a nearby hill back to the ranger
Maak and Koh Kood. Boonsiri operate a fast station if you fancy something a little more
service to Koh Kood and Koh Mak from the energetic.
mainland that links to their bus services to
and from Bangkok and Pattaya. Muay Thai
Sea Adventures has a 13m catamaran. Koh Chang finally has its own centre
Day trips, sunset dinner cruises, party trips for Thai boxing in Bailan Beach. The KC
and corporate charters are all available Thai Boxing Club offers a range of Muay
departing from Siam Royal View in Klong Son. Thai training courses. You can do a one
Activities
You can take advantage of some of the best day introduction to Muay Thai or for the
sailing and cruising in SE Asia by berthing more committed students there are courses
your super yacht or dingy at Siam Royal ranging from one week to two months.
View's 75 berth marina. On your first visit
they will give you three nights free berthing Cycling
with electrical and water hook ups. For more A fun way to see the island whilst reducing
information visit www.siam-royal-view. your carbon footprint is to rent a bicycle,
com or email sales@siam-royal-view.com although you will need to be in good shape
Island View resort in Salak Phet offer to tackle some of the island's bigger hills.
snorkelling trips, sea kayaking, sailing trips There are bikes for hire at various resorts
and island cruises on their range of different and places around the main beaches, Koh
boats. They are the local base for Gulf Chang Holiday in Coconut Plaza at Chai
Charters Thailand who offer 8 Yachts for Chet have some good bikes for rent.
charter from 32ft to 52ft, Cats and Keelboats
for Bareboat or Skippered Charter. Wildlife
For an altogether more leisurely water Most of Koh Chang is covered in rain forest
experience you could hire the F.M.T that has been largely undisturbed due to the
(Floating Motorized Table) from Moleys mountainous terrain of the island. There
Resort. Cruise down Klong Prao river with are also good examples of mangrove forest
your legs in the water, weigh anchor, dine ecosystems where the islands numerous
and drink with a spectacular backdrop. The streams meet the sea. Marine National Park
vessel seats four and is truly unique. status was awarded to the island chain in
If you are interested to know the tide times 1982 in an effort to preserve the exceptional
in the Koh Chang region then they can be land and marine environment.
found - for Koh Mak but that's close enough The forests of the island support a large
- at: http://easytide.ukho.gov.uk range of wildlife. A survey conducted for
Thailands National Park Service in 1992
Walking recorded 29 different species of mammal
The mountainous jungle interior of the on Koh Chang. These included the Stump-
island offers some challenging and enjoyable Tailed Macaque, Barking Deer, Wild Pig,
walking. Several people on the island act as Javan Mongoose and Silvered Langur.
guides and due to the demanding terrain Birdwatchers will be pleased to know that
and bad paths it's probably worth taking 74 bird species were found including the
a guide unless you're an expert. Travel Nightjar, Pacific Swallow, Yellow Vented
agencies offer jungle trekking. Bulbul and Oriental Pied Hornbill
There is a Mangrove Walkway close to Salak Additionally the survey noted 42 different
Kok on the East of the island and a second species of amphibians and reptiles. Snakes
28
Activities
Activities
29
Activities
that inhabit Koh Chang include the Python, There are also smaller waterfalls up the
Rat Snake and King Cobra. Malayan Mud valleys behind Klong Son, White Sands
Turtles, Monitor Lizards and the ubiquitous Beach and Kai Bae. Ask locals for directions.
Geckoes are also found on the island. There are also national park administered
There are also a variety of very vocal frogs. waterfalls at Klong Plu near Klong Prao
Has there been a survey since 1992 we village and Than Mayom near to Dan Mai
hear you ask? Absolutely. We're in the village. If you are a foreigner you will be
process of doing one ourselves. Check out charged an entry fee of 200 Baht. Thais pay
kohchangnature.com or see page 38 to 20 Baht.
findeout how you can help us make a record
of the island's fauna. Elephant Trekking
The word Chang means elephant in Thai,
Waterfalls so what could be more appropriate than
The following waterfalls are free to visit going elephant trekking on Elephant Island.
and there is usually plenty of water from The treks are a good opportunity to sample
Activities
July to December. They may dry up after some of the beautiful scenery of inland Koh
this though so ask around for the latest Chang. You can go direct to the elephant
information. Klong Nonsi waterfall is close camps yourselves but since the best ones are
to Dan Mai on the eastern side of the island. hidden away in the jungle it might be easier
It has several tiers. The first is a ten minute to call them directly or book at a tour agency
walk into the jungle, and at the top there is to arrange a pick up from your hotel.
an inscription made by King Rama V. There Chang Chutiman operate economical and
are two waterfalls, Klong Neung and Khiri popular elephant trekking to the interior of
Phet near to Salak Phet in the southeast the island from their new jungle elephant
of the island. Both are clearly signposted.
30
Activities
camp about 500 metres from the main road range of silver jewellery and other souvenirs.
in Klong Prao village. They have also just opened a new store in the
Baan Kwan Chang offer elephant treks that centre of White Sand Beach.
take place in another beautiful inland valley to If you are looking for some quality Thai
the North of the island. To get there turn inland modern or ethnic clothing then you should
at Klong Son and proceed for about 3km. check out Koh Chang Fashion by Chang Buri
resort in White Sand Beach. They sell unique
Shopping hand-crafted items from local designers.
You can pick up a surprisingly large range You can find hand-crafted jewellery made
of goods, both souvenirs and necessities in from all kinds of gemstones at BooksThailand
Koh Chang. There are a huge number of beside the main Post Office at Pearl Beach.
shops selling souvenir items on the major You can find small supermarkets, now
beaches. These include carvings, jewellery, including 7-eleven and Tesco-Lotus stores,
ethnic clothing and handicrafts, bags, on all the beaches selling a reasonable range
T-Shirts, CDs etc. of foods, groceries, hardware and every kind
Activities
Koh Chang Wine Gallery sells a huge range of tourist item and souvenir you can imagine.
of wines, beers and spirits at reasonable prices. For Western food products try Anna Store in
They now have stores in White Sand Beach White Sand Beach and Sing Tong in Klong
and Lonely Beach as well as in Kai Bae, so Prao , both of which offer a good selection.
you're never far away from a shop. Also there are now three large supermarkets
Peace Moon, now have three shops on the on the island. Makro is a cash-and-carry
pier in Bang Bao, selling all kinds of bags, belts store in White Sand Beach and Big C and
and leather products that they make by hand Tesco Lotus have supermarkets located in
themselves from regular leather as well as Pearl Beach (Hat Kai Mook.
Ostrich and crocodile skin. They also have a
31
Activities
Reading large variety of spa treatments or enjoy a
BooksThailand.com is a used bookshop traditional Thai massage.
with a large selection of books in over
twenty languages. It is located opposite Big Tattooing
C supermarket at Pearl Beach between White There are a number of Tattooists on the
Sand Beach and Chai Chet Beach. There are island. Standards of artwork are generally
more than 5,000 books on display and you can good. On White Sands Beach, Jack, who
have a coffee in their cafe whilst you browse. is based at Tantawan Bungalows, does
If you return a book bought from them in impressive work using traditional tattooing
good condition they give 50% of the purchase techniques combined with modern
price as trade-in on the next book purchase. cleanliness and sterilised equipment.
There is also a used bookshop in Chai Chet
close to Klong Prao Resort. Treetop Adventure Park
This place at Bailan beach offers you the
Cookery opportunity to attempt their two treetop
Activities
If you want to learn how to make authentic walks. You can walk, swing and tightrope
Thai food then why not try Thai cookery your way through the trees, enjoying some
classes from the cooking home and restaurant spectacular views along the way.
of KA-TI Culinary also in Klong Prao.
Another option at Bailan Beach is to try the Zip 'n Zorb Koh Chang
Thai cooking course at The Happy Turtle, This new place between White Sand Beach
and in Klong Prao you can study a variety of and Chai Chet gives you the opportunity
different cooking styles at to try Zorbing - rolling downhill in giant
the Allez Cuisine Academy. inflatable balls. They also have zip lines so
you can slide to and fro amongst the trees.
Massage, Saunas, Spas & Beauty
Why not relax with a traditional Thai
massage?
The Spa Koh Chang Resort is at Salak
Khok on the east side of the island. They
offer a range of fasting, detox and cleansing
programs as well as meditation, yoga and
massage therapy. They have an herbal steam
room and swimming pool. Their websites
are www.thespakohchang.com and www.
thesparesorts.net.
Fuse Massage is a small but comfortable
air-conditioned massage business located
next to Chang Cliff Resort in White Sand
Beach. Their experienced staff offer all kinds
of different massage treatments including
Thai massage, head and foot massage,
oil massage, aloe vera massage and foot
massage.
Majesty Spa is located beside Koh Chang
Kacha Resort on White Sand Beach. They
offer a large selection of relaxing and
rejuvenating massage and spa treatments.
The new Siam Sanctuary in Klong Prao sits
in a delightful location beside a lagoon close
to the where it joins the sea. In this relaxing
setting you can luxuriate with one of their
32
Activities
Activities
33
3 Places to See on The Mainland
1) Ao Tan Khu
This little beach is hidden just four kilometres from Ao Thammachat where the
ferries leave for Koh Chang. Apart from Thai holidays its a laid back and pretty
little spot. Theres a good seafood restaurant, a few houses and, of course, the
beach which is a very pretty and has great views across to Koh Chang.
case is a mystery since the other beaches in the region all have yellow or white
sand, but there are plenty of geological curiosities in the region; whether it be
the jutting peaks of Koh Chang or the strange black boulders off of Koh Kham
Island. Anyway its well worth a look and the mangroves are teeming with birds
and other wildlife, particularly at high tide when the habitat seems to awaken.
34
3) Ban Nam Chieo
The road between Laem Ngop and Trat passes through this fishing village that
is mainly Muslim (but also Thai Buddhist, Chinese Buddhist and a whole mix of
other religions living together happily). Although few people do its an interesting
spot to stop and take a look around. The whole place is raised up above the river
and flood plain below. You will immediately notice the distinctive footbridge that
arches high over the water to allow passage to fishing boats. There is also an
attractive mosque beside the river.
The locals are skilled in wickerwork and the local shops are adorned with all
kinds of wicker goods including a huge variety of wicker hats that are great
protectors from the sun.
35
Trat & The Mainland
Trat & The Mainland
36
Trat & The Mainland
temples scattered around the town centre.
Trat also has good medical, communication,
financial and other facilities. Locations are
shown on the map.
There are a multitude of local Thai restaurants
around the town - the one opposite Trat
Hospital is our favourite. Also Joys Pizza,
and Kruarimklong do good food.
You can find many other small restaurants
and bars scattered around the town centre.
The large bar next to Tesco has live music and
so does Knight which is a large club about
1km out of town on the Bangkok Road.
There is a guesthouse area just south of
the town centre with many backpacker style
guesthouses and accompanying restaurants,
internet cafes etc. There is little to choose
between the different guesthouses that all
37
kohchangnature.com
www.kohchangnature.com Contributors
This is a project to try to identify and monitor The response so far has been amazing,
the land and marine wildlife of Koh Chang. many thanks to all of our contributors:
David Vinot, BB Divers, Cameron
Our website currently has over 200 Poole, Coco Trilo, Colin Harris, Cornelia
pages of individual animal species Burkhardt, David Newman, Dr. Jannet
(more by the time you read this!) that
Bakker, Hanah Weerkamp, Hans
have been observed above and below
Goosens, Hans-Henrik Hansen, Heinz
water on and around Koh Chang.
A new page is added for each new
Koths, Heli Pohjoleinen, Ian Gostelow,
species that is identified. You can help by Ian Macnamara, Iris Girardi, Jacob T.B.
sending us your animal photos using our Brasch, Jeanette Lillfimpen Armstrong,
submissions form on the website. Or post Jean-Pierre Odet, Jonathan Milnes,
the pics to our Facebook group and we'll Julian Cowburn, Karin Golsteyn, Kent
take them from there. Karlsson, Kerrily Jennings, Laszlo Halasz,
Facebook: You can join our Facebook Leni Abi Chaker, Loukpud Shinkhem,
kohchangnature.com
Group, see some great animal photos Lyle Martinez, Michael Martin, Minttu
and maybe post your own. Stackelberg-Tatarinov, Moni Vom Bauer,
facebook.com/groups/kohchangnature/ Napha Kotkangplu, Nathapol Phutong,
Nick Bonnedahl, Nikki Barracuda,
Be careful. Please don't take any risks Noknoi Nuantao, Oksana Babchenko,
photographing Koh Chang's wildlife, Paotoon Praiboung, Parinya
remember, it's wild. Pawangkhanat, Paweena Khamsap,
Perry stevens, Rinske Hackmann, Robin
Expert Help Needed
Stenslund, Sam Kettell, Saowanee
Processing and identifying these creatures
Sigharaj, Suthanai Krupanitch (Toon),
is a real challenge. If you have expertise,
any at all, that you can share with the
Stanley van Broekhuizen, Sukanya
project then please let us know and Darasawang, Supotch White, Teerasak
well be more than happy to have your Thomas Suamcheepmasau, Tiger Maa,
assistance. Tijl Adrien, Volker Kopetsky,
Contact: info@kohchangnature.com ... and more!
Other Islands
foot or by bicycle. Although if you like to islands contact the resorts or ask around on
expend less effort getting around then many Koh Mak.
of the resorts now hire motorbikes out at Activities on the island revolve largely
around 400 Baht per day. around the beaches; all the resorts have
There are pretty beaches in the bays to the restaurants and bars and as you would
northwest and southwest of the island and expect you can find some good Thai food
this is where most of the resorts are located, as well as a smattering of places that offer
although there are now some new resorts in international fare.
the other bays. It is easy to combine a trip to Koh Mak
Here there are still long stretches of beach with visits to Koh Chang or some of the
with no development at all and on Koh Mak other islands in the archipelago. Refer to the
you always feel a long way from the worst transport section for details of the various
excesses of tourist development. ferries to the island that operate from the
39
Other Islands
mainland, Koh Chang and the other islands. island extremely pleasant places to be. Also
Alternatively some of the Koh Chang boat there are some excellent corals at shallow
trip services can drop you off on the island. depths on many of the beaches
Enquire for details. Despite the fact that Koh Kood is Thailands
When you arrive on Koh Mak fourth biggest island the population is only
representatives from many of the resorts around two or three thousand.
will meet the ferry and offer free pick up and But infrastructure is improving rapidly and
drop off to visitors. recent frantic large scale improvements in the
roads suggests the introduction of a car ferry in
Koh Kood the near future. Watch this space.
Koh Kood is the second largest and The largest settlement is the fishing village
southernmost island in the Koh Chang of Ao Salat in the northeast. This is worth
archipelago. Its topography is similar to that a visit just to see the wide range of seafood
of Koh Chang; it is also mountainous and brought in and sold on the rickety wooden
largely covered in rain forest. The highest pier.
hill on Koh Kood, at 315 metres, is Khao Unfortunately there isnt yet any organised
Other Islands
Phaentee in the southeast of the island. public transport on the island - although you
Another significant scenic feature is Klong may be able to get a taxi ordered in advance.
Chao waterfall. The waterfall itself is not If you want to have a look around ask at your
particularly high but falls into a huge plunge resort to see if you can hire a motorbike or
pool in a very beautiful jungle setting, a get a car to take you around. Alternatively
good place for a cooling swim. Various boat you might be able to get around in a motor
operators on Koh Chang or Koh Mak offer boat or canoe.
trips to the waterfall. Traditionally the resorts on the island have
The sea here is extremely clear and a been luxury developments catering mainly
brilliant blue colour. This makes the many to Thai tourism. Transport to these resorts is
beaches that run down the West coast of the arranged as part of the package deal.
40
Other Islands
There are now, however, some
new low, medium and high end
options which cater more to foreign
visitors. Rooms at these places
range from 400-500 Baht per night
up to around 100,000 (not a typo!)
Baht per night at the super upscale
Six Senses Resort on the island.
From the mainland the easiest way
to reach the island independently is
with a daily ferry leaving from
Laem Ngop and Koh Chang or
by taking the local ferry from Dan
Khao close to Trat (see transport
section). From Koh Chang look out
for ferry services operated by Bang
Other Islands
Bao Boat and Kai Bae Speedboat.
If you want a beautiful sandy
beach virtually to yourself and
dont expect anything by way of
nightlife other than listening to
the waves lap then Koh Kood is
the place for you. If you expect a
party you will be disappointed
but if peace and quiet is your thing
then the island is a good choice
of destination. The water around
Koh Kood is famed for its blueness
and clarity and you can find some
pretty good corals off the beaches
if you like to snorkel. You can dive
off Koh Kood with B.B. Divers
and with Paradise Divers, both of
whom have offices on the island.
Koh Wai
Koh Wai is a small crescent-
shaped island with two small,
pleasant beaches. There are two
resorts on the island with rooms
that range from simple huts to larger air-conditioned beach bungalows. There is some
good snorkelling on the shallow reefs off the beach. The lack of development makes the
island an ideal place for a peaceful beach trip and its a good place to kick back after some
strenuous travelling.
Other Islands
Whilst there are plenty of uninhabited islands in the Koh Chang archipelago a couple of
the other islands have resorts on them.
Koh Lao Ya is actually two separate islands linked by a bridge and is a pretty place that
has had a resort on it for over ten years.
Koh Ngam is another island just off the South Eastern tip of Koh Chang. This island has a
picturesque beach and a single resort. Some of the Koh Chang boat trip services can drop
you off on the island. Enquire at local travel agents for more information.
41
Property & Real Estate
Welcome to our property listings
section.
Here we list a great selection of land
and property, businesses, homes and
condos for sale on Koh Chang and
the neighbouring islands.
Why not have a browse through
and see if theres something that is of
interest to you. If there is then get in
touch with us - quoting the property
or properties that you want to know
more about and we will put you in
1.5 Rai Land in Salak Phet - 1.75M
direct contact with the owners. This great plot of Chanote title land
And if you are reading our PDF in the South-East would be ideal for
Property & Real Estate
version then click the hyperlinks to one or more homes and is listed at a
see the full listings and contact info. bargain price for quick sale.
2.1 Rai Klong Son Riverside Land: 1 Rai Beachfront on the East Coast
This chanote titled land plot is located This 1,600sqm. plot of Chanote land
by the river in the peaceful and pretty is located in Dan Mai village.
Klong Son valley. 8.82M Baht Price 7M Baht or reasonable offers
42 www.koh-chang-guide.com/real-estate
Property & Real Estate
4 BUNGALOWS
4 SWIMMING POOL
4 COCKTAILBAR
4 CINEMA
4 FRIENDLY STAFF
We are located in Central Kai Bae - Koh Chang
Tel: 039-557260
WWW.GARDENRESORTKOHCHANG.COM
INFO @GARDENRESORTKOHCHANG.COM
53
Lonely Beach
Lonely Beach
54
Bailan Beach
Bailan Beach
56
Koh Chang's Wreck Dives
Koh Chang has two excellent wreck involvement in the occupation of
dives. The first is the HTMS Chang, Okinawa 1945. Subsequently it was
formerly the US Tank Landing Ship put into use as a sea transport by the US
LST-542 was decommissioned by Navy and saw extensive service during
the Thai navy, stripped and sunk on the Korean War including involvement
November 22nd 2012 in 33 metres of in the Inchon Landing of 1950.
water off the South-East coast of Koh The ship must have performed well
Chang. since in 1955 it was finally given a
The Chang is 100 metres long and is name rather than a number and
Thailand's longest wreck dive so you continued to serve as the USS Lincoln
will find plenty of ship to explore under County until it was decommissioned
the waters. and it is an interesting and transferred to the Royal Thai
and challenging dive site for divers Navy in 1962.
with advanced qualification. The And now there is a second wreck
57
Bang Bao & Klong Koi Beach
Bang Bao & Klong Koi Beach
Tel.: 03 955 81 57
www.thebuddhaview.com
58
Bang Bao & Klong Koi Beach
59
East Coast
East Coast
60
East Coast
If you fancy a break from the beach or from
the tourist centres of the West side of Koh
Chang then you will be well rewarded by
a day or more exploring the 'undiscovered'
East Coast of the island. This side of the
island is far less developed than the other
and you will be treated to a view of a more
traditional Thai way of life as you watch
local farmers and fisherman go about their
business. Additionally there is some great
scenery and plenty of interesting stops to
make. And don't worry; there are some
quality restaurants and places to stay so you
don't need to stock provisions.
East Coast
There are no less than four waterfalls for
you to visit. Heading south these are; Klong
Nonsi just before Dan Mai village, Than
Mayom a few kilometres further South and
then Klong Nung and Khiri Phet waterfalls
in the foothills of Salak Phet Mountain in
the far south. Than Mayom is a six level
cataract and retains the most water of the
four in the dry season.
Salak Khok Bay is a charming spot with
large areas of mangrove forest and a small
fishing village. You can view the mangroves
from the Mangrove Forest Walkway
but perhaps a better way to sample the
atmosphere is on a guided kayak tour
through the trees with Salak Khok Kayak
Station, perhaps the only project on Koh
Chang that is owned and operated by the
local community.
The intrepid can continue to the far
South and visit the lovely Long Beach.
This isolated strand is deserted except for
two backpacker places. The next bay to
the South contains a memorial to the Thai
soldiers who lost their lives in the Thai
Naval encounter with the French in 1941.
The largest settlement in the South East
of the island is Salak Phet. This waterside
fishing village is at the mouth of a large bay
dotted with islands. A great place to take in
the atmosphere is the long pier that juts out
deep into the bay. There is an observation
tower at the end which offers great photo
opportunities.
61
Accommodation
PRICE KEY - A - <500 Baht B - 500-1,500 Baht C - 1,500-2,500 Baht D - 2,500+ Baht
Buffalo Bills There are 13 fully featured rooms in this luxury Tel: 039-551-451
Hotel
C
boutique hotel above a popular steak restaurant.
K.C. Grande This large luxury resort occupies a long stretch of Tel: 039-552-111
Resort & Spa
D
sandy beach and offers bungalows & 2 hotels. Tel: 02-539-5424
62
Accommodation
Accommodation
PRICE KEY - A - <500 Baht B - 500-1,500 Baht C - 1,500-2,500 Baht D - 2,500+ Baht
Kai Bae Beach This well-established beachfront resort has a Tel: 081-949-7287
Resort
C-D
swimming pool and bungalows and hotel rooms. Tel: 039-557-132
Kai Bae Popular 20 room resort with A/C and fan rooms Tel: 039-557-260
Garden Resort
C-D
with TV. Conveniently central location Tel: 086-145-9529
64
Accommodation
Sea Breeze Aircon rooms with Satellite TV, fridge & hot Tel: 087-104-9232
Hotel
B
water. Discounts for longer stays Tel: 039 557 151/2
Koh Chang - Lonely Beach / Bailan
B.B. World of Nice rooms and a new dormitory at this Tapas
Tapas
A Tel: 089-504-0543
Restaurant and lounge bar with swimming pool.
Janrassamee New small and friendly boutique homestay with Tel: 089-279-0021
Home Stay
B
affordable, fully appointed aircon rooms. Tel: 098-4717-013
Neat, affordable hillside bungalows and a good
Little Eden B Tel: 084-867-7459
restaurant. English, German and Thai spoken.
Lonely Beach 17 new air-conditioned rooms with TV, free Wi-Fi
Resort
B-C Tel: 081-279-5120
and hot shower. Book at www.lonelybeach.net
Some good garden rooms here as well as some
Accommodation
Magic Garden B-C Tel: 098-562-5250
nice new two level luxury family bungalows.
Siam Beach This resort lies on a lovely stretch of Lonely Beach Tel: 081-922-4495
Resort
B-C
and offers a variety of accommodation options. Tel: 089-161-6664
65
Accommodation
PRICE KEY - A - <500 Baht B - 500-1,500 Baht C - 1,500-2,500 Baht D - 2,500+ Baht
Emily Villa
D
beach. www.thaivillakohchang.com
66
Restaurants & Bars
White Sands Beach
15 Palms European/ Comfortable beach restaurant/bar. A menu packed with international
Thai favourites. Italian Gelato and Italian Lavazza coffee shop.
Blue Lagoon Bar One of the most popular bars in the "Mini-Pattaya" bar area. They have
Bar a free Pool table and show live sports. Late opening and friendly staff.
Buffalo Bill Steak This themed steakhouse and hotel offers a choice of different steaks
Steak House using imported beef. And you get a 10% food discount with this guide.
Chang Buri Thai/ Balcony restaurant at this luxury hotel offering Thai and Western
Resort & Spa Western cuisine
67
Restaurants & Bars
Paddys Thai/ Koh Chang's original Irish Pub has an extensive Western menu. Families
Palms Western welcome. Special roast dinners on Sundays. Draft Guinness and free Wi-Fi.
Piatto Ricco Italian/ Pizzas, Pastas and all kinds of Italian specialities offer at this roadside
Thai restaurant in central White Sand Beach. They have imported steaks.
Plaloma Western Attractive sea views in this restaurant on the first floor of Plaloma
Resort
Rock Sand Thai/ Beachside restaurant/bar with fantastic views over the beach and bay.
Western A good spot for watching the sunset. Now Italian Gelato ice cream.
Royal India Indian The Royal India now has a new branch back in White Sand Beach
opposite Grand View Resort serving quality Indian cuisine.
Restaurants & Bars
Siam Kitchen Chinese/ Restaurant offering Western and Chinese specialities in addition to a
Thai full Thai menu. Cocktails are also available.
Sinatra Bar/ A new hassle-free oasis in the bar area of White Sands with a 21,000
Lounge Karaoke song karaoke selection and a great selection of beers, wines and spirits.
Sun & Soul Thai/ This stylishly modern restaurant and bar is located beachside at
Western Cookies Resort and has good food and drink with great tunes.
Tantawan Thai/ This bar and restaurant is in a great location right by the beach. They
Western have a well-priced menu and fresh seafood is a popular choice.
Taste of India Indian This new Indian restaurant has a large menu of authentic, home-
cooked Indian classic cuisine from spicy starters to delicious desserts
Thai/Danish European Lots of tempting selections on the eclectic menu in this interesting
Restaurant Danish and European restaurant
The Rockbar Bar This popular nightspot in Grand View Plaza has live music every night,
free pool and Wi-Fi and plays rock music until very, very late.
The White Bar/ This large and lively bar has 3 flatscreen TVs with local and Scandinavian
Elephant European channels, Carlsberg on draft, an electronic jukebox and opens until late.
Thors Palace Thai/ Comfortable beachside restaurant/bar at Alina Resort run by the colourful
Western Thor. Excellent Thai curries. Good music. Try their tasty cocktails.
Koh Chang Wine/ This new place with Thai coffee and a large range of wines is centrally
Wine Gallery Coffee located opposite Lagoon Resort close to the Bangkok Bank.
Hat Kai Mook (Pearl Beach)
Books Cafe Koh Chang's bookshop offers excellent fresh coffee, soft drinks and
Thailand.com beer, wine and spirits.
Kai Mook Thai The restaurant at this beachside resort has a menu consisting of all the
Resort classic Thai dishes.
Pennys Thai/ Restaurant and beach cocktail bar offering Thai and Western dishes.
Resort Western They have a beachside barbeque on Saturday nights.
Saffron on Thai/ Scenic restaurant & bar by the sea. Offers breakfasts, lunches & dinners
The Sea Western in a shady and secluded garden setting
Sanae's Thai/ The good food here includes home-made sausages and all day
Western breakfasts as well as one of Koh Chang's best Pat Gapows.
Chai Chet
Marco & Jo Italian One of Koh Chang's top ranked restaurants on Tripadvisor and it
Ristorante deserves the praise. Two Italian chefs prepare excellent pizzas, home-made
Italiano pastas and authentic Italian dishes in V.J. Plaza.
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Restaurants & Bars
Nong Bua Thai/ This sleek and stylish new seafood restaurant next to Klong Prao
Seafood Seafood Resort offers all kinds of Thai meals, fresh seafood and BBQ.
Royal India Indian The Royal India, once in White Sand Beach, is now located at Coconut
Plaza serving a wide range of veg and non-veg Indian cuisine.
Zip 'n Zorb Bar There is a nice beer garden at this new zorbing and activity centre at
Koh Chang the top of Chai Chet Hill.
Klong Prao
Baan Ta Thai/ This large restaurant has a nice garden setting as well as indoor seating
European and offers a wide variety of Thai, European and seafood specialities.
Iyara Seafood Thai/ Seafood restaurant in a picturesque setting on the lagoon with terrific
Western views of the beach and the mountain.
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Restaurants & Bars
Just Thai Thai Quality Thai cuisine served in the pleasant surroundings of this well-
presented Thai restaurant at Amari Emerald Cove.
KA-TI Thai/ You can taste a wide range of authentic Thai dishes in this restaurant. If
Culinary Western you like you can take a course to learn how to cook them yourself.
Klong Prao Thai/ The restaurant at this popular beachfront resort has a full Thai and
Resort Western International menu as well as a nightly seafood barbeque.
Ko Ko Mo Bar/Food This is a nice old-style beach bar in a lovely spot on one of the island's
widest sections of beach, located just south of Klong Prao Resort.
Moley's Western/ Home-made farang food: full English breakfasts, burgers, steaks,
Bar chicken, spag bol & cold beers all in a lovely waterfront bar setting.
Sapparot Bar/Thai This wooden bar leans out over the river where it meets the sea.
Bar They have live sports, Thai and Issan food and great sunsets.
Street Life Bar A new bar in the middle of Klong Prao village. They have comfy seats,
a good pool table and a big TV showing live sports.
Restaurants & Bars
The Cove Thai/ This international restaurant on the beachfront at Amari Emerald Cove
Terrace Western Koh Chang is open from 6 am to 11 pm daily.
V.J. Searenity Thai/ There is a scenic restaurant and bar beside the sea at this hotel on
Western Klong Prao beach.
Kai Bae
Barrio Bonito Mexican This popular Mexican restaurant has recently moved from Lonely
Beach. They serve authentic Mexican food prepared by a Mexican chef.
Ciao Italian: Italian/ Excellent authentic Italian food at this smart restaurant just as you enter Kai Bae.
Kai Bae Thai Freshly made pasta, pizza, lasagne and desserts. Kept clean to European standards.
Filou Bar This is a popular Kai Bae nightspot. They have free Wi-Fi, pool and
table football as well as special offers on drinks every night.
Kai Bae Thai/ The beachfront restaurant at this hotel serves breakfasts, then has a full
Beach Resort Western Thai and Western menu throughout the day and evening.
Mordi & Italian This new neat little restaurant offers some excellent Italian street food
Fuggi prepared by an Italian chef in a relaxed plaza setting.
Papa Bakery Cakes, Sandwiches, fresh coffee and good freshly-baked bread.
Sea Breeze Music Bar Wooden bar at the front of Kai Bae Plaza. There is a live band playing
Cocktails nightly and audience participation is encouraged.
Salt Bar/ This new place is a seafront bar and restaurant with a swimming pool,
Western pool table and fantastic views up and down the coast.
Sharky's Western/ This comfy riverside restaurant offers a large selection including
Thai steaks, burgers, chicken a la Kiev, pizzas and fish and seafood dishes.
The Garden Thai/ Restaurant and Bar with pool table at this comfortable and centrally
Western placed hotel in the middle of Kai Bae village.
Wine Gallery Bar/Cafe Koh Changs only bar offering a large range of beers and spirits at
wholesale prices. They have fresh Arabica coffees from North Thailand.
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Restaurants & Bars
Lonely Beach
BB Lonely International This place has a large variety of different tapas as well as a huge
Beach selection of imported Belgian beers. And a swimming pool!
Little Eden Thai/ Good Thai and International food at the restaurant of this hillside bungalow
International resort. Try their tasty house specialities. English German and Thai Spoken.
Lonely Beach Thai/ This place has just doubled their seating capacity due to the popularity
Resort Western of their breakfasts, pizzas and western and Thai menu and busy bar.
Magic Garden Thai/ A bar and restaurant with regular live music and an extensive Thai and
Western Western menu as well as a daily "Magic BBQ".
Oasis Resort Thai/ This hillside restaurant has a great sea view. Enjoy the sunset with a
Western cold beer or try one of their delicious sandwiches.
Paradise Thai/ Thai and Western meals are available in the bar/restaurant of this
Cottages Western modern looking resort.
Q Thai/ A nice place where underground house grooves fuse with international
Siam Beach Thai/ The beachside restaurant at Siam Beach is a pleasant place to enjoy a
Resort Western meal or a sunset cocktail.
Siam Hut Bar/Thai Every Friday sees is a huge beach party until late at this popular
backpacker resort and other nights are also lively.
The Bar/ This new bar and restaurant prides itself on having great steaks and
Hangover European classic European and Russian dishes. And they open until very late.
The Thai/ Authentic Thai & Western Food. Extensive breakfast menu. Laid back
Sunflower Western atmosphere.
Wine Gallery Coffee/ The Lonely Breach branch of this Koh Chang chain of wine and coffee
Wine shops is down the side road next to Himmel Bar.
Bailan Beach
The Happy Thai/ Good Thai food (they have a cooking school), ice cream, milkshakes
Turtle Western and coffee served by a barrista as well as a bar with a good pool table.
Bang Bao
Bang Bao Thai/ Enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks beside the beach at Bamboo
Beach Resort Western Hut restaurant looking out over the great views across Bang Bao Bay.
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Restaurants & Bars
Bang Bao Thai/ This relaxed bungalow resort offers meals in the lovely setting of their
Cliff Cottages Western waterfront bar and restaurant area.
The Beach Thai/ This beach bar and restaurant is in a great location on the beach 500m
Club Western past Bang Bao. They also have new beachside rooms.
Buddha View Thai/ Relax in tropical surroundings with panoramic view of the ocean while
Western enjoying authentic Traditional Thai cuisine or excellent European food.
El Greco Greek Authentic Greek food and great cocktails are served at this nice little
guesthouse and restaurant with a great location on Bang Bao pier.
Ido Ido Bar & Thai/Bar/ This charming little beach bar is on its own beach called Sai Noi about
Restaurant European 500m after Bang Bao village. Breakfasts from 8am, food and drinks 'til late.
Sunny Inn Bar There is a cocktail bar at this new guesthouse in Bang Bao village with both
indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Restaurants & Bars
YuYu Golden Thai/Bar/ Beachfront restaurant, bar and massage with a good range of food and
Beach European drink including falafels. Deckchairs, beach tables and a covered area.
Klong Son
Shambhala Bar This swim up pool bar beside the beach at Siam Royal View (Marina)
Beach Bar specialises in cocktails, mocktails and fruit shakes from 11am-10pm Thu-Tue
The Beach Thai/ Enjoy a meal, take a dip in the swimming pool or simply enjoy a drink
Club Continental in the great surroundings of this beachside place at Siam Royal View.
The Marina Pub Food The waterfront pub at the new Siam Royal View marina has a pool
Pub table and dart board, a crazy golf course and they serve pub meals.
East Coast
Amber Sands Thai/ This is a great place to stop off for generous servings of tasty,
Western wholesome food whilst exploring Koh Chang's unspoilt east coast.
Serenity Bar/ This place is worth a stop. They now offer a full menu and drinks and
Resort Snacks snacks at their beachside bar and offer free use of watersports gear.
The Spa Koh Vegetarian This resort offers a comprehensive vegetarian menu. The Koh Samui
Chang Resort branch is very highly praised so this place is well worth a try.
Koh Mak
Food Art Hut Thai/ This roadside restaurant has a great selection of western and Thai dishes
Western ranging from pizzas to sandwiches to pad krapow.
Koh Mak Thai/ The restaurant at this resort is located between the pool and the seaside
Cococape Seafood and offers breakfasts and a Thai and seafood menu.
Koh Mak Western/ Great western food including steaks are served at this restaurant in a
Steakhouse Thai charming spot on stilts over the sea.
Monkey Thai/ A wide range of food and drink is served at this beachside resort and at
Island/Bar Western night Monkey Bar, with live band, is the liveliest bar on Koh Mak.
Thaidaho Western This friendly boutique resort and restaurant offers excellent food and
Vista Resort coffee looking out over the best view on Koh Mak.
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Thai Language
Most of the Thai people that you meet in Most Thais use the letter L instead of R so
Koh Chang will be able to speak at least a arroy above becomes alloy in speech.
little English. However they will be happy if Hot (Heat)........................... Rawn
you make an effort to talk to them in their Hot (Spicy food).................. Pet
own tongue. Police.................................. Tamruat
This can be tricky: Thai has sounds you Hospital..............................Long Payar Barn
probably havent heard before and is a tonal This......................................Nee
language so the same sound can mean dif- Day..................................... Wan
ferent things. For example Mai mai mai mai Today..................................Wan Nee
mai, said with the correct tones, means The Tomorrow............................Ploong Nee
new wood doesnt burn does it?. But dont be Yesterday............................ Mer Wan
put off, a few basic Thai words and phrases Second............................... Wee Natee
can get you a long way. Below are a few of Minute................................ Natee
these basics. Hour.................................... Chuamong
To be polite men say Krap and women say Fun......................................Sanuk
Thai Language
Ka at the end of any sentence. Swim...................................Wai Nam
Walk....................................Dern
Yes...................................... Shai Good / Bad......................... Dee / Mai Dee
No....................................... Mai Big / Small........................... Yai / Lek
Thai doesnt have literal words for yes or no Come / Go......................... Mar / Bai
but youll be understood if you use the words Where are you Going?....... Bai Nai?
above. What?................................. A Rai?
Hello.................................Sawat Di Krap/Ka Where?............................... Tee Nai?
Goodbye............................ Lar Gorn When?................................ Meu Rai?
Thank you......................Korp Kun Krap / Ka How?................................... Yanglai?
One.................................... Neung Why?................................... Tammai?
Two..................................... Sawng Can you help me?.............Chuay Dai Mai?
Three...................................Sam Here....................................Tee Nee
Four ....................................See There...................................Tee Noon
Five..................................... Har Bicycle................................Jakrayan
Six....................................... Hok Motorbike............................Motorsai
Seven.................................. Jet Taxi......................................Taxi
Eight (difficult!).....................Bpaet Car...................................... Rot
Nine.................................... Gao Bus.......................................Rot Meh
Ten...................................... Sip Train.....................................Rot Fei
Twenty.................................Yee Sip Aeroplane............................Krung Bin
Thirty................................... Sam Sip Airport..................................Sanarm Bin
One Hundred...................... Neung Roy Bangkok...............................Krung Tep
One Thousand.................... Neung Pan Hotel....................................Rong Raem
How Much?......................... Tao Rai Restaurant...........................Ran Aharn
Expensive............................ Paeng Chicken...............................Gai
Cheap................................ Took Elephant..............................Chang
Attractive/Beautiful............. Sa-Why Fish......................................Pla
Handsome.......................... Lor Khun Kit War Pen Kwam Kit Tee Dee Leo Reu
Hungry.................................Hue Tee Cap Rot Laeo Laeo.........Do You think that
Thirsty...................................Hue Narm it is a good idea to drive this vehicle so fast?
Food....................................Aharn
Eat.......................................Gin (Khao) www.thai-language.com is an excellent
Rice.....................................Khao online resource for anything that you need to
Delicious............................. Arroy know about the Thai language.
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Photo Gallery
Behold! Our photo gallery returns. Here we have for your viewing pleasure some pictures
of people having fun on Koh Chang. If you'd like to send us some of your photos we'll be
very happy to print them. Just e-mail to us at info@koh-chang-guide.com
Photo Gallery
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Celebrating our 10th Anniversary Year