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Ko Chang
A stretch of long white sandy beach dotted with coconut
tree orchards is a common sight on Ko Chang the largest
and busiest island in Trat and the second largest island
in the country after Phuket.
Covering an area of 429 square kilometers,
Ko Chang, boasts several amazing natural wonders that
blend magnificently with the traditional way of life
such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep
hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine
beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life.
In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays
are on the west side spreading from the north to the
south they include Ao Khlong Son , Hat Sai Khao , Hat
Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the
western shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there
is a nature trail passing through Ao Bai Lan and Ao
Kruat and meandering through wet forestland to Ban Bang
Bao, a fishing community on the foot of the hill in
the south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where
a ferry landing is situated and Ao Salak Khok. In addition,
along the eastern shoreline is a road cutting through
to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier to the
south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are
at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands
south of Ko Chang.
In addition to sea-based attractions
Ko Chang has numerous inland attractions including several
waterfalls with reasonable access. They are the Khlong
Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometers from Ao Khlong Phrao and
a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall,
a 4-kilometre walk from park headquarters; and Khiriphet
and Khlong Nung falls, which are about 3 kilometers
from Ban Salak Phet.
As well as the obvious activities Ko Chang offers many
other attractions including waterfalls, temples, the
National Park and Museum or the beautiful scenic lookout
points, which are all worth a visit. Divers will find
fascinating diving areas off of the shores of Ko Chang
and the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral
reefs, sunken warships, a reminder of times past, can
be visited in the Salak Phet Bay.
The Ko Chang National Park occupies
an area of 650 square kilometers and is comprised of
47 islets, which spread from Laem Ngob to Klong Yai
Districts. . The most popular islands includes Ko Chang,
Ko Klum, Ko Ngam, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Rung where natural
wonders await travelers. The most popular season for
traveling to the National Park is from November to March.
The park headquarters are divided into 4 units namely
Tha Than Mayom, Ban Khlong Son, Tha Khlong Plu and Ban
Salak which provide useful tourist information. At any
one of the headquarters, an entry fee of 200baht is
collected.
For transportation to Ko Chang, please
refer to the traveling to Ko Chang section.
Wat Bang Bao is on the roadside, next
to the turn-off to Ban Bang Bao.
Wat Khlong Prao is located in Baan
Khlong Prao, also right off the main road.
Wat Khlong Son is approximately 500
metres from the intersection in Ban Khlong Son, in the
direction of the bay.
At the top of the hill after Sapparot
Bay towards Ban Khlong Son there is a Chinese temple.
Wat Khlong Nonsi is situated just before
the Dan-May Pier in Baan Khlong Nonsi. Turn towards
the sea at the intersection on the main road. Proper
clothes should be worn during temple visits.
Ko Chang Naval Battle Area
This area is located to the south of
Ko Chang close to Salak Petch Bay. It is the area where
the battle between the Thai and French Naval forces
was fought over the eastern border conflict. The Thai
Navy holds an annual event to commemorate the combat
victory and make merit for the dead naval forces on
17 January.
Namtok Than Mayom
A 3-tiered medium-sized waterfall located
behind the parks office. There is a trail situated 500
meters from a durian orchard that leads to the site
where King Rama V and VI had visited and signed their
royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.
Namtok Kiri Phet
Located to the south of Ko Chang, approximately
3 kilometers from Ban Salak Petch.
Namtok Khlong Nonsi
This is a little waterfall in the northeast
zone of the island. The path to the area lies 3 kilometers
from Baan Daan Mai or 3 kilometers from the national
park office.
Namtok Khlong Nueng
This is a small 120 meter high waterfall
situated in a remote area from Salak Petch Community
near Salak Petch Waterfall is an ideal place for relaxation.
Ban Salak Petch and Ban Rong
Than
These are the largest fishing villages
on the island and are ideal venues for visitors wishing
to experience or observe their lifestyle. Bungalows
and food shops are available.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
Another ideal spot to learn more about
the lifestyle of fishermen where residents build up
their houses with poles pitched into the sea and the
community is linked together via a bridge that reaches
every house. In addition, Bang Bao is one of the zones
rich in corals.
Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)
One of the longest beaches on Ko Chang,
this beach provides the most magnificent seascape. The
beach, which is 2 kilometers long, is dotted with reasonably
priced bungalows and resorts. Embracing the beach to
the rear are orchards of coconut trees and forests.
Khlong Son Bay
Rich in coral lines, the bay is located
on the western coast of Ko Chang where Klong Son Community
is situated.
Namtok Khlong Plu
A large 3-tiered waterfall situated
3 kilometers or a walking distance of approximately
20 minutes away from Khlong Prao Bay that is a rewarding
experience.
Tri Petch Waterfall
This single level waterfall is situated
3 kilometers from Salak Petch Community along an orchard
of rubber trees.
Hat Khlong Phrao and Laem Chat
Chet
Laem Chai Chet is along the sea adjacent
to Kai Bae Beach, which is rather steep but offers possibilities
for swimming. Standard bungalows with facilities are
available. The northernmost area of Klong Phrao Beach
is adjacent to Chai Chet Bay and Beach where visitors
can take in the beautiful landscape while enjoying the
superb relaxation and tranquil retreat.
Kai Bae Beach
This beach is close to Khlong Phrao
Beach and is similar to Khlong Phrao in that the beach
is steep but safe for swimming with quite a few inexpensively
priced bungalows in the area.
Ao Bai Lan
This small bay with its long sandy
beach where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view
in serene ambience is situated close to Kai Bae beach.
Hat Khlong Kloi
This shady beach with coconut trees
located next to Bang Bao Village is a perfect place
for relaxation.
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