Geography
In
Trat province, 312 km. from Bangkok, the second-largest island in
Thailand, 30 km in length and 8 km in width, was discovered, and then
became one of the most famous sites among travelers. It is called Koh
Chang because its appearance is like a sleeping elephant. Koh Chang is
covered with dense rain forest and with the relative savage nature,
bisected by the steep wall of mountains.
Considered as one of the most untouched
island in Thailand, Koh Chang became an easy-found paradise for
thousands of tourists from all over the world. Those who long for the
pure, calm, peaceful, and magnificent island could feel like being in your
own world here.
As the matter of the fact that Koh Chang
today has changed a little because of the flowing of tourism industry, it
still enormously keeps its beauty and its characteristic features for
nature lovers to appreciate.
Weather
Koh Chang has the average temperature, not too cold, not too hot, but it
is influenced by northeastern and southwestern monsoons. During the months
of May to October, the western coast of Koh Chang is more or less
influenced by southern monsoons, thus allowing a limitation for water
transportation in a certain period. However, you can go visiting Koh Chang
all year round. The best months are from November to April.
Beaches
and islands
Famous of its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, Koh Chang has
various wonderful beaches by which each has its characteristic scenic
beauty, from north to south for you to choose freely according to your own
favors. Koh Chang's best beaches are all on the west coast. Here are the
major beaches that are absolutely incontestable for its magnificence.
White Sand Beach [Hat Sai Khao], the
longest and most popular beach on Koh Chang. It is the best place for
those who enjoy the white wonderful sand and the association with other
travelers: most visitors prefer coming to this beach that makes the beach
so colorful. However, if you are the one who loves peace and privacy,
you'd better go to beaches to the south.
Klong Prao Beach, located next to
White Sand Beach, near Klong Prao River, growing rapidly into popularity
after White Sand Beach. Still, it offers you finer degree of peace and
solitude; it is another choice from the more crowded tourist enclaves on
White Sand Beach. The area is covered with coconut grooves and wild
vegetation. In addition, on Klong Prao Beach, the difference and variety
of nature can be seen; there is Klong Prao waterfall that shows well its
abundance of forest. Moreover, for adventure lovers, you can test your
heart pressure and your boldness by hiking on Carved Diamond Mountain (Slak
Petch Mountain), Koh Chang's highest peak at 774 meters. But please note
that guides are absolutely essential for exploring inside Koh Chang.
Kai Bae Beach, the last major beach
on the west coast with over a dozen of primitive-styled huts as
accommodation and with a wonderful view of rocky beach. Beaches on the
southern coast are also guaranteed of its beauty and tranquility, but
still remote, for example, Bang Bao Beach and Long Beach. For the last
one, you can go there by taking a boat ride from Koh Prao, Koh Laoya, Koh
Ngam and Koh Wai. |