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Activities
Diving and snorkelling
The best dive sites are the seamounts off the southern coast to the
island of Ko Kut, the best site being at Ko Wai where there is intensely
colourful coral reefs, with depths of five to 18 metres. During the
rainy season visibility can be poor and the best time to visit is from
November to April. There are many dive centres offering specialising in
PADI certificates on most of the main beaches. Prices range from
$70-$280 per person. There is no snorkelling to speak of in Ko Chang
itself, but the outer islands can easily be reached by boat.
Waterfalls
There are a series of scenic waterfalls across the island. It costs 200
baht to enter the national parks. On the east coast the Nam Tok Mayom
waterfall has three waterfalls and can be climbed in under an hour. A
smaller waterfall at Nam Tok Klong Phu on the west coast can be reached
via Khlong Prao. There are plunge pools to cool yourself off after the
trek to the falls. There are other, less impressive falls in Khlong Son,
White Sands Beach and Kai Bae.
Elephant trekking and walking
On Khlong Prao, Chang Chutiman offer elephant safaris into the interior
for 150 baht for half and hour and 500 baht for an hour. Or, if you
prefer to do it on foot, you can take a hike yourself. The best place to
start is from the southern end of the island. But be warned, it is
advisable to hire a local guide!
Yachting
Sailing amongst the islands of Ko Chang with Thida Yachting Co Ltd
between November and March, when you can count on steady winds of 15-30
knots. This time of the year there is the most agreeable climate too.
2-day trips available from 7,500 baht, 3-day trips from 11,000 baht, or
charter a boat with a skipper from $400 per day.
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Koh Chang
Island
The island of
Koh Chang is a tropical marine national park. Its hinterland
consists of over 70% virgin rainforest and is the best preserved tourist
holiday destination in Thailand. Situated to the east of the country in
the province of Trat on the Cambodian border, it's Thailand's second
largest island after Phuket.
Recently, with the surge of the island's development and popularity, it
has been elevated to Thailand's new tourist haven. It has an airport
near Trat, just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal. Bangkok Airways run
twice-daily services from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. Also, the island
offers fast internet access via many of the island's internet cafés.
With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests
and abundance of wildlife and marine life, coral reefs, high mountain
peaks, several scenic waterfalls, a rich variety of cuisine and great
nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand's most sought-after holiday
destinations.
Getting
there:
Ko Chang is
315 kilometres away from Bangkok in the province of Trat. There are
several ways of getting there: by air, air-conditioned bus, taxi, hire
car or motorcyle.
By air
Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui to a new airport
at Trat. There are flights out of Bangkok day which takes about 45
minutes. Onward flights leave at 8:30 (PG310) and 16:10 (PG316) and
return at 9:40 (PG311) and 17:20 (PG317), costing around 4,000 baht for
the return journey. For reservations, call the Bangkok office on +66 (0)
2265 5555 and Trat +66 (0) 3952 5299-300. For more information and
bookings, see Bangkok Air.
By air-conditioned bus
First/second-class and VIP air-con buses leave from the Eastern Bus
Terminal at Ekkamai, on Sukhumvit Road, which is conveniently serviced
by the BTS Skytrain. The return fare to Trat — the stopping off point
for Ko Chang — ranges from 147 baht for second-class coaches to 420 baht
for the VIP coach. From the Trat bus terminal, take a cab or minibus to
the ferry at Laem Ngop, which should cost you around 200 baht.
By taxi
Getting out of Bangkok is always going to be troublesome unless you
leave very late at night or early in the morning. But one of the most
painless ways to travel is order a taxi that will take you all the way
to the ferry port at Ko Chang. If you're a good negotiator, you can pay
as little as 2,500 baht one way.
By private car or motorbike
By hiring a private car or motorbike, you make the decisions as to how
and when to travel. However, do make sure you bring an International
Driving Permit with you or any hassles you encounter are entirely of
your own making. Simply, the best way out of Bangkok is to take Highway
3 on the Bangna-Trat road until you reach the Chonburi bypass. Continue
along this road, or take the elevated tollway, then take the exit for
Klaeng on Highway 344. When you reach Klaeng, get back on to Highway 3
again (Highway 3 goes via Pattaya and Rayong, which you don't want).
Continue on through Khlung and, from here, about half-way to Trat, turn
off on to Highway 3156, the Laem Ngop-Saen Tung road, which will take
you along the coast to the ferry ports.
Ferry services and times
Ferries leave from one of three piers every 30 minutes from 7am to 7pm.
Probably the most popular is the Centrepoint Pier. A motorcycle or car
are free while foot passengers are charged Bt30. Once on the other side,
sawngthaews are available during the day, the fare ranging from around
20 to 70 baht depending on the distance.
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