TC04 - Koh Chang



		KOH CHANG TRIP DONE IN JUNE 2002

	Koh Chang is an island situated in the Gulf of Thailand, belonging to Trat province and the second largest island (429 Sq Km) in Thailand after Phuket. Despite its size Koh Chang is quite undeveloped. It is a picturesque island of virgin rainforest, untouched jungles, mountains, spectacular coastlines, fine white sandy beach, clear blue sea, colourful corals, breath taking waterfalls and an abundance of marine life. Koh Chang is the main and biggest island of an archipelago of 52 islands, most of which are unpopulated. Nearly 75 Percent of the Koh Chang archipelago belongs to the Koh Chang Marine National Park and is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. Koh Chang is 330 Km east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry. 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 all the way almost to Hat Kai Bae. From here is a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meandering through wet forest land 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. Along the eastern shoreline is also a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, roads on Ko Chang are earthen and some sections go up and down steep hills. We departed from Ao Thammachat to Ao Sapparot. Passenger boats leave to Ko Chang every two hours between 07.30 and 16.30 Hr. The trip takes 30 minutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. The schedules and fares are subject to change without notice due to climate condition. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be by preference the 4-wheel-driven type as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang are Songthaew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand. Refrain from going there in the rainy season as all activities as trekking, diving and beach dreaming are made nearly impossible due to the weather conditions. TRANSPORT Air-conditioned mini bus rent Contact Khun Somchai Tel: 01/8248634 - Int: +66-1/8248634 E-mail: somchai95@hotmail.com ACCOMMODATION ALINA RESORT 9/10 Moo 4 White Sand Beach Laem Ngob Koh Chang Trat 23120 Tel: 039/597060, 538122, 597181 Fax: 039/538112 E-mail: alinaresort@hotmail.com Web: www.alinaresort.com Paid rate: double with airco 750 Baht WHAT TO SEE KHLONG PHLU WATERFALL 3 Km from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot. KHLONG NONSI WATERFALL A 1 Km walk from the park headquarters KHIRIPHET AND KHLONG NUNG FALLS About 3 Km from Ban Salakphet. WHAT TO DO DIVING Coral range worth viewing are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around the islands south of Ko Chang. www.ecodivers.co.th INTERESTING WEB LINKS www.koh-chang.com www.aiyapura.com www.banpuresort.com www.changparkresort.com www.kohchanglagoon.com www.cliffcottages.com www.whitesandbeachresort.com *******