Koh Chang Marine National Park in a Nutshell
It has only recently been discovered by non-Thais as ferry, road and now air access has made the island increasingly accessible (regular flights are now available from Bangkok to Trat). A favourite of the Thai people who appreciate the mixture of stunning unspoilt terrain, relaxed friendly local people and excellent seafood; these factors combined make Koh Chang a gem waiting to be discovered for travellers of all types.
Koh Chang is the 2nd largest Thai island, named Elephant Island because it is said to resemble the profile of an elephant. Koh Chang is situated some 330 km East of Bangkok in the province of Trat and is some 40 kilometers long and 16 kilometers wide.
Beaches and bays in Koh Chang:
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White Sand Beach
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Pearl Beach
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Klong Prao Beach
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Kai Bae Beach
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Lonely Beach
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Bai Lan Bay
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Bang Bao Bay
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Klong Son Bay
Koh Chang land dimension:
- Length: 30 km.
- Width: 14 km.
Population: 5,356 inhabitants (as of 2005)
Population density: 34.6 inhabitants per sq. km.
Province: Trat
Zip code: 23170
Area code: 039
Distance from Bangkok: 310-385 km.
Distance from Trat: 8 km.
Highest peak: 744 m (Khao Jom Peasat, Salak Phet)
Administration: 2 sub districts, 9 villages
Temperature:
- Monthly Average Range: 34 C (April) - 23 C (January)
- Annual Average: 27.3 C
- Average High: 31.3 C
- Average Low: 23.2 C
Climate: Hot and humid
Annual average rainfall amount: 3,200 mm.
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
History:
- Before World War II,
Koh Chang was little known and piracy was still prolific around the archipelago.
- Koh Chang was the scene of a sea battle between the Thai and the French naval ships in 1941.
- Backpackers discovered the charms of the archipelago in the mid 70's.
- The district was given national park status on the 31st of December 1982.
- It was only in 2000 that electricity and landline phones were available.
- It is the 45th of the 102 national parks in Thailand.
- Rapid developments began in 2002.
Location: Southeastern region of Thailand, near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand
Coordinates:
- Latitude 12 6'13" N
- Longitude 102 21'7" E
Topography: Mostly mountainous with rounded slopes; waterfalls are products of this mix of mountains and streams
Flora: Dipterocarps, gum trees, conifer, evergreen, fishtail palms, rattan palms, fern, and mangroves
Fauna: 29 species of mammals, 74 species of birds, 42 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a rich marine life
Geography:
- The interior of the main island, Koh Chang, is mountainous, covered by tropical rainforest.
- Accommodations are mostly on the western side, while the eastern side remains agricultural. The island looks like a sleeping elephant, hence, its name.
Seasons:
- Rainy season: May to October
- Dry season: November to February
- Summer: March to April
Activities: Snorkeling, diving, elephant trekking, hiking, waterfall trek, spa, tattoo, bird watching, island, hopping, kayaking, sailing, parasailing, fishing, squid fishing, overnight deep sea fishing, shopping, bar hopping, Cambodia tour, camping, firefly tour.
Attractions:
- Fine white sandy beaches
- Clear blue marine waters
- Waterfalls
- Rich marine life
- Rich rainforest wildlife
Spending brackets:
Average Room Prices
- Low: 130-600 Baht
- Middle: 600-3,000 Baht
- High: 3,000-10,000 Baht
- Deluxe: 10,000 Baht and up
Average Meal Prices
- Low: 40-180 Baht
- Middle: 180-300 Baht
- High: 300-500 Baht
Suggested clothing: Light fibers and thin cotton during the summer season. However, please do prepare pullovers during the month of December to February since it can get very cold on the island with temperatures as low as 20 C.
