KOH CHANG ACTIVITIES

MASSAGES, BEAUTY AND BODY TREATMENTS
As in any part of Thailand, masseuses soothe the muscles with traditional Thai massage or foot reflexology right on the beaches. A one-hour massage on the beach costs around 200 baht. Away from the beach are several massage places along the main road. Massage services in the compound of the Boutique Resort and Health Spa is one of several professional places offering rejuvenating treatments.
Other pampering activities are offered as well, such as hair braiding, manicures and pedicures. Other luxury treatments include foot scrubs and skin scraping treatments to ensure that your feet remain smooth throughout your vacation.

TATTOO
Tattoo artists are scattered throughout the island, from serious permanent tattoo to temporary henna designs created right on the beach by wandering henna tattoo artists. Tattoos, whether henna or permanent begin at 400 Baht. Well-known tattooist, Jack offers custom tattoos at Tantawan Pub and Restaurant on White Sand Beach.

BIRD SANCTUARY
Gaining popularity on Koh Chang is the activity of bird watching in places on the island such as Khao Leam and Khao Yai for species that are native to the area, such as Koh Chang hornbills, and understanding their relationship to Koh Chang's ecosystem. Such visits are usually organized year-round by the trekkers of Koh Chang and the Nok and Nature Club with renown bird watcher and nature lover Mongkol Wongkalasin. The one-day tour starts at 1,000 Baht. Interested persons can buy tickets from the "Trekkers of Koh Chang" at 09-147-940, 01-578-7513, 039-525-029.

VIEWING FIREFLIES
During the cooler months in Koh Chang, visitors have the opportunity to rent a boat that glides gently along the waters at night to see fireflies light up the mangrove trees. Thousands of fireflies send out mating signals as they settle into the mangrove forest, making a whole tree come alive with their simultaneous flashing along the dark river waters. It's like seeing rows of Christmas trees in the quiet night. Hotels like Koh Chang Grand Orchid Resort & Spa and Aana Resort & Spa have information on where to go to see the fireflies, complete with a boat and guide.

VISITING CAMBODIA
A recent trend is to visit the neighboringCambodia from Trat. Everyday, mini-buses await passengers who leave in the early morning hours (6.00 am or 8.00 am). There are two routes available; you can go from Trat to Aranyapathet which takes you to the border and onward to Siem Reap, or cross into Cambodia at Haad Lek (Thailand's border town with Cambodia) into Koh Kong province.
Air-con mini buses run between Trat and Haad Lek from 05.00 am until 05.00 pm till 1700 hours. It costs 100 baht for the almost 1? hour trip. Obtain your visa at the border crossing on arrival. You can then go to Sihanoukville by road or by boat. By road, rent a van or motorcycle at the border. Depending on the road conditions (and weather) it can take from 4 to 7 hours. By boat, get a river-boat taxi to Koh Kong city for 20-40 baht. In Koh Kong city take a speed boat to Sihanoukville. It's another 3 hours to Phnom Penh from Sihanoukville.
To go to Siem Reap directly, take a tour bus (about 400 baht) that goes to Aranyaprathet, then cross into Poipet on the Cambodian side. It's a further 3-6 hour bus or taxi to Siem Reap.

INTERNET CAFES
While Koh Chang offers the chance to get away from it all, the island nevertheless provides high speed internet cafes in order to keep in touch. The island is dotted with stand alone internet cafes with high speed access. Hotels also offer many medium to high tech options that go beyond surfing the internet and checking email. One of the popular services is burning vacation photos on to CDs, a good thing to do in order to free up memory space for more vacation snapshots. Book your spot early. Many internet cafes like Flipper at V.J. Plaza fill up early with e-mail users.

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Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand