KOH CHANG ACTIVITIES

If you want to take a break from the beach, a wide range of activities await both on shore and inland.

THE SHRINE OF CHAO PO KOH CHANG
Leading up a steep road on the west coast to Ao Sapparos, not too far from the pier, you will see the shrine of Chao Po & Chao Mae Koh Chang on the right. This is a highly revered shrine for both locals and visitors. Chao Po Koh Chang (literally Godfather of Koh Chang) has guarded the Khon Kard (the original name of Trat people) for generations. Fishermen who get lost or become endangered by the monsoons seek faith and guidance from Chao Po Koh Chang. Legend has it that many prayers have been answered, and the locals have been praying to Chao Po Koh Chang concerning various hardships, from low yield harvests, to sickness or other miseries.

HIKING
The main road west of Koh Chang from Klong Son to Kai Bae is a popular route. On the northern part of the island, walk from Ban Khlong Son to Had Sai Khao (White Sand Beach). The best hikes though are in the southern half of the island, since fewer roads intrude. For difficult hikes, go inland to the steep and forested hills. Shorter hikes to waterfalls from their main entrances are gaining popularity. There is a footpath that connects Ban Khlong Phrao on the west coast with Khlong Mayom on the east. However, this difficult 6-8 hour hike should be done with a local guide.

THAI COOKING SCHOOLS
If there's one thing, visitors take away with them is the remembrance of Thai cuisine. Nowadays, it's easy enough to re-create a lot of your favourites dishes since most Thai ingredients are easily obtainable or can be substituted. Such knowledge is given at most Thai cooking schools, including that at Aiyapura Resort and Spa. Classes take a few hours and students usually learn the art of fruit and vegetable carving, traditional stir fry dishes, and the opportunity to cook and dine with fellow students after class.

WINE GALLERY
For those of you wanting to venture outside your hotel for a drink, there's now a Wine Gallery that features indoor and outdoor seating for a sip of wine from all regions in the world. They feature weekly wine parties complete with snacks and music, such as Latino Cuban style. They're located at the Kai Bae Beach area.

ELEPHANT TREKKING
There are two elephant trekking operators on Koh Chang. The Chang Chutiman Tour (Tel. 09-939-6676, 07-135-7424) near Klong Prao Beach operates two-hour treks for 900 Baht (children under five years old free of charge) that take you into the tropical rainforest, pomelo orchards and the secluded Wang Nam Kiew Waterfall. There you can relax, picnic, swim in the pond and enjoy the environment. Elephant-handling lessons by experienced mahouts are available.
During harvest seasons in March/April, and in August/September visitors are allowed to pick ripe pomelos from the trees compliments of Chutiman, the proprietor. On the return your mahout (elephant guide) will lead the elephant on a different path that shows wild vegetation, giant trees and wildlife. Cold drinks and coffee are served as you refresh back at the camp. If you don't have time, you can still experience the thrill of a one-hour trek (500 baht) without the waterfall. Open daily from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, you can start your tour any time of the day.
The Klong Son Elephant Camp or Ban Kwan Chang (Tel. 01-919-3995), supported by the Asian Elephant Foundation, operates half-day tours from 8.30 am to 11.30 am which include elephant bathing, feeding, performances, and a 1 1/2-hour trek into the forest. The cost is 900 baht inclusive of transportation to and from the resort, your drinking water, and bananas and coconuts to feed the elephants. A forty minute ride costs 500 baht. A smaller program at 1.00 pm includes a 35-minute trek and a 15-minute performance. Fare is 450 baht inclusive of transportation.

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Provided by Tourism Authority of Thailand