Koh Chang
- General Information

Koh
Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also
the nation's second largest island, after Phuket. Covering an
area of 429 sq. kms., it features fine beaches, coral reefs, and
plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming
with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being
an important source of freshwater. Dotting the island
are many fruit orchards.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays
are located on the western side, extending 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 almost
all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail through
Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban
Bang Bao, a fishing community located at 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
a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat
pier in the south of the island. Howe ver,
care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh Chang
are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places
for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang
Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing
is situated, and Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is
a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat
pier in the south of the island. However, care should be exercised
while driving for the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved, with steep
hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs
are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang
Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.
On Koh Chang itself are several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong
Phlu waterfall is located 3 kms. from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further
20 minutes walk from the parking lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall
is a 4-km. walk from the park headquarter, while the Khiriphet
and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3 kms. from Ban Salakphet.
Second in size to Koh Chang, Koh Kut is located
in the southernmost point in Trat territorial waters. A speedboat
transport visitors to the island within one hour. The inhabitants
grow rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants, while others
are fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded
by rows of pines and coconut trees mostly located on the western
shores, it is also blessed with rich mangroves.
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