LEISURE
ISLANDS - KOH CHANG
KOH NGAM 
Koh Ngam is an enchanting island just a few hundred meters off
the southern coast of Koh Chang. It is a small island with a very
narrow sand dune that forms a gorgeous contour holding the northeast
and southwest section of the island together. The almost kidney-shaped
island would look like 2 separate islands from afar. Besides holding
the island in one piece the sand dune created 2 crescent-shaped
lagoons which are only 50 meters apart. The lagoons are excellent
for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or fishing. Corals and fishes
are plenty. Occasionally, you may see dolphins in the area. For
the more adventurous, a hike up the rocks to a 100 meter-tall
hill on the southwest side of the island is both challenging and
rewarding. Ropes are provided to guide you. Over the hill is a
white sand beach where you will also see plenty of decayed corals.
The beach is an excellent viewpoint for the islands of Koh Wai,
Koh Mak, Koh Laoya, Koh Kradad and Koh Chang. It is also a great
place to watch the sunset. Koh Ngam is ideal for a family vacation.
There is only one resort here, the Twin Island Resort, which offers
only full board packages. Fresh-water ponds are found on the island.
A waterfall flows across the island during the rainy season.
MOO KOH MAI SEE
This is a group of islands southwest of Koh Chang with unspoiled
nature most suitable for swimming and fishing. The islands are
made up of mostly mountains and forest with some coconut groves
around the fishing villages. Koh Mai See Yai has a splendid sandy
beach along its bay on the east side.
KOH MAI DANG
A small island east of Koh Wai, Koh Mai Dang is peaceful and tranquil.
It’s white sandy beaches and unspoilt corals are the main
attractions. A great place to fish and camp.
KOH KOOD (Koh Kut) SUB-DISTRICT
A group of 24 islands south of Koh Chang was designated as the
Koh Kood sub-district in 1990. These include the main island of
Koh Kood (Koh Kut), 9 islands of Koh Maak (Koh Mak) and 12 islands
of Koh Rang. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) sub-district has a very small
population of less than 2,000. About 70% of the population is
on Koh Kood (Koh Kut) while the rest live on Koh Maak (Koh Mak).
Almost all other islands are uninhabited. Fishing and agriculture
are the main occupations.
Situated 80 kms southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Koh
Kood (Koh Kut) is the farthest island from the mainland. It is
also the easternmost island of Thailand bordering Cambodia. With
an area of 129 sq. kms Koh Kood (Koh Kut) is the second largest
island of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and fourth largest
in Thailand, after Koh Samui. It is supported by essential infrastructure,
which includes a hospital, schools, police station, electricity
(mainly for state-run facilities), water and telephone system.
Fuel and solar energy are the main sources of electricity here.
Most resorts generate their own electricity.
The oldest village in Koh Kood (Koh
Kut) is the Klong Mad Village where the people are of
both Thai and Cambodian origins. These early dwellers had migrated
from neighboring Koh Kong since the turn of the 20th century during
the French colonization of Indochina. Koh Kood has a mountainous
terrain in the central region. About 70% of Koh Kood is covered
by tropical rainforest. Development is scarce and mostly in coastal
areas. Koh Kood (Koh Kut) boasts of scenic beauty, crystal clear
sea, pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and a very pure
natural environment.
The resorts tend to cater to the higher priced market and include
boat transfers in their packages. For example, The Beach Natural
Resort offers a 3 days, 2 nights full board package which is inclusive
of round-trip speed boat transfers, accommodation, 8 meals, snorkeling
trips, waterfall tour, fishing gears, local guides, music/ karaoke
lounge, banana boat, donut boat, sea-kayak as well as tour insurance.
All for 4,500 baht per person (air-con rooms)! The Bai Kood Shambala
Resort offers similar deals starting from 4,500 baht per person
up to 6,500 baht depending on the room type. For those who prefer
outdoor living, tents sometimes are available. There are several
other resorts, most of them on the west coast. Koh Kood (Koh Kut)
is little known to foreigners. Most of the visitors are Thais
who find it a paradise. Most resorts have a minimum requirement
on number of guests per package, usually 10. However, if you do
not have your own group you can join the others to meet the minimum
required.
The west coast is lined with a series of pristine beaches, sparkling
clear sea, captivating views and a great place to catch the magnificent
sunset. Most of the best known beaches are along the bays. Noted
fishing villages include the Ban Klong Mad and Laem Hin Dan. The
famed Klong Chao Waterfall is situated further inland between
Ao Klong Chao and Ao Tapow. This is a fabulous waterfall with
a large pool at its front. A 20-minute boat ride from the Klong
Chao Bay plus a short hike leads to the fall. Alternatively, you
can hike up the 4 kms trail.
Two of the most beautiful islands closest to the shores of Koh
Kood (Koh Kut) are Koh Mai Si Lek and Koh Raet. Both are small
islands of coconut trees, fine beaches, healthy corals and excellent
sunset viewpoints.
Khun Chamorn Chumsai, a former resort owner on
Koh Kood, says that the island is now attracting more visitors
with higher budgets despite their short term stay. One of the
small, specialized cruise lines, Seaborne Cruises has a global
travel itinerary which now docks at Koh Kood. "They come
for the day and we provide food and day accommodation for what's
considered an older crowd with more sophisticated tastes,"
he says. Meals on the beach can be five-star feasts, which may
include barbecues, caviar, etc, and drinks at times may be served
by a uniformed waiter wading through the water, right up to a
swimmer.
Around the Islands - Page
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Provided by Tourism Authority
of Thailand
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