Koh Chang is the largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago, located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and laid-back atmosphere. The island is a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a tropical paradise. Here are ten things to do in Koh Chang and five interesting facts about each:
- White Sand Beach: This is one of the most popular and busiest beaches on the island, known for its white sand, crystal clear waters, and lively nightlife.
- Fact 1: White Sand Beach is also known as “Hat Sai Khao” in Thai, which means “white sand beach.”
- Fact 2: The beach is located on the west coast of the island and is the main hub of tourism on Koh Chang.
- Fact 3: White Sand Beach offers a wide range of activities such as water sports, beachside bars, and restaurants.
- Fact 4: The beach is also home to several luxury resorts and budget-friendly guesthouses.
- Fact 5: The beach is also a great spot for watching the sunset.
- Klong Prao Beach: This beach is located on the west coast of the island and is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
- Fact 1: Klong Prao Beach is also known as “Hat Klong Prao” in Thai.
- Fact 2: The beach is home to several luxury resorts, restaurants and small local shops.
- Fact 3: The beach is also a great spot for swimming and relaxing.
- Fact 4: It offers a wide range of water sports like Jet Ski, Parasailing and Banana boat.
- Fact 5: It’s a great spot for watching the sunset.
- Jungle Trekking: The island is home to a lush jungle with several waterfalls, and visitors can explore the jungle with a guide.
- Fact 1: The island is home to several waterfalls such as Klong Plu Waterfall, Than Mayom Waterfall, and Khlong Nonsi Waterfall.
- Fact 2: The jungle trek offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, lizards, and birds.
- Fact 3: Jungle trekking is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the island and escape the crowds.
- Fact 4: Many of the trekking tours also include a visit to local villages and traditional Thai houses.
- Fact 5: Jungle trekking can be a challenging activity and requires a moderate level of fitness.
- Snorkeling and Diving: The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and is home to several popular snorkeling and diving spots.
- Fact 1: Some of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots on the island include Koh Rang, Koh Laoya, and Koh Wai.
- Fact 2: The waters around Koh Chang are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, coral, and sea turtles.
- Fact 3: Snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented on the island or through tour operators.
- Fact 4: The best time for snorkeling and diving is from November to April.
- Fact 5: PADI certified diving courses are available on the island.
- Koh Chang National Park: This national park covers most of the island and is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants.
- Fact 1: The national park covers an area of approximately 650 square kilometers and includes several beaches, waterfalls, and jungle trails.
- Fact 2: The national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, lizards, and birds.
- Fact 3: The national park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
- Fact 4: The national park can be explored by foot, bicycle, or by hiring a local guide.
- Fact 5: The national park is also home to several viewpoints that offer great views of the island and the surrounding waters.
- Island Hopping: Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands of the Koh Chang archipelago, such as Koh Mak and Koh Kood.
- Fact 1: Island hopping tours often include stops at several islands, where visitors can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach.
- Fact 2: The nearby islands offer a chance to escape the crowds of Koh Chang and explore more secluded beaches.
- Fact 3: Many of the island hopping tours also include a visit to local villages and traditional Thai houses.
- Fact 4: Island hopping can be done by hiring a longtail boat or by joining an organized tour.
- Fact 5: Some of the islands are also home to resorts and restaurants, where visitors can spend the night.
- Elephant Trekking: Visitors can take a trek through the jungle on the back of an elephant, and learn about the care and conservation of these gentle giants.
- Fact 1: Elephant trekking is a popular activity on the island, and several elephant sanctuaries offer elephant rides and elephant shows.
- Fact 2: Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of elephants in Thailand.
- Fact 3: Many of the elephant sanctuaries on the island are known for their ethical treatment of the elephants.
- Fact 4: The elephant trekking is a great way to support the conservation of elephants in Thailand.
- Fact 5: Visitors can also bathe and feed the elephants at some of the sanctuaries.
- Waterfall: Koh Chang is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Klong Plu Waterfall, Than Mayom Waterfall, and Khlong Nonsi Waterfall.
- Fact 1: Visitors can take a swim in the pools below the waterfall and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Fact 2: The waterfalls are located in the jungle and can be reached by foot or by hiring a local guide.
- Fact 3: Many of the waterfalls are also great spots for picnicking and relaxing.
- Fact 4: The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the rainy season from June to October, when the water flow is at its highest.
- Fact 5: Some of the waterfalls have natural pools for swimming, but visitors should be aware that the water may be cold and the current can be strong.
- Cooking Classes: Visitors can learn to cook traditional Thai dishes by taking a cooking class on the island.
- Fact 1: Many of the cooking classes are held in traditional Thai houses or in local restaurants.
- Fact 2: Visitors can learn how to cook a variety of Thai dishes, such as curry, pad Thai, and tom yum soup.
- Fact 3: Some of the cooking classes also include a visit to a local market to learn about the ingredients used in Thai cooking.
- Fact 4: Cooking classes are a great way to learn about the local culture and cuisine.
- Fact 5: Many of the cooking classes also include a meal of the dishes prepared during the class.
- Yoga and Wellness: Koh Chang is a popular destination for yoga and wellness, and the island is home to several yoga studios and wellness centers.
- Fact 1: Visitors can take yoga classes or participate in meditation and wellness workshops.
- Fact 2: Yoga and wellness retreats are also available on the island.
- Fact 3: Yoga and wellness classes can be held indoors or outdoors, often in beautiful natural settings.
- Fact 4: Yoga and wellness classes are a great way to relax and rejuvenate during your visit to the island.
- Fact 5: Many of the yoga and wellness centers also offer traditional Thai massage, acupuncture and other alternative therapies.
In conclusion, Koh Chang is a tropical paradise that offers a wide range of activities for visitors. From relaxing on the beautiful beaches to exploring the lush jungle, from snorkeling and diving to elephant trekking, from cooking classes to yoga and wellness, the island has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or seeking adventure, Koh Chang is the perfect destination for your next vacation.