Koh Chang Natinal Marine Park is a collection of over 40
large and small islands. The island chain is situated
in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 8 km from the coast of
Trat province. The main island Koh Chang is measured
nearly 30 km long almost 14 km wide.
It is located in the southeastern region of Thailand close
to the border with Cambodia. The island runs parallel
to the coast and appears very mountainous from the shore due
to the mountain ridge which runs the length of the island.
The ridge is composed of several summits the tallest of
which are: Khao Lan, Khao Chom Prasat, Khao Khlong Mayom,
Khao Salak Phet and Khao Yai, which is the highest peak
reaching 743m above seave leve.
The rock of the island
is mainly Granitic and dates from approximately 230-195m
years ago. The geology produces a very mountainous is
land, but with rounded slopes rather than sheer cliffs.
The island of Koh Chang has many streams and rivers which
are fed by the rainfall collected on the mountainous slopes
of the island. Due to the great amount of rainfall
here these streams are very clean and supply water all year
round. The principle streams are Khlong Mayom, Khlong
Son, Khangkhao, Khlong Bang Bao, Khlong Phrao, Khlong Nonsi,
and Khlong Chaiyachet. This mix of mountains and
streams produces some very beautiful waterfalls the most
notable are: Than Mayom, Khlong Phlu, Khlong Nonsi, Khiri
Phet and Khlong Nung Waterfalls.
The islands are situated a long way away from any mainland
rivers and thus the water around the islands isvery clear
and free from sediment. Thus the beaches are of clean
white sand with crystal clear seawater and rich marine life.
In the sheltered locations coral reefs occur with numerous
coral types such as: Massive coral, Stagshorn coral, Laminar
coral, Columna coral, Gaint clams, Sea anemone, Sea fan, Sea
star, Marine fishes and seaweeds. This marine
diversity can be observed at many locations around the park,
paticularly good sites include: Koh Chang noi, Koh Yuak, Koh
Man Nok, Koh Khlum, Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Ngam, Ko Rang,
Koh Kra, and along the easternside of Koh Chang island.
Another good place to explore the marine life is around the
wrecks of the Thai warships "Songkhla" and "Chonburi" in
Salak Phet bay on the southern end of the island.
Many Attractions in Moo Koh Chang
National Marine Park are:
White Sand Beach (Haad Sai Khao)
Is one of the longest beaches on Koh Chang.Bungalows and resorts of reasonable price are easily
found.At the back
of the beach are orchards of coconut trees and forest.The beach is easily accessible due to many roads passing
to it.The name
suggests scenic beauty of the area.
Laem Chaiyachet is the long seaside adjacent to Kai Bae Beach.The beach is rather steep.Swimming is possible.Standard bungalow with facilities are set.The northernmost of Klong Phrao Beach is adjacent to
Chaiyachet Bay and Beach which has beautiful landscape but
swimming is not recommended.
is very interesting because residents in the area build up their
house with poles pitched into the sea and the bridge reaching to
every house is set up to link the community together.Bang Bao is one of the zones rich with corals.
is the three-storey fall of medium size.The footpath up to the site, situated 500 meters from
durian orchard, is near the office of the national park.King Rama V and VI once visited the place and singed
their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.
It is one of the best known and most popular waterfalls due to
its close proximity from the renown Khlong Phrao and Kai Bae
beaches. Follow the sign for 2 kms until you reach the entrance
where you will find some food and souvenir vendors as well as
restrooms. The 20 minutes, 400 meters hike along the
stream to the waterfall is a fascinating experience.
It has three levels. Here
has been the important water source to the Koh Chang dwellers
for a long time. Swimming here is popular.
is a small-sized waterfall in the northeast zone of the island.The sidewalk to the area lies 3 Km from Baan Daan Mai or
3 Km from the national part office.
is 2 kms from the Salak Petch community along the orchard of
rubber trees, located in south of Koh Chang. it is a
medium-sized waterfallSwimming is possible but it is advisable to chek the
water current especially during rainy season.
is in the south of Ko Chang close to salakpetch Bay.
The zone is where the battle between Thai and French naval
troops fought over the east border conflict on January 17,
1941.
is a small isle opposite Kai Bae Beach.The Beach around the iale can be seen at low tide.The sea in the area is some what shallow and plenty
of gold-colour corals.
lies at the south of Koh Chang.The group comprises Koh Lao Ya Nai, Koh Lao Ya Klang
and Koh Lao Ya Nok.
The transportation from Laem Ngob takes about 2 hours and a
holf.The islands has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear
water and colourful corals.Lao Ya Resort provide accommodation service here.
Situated next to Koh Lao Ya is a big island most of Beach
of which are plenty with stones.The area occupies many bays which has beautiful beach
lines and wide wonderful coral zones.Koh Wai Pakarung Resort is ready to server tourists.
is a historical island during the Thai-French Naval Battle
like Koh Chang.
The island is proper for fishing.The landscape comprising stone yard is worth a visit.
is situated in the south of Koh Chang.The place comprises of two island with a huge sand
knoll at the middle.
The little bay formed by the lines of the mountain
stretching into the sea is a splendid and serene site
without storms.It takes two hours to go from Laem Ngob to the place.Twin Island Resort is situated on the area.
is situated in south of
Koh Chang but on top of Koh Kood. Most of the
landscape is the coastal plain, pervaded iwth coconut
and ruber plantations. Beautiful coves and beaches
can be found every where on the island. In the
coastal area around the island are the small islands
consisting of Koh Rayang Nai, Koh Rayang Nok, Koh Pe,
Koh Kham, Koh Kradad, Koh Nok and Koh Nok Nai. The
rich coral reefs are also found nearby. Todays,
most of the islanders are making rubber and coconut
plantation and doing the coastal fishery. Others
have turned to earn their living by doing tourism
business.
is in front of Salakpetch Bay.From Laem Ngob, it takes two hours to the islands,
Koh Phrao has clean and calm seaside, and is cool and shady
because it is plenty of coconuts trees.Long Beach Island Resort is set on the island.
is a small island at the west of Ko Maak.The isle has not enough flat area suitable for the
setting up of any resort and concessions of bird nests,
Charamed eggs and bat’s dung.Stone knolls and deep-water coral under the sea of Ko
Rung are very magnificent
is situated
northeastern away from Ko Maak.Formerly, the area was abundant with Kradad trees;
hence, the name of the island.The place was the first island to have the land title
deed since the period of King Rama V.During the time French colonization invaded the
Southeast Asia.France was trying hard to seize some areas of the
Kingdom including Kradad King Rama V, therefore, ordered
that the land title deed of Ko Kradad be issued.Tourist attractions include the white long beach
encircling the Island lines of corals under the sea. Ko Kradad Resort is set on the island.It take about 2-3 hours from Laem Ngob to Ko Kradad.
