With white sand beaches, waterfalls and coral reefs and more than 40 outlying islands, uncrowded Koh Chang is a relative newcomer to the scene.
Koh Chang is the second largest Island of Thailand. Pristine rainforest covers rugged, hilly Koh Chang, Thailand's second largest island. Mangroves and beach forest line the shores, and the whole island supports a huge diversity of wildlife, including macaques, monitor lizards, pythons and barking deer. White-winged terns, nightjars and several species of hornbill are some indigenous birds; many others migrate here.
Traveling to Koh Chang is more convenient than before as Bangkok Airways offers direct, 50-minute flights from Bangkok to Trat, with Laem Ngob pier just 10 kilometres from the airport. The cheaper way is to take a bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok; get off at Akemai BTS sky train station. The trip takes about five and a half hours.
Beaches in Koh Chang
Had Sai Khao
Had Sai Khao is famed for delicate white sand along a 6-kilometer beach. The beach is dotted with towering palms and coconut tress. The most popular beach in the island, it is not surprising to see a wide variety of resorts and bungalows lining behind the trees.
At night Had Sai Khao is illuminated with lights from pubs and bars, restaurants that are located along its beachside road. There are plenty of grocery stores, car and motorbike rental shops and petrol stations.
Had Klong Prao
Had Klong Prao, which means the bay of coconuts, derives its name from a number of coconut trees found along its beach.
This beach begins at Chaiyachet Cape, which offers a good viewpoint of the island at sunset. The beach is less crowded than Had Sai Khao and suitable for swimming and water sports. People staying on this beach can rent a bicycle or take a minibus to Klong Plu Waterfall which is only 3 kilometers from the beach. Accommodations on this beach are simple. Most of them nestle among dotting trees.
Had Kai Bae
Fifteen kilometres from Had Klong Prao is Had Kai Bae. It is a popular place among foreign tourists who come here for sunbathing. The beach has a slight slope into the sea that is favourable for swimming. Tourists who want to visit neighbouring islands such as Koh Yuak, Kh Man Nok and Koh Man Nai can hop in a boat from this beach.
Had Kai Bae is more colourful at night with restaurants and pubs vying for customers. For those who enjoy seafood, there are many seafood restaurants overlooking the beach. Accommodations here come in different styles from basic to luxury.