KOH CHANG is an Island in the Trat Province and is the second largest Island in Thailand. Nowhere near as busy as Phuket or Samui but being of a similar size it’s managed to maintain much of its beauty and character.
The name means “Elephant Island” and comes from its elephant-shaped headland and although not indigenous to the Island many elephant villages can be found.
Koh Chang is a mountainous Island well known for its several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs and rainforests and is also part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park, which covers an area of 650km of which 70% is offshore.
The Island is also home to an array of wildlife from stump-tailed macaques, small Asian mongoose to many bird species and a number of snakes and deer.
The choice of accommodation is vast, which is not surprising considering how large the island is. You will be able to find anything from luxury private villas, right down to budget beach huts and everything imaginable in-between to suit your needs and budget.
The most popular areas are on the West coast of Koh Chang are White Sand beach and Lonely beach.
White Sand beach is the most popular on the island and so attracts the highest amount of tourists. Other popular spots on the Island are Klong Prao and Kai Bae Beach.
STAY
Siam Royal View
With a private beach and breathtaking views Siam Royal View, Koh Chang is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots on the Island.
This award winning development oozes luxury and even provides you with your very own yacht marina and golf course along with clubhouse and restaurant.
Paddy Palms
Paddy Palms is not only Koh Chang’s first Irish Pub but also boats its own resort with quality furnished rooms and an infinity pool with Jacuzzi.
The resort is extremely affordable and has stunning mountain views.
EAT
15 Palms
15 Palms is a resort and restaurant situated in ‘white sand beach’ and is the perfect beach cocktail bar to watch the sunset.
The restaurant offers a high quality selection of food from 8am until late and has nightly beach barbecues and an array of fresh seafood and dishes to meet all appetites.
THE COVE TERRACE @EMERALD COVE
A fusion between Mediterranean elegance and Asian heritage, the newly furbished Cove Terrace restaurant offers a wide variety of Asian and International cuisines.
Surrounded with lush tropical greenery, crystal clear water and remarkable sunsets, The Cove Terrace is undoubtedly a spectacular dining experience offering a vast range of dishes with a newly created a la carte menu.
BARRIO BONITO
Barrio Bonito has developed a very good reputation over the last few years as Koh Chang’s only source of original Mexican cuisine and is located in front of Kai Bae Garden Resort.
Barrio Bonito provides authentic Mexican food offering a great selection of classic dishes as well as their own specialties in a cozy Latin atmosphere and you must try their own special cocktails.
SEE & DO
There is more to Koh Chang than just the luxury resorts and stunning beaches.
If you’re an adventurous type and don’t particularly enjoy spending all your time on the beach, then this island has a lot to offer. Some of the most popular activities on Koh Chang are kayaking, jungle trekking and diving and snorkeling.
Another highlight is visiting the many waterfalls located throughout the island.
For something more laid back why not take a Thai cooking class, ride on the back on an elephant on a jungle trek and then end the day with a relaxing massage in one of the many spas on the island.
And if you have time then why not head south to Koh Mak or Koh Kood for a few days chilling on laid back, vehicle free, islands.
