Sandy white beaches and coves, high mountain peaks, pristine rain forests and abundance of wildlife and marine life, coral reefs and scenic waterfalls. Koh Chang is one the more sought-after places to enjoy a holiday in Thailand. 
217 square kilometers makes Koh Chang Thailand’s second biggest island. It is more cultivated than many of the other islands, though it is still not Phuket or Koh Samui. Nearly anything is available on the island and if you need to tend to the less relaxing sides of your life both 3G and internet connections are at your services at the island paradise.
Besides beaches, which you can find on most of Thailand’s islands, Koh Chang also offers something for the more active traveller in you. You can go hiking with Khao Salak Phet which rises 743 meters above sealevel as the island’s highest peak. Must-see beautiful waterfalls are waiting to be admired. Now that you are there, you could also visit the temple Wat Salak Phet built in the reign of King Rama V, when he visited the island. If hiking is too slow for you, try mountain biking!
In the waters around the island, sea canoeing is a highly recommended adventurous activity and under the surface spectacular snorkel and diving opportunities await you. Diving facilities are scattered all across the island.
Less strenuous is elephant trekking. Imagine yourself experiencing the island from a viewpoint that most do not – from the back of a elephant! If you are a nature lover, there are 61 different bird species to be found on Koh Chang and it is also home of the Stump-tailed macaque, the Small Indian Civet and the Small Asian Mongoose. You won’t see them all, but knowing they are there ads to the magical experience of the rainforest.
Adventurous in a different sense, you could attend one of the numerous cooking schools on the island and enjoy the taste of your own home cooked Thai dishes.
Both ends of the spectrum
Despite Koh Chang being a hot spot for both foreign and Thai tourists, it has still not reached the same degree of development as Phuket and Koh Samui, keeping it a bit more peaceful and down to earth.
You will find a very broad selection of accommodations to choose from. Whether you have money to spend or is a penny counting backpacker, you will be able to find something suiting for your budget. Get yourself a Bali style hut on the beach for 350 Baht a night or spend 12.000 Baht on a luxurious vacation at the at the Wendy The Pool relaxing in the infinite pool.
Getting to Koh Chang is easy. All you need to do is get as close to the island as possible, which you can do by plane, bus, or even taxi. A first class VIP coach from Ekkamai in Bangkok to the Trat bus terminal will cost you approximately 420 Baht and from there to the ferry at Laem Ngop 200 Baht. From there you just jump on the ferry or one of the privately operated speedboats.
Once on the other side, you can continue with public transport on the island or by taxi or motorcycle. If you decide to rent a motorbike, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
