:: Ko Chang

Ko Chang Islands National Park covers the Chang Island and other smaller isles within Trat territorial waters. These entire sites are lovely and pleasant and some have coral habitat.

Ko Chang , the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the second largest of the country after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 square kilometres, it features fine beaches, coral ranges and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources such as hills, forests and streams, the latter an important fresh-water source. They also create several beautiful waterfalls. Fruit orchards dot the island.

  

Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west-side spreading from the north to the south. They include Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore all the way almost to Hat Kai Bae. From here is a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meandering through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao , a fishing community at the foot of the hill in the south.

To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao Salak Khok . Along the eastern shoreline there is also a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, having a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, roads on Ko Chang are earthern and some sections go up and down steep hills. Care should be exercised while driving.

Coral reefs worth viewing are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi  and around islands south of Ko Chang.

On Ko Chang itself are several waterfalls with reasonable access. They include the Khlong Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometres from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall, a 4-kilometre walk from the park headquarter; and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls, which are about 3 kilometres from Ban Salakphet.

Getting to Ko Chang

A 5 ½ hours drive by bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal will take visitors to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 06.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.). From there continue by Song Thaeo transports to Laem Ngop or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day. Distance from town to Laem Ngop is 17 kilometres.

Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on Ko Chang every hour from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. The trip takes 45 minitutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. Visitors can continue to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae by local bus, for a charge of 30 baht per person. The schedules and fares are subject to change without notice due to climate condition. For current information, please contact TAT Trat office, Tel: Tel: 0-3959-7255, 0-3959-7259-60 Fax: 0-3959-7255.

Ferry Services
Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat or Ko Chang Center Point Landings between 07.30 - 16.30 hours with a travelling time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be the 4-wheel-drive version, as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang are Song Thaeo services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Facilities on Ko Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations on most beaches. There are also bicycles and boats for rent.

Several smaller isles south of Ko Chang with scenic beaches coral ranges and accommodations. They include Ko Wai, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Kradat. Noted for both deep-water and shallow-water corals are the Ko Kra group and Ko Rang which are to the west of Ko Mak.

  Ko Mak is a large island south of Ko Chang. It is blessed with several beautiful bays and beaches. Nearby are coral reefs still in perfect condition. The islanders make their living by growing rubber and coconut trees. The best time to visit is November-late April. There are a number of accommodation facilities. A passenger boat departs Laem Ngop daily at 3.00 p.m. and return from Ko Mak at 7.00 a.m. Traveling time is 3 ½ hours.


:: King Amphoe Ko Kut

Second in size to Ko Chang, Ko Kut  is located in the southern-most point in Trat territorial waters. A speed boat needs only one hour to reach the island whose inhabitants are growers of rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants, as well as fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees, mostly to the west of the island, it also is blessed with rich mangroves.

Usually package tours are offered including accommodations (on Ko Kut, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Ngam) as well as return fares. Those wishing to charter a boat can contact the Laem Ngop landing or make advance enquiry at the Ko Chang Centre Point at Tel: 0-39 53-8055, 0-3953-8059.