Spa and Beach Vacation Guru

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, off the coast of Cambodia is one of the last large islands in Thailand to be developed and one of the islands that escaped the tsunami.

In Trat province, 312 km. from Bangkok, the second-largest island in Thailand, 30 km in length and 8 km in width, was discovered, and then became one of the most famous sites among travelers. It is called Koh Chang because its is shaped like a sleeping elephant. Koh Chang is covered with dense rain forest and with the relative savage nature, bisected by the steep wall of mountains.

Considered as one of the most untouched island in Thailand, Koh Chang became an easy-found paradise for thousands of tourists from all over the world. Those who long for the pure, calm, peaceful, and magnificent island could feel like being in your own world here.

Change is on the way but it still retains the elements that make Thai islands unique, namely undisturbed tropical rainforest and coconut-lined sandy beaches with only a few resorts.

Weather

Koh Chang has a moderate temperature, neither too cold, nor too hot, but it is affected by northeastern and southwestern monsoons. During the months of May to October, the western coast of Koh Chang is more or less influenced by southern monsoons, thus restricting water sports during that period. However, you can go visiting Koh Chang all year round. The best months for visiting Koh Chang are from November to April.

Beaches and islands

Famous of its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, Koh Chang has various wonderful beaches for which each has its own characteristic scenic beauty, from north to south for you to choose freely according to your own liking. Koh Chang's best beaches all lies on the west coast. Here are the major beaches that are absolutely incontestable for its magnificence.

White Sand Beach (Had Sai Khao)

As the name implies, this is a long beach of powdery white sand. The beach slopes gently into the sea and is very wide during low tide attracting hordes of visitors, especially in the evening, when it transforms into a playground. Regular football and volleyball games are played as the sun sets right off its shore. At night the Koh Chang Lagoon Resort, Best Garden Resort, Ban Pu Koh Chang and some other resorts serve dinner alfresco with sumptuous barbecue on the beach. There are many bungalow resorts of reasonable prices here. The main road runs pass all the resorts, shops, restaurants, pubs and coconut groves.

Klong Prao Beach and Laem Chaiyachet

This is another long sandy beach. At the northernmost part of the beach is the rocky Laem Chaiyachet or Chaiyachet Cape which is an ideal site to watch the magnificent sunset or the sunrise above the southern hills of Bang Bao. Laem Chaiyachet is a favourite on-shore fishing ground. A fishing pier is erected near the cape which is also a great viewpoint for the whole of Klong Prao Bay.

In the late afternoon villages can be seen walking on the shallow seabed scooping up tiny shrimps called “Khei‿ which is the main ingredient for shrimp paste.

Kai Bae Beach

This is a beach of scenic beauty where you can see the sunset and a few islands, some so close and tempting you feel like taking a canoe across. Of special interest may be the Koh Man Nai which is very near the Sea View Resort. During the low tide Koh Man Nai reveals it picturesque beach and you can walk to the island at chest-deep water level.

Accomodation

Setting new standards as the first hotel from an established chain to open on the charming, rustic island of Koh Chang, 315km east of Bangkok, the Amari Emerald Cove Resort revels in the white sand of the secluded Klong Prao Beach. Accommodation at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort is in 165 superior and deluxe rooms and suites. The superior rooms are a comfy 40sq m and also feature a large terrace with table and chairs so you can settle down to enjoy the views and balmy sea breezes.

Click here to make your reservation for Amari Emerald Cove Resort.

For other hotels in Koh Chang click here.