Ko Chang Off The Beaten Path

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There are few decent beaches and settlements on the east coast, som few tourists come here. However, there are some nice places to visit and a few gems as well. The two main ones are Salakphet Seafood fish farm and restaurant, the other Ban Salak Kok, a fisheing settlement on stilts in a mangrove tidal area. There are some hotels and resorts at these two places and further south-east on a small penninsula, but you're stuck here if you do not wish it so, or are happy to take the long taxi ride back to the west coast's settlements. The road to the east coast is not very exciting once you round the northern tip of Koh Chang and past the ferry ports.

Walk to the end of Whitesand Beach and go around the rocks to try to get to the next beach.We tried to go as far as we could passing a couple of guys trying to get an "all over "tan (not really allowed in Thailand ). Well ...we didn't make it because as it became too difficult to walk.However ,at least we got a nice view of Whitesand beach... that is.

Jumping on a songtow taxi from the only main road at Whitesand beach going towards the ferry pier.If you're feelin' adventurous, you can get off along the way and check out the way some of the locals live.There's a little fishing village at the next bay with a little temple.You may see durian trees along the way too.This fruit is considered the 'king' of fruits by Thais

From what I can remember, Ko Chang has a few Nature Reserves and National Park. There are also several waterfalls within these these parks.

Rent a moto and drive yourself to these waterafalls. Usually there is a bit of a trek from the road to the waterfall, so wear proper footwear for walking on rocks and potentially slippery rocks. The waterfalls are best seen right after the rainy season (Oct/Nov) when the water flow is heavier than during the end of the dry season.

That said, I was there at the end of the dry season (April) and it was still worth the trip. Although the water flow was minimal, the swim was worth it! Not only are the waterfalls beautiful to photograph, some of them have a swimming hole that is cool & refreshing when compared to the hot ocean.



Khlong Plu Waterfall (also: Khlong Prao Waterfall) is at the main road between Baan Khlong Prao and the northern end of Khlong Prao Beach. A 2 kilometre concrete road leads to the Marine-Park-Office. There you will find a few small restaurants and here you also have to pay the entrance fee of 200 Baht for foreigners or 20 Baht for locals. After approximately 500 metres walk, you arrive at the foot of the falls which are about 20 metres high. Here you will find a pool suitable to bathe in.
Just before you reach the pool there is a small path on the right which is not very well marked. After 15 minutes walk on this path you reach the top of the main falls where more pools can be found, also suitable for a refreshing dip. A beautiful view down to the sea also awaits the visitor. (Good footwear is an advantage!)

Most tourist will stay at either White Sands Beach or Kai Bae. There are a few beaches further south, where the very popular backpack huts "Treehouse" is at Lonely Beach.
Very few people go to the other side of the island. There are quite a few resorts there, but there is one place that is perfect for backpackers who come for some quiet, relaxing time. It is a place called Long Beach (LB), the huts just opened up here and the beach is still unspoiled.
You can contact me for more information, I should have the phonenumber somewhere. If you are interested I will look it up for you.

Many travelers who come to Koh Chang unfortunately only go to the beach, but there is an amazing national park on the island. You can go hiking to waterfalls and explore the tropical jungles that Koh Chang has to offer. The entrance ticket costs 200 Baht to the national park, but you can negotiate this price when you buy the ticket.

A few people I met have never actually entered the jungle....and i wondered how many will.

About 80% or the island is covered with trees and jungle areas with the highest peak of 740+ meters... so why aren't many people in the jungles or is it that i do not know of them.

Defintiely try a trek or two, but i would recommend seeking the safe trail advice from the locals first....

Undiscover natural trees and wildlife and be sure to notice some exotic flowers and things you don't really see in the norms.