Koh 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 on 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 is also a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet , a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, roads on Koh Chang are earthern and some sections go up and down steep hills. Care should be exercised while driving.

Coral range worth viewing are at Ao Klong Son near Koh Chang Noi and around islands south of Koh Chang.

On Koh 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.

How to get to Koh Chang, Trat

By Car : From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) Arriving at Klaeng, turn into Highway No. 3 and proceed to Trat. A total distance from Bangkok to Trat is 318 kilometres.

By Bus : Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Trat every hour from 6 a.m. to midnight. It takes 5 hours for the journey. Please contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2391 -4164 for more information.

Arriving to Trat Bus Terminal, from there continue by Song Thaeo transports to Laem Ngop or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and Koh 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 Koh Chang every hour from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. The trip takes 45 minutes 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 which charges 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 Koh 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-driven type as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Koh Chang are Song Thaeo services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Koh Chang Islands

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

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

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

The Koh Chang Yutthanavi Day is organized in late January at the Koh Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop. The event is to commemorate the bravery of the Royal Thai Navy’s action against the French on January 17, 1941. Merit-making and tribute rites are performed and there is exhibition by the Royal Thai Navy.

Trat Memorial Day , on March 23, marks the day the province returned to Thai sovereignty after the French occupation. The celebrations are held at the provincial town hall.

Trat Fruit Fair , usually in late May or early June, features exhibitions and agricultural produce. There fruit contests, particularly of sweet Salak (or Rakam)