Koh Chang
Ko Chang, or “elephant island” is the second largest island of Thailand after Phuket and part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Close to the Cambodian border, its kilometre-long beaches, waterfalls, unique mangrove forests and well-preserved coral reefs are major attractions. Tropical rain forest covers around 75% of the total area and is considered one of the best preserved in the whole of South-east Asia.
Koh Chang Island is a true jewel of a tropical island, blissfully hidden away in The Gulf of Thailand. It is reknowned for it’s white beaches and beautiful sunsets
Home to a wide variety of land animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians which include pythons, king cobras, ant-eaters, wild pigs and bats, it’s a naturalist’s paradise. There’s even an indigenous amphibian, the Rana Kochang (Ko-Chang-frog) which lives exclusively on the island.
Accommodation, previously restricted to simple thatched huts with no electricity, is gradually being replaced by more sophisticated resorts and comfortable bungalows on the beachfront areas. Most accommodation can be found along the west coast, especially places like Hat Sai Khao or White Sand Beach, which expands at low tide creating a huge beach playground. Promotion by the Tourism Authority of Thailand has resulted in better infrastructure with three car ferries and several piers for easy access to the island. The main road is now under asphalt and many villages now have mains electricity. The island still remains however, a place for peace and tranquility
Every year, the people of Trat province hold memorial services from the 17th to 21 st of January, floating garlands in the sea, to honour those who perished. The actual battle was near Ao Salak Petch and the wreck is now a popular dive site.
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