In Trat province, 312 km. from Bangkok,
the second-largest island in Thailand, 30 km. in length from the north
to the southeast and 8 km. in width from Laem Ngob to the southwest
side, was discovered, and then became one of the most famous sites
among travelers.
Koh Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, covering an area
of 429 sq. kms., it features fine beaches, coral reefs, and plentiful
marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills,
forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source
of freshwater. Dotting the island are many fruit orchards.
It is called Koh Chang because its appearance is 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. Most
of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending
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 almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail
through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to
Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill
in the south.
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.
There
is large amount of rainfall on Koh Chang. The weather there also changes
easily because of its geography. The weather is fine all year round,
excepting in the daytime of summer with calm weather. Koh Chang has
the average temperature, not too cold, not too hot, but it is influenced
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 allowing a limitation for water transportation
in a certain period. However, you can go visiting Koh Chang all year
round. The best months are from November to April.