Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Chang lies within Trat, a province in Eastern Thailand. It’s the largest island in Eastern Thailand. Koh Chang is just one of many islands in the Mu Ko Chang National Park.
It gained its name from the shape of its headland. The word ‘Chang‘ in Thai means ‘Elephant‘ and many say the headland looks like an elephant.
Much of Koh Chang is covered in dense rain forest which is uninhabited. From a distance the island appears to be this huge mass of high mountains that meet complex stone cliffs and deserted beaches, particularly on the east coast. Dominating the island, Khao Salak Phet marks the island’s highest point at almost 750 meters. It’s believed that over 70 percent of the island is uninhabited rain forest. A safe haven and playground for tropical birds, monkeys, reptiles as well as hundreds of species of insects.
A gradual increase in tourism over the years has lead to steady developments along the coastal regions. However, Ko Chang island still maintains its natural beauty which has attracted visitors for many years. Offering pristine beaches, traditional villages and a laid back vibe, Koh Chang provides the perfect escape.
This has got to be one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, with so much natural beauty on offer. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a huge variety of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkelling, diving and jungle hiking.
Tourism on Koh Chang
The “discovery” of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development with new resorts being built, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Koh Phangan, it can be busy in high season.
There are a huge selection of hotels and resorts on Koh Chang, ranging from the cheap and basic, to the more luxurious and pricey. Something we love about Koh Chang is that there is something to suit everyone’s budget on the island.
Whether you are a backpacker living off a shoe string, or a successful business man with no limits as far as the accommodation is concerned; we have plenty of choice and availability all year round if you book with us in advance.
Lonely Beach is by far the liveliest and busiest beach on the island. Here you have absolutely everything you could possibly need on your doorstep, including beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants and bars, hotels, shops, banks and much more.