Ko Chang

Ko Chang, Thailand's third-largest island, rises from the Gulf of Thailand with mountains reaching 743 meters high. You can swim at White Sand Beach where palm trees line the shore, trek to the cascading Klong Plu waterfall, or paddle through dense mangrove forests. In Bang Bao fishing village, local boats take you to nearby coral reefs, while on the eastern shore, you'll find small communities where fishermen spread squid to dry in the sun and mend their nets by hand.

Geography of Ko Chang

Ko Chang stretches 30 kilometers long and 14 kilometers wide in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border. Mountains dominate the interior, with Khao Salak Phet peak reaching 743 meters. Dense rainforest covers 70 percent of the island's surface, creating a network of streams that form several waterfalls. Sandy beaches line the western coast, while the eastern shore has rocky coastlines and smaller fishing communities.

Weather and Seasonal Changes

Ko Chang has three distinct seasons. From November through February, temperatures average 25°C with minimal rain and calm seas. March through May sees temperatures climb above 33°C with humidity reaching 80%. The rainy season runs from late May to October, bringing daily rainfall and lower accommodation rates.

Getting Around Ko Chang

Songthaews (converted pickup trucks) run along the main road circling the western half of the island from 7:00 to 21:00. These shared taxis connect the ferry terminal with all major beaches. Motorbike rental shops are common in beach areas, but mountain roads include 15-20% gradients and hairpin turns that become slippery during rain.

Beaches of Ko Chang

White Sand Beach stretches along the northern west coast, with restaurants and shops within 200 meters of the sand. Klong Prao Beach extends for three kilometers, divided by river estuaries into three sections. Younger travelers gather at Lonely Beach, where bars organize beach parties from December to March. Bailan Beach has small guesthouses and family-run restaurants where you can eat grilled fish caught the same morning.

Hiking and Waterfalls

Walking trails crisscross the island's interior. The 600-meter path to Klong Plu Waterfall leads to swimming pools 2-3 meters deep beneath the falls. For the Khiri Phet Waterfall, local guides lead a 4-kilometer trek through the forest to viewpoints overlooking the eastern gulf. During the rainy season (May-October), trails become muddy and hiking boots with good grip are necessary.

Marine Activities

Coral reefs surround Ko Chang at depths between 5 and 30 meters. Bang Bao village, with its wooden houses built on stilts over the water, is the starting point for boat trips to snorkeling spots. Kayak routes weave through mangrove channels on the east coast, where hornbills and sea eagles nest. Water visibility is best from November to April, when seas are typically calm with minimal waves.