Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Destination Thailand

Koh Chang
in the Gulf of Thailand, a designated National Park, is approximately 300 kilometers south east of BangKohk. To prevent environmental damage the Government of Thailand has ensured that no roads will lead to Koh Chang . The island is connected to the mainland by ferries only.
Koh Chang - เกาะช้างThe largest island in the Koh Chang Marine Park archipelago, Koh Chang was named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island. Best visited outside of the monsoon season -- which runs from about June to September -- the sea is warm and clear, the beaches for the most part white and sandy and the interior is filled with National Park protected forest and craggy, picturesque mountains.
Most of the beaches are on the western coast, and each has built up with a distinctive atmosphere based on shopping, activities, partying or chilling out. Accommodation offers a style to suit every type of traveller, from independent low budget backpackers to those wanting a touch of luxury. There are plenty of activities to be organised from almost anywhere on the island: snorkelling and diving trips to nearby coral reefs, jungle treks and elephant rides, not to mention various beach sports.
With it's long stretches of sandy beaches and bay, Koh Chang's west coast has become the focus of the development boom, and that's where most foreign travellers stay on the island. Beaches such as Haad Sai Khao (White Sands Beach), Khlong Prao and Kai Bae have developed more in the past few years than most of Thailand has in the last few decades. If you want to party, swim, dive or do practically anything else you'll find somewhere that's perfect for you.
There are three different and definitive vibes from each of the three main west coast areas; White Sand beach, Kai Bae/Khlong Prao and Lonely/Bailan. White Sands is more modern than the others, reminiscent of Kuta in Bali, or indeed its aspired cousin, Phuket. The Kai Bae and Khlong Prao strip is gorgeous on the eye with its quaint village appearance, plenty of quirky shops and bars -- certainly more of a tropical island vibe. Lonely Beach and Bailan Bay continue on the topical island theme, but are far more traveller orientated; less souvenir shops, more bars playing Bob Marley. No Italian restaurants, but an abundance of affordable Thai fare. Ultimately it's a backpackers heaven.
The east coast is home to major Thai villages but few beaches and so attracts far fewer foreign travellers. This side of the island is popular with Thais from cities such as BangKohk and Chiang Mai, who might never have seen the ocean before and want to join in traditional Thai seaside life.
Sea Eagles, monkeys, epic views and jungle noises are all around, and if you're lucky you may spot the majestic Great Hornbill, resident of Koh Chang but rarely seen. Koh Chang is somewhere you can let your hair down a little, where perhaps those who hit the road in years gone by can capture the spirit of this wonder that we call travelling, yet enjoy the facilities that they yearn in today's society... namely air-con, hot water and a comfortable bed, and all found in abundance in White Sand, Khlong Prao and Kai Bae Beaches. At the same time, the old scene still exists at places like Lonely Beach, a reminder of what got the ball rolling in the first place.
A word of warning, the roads on Koh Chang are treacherous. The steep gradient of the hills can be very dangerous, particularly during the rain, and every year there are fatal accidents; during our research through mid 2008, three people died in road accidents in one week -- serious statistics. If you're not an accomplished and experienced driver then this is not the island to start to learn. Cars and minibuses travel at breakneck speeds around the island and coupled with the hundreds of motorbikes whizzing about it becomes quite hazardous. Particularly bad stretches of road lead from the ferries to White Sand Beach, between Kai Bae and Lonely Beach, and the stretch from Bailan Bay to Bang Bao. With numerous hairpin turns up high on the cliff there is no room for mistakes. Taxis are a far better and safer option for getting about for the inexperienced. Also worth bearing in mind is that the clinic charges a 4,000B fee just to walk through the door for accident victims, even if all you need is a light bandage and some antiseptic.
Through the last decade, a wave of travellers, both international and domestic has washed over Koh Chang in ever increasing numbers, and its popularity will only continue to grow towards its government driven target of becoming the 'next Phuket'. That said, Koh Chang has much more of a tropical island feel than its larger cousin Phuket. Phuket Island is a province in itself, with an intricate network of villages and roadways -- Koh Chang didn't even have a main road ten years ago!

To staying

Koh Chang Kacha Resort & Spa is situated in the heart of the city, the Kacha Resort and Spa Koh Chang is close to the train station and the white sand beach. Offering comfortable accommodation and friendly atmosphere, this property is an ideal place for a pleasant as well as a relaxing stay. 
Each of the  resort room offers beautifully decorated guestrooms that are elegantly furnished with an array of contemporary amenities to satisfy the needs of discerning travellers.
Restaurant offering beautiful views of the sunset, the on-site restaurant serves seafood and European cuisine for you to enjoy.
After an exhausting day, you can have a bracing dip in the swimming pool, re-energise your body in the jacuzzi or take a casual walk along the beach.


To eatting
Koh Chang - เกาะช้างThai Cooking  Koh Chang
If there's one thing visitors can take back with them, it's the remembrance of Thai cuisine. Nowadays, it's easy enough to re-create a lot of your favourites dishes since most Thai ingredients can be easily obtained or substituted. Such knowledge is given at most Thai cooking schools including the one at the Koh Chang . Classes take a few hours and students usually learn the art of fruit and vegetable carving as well as traditional stir-fried dishes. You will have an opportunity to cook by yourself and dine with fellow students after class.
Thai cooking as now enjoyed all over the world is a blend of Asian and European influences adopted through centuries of trade and diplomatic exchanges. Thais have traditionally lived close to the land and the waters, and original Thai cooking reflected that. Main ingredients were rice, fish, vegetable and herbs. Very little meat was used, and traditionally beef or buffalo meat was eschewed since the animals were the mainstays of farm life.
To shopping
 
Shopping in Koh Chang caters more for convenience and souvenir shopping than, say,  the mega-malls and numerous markets found in Bangkok. While night and day markets and souvenir shops are abundant, counterfeit classics are probably best bought on the mainland, even though they can be readily found on the island.
Quaint market and boutique stalls around the area sell locally, hand-made crafts and furniture, which are unique, eye-catching and with very reasonable price tags. CDs and DVDs can be bought by the bucket load from street and beach vendors as can various types of beach apparel like sunglasses and branded T-shirts.
Activities the tourist can do.
Koh Chang - เกาะช้างElephant Trekking Koh ChangDuring harvest seasons in March/April, and in August/September, visitors are allowed to pick ripe pomelos from the trees with compliments of Chutiman, the proprietor. On your return route, the mahout may lead the elephant through a different path that exposes you to wild vegetation, giant trees and wildlife. Cold drinks and coffee are served as you refresh back at the camp. If you don't have time, you can still experience the thrill of a one-hour trek (500 Baht) without the waterfall. Open daily from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm, you can start your tour any time of the day.
The main road west of Koh Chang from Klong Son to Kai Bae is a popular route. The Kai Bae to Bang Bao hike is a challenging experience. Passing through some coconut groves and rubber smallholdings the terrain is steep. Shorter hikes to the waterfalls from their main entrances are gaining popularity. There are footpaths to the waterfalls. There are two Elephant Camps on Koh Chang. One in Klong Phrao is Chang Chutiman Company and one in a jungle valley in the north of Koh Chang. Ban Kwan Chang or the Klong Son Elephant Camp is supported by the Asian Elephant. Foundation to provide a natural environment for elephants and their mahouts (Kwan, in Thai). The camp opens with a half-day tour from 8.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. which include elephant bathing, feeding, performance and a 1.30 hour elephant trek into the forest. Elephant Trekking is fun. Come and enjoy, see how to take care Elephants and see how they work with them. Go on a Jungle ride and finaly wash the Elephant in a clear jungle stream. The cost is 900 Baht inclusive of transportation to and from your resort, your drinking water and bananas & coconuts for you to feed the elephants.
Koh Chang - เกาะช้างSnorkeling & Diving Koh ChangThe best diving season is between October/November and April. The best sites are on the west and southern tip of the island, between Koh Chang ( Koh Chang ) and Koh Kohod ( Koh Kut ). There you can see soft corals, anemones, myriad reef fish, and sometimes eel. Hin Luk Bat and Hin Lap both have coral seamounts. Further south, white-tip reef sharks can be found near Hin Phrai Nam.
In addition, there are two wreck dive sites. The Koh Chang ( Koh Chang ) Wreck is a Thai warship sunk by the French navy in 1941. The wreck is only 15 metres deep in the Salakphet Bay on the southern tip of the island. The other wreck is the Pak One Wreck which sank after hitting a coral reef in August 1996 on its way to Vietnam. It resurfaced almost 8 years later. The 900-ton sunken tanker posed a danger to ships on international waters. The Royal Thai Navy drained off its 600 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas and resank it between Koh Chang and Koh Samet. It now lies horizontally in 35-metre-deep waters.
There are a few diving centres on Koh Chang ( Koh Chang ) such as the Ploy Scuba Diving in Bang Bao. They provide free transfer to and from the resort. Language barrier is no problem to the centre since they provide instructions in different languages. Following the standards of the sister centre in Koh Samet, this is the premier diving operator in Eastern Thailand.
The best time to go snorkeling is also between October and May. There are beautiful snorkel places with shallow depths around Koh Chang. Such as Koh Wai, Koh Kra and Koh Rang. During high season we offer 4-5 day trips weekly. All trips start in the morning, including lunch. You will be back before sunset.
Koh Chang - เกาะช้างKlong Plu Waterfalls Koh ChangOne of the best-known waterfalls, Klong Plu is close to Klong Phrao and Kai Bae beaches. The fall plunges down a narrow drop-off into a pool, where you can go for a refreshing swim. Heading 3 km south from Klong Phrao along the main road, you will see a sign of the waterfall on the left. Turn left into the path and follow the sign for 2 km. You'll find a ticket kiosk to pay the entrance fee. Walk along a well-marked footpath for only 20 minutes or about 400 metres past many kinds of vegetation, birds and giant trees, and you'll encounter a spectacular view of the waterfall.
This is also a 3-level waterfall, which has served as an important source of fresh water for the island. King Rama V visited Klong Plu twice.


Fishing Tour Sea Hunter

Sea Hunter Fishing
Everyone from first timers through to experienced anglers will enjoy this fishing tour. You can rest assured that we will provide the best possible fishing experience. The tour includes a delicious freshly caught seafood meal which is served for lunch or supper.
Their boat The Julia White measures 20 meters in length and is 6 meters wide. To ensure your safety she is equipped with the latest navigational gadgets, GPS fish finder & radio finder




When is the best time to visit to Koh chang.
Koh Chang has the same seasons as Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February. March to May are roasting hot and between June and October it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year. Many guest houses close during this season, so accommodation is limited.
Places to visit
Mogli Snake Farm & Show
Koh Chang's only Snakefarm with show twice a day. Have only snakes and other reptiles that lives on the island with information and guiding for tourists and locals. Locals and other people get help from this farm when snakes are found on their property. To help and take care of the snakes on Koh Chang

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