Koh Chang
Thailand's Elephant Island in the eastern Gulf: jungle-clad mountains with waterfalls, west-coast beaches and the stilt village of Bang Bao.
What it is
Koh Chang is one of Thailand's largest islands, in Trat province near the Cambodian border. The name means Elephant Island. Most of it is jungle-covered mountains within Mu Ko Chang National Park, a marine park spanning dozens of nearby islands. The beaches line the west coast: White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Lonely Beach. In the south, the fishing village of Bang Bao stands on stilts along a long pier.
When and how
From Bangkok it takes about five hours by car or bus to the ferry piers near Trat, then 30–45 minutes across; there are also flights to Trat airport. The best season is November to April; from May to October monsoon rains arrive and the sea can be rough. Boats run snorkeling trips to nearby reefs, and trails lead to the Klong Plu and Than Mayom waterfalls.
Tip
Take care if you rent a scooter: the roads between beaches climb steep hairpin bends, and accidents are common. If you lack experience, use the local songthaew pickup taxis instead.