THE SECRET WONDERS OF THE KOH CHANG MARINE NATIONAL PARK
Koh Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknown to the outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders. Some even boldly call it “the last paradise islands in South-East Asia”. A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine National Park has been a heaven to the locals who need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge.
Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island Marine National Park, all of which are untouched by modernization with their natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.
It is surprising even to the Thais that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island in the whole of Thailand, behind Phuket. Despite its size and close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped, untouched, forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing in disguise.
Koh Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and population.There are few thoughts of modernization.
The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang Marine National Park continues at its own pace, and still, a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity.
The coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is a spectacular work of nature’s art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.
Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.
Be the first to discover the secret wonders of Koh Chang Marine National Park.
How to get there – Koh Chang
To reach the MARINE NATIONAL PARK you need to travel eastbound to Trat, the easternmost province in the Gulf of Thailand that borders Kampuchea. This is the jumping-off point to the islands.
Most visitors take the Bangna-Trat route. However, visitors who are already in Pattaya, Rayong or Koh Samet can conveniently link to Trat as well, either by road or by sea.
FROM BANGKOK TO TRAT - BY AIR-CONDITIONED BUS
1) The Ekamai Bus Terminal is the main terminal for the eastern provinces. It is located at the Ekamai section of Sukhumvit Road, which is also easily accessible by the BTS Skytrain. Air-conditioned and ordinary buses depart almost every hour as shown in the timetable here. The trip is about 5 hours.
2) The Northern Bus Terminal (New Morchid) is the other route. It is located at New Morchid of Kampaeng Petch Road. Air-conditioned buses depart as shown in the timetable. The trip is also about 5 hours.
BY VAN
There are many vans plying between Bangkok and Laem Ngob. They are found on Khao San Road near the Vieng Tai Hotel, departing at 8:00 a.m. daily and leaving Laem Ngob at 11:00 a.m. daily. The one-way fare is 250 to 350 Baht / person depending on the season.
MOVING AROUND TRAT
The main transportation in Trat is by Songthaew, which literally means two rows. Songthaews are pick-up trucks modified for public transportation. Essentially they have two rows of seats at the back of the truck where passengers sit face to face. They can accommodate up to 8 or 10 people depending, of course, on the size of the passengers.
The following serves as a guideline on the route and approximate costs
From Trat Distance Located at Cost/ Baht
To Laem Ngob- 17KM, Robinson Dept Store- 20Baht
To Laem Sok - 28KM, Front of the Municipal Central Market of Trat- 20Baht
To Klong Yai- 75KM, Behind the Municipal Central Market- 50Baht
To Had Lek- 90KM, In front of the Sri Trat Rama Theatre- 110Baht
FROM TRAT TO PIERS
THERE ARE 3 PIERS SERVICING KOH CHANG.
All of them are located in the Amphur (district) of Laem Ngob. To go to these piers take one of the Songthaews in Trat. They can be easily found around the municipal market from as early as 6.00 am. The fare is about 20 Baht per person. Vehicle-carrying ferries and taxi or chartered boats are ready to take you to Koh Chang.
THA LAEM NGOB(LAEM NGOB PIER) -
ALSO CALLED KROMALUANG CHUMPORN PIER
This is the main pier at Laem Ngob. Ferries from this pier land at Tha Dan Kao (meaning Old Post Pier). The ferries depart every hour during the high season (November to April) and long weekends starting from 7.30 am till 5.00 pm. The frequency is less during other times of the year depending on the crowd, and the weather.
However, you can expect a ferry to depart at least every 2 hours. Traveling time is about 30 to 45 minutes and the cost is 60 Baht for each return ticket and 150 Baht per vehicle inclusive of the driver. Other passengers in the same vehicle are charged 60 Baht per person. It is worth noting that all ferry fares should be the same no matter which pier you go to, a legacy of open competition! On arrival at Koh Chang you will find some Songthaews ready to take you to anywhere in Koh Chang. The fare ranges from 40,60 to 80 Baht per person depending on the distance. This applies to other piers as well.
As the main pier, Laem Ngob has a good supply of boats to different parts of Koh Chang and other islands especially Koh Wai, Koh Mak, and Koh Kham. Taxi boats leave for Tha Dan Kao every hour during the high season from November to April and 5 times a day during the low season. There are taxi boats leaving for Tha Dan Mai (New Post pier) and Tha Than Mayom as well but with less frequency. Chartered boats are also available.
Koh Chang Ferry Tel. 039 538-318 :
Mainland to Koh Chang(Dan Kao)
AM7.00, 9.00, 11.00, PM13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 30Baht, 40 Minutes Trip
Koh Chang (Dan Kao) to Mainland
AM8.00,10.00, 12.00 ,PM14.00, 16.00,18.00, 30Baht, 40 Minutes Trip
Tha Centre Point (Centre Point Pier) has 6 ferry departures.
All land at another part of the Tha Dan Kao.
Travelling time is about 40 minutes.
Centre Point Ferry Tel. 039-538-196 :
Mainland to Koh Chang (Cabana Pier)
AM7.00, 9.00, 11.00, PM13.00, 15.00, 17.00, 30Baht, 35 Min. Trip
Koh Chang (Dan KAO) to Mainland
AM8.00, 10.00, 12.00 , PM14.00, 16.00 , 18.00, 30Baht, 35 Min. Trip
Tha Thammachat (Natural Pier) at Ao Thammachat (Natural Bay) serves 7 daily ferry trips to Ao Sapparos. Travel time is about 30 minutes.
Ao Thammachat Pier - Ferry Koh Chang Tel : 039-597143
Mainland to Koh Chang (Ao Sapparos)
AM07.00,08.30,10.00,11.30,PM13.00, 14.30,16.00,17.30,19.00,30Baht/30Min.
Koh Chang (Ao Sapparos)to Mainland
AM07.00,08.30,10.00,11.30,PM13.00,14.30,16.00,17.30,19.00,30Baht/30Min.
It is advisable to check the rate and schedule of the ferry services before embarking on the trip because of possible changes due to the season, passenger load and competition amongst the ferry and boat operators.The rates and schedules supplied here is effective at the time of writing and should serve as a guide only.
http://www.koh-chang.com/
http://www.koh-chang-hotel.com/index.htm
http://www.thaipro.com/dir/Koh_Chang/
