LEISURE ISLANDS
The
Koh Chang Marine National Park is comprised of 52 islands, all very well preserved
by nature. Rich in rainforests, well-laden with colourful corals, abundantly stocked
with healthy marine life, and encompassed by spectacular coastlines, the archipalego
offers a great way to island hop. The islands have gorgeous landscapes, pristine
beaches and crystal clear sea. However, only 10 of these islands have accommodations,
which range from the very basic thatched roof huts of 400 baht a night to the
more luxurious and sophisticated properties that can cost as much as 20,000 baht
a night.
Many
of these island resorts only accept package tours of full board groups because
of their exclusivity and distance from the mainland. The packages include boat
transfers, full meals, usually at least 2 nights accommodation, and some of the
packages include side trips to other islands.
Most
of the islands have limited or no development at all, and many are uninhabited.
The following are some of the best islands off the main island of Koh Chang
beginning from the north, and then traveling west and then south of Koh Chang.
KOH CHANG NOI - Laem Chang Noi
Koh
Chang Noi is an island off Laem Chang Noi (Chang Noi Cape) which is located at
the northwestern tip of Koh Chang. The island is comprised mainly of rocks
and forest whereas Laem Chang Noi is a cape of purely rocks with no vegetation
at all. The beauty of this area lies in the seabed between them, where you will
find splendid unspoiled virgin coral reefs. Facing the island and cape is the
new five-star resort known as the Aiyapura Resort & Spa which has well-appointed
rooms with a splendid landscape and superb view.
KOH
YUAK, KOH MAN NAI, KOH MAN NOK
Off
the west coast of Koh Chang (Ko Chang) are a small group of islands delightfully
visible especially from Klong Prao and Kai Bae beaches. These include Koh Yuak
which has a small beachfront of sand formed from decayed corals. The water is
clear and shallow, qualifying it as a good snorkeling spot.
From
the shores of Klong Prao Resort the islands form a picturesque view especially
during sunset. Next to Koh Yuak is Koh Plee and Koh Suwan, both of which have
rocky shores. Around the area of Koh Suwan is an unnamed island which has colourful
corals about 6 meters deep. Locals call this Koh Rom which means Umbrella Island
because of a beautiful large tree with an umbrella shape. This is a new-found
snorkeling site.
Further
down south is Koh Man Nai which is directly facing the shores of Kai Bae Beach
and very close to the Sea View Resort. The water between Sea View Resort or Kai
Bae Beach and Koh Man Nai is quite shallow. During the low tide when the island
bares its lovely sandy beach, you can actually walk amid chest-deep waters from
the resort to the island.
Another
island, called Koh Man Nok, looks as if it's behind Koh Suwan. It is the twin
island to Koh Man Nai and is linked together by shallow waters with plenty of
gold-coloured seaweed.
KOH
KHLUM
Koh
Khlum has a historical significance as the battleground between the French and
the Thai navies during the French colonization of Indochina. It was also a shelter
for the Thai naval forces. Koh Khlum is a good dive site especially at the Larn
Hin area where you find corals at Hin Look Bard and Hin Larp which are about 10
to 20 meters deep. It is also a great fishing spot with an abundance of larger
fishes.
KOH PHRAO or Koh Sai
Khao
This
is a small island situated within Ao Salak Petch (Salak Petch Bay). Originally
it was known as Koh Phrao because of the long lines of coconut trees on the island.
Today, it is more commonly called Koh Sai Khao to reflect the abundance of fine
white sand on the island. So abundant is the sand that a sand dune now extends
to the sea and is particularly obvious during the low tide.Koh Sai Khao has a
scenic view, clean clear seawater and is very serene. A concrete pavement by the
seaside allows a pleasant stroll. One side of the island has a concrete bridge
which stretches out into the sea and serves as a pier and a great view point.
Koh
Sai Khao Resort provides the only accommodation available on the island in the
form of bungalow units. Only full board packages are available.
