What to Do in Koh Chang
Koh Chang attracts people who simply want to relax on a beautiful beach, do some
snorkelling and take it easy. If you want to explore, many resorts arrange short
jungle treks and also rent kayaks. Paddle to the surrounding islands or go with
a local tour company. Hire a local boat or join a snorkelling tour. Small motorbikes
can be rented in most places, which makes the island easier to explore independently,
but take care - there are steep and curvy roads, unforeseen road ramps, and a
general disregard for road rules.
Walking/Hiking.
It's possible to walk around the island within 3 - 5 days. Alternatively there
are lovely shorter paths where you can find waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints.
Thai Massage
At almost all beaches, masseurs and masseuses offer Thai massages for between
200-250 Baht. In all Beach-Villages, you'll find small Massage-Shops directly
on the road. In Baan Khlong Prao you can attend courses in traditional Thai
massage. There are also some Tattoo parlours on the island.
 Elephant
trekking
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). Located at Klong Son, the camp offers a half-day tour from
8.30-11:00 a.m. which includes elephant bathing, feeding, performance and a
1.30 hour elephant trek into the forest. Cost 900 Baht including hotel transfer,
water and bananas (to feed the elephants) A shorter 35-minute trek with a 15-minute
performance is also available for around 450 Baht.
Snorkeling and Fishing
You can arrange a sightseeing trip combined with snorkelling or fishing at most
resorts, beaches and fishing villages. It's possible to charter a local boat
at White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Bang Bao for groups, but there
is a minimum required, usually 10 persons, before the trip will go. Its possible
to put your name down to join a group for the day and chances are, you'll get
on a boat. Cost about 400 - 600 Baht per person. Some tour operators organise
a full day snorkeling trip to Koh Kra and Koh Wai for around 600 Baht per person
which includes lunch and drinks.
Speedboats
Speedbots are available at higher prices. The Klong Prao Resort offers chartered
speed boat trips to Koh Yuak at 2,500 Baht or a 4-island package at 8,000 Baht.
Sea Kayaking
Along the coast. For rent at most of the resorts along the beaches or around
100 Baht an hour
 Diving
in Koh Chang
The best diving or snorkelling is around the small islands off Koh Chang's south
coast, such as Ko Khlum, Ko Whai, Ko Phrao (some wrecks of Thai naval ships
from WWII) Ko Ngam, and Ko Lao Ya. All of these islands, except Ko Khlum, have
a few bungalows, but the boat service can be unpredictable and expensive. Dive
shops operate at all the main beaches on the west coast. You can also book combined
island sightseeing and snorkelling trips through local travel agents and resorts.
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