Koh Chang Activities Travel Guide

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If you want to take a break from the beach, a wide range of activities await both on shore and inland of Koh Chang. [more]

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Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Brilliant coral gardens teeming with rainbows of tropical fish, dancing anemones and waiving sea fans of the silent kingdom of Neptune begs to be rediscovered. The secret underwater gardens can be found in the warm waters between Koh Chang and Koh Kut.

If a shipwreck is your pleasure, head to Salakphet Bay where a Thai warship was sunken in 1941, or dive the waters between Koh Chang and Koh Samet where the tanker Pak One sunk in 1996.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Paddle along the beach and relax with the gentle rocking of the turquoise waters, enjoy the rugged vistas of the mountains and the warm trade winds from the ocean. An effortless kayaking trip can be arranged from any of the beach resorts around Koh Chang.

Salak Koh Kayak Station offers guided kayak tours to the mangroves of Salak Koh Bay located on the eastern side of Koh Chang. This is an excellent eco-adventure; observing the natural habitat of hundreds of native species, preserving the mangroves is a priority of the resident of Koh Chang. Observe the unique Koh Chang Frog native species of the island. Visitors are encouraged to plant native trees, making it a specially learning adventure for nature lovers.

Boating and Sailing

If you feel the need for speed take a speed boat and explore some of the out islands like Koh Yak, Koh Kra and Koh Wai among others. Catch your dinner by taking a fishing trip and savor the fruit of your labor the old way.

The seas around Koh Chang have all the shades of blue one can imagine, ranging from pale turquoises to deep marine blues due to the different depths of the waters and are bountiful with several species of fish. Even the unluckiest fisherman can come back home with dinner at the end of the day. Day and night fishing trips can be arranged in Koh Chang.

Leisure boating days, fishing trips, snorkeling and deep fishing trips can be hired from several resorts on the beach and many fishing villages. Prices vary according to distance but it is safe to say they go from 400 Baht for a shared trip to 5,000 Baht for a private charter.

If the ocean calls you, then raise your spinnaker and head out to sea on a sailboat or catamaran cruise, let the flapping of your sails dictate your path and be your guide into the amazing waters of the Gulf of Siam while sipping a glass of Champagne, savor an exotic Thai feast whilst the vanilla skies in a sunset cruise amidst the most romantic setting your eyes have ever seen.

Hiking and Walking

A mountain range, are mainly of granite, runs through the 30 km length island; the highest mountains in Koh Chang are Khao I Aen with an elevation of 637 meters over the sea level, Khao Chom Prasat I at 661 meters high and Khao Salak Phet with 743 meters provide plenty of challenges for the hiker.

With rounded slopes, some parts of Koh Chang are too mountainous and unsuitable for farming which has help preserve the rugged wilderness of the island. There are more than 30 different species of animals inhabiting Koh Chang, like the Barking Deer, Silver Languar and the Javan Mongoose among many others.

There are several known hiking trails in Koh Chang in the west part of the island west of the main road, like the trail from Klong Son to Kai Bae. The northern part has a trail from Ban Klong Son to Had Sai Kao. Explorers will like best the southern part of Koh Chang since it has less traveled trails or go inland into to the rugged hills and open your path through the endless sea of thriving tropical vegetation.

Survival Trips

An exhilarating experience for new explorers! You are dropped off in one of the many uninhabited islands of the archipelago and given just a tent, fishing gear and water. Fence for yourself and discover the fiber you are made off in this 24 hours daring adventure. See from up-close the wildlife in its natural environment; restore your primitive instincts and ascertain your endurance.

This adventure can be arranged from the Treehouse Bungalows for about 1,000 Baht.

Birdwatching and Bird Sanctuary Tours

Take an organized tour of Koh Chang's most colorful residents... birds and more birds with rainbow colors, and are easily spotted around Khao Laem and Kao Yai. Guided bird watching trips are organized year round by the Koh Chang Nature Club. There are more than 62 different species of tropical birds; one can observe Yellow Vented Bubuls, Pacific Swallow and the Oriental Pied Hornbill among many others.

Contact: For more information call Trekkers of Koh Chang at 089 147 940.

Elephant Trekking

A must do activity on Koh Chang, as the name of the island means translated 'Elephant Island'. Nothing compares to the experience of seeing the jungle from the back of a giant, but gentle, creature... an elephant. Pick pomello fruits from a tree or wade with your elephant on the transparent waters of a natural pool... The adventure beckons at least two hours of your time to journey into a nearby waterfall. Later, see your dear transport perform and reenact ancient wars.

There are two Elephant camps is Koh Chang, the Chang Chutiman Tour near Klong Prao Beach and the Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp. The adventures can vary in length from half hour to two hours and the cost ranges from 450 Baht to 900 Baht. All treks will offer beverages and snacks (bananas, coconuts and other tropical delicious fruits) during and after the trip and are included in the fee and in some tours the transportation to and from your hotel is also included. This trip can be arranged at any of the local Travel Agencies.

Contact: Chang Chutiman: Tel 089 939 6676, Ban Kwan Chang: Tel 081 919 3995

Monkey Training School

Monkeys are tough how to get coconuts and fruits from trees in a humane way this is done to secure their survival. The most abundant species in Koh Chang is the curious red tailed Macaque. For more information contact the Koh Chang animal foundation at 09 042 2347 or consult a local Travel Agent.

Fireflies Tour

During the cooler months of Koh Chang organized night canoe or kayak excursions to the mangroves take place along the canal in Khlong Prao. The mangroves around the island become the mating place of thousands of fireflies, night the trees are dressed with thousands of titillating lights looking like a forest of beautiful Christmas trees... a magic wonderland! Don't miss it!

For more information on dates and schedules is best to talk to a local Travel Agent.

Spas and Massage Parlors

Koh Chang should be called "Koh Chang & Spa" for the number of massage places one can find around the beach area and main road. Rejuvenate and pamper yourself with a full treatment; a Thai Massage, a foot massage and a full body scrub. Get a manicure and pedicure, or braid your hair for less than the cost of a beer. A new trend in the island is the "Herbal Sauna" in an abode hand made sauna; the herbs cleanse your lungs and soothe your skin. Try it!

Thai Massage School

Massage techniques perfected during years and years of practice and pass on generation to generation will all be at your fingertips and the best part is that you can take them with you.

If you want to learn the art of Thai Massage you can do so in Baan Khlong Prao. Sweet!

Wine Tasting

Have a taste of some of the best wines of the world in an outdoor winery. Weekly organized events and wine tasting complete with music and ours d'ouvres, take place near Kai Bae Beach.

Location: Koh Chang Wine Gallery at Kai Bae Beach, Tel: 01 668 7035

Thai Cooking School

Learn the art of carving fruits and vegetables into unique sculptures, or learn how to make wonderful simple natural Thai dishes. For a few hours of your time you can preserve at home the Thai flavors that you will learn to love.

Classes can be taken at the Aiyapura Resort and other Cooking Schools can be found in Koh Chang some of them are:

• Sanook! Thai Cooking School in Bang Bao
• View Talay Kitchen in Bang Bao
• Ka-Ti Culinary in Klong Prao
• Koh Chang Thai Cooking School in Klong Prao

Fitness Centers

After swimming, hiking, trekking, diving and all the eco adventures demanding fitness and endurance, as if one needed more exercising there are several fitness centers around Koh Chang.

Most resorts offer a fitness center as well as massage services.

The Gym

The Gym offers a wide variety of equipment and is open most of the day from 9:00 am till late afternoon. Located in the shopping center near the passenger ferry. Location: North East Coast, Koh Chang

Paintball Splat Fields

Is the first paintball arena in Koh Chang, paintball warfare is conducted daily with the assistance of a multilingual staff. The game is rapidly gaining popularity among the local folks especially for the several levels of dexterity. This game is always exciting and challenging!

Location: Dan Khao

Muay Thai or Thai Boxing

Thai boxing is the The "king of the Ring" in kick boxing and martial arts draws crowds; fighters display a devastating power, speed and super endurance as well as spirit. A vivid crowd as well as traditional music creates an atmosphere suitable for physical battle as well spiritual conquest.

Regularly scheduled fights take place at the Bang Bao Stadium

Location: Bang Bao Beach
Rates: 300 to 350 Baht per person