Ko Chang, or Elephant Island, is part of the Muko Chang National Park. This national park is comprised of an archipelago of 52 islands, of which Ko Chang is the largest. Some 429 square kilometres in size, Ko Chang is, after Phuket, the second biggest island in the Kingdom. Ko Chang, boasts several amazing natural wonders that blend magnicently with the traditional way of life; such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep hills, clis, waterfalls, notable wildlife, ne beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island. Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west side spreading from the north to the south; such beaches and bays include, Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there is a nature trail passing through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat and meandering through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a shing community on the foot of the hill in the south. To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated and Ao Salak Khok. In addition, along the eastern shoreline is a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier to the south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands south of Ko Chang. Ko Chang has attractions including several waterfalls with reasonable access. They are the Namtok Khlong Phlu, which is around 3 kilometres from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot; Namtok Khlong Nonsi that takes a 4-kilometre walk from park headquarters; and Namtok Khiriphet and Namtok Khlong Nung, which are 3 kilometres from Ban Salak Phet. In addition to sea-based attractions, Ko Chang oers many other numerous inland attractions including rainforest trekking waterfalls, temples, the National Park and Museum or the beautiful scenic lookout points, which are all worth a visit. Divers will nd fascinating diving areas o of the shores of Ko Chang and the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral reefs, visitors can explore the reminder of the past through the sunken warships, which can be visited in the Salak Phet Bay. Elephant trekking through the primeval jungle, populated with wild boars, Javan mongoose, barking deer, and more than 60 dierent species of birds, would fulll the adventurous experience on this island. Many of the bungalow operations around Hat Sai Khao and Hat Kai Bae have kayaks, boogie boards and mountain bikes for rent. Booking a day trip, or an overnighter, to nearby islands is another attractive option. Contact the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conser vation, visit portal.dnp.go.th for more information.
