Koh Chang

In Thailand's south-eastern corner lies a little paradise. Not as beautiful and calm as before, some might think, but Koh Chang is still a lovely island despite the last several years of construction.

Development HAS been going fast, but even though Koh Chang's longest beach, White Sand Beach, is sometimes overrun, compared to Thailand's most popular destination, there is still an atmosphere of something unspoiled and paradisiacal.

Koh Chang is the main island of the Koh Chang Maritime National Park, which counts 50 islands scattered in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand. 80% of the island, which is Thailand's second largest, is covered in rainforest, and when you arrive by ferry from the mainland, it is a breathtaking sight to see the forested island rising out of the sea.

The island's original population are fishermen who live primarily in and around the town of Bang Bao on the south coast, which was once the center of the island.

Koh Chang's beaches

The island's established tourism is relatively new. Learned from the sins of the past, it has been decided that no hotels must be higher than the palm trees. Down the west coast, the beaches are in strips - they are generally excellent, but with large tide differences.

The main tourist area, White Sand Beach, also has the liveliest beach on the island. Here you can find accommodation in all price ranges - however, there are only a few of the original cabins left. The atmosphere along the beach is relaxed – people splash at the water's edge, enjoy a freshly made smoothie or laze in a hammock under the palm trees.

When evening falls, restaurants and hotels set tables and chairs out on the beach - a perfect place to enjoy delicacies such as barbeque and fresh fish. Later you can be entertained by live music or fire shows at one of the beach bars.

South of White Sand Beach, the beaches are in a strip. First, you'll arrive at Klong Phrao Beach, a palm-lined beach bisected by a small river. Here you will find better resorts rather than primitive cabins.

The main street is just an extension of the one in White Sand Beach – here, too, there is shopping, bars and restaurants, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.