Ko Chang waterfall island

The town of Trat can be reached easily by a direct bus from the centre of Bangkok or by transfer from the Cambodia border. It's also possible to fly here from Bangkok. From Trat you can take a songthaew (pickup truck taxi) to the pier at Laem Ngob for the ferry to the island of Ko Chang, Thailand. This ferry runs all day, leaving about once an hour, and the crossing takes only half an hour. When you arrive, you'll take another songthaew to your accommodation. This is extremely easy to arrange yourself and the 20 minute journey will cost just £1-2.

After you have settled in to your delightful thatched bungalow in its lush green garden, you can take a dip in the azure waters. The resort stands on its own small private beach to the east of the island. From the swimming pool or the deck of your seaview room, you can listen to the gentle lapping of the waves and the calls of tropical birds.

Ko Chang Island is the second largest island in Thailand and an oasis for adventure-seeking travellers. An unusual and interesting way to explore the island is on elephant back, plodding past rubber plantations to tropical orchards. During the two-hour trek, you'll head into the jungle to see elephants washing themselves in a natural pool of crystal clear waters - a refreshing moment for you and your jumbo-size friend. These excursions can easily be arranged on location at a small travel agency across from your resort. 

A little further down the road you can book snorkelling and boating tours during your Ko Chang beach trip. Another option would be to explore the island in search of its famed waterfalls or to climb the highest mountain top. If you're bringing your kids along on holiday, they'll love the Tree Top Adventure Park, where they can walk across rope bridges through the tops of the trees and swing down to the ground like monkeys. There are a hundred and one things to do on this island, but you're also free to do nothing at all, simply reading a book and enjoying your surroundings can be pure paradise.

On day three of your Ko Chang beach stay, why not arrange yourself a day trip over to Ko Mak, it's very easy to arrange locally. Boats leave from Ban Bang Bao Pier on the south side of the island, for the short ride (approx 2 hours) over to Ko Mak. It's far quieter than Phuket, Ko Samui, and Ko Chang Island - a real island escape. Lounge in a hammock for the day, swim in the sparkling sea and feel the sand between your toes. Try lunch at one of the many little restaurants with freshly caught seafood their speciality. You can also snorkel around the coral gardens (gear available for hire), or just stretch out on the beach. At low tide, it's possible to walk across to the nearby island of Ko Kham, which has beautiful coral reefs and coconut palms.

If you don't fancy anything this energetic, then stay on a Ko Chang beach and unwind with a Thai massage, or book a table at the restaurant on the beach. At dusk they'll fire up the barbecue, and you can sit on the candlelit beach, cold beer or tropical drink in hand as you listen to the lapping of the waves.

It's the end of your Ko Chang beach break and, depending on the rest of your trip, you can head back to Ko Chang pier today where you'll catch a ferry to the mainland. You won't find it difficult to arrange a transfer to Trat on your own and from Trat you'll be able to continue back to Bangkok to catch your flight home.