Ko Chang - tropical paradise

Ko Chang waterfall island

Ko Chang is located in south-eastern Thailand and is considered the heart of an island archipelago that has hardly been discovered by tourists yet. This module allows you to spend time on the island of Ko Chang. Ko Chang has exotic nature, mountains and forests; its highest peak is at 744 metres. The island is great for vigorous treks, climbing waterfalls along hiking trails or exploring the exotic surroundings from the back of an elephant. You may just want to spend the day on one of the beautiful sandy beaches in a hammock.... an excellent choice. This is the ideal module to be added to the end of your Cambodia itinerary due to its location, which is approximately a 5-hour drive from Bangkok and as a buffer before returning to hectic everyday life. For those who enjoy looking for coral, there are snorkelling and diving tours which can be booked on location. 

Duration

4 days/ 3 nights
Departs daily  from Trat (October - June)

Accommodation

3 nights in a comfortable hotel on the beach 
comfort level 3 (see accommodation)

Price

£103 per person - based on 2 people

Included

Accommodation with breakfast

Transportation

Car and ferry

Excluded

Other meals and drinks, ferry from hotel to Ao Sapparot pier (mainland Thailand), excursions

 

Day 1: Arrival on Ko Chang

The town of Trat can be reached directly by scheduled bus from Bangkok or Korat; however you can also choose to fly there from Bangkok. If you are travelling from Cambodia you'll arrive in Trat by private transfer. After reaching the Trat bus station you'll continue travelling by songthaew, an open truck-taxi to the Laem Ngob pier (travel time 20 minutes). You'll then board the ferry to the white sandy beaches of Khlong Phrao. This ferry departs all day long, every 45 minutes. The ferry boat ride to Ko Chang will only take 30 minutes. On arrival at the island you'll be able to arrange your own transfer to the island easily (the 20 minute transfer will cost approximately € 1 or € 2). After checking in at the reception area and leaving your bags in your charming beach bungalow, you'll be able to dive into the luke-warm waters of Ko Chang's crystal blue sea. The resort is located on the beach and has its own small private beach. From the pool you'll be able to listen to the calming sea surf and the sound of chattering tropical birds. 

Ko Chang - lounge in hammocks
Ko Chang - elephant ride

Day 2: Ko Chang - overnight stay

Ko Chang is the second largest island in Thailand and an oasis for adventure-seeking travellers. An unusual and interesting way to explore the island is to do so on elephant's back during a one-hour (10 Euros) or two-hour tour (18 Euros). Wobble along from 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. This is a fabulously refreshing moment for both 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. 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. You and your kids can walk across rope bridges through the tops of the trees and swing down to the ground like monkeys (wearing protective harnesses). There are a hundred and one things to do on this island or choose to do absolutely nothing at all; simply reading a book and enjoying your surroundings can be..... pure paradise.

Day 3: Ko Chang

This morning, 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. Ko Mak is far quieter than Phuket, Ko Samui, and Ko Chang Island - a real island escape. It is the ultimate destination for doing absolutely nothing. Bliss. Lounge in a hammock for the day, swim in the sparkling sea, sip on fruity cocktails and feel the sand between your toes. Have lunch at one of the many little restaurants, they all offer a wide range of meals, with freshly caught seafood their speciality. You can also snorkel around the unspoiled coral gardens (gear available for hire), or just stretch out on the bleached sandy 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 energectic, then stay on Ko Chang 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, and try all kinds of tasty treats as you listen to the lapping of the waves.

Ko Chang - palmtrees and sunshine
Ko Chang - sun and surf

Day 4: Ko Mak - return to Ko Chang

Since you'll most likely fly home tomorrow, you may want to enjoy a genuine Thai massage today. This type of massage is only for those who prefer a very strong, rigorous massage. Afterwards you'll feel like a new person. The resort has its own massage area; it's best to make reservations in advance. 

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 on your travels through Cambodia or on to Bangkok.

Cambodia accommodation pictures

 
        

 

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