Ko Chang & AroundThings to do

Things to do in Ko Chang & Around

  1. Koh Chang Thai Cookery School

    Slices, dices and sautés in a shady open-air kitchen beside the estuary.

    reviewed

  2. Sima Massage

    Across from Tropicana Resort, and regarded by locals as the best massage on the island – quite an accolade in a place where a massage is easier to find than a 7-Eleven.

    reviewed

  3. Bailan Herbal Sauna

    Sweating on purpose might seem like a free and unintended consequence of tropical living but, just south of Lonely Beach, Bailan continues an old-fashioned Southeast Asian tradition of the village sauna. Set amid lush greenery, the earthen huts are heated with a health- promoting stew of herbs. There's also massage, facial treatments and a post-steam juice bar.

    reviewed

  4. Baan Zen

    Hidden down an unpaved road between Noren Resort and Coco Massage in Khlong Prao. It is a peaceful and relaxing setting for classes in yoga, reiki and meditation.

    reviewed

  5. Tonsai

    Settle down on the funky cushions in this tree house/restaurant built in a sturdy banyan tree ( đôn sai in Thai). There’s a good selection of Thai and Western eats amid a nicely relaxed ambience. Make an afternoon of it.

    reviewed

  6. BB Divers

    Based at Bang Bao, though it has another office at Hat Tha Nam.

    reviewed

  7. Koh Chang Animal Foundation

    You’ll probably notice fewer stray animals on Ko Chang compared to other places in Thailand. This is due to the efforts of the Koh Chang Animal Foundation, established in 2000 by American Lisa McAlonie. The foundation is funded entirely by donations, offers free-of-charge vet services to the people of Ko Chang, and provides refuge and treatment for stray animals around the island. Volunteer visits by travelling vets and veterinarian nurses are particularly appreciated, but the foundation also welcomes day visits from anyone who wants to donate a bit of TLC to help bathe and socialise abused animals.

    reviewed

  8. Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp

    Of several elephant camps on Ko Chang, the award-winning (2007 TAT eco-awards for community involvement) Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp, near Ban Khlong Son, is the best. In a beautiful setting the owner stresses the importance of seeing elephants in the wild, and he delivers informative and educational programs. A one-hour ‘experience’, involving feeding, bathing and an elephant ride, costs 900B; a 40-minute ride costs 500B.

    reviewed

  9. Nam Tok Than Mayom

    A series of three falls along the stream of Khlong Mayom can be reached via the park office near Tha Than Mayom. The view from the top is superb and nearby there are inscribed stones bearing the initials of Rama V, Rama VI and Rama VII.

    reviewed

  10. Nam Tok Khlong Plu

    Nam Tok Khlong Plu is an impressive (and popular) fall, is easily accessible from Ao Khlong Prao on the western coast. Set amid striking jungle scenery, the three-tiered fall is quickly reached by walking 600m along a well-marked, lush, jungle path. There’s a pool to cool off in after your mini-adventure.

    reviewed

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  12. National Park

    The national park is divided into four units, with offices at Ban Khlong Son, Tha Than Mayom, Ban Salak Phet, and just west of Nam Tok Khlong Plu. Entry fees are collected at any one of the four park offices. Keep your receipt as rangers may demand payment from visitors who don’t have one.

    reviewed

  13. Invito Al Cibo

    Upscale Invito is no more but the executive chef has migrated to this start-up with a lovely sea view.

    reviewed

  14. Salak Phet Kayak Station

    Guides overnight treks on Khao Salak Phet, Ko Chang's highest peak, which rises 744km into the heavens and provides a sunrise and sunset view. Though the altitude might be modest, this is one of the few places in Thailand where you can combine such serious exertion with a coastal landscape; you can choose to sleep in a tent or under the stars.

    reviewed

  15. Thor’s Palace

    The deliciously camp Thor serves up excellent food and terrific beats amid gorgeous surroundings dotted with mementos of his globetrotting. This shrine to Thor’s innate good taste has fantastic views of Hat Sai Khao, but is only open in the high season.

    reviewed

  16. Barracuda Bar

    A small place that is consistently good and popular with local expats. The prices are a little high since most of the guests come from nearby resorts, but it’s not too overpriced. The few beachfront tables are where it’s at.

    reviewed

  17. Ruan Thai

    It's about as fresh as it gets (note your future dinner greeting you in tanks as you enter) and the portions are large. The doting service is beyond excellent – they'll even help you crack your crabs.

    reviewed

  18. Jungle Way

    Lek from Jungle Way runs one-day (800B) and two-day (950B) treks into the island’s interior. The one-day Chang Noi peninsula trek in the island’s north is recommended if you’re after some serious exercise.

    reviewed

  19. Chang Chutiman

    Chang Chutiman elephant camp does not have a dramatic setting. A one-hour ride costs 500B; two hours costs 900B. Kids under five ride free. The camp is in Ban Khlong Prao, opposite Blue Lagoon Resort.

    reviewed

  20. Kharma

    Eclectic music, a wide-ranging menu featuring Thai, Mexican and vegetarian food, and a few inflated blowfish are all good reasons to head to this gay-friendly spot. The cocktails aren’t to be sneezed at either.

    reviewed

  21. KaTi

    Across from Tropicana Resort, is run by a mother and daughter team teaching family recipes.

    reviewed

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  23. Trekkers of Koh Chang

    Birdwatchers should contact the Trekkers of Koh Chang who run one-day and two-day trips (1000B to 2000B) into the national park.

    reviewed

  24. Evolution Tour

    You can arrange guides at Evolution Tour as the ranger stations around the island aren’t very useful for solo trekkers.

    reviewed

  25. Oodie's Place

    Local musician Oodie runs a nicely diverse operation with excellent French food, tasty Thai specialities and live music from 10pm. After all these years, it is still beloved by expats.

    reviewed

  26. Scuba Evolution

    This new business has three offices: Hat Sai Khao, Hat Kaibae and Hat Tha Nam. The instructors come highly recommended.

    reviewed

  27. BW Cafe

    Tucked off the road in the middle of Hat Sai Khao. Fresh baked goods and a nice happy hour from 6pm to 9pm.

    reviewed