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Ko Chang

With steep, jungle-covered peaks, picturesque Ko Chang (Elephant Island; เกาะช้าง) retains its remote and rugged spirit – despite the transformation of parts of it into a package-tour destination. Sweeping bays are sprinkled along the west coast; some have superfine sand, others have pebbles. What the island lacks in sand it makes up for in an unlikely combination: accessible wilderness with a thriving party scene.

Because of its relative remoteness, Ko Chang has only been on the tourist radar for the last 20 years or so. Today, it's still a slog to get here, but its resorts are busy with package tourists, Cambodia-bound backpackers and island-hopping couples funnelling through to more remote islands in the marine park. Along the populous west coast are sprawling mini-towns that have outpaced the island’s infrastructure. For a taste of old-school Chang, head to the southeastern villages and mangrove forests of Ban Salak Phet and Ban Salak Kok.

Explore Ko Chang

B
Ban Bang Bao
At this former fishing community built in the traditional fashion of interconnected piers, the villagers have swapped their nets for renting out portions…
B
Ban Salak Phet
To discover what Ko Chang was like before tourists came, visit Ban Salak Phet, in the far southeastern corner. This sleepy community is full of stilt…
H
Hat Khlong Kloi
At the eastern end of Ao Bang Bao, Khlong Kloi is a pretty sandy beach that is away from the package tour scene and, though popular, still has a hidden…
Lonely Beach
The last thing you'll be here is lonely, as this is Ko Chang's backpacker enclave and the liveliest place to be after dark – until at least 5am. Here,…
A
Ao Salak Kok
The dense tangle of mangroves here is protected by a group of fisherfolk who recognises its ecological importance. Mangroves are the ocean’s nurseries,…
M
Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park
This land and marine national park covers the entire archipelago and protects much of the central part of the island. Conservation efforts are a bit…
A
Ao Khlong Prao
Khlong Prao’s beach is a pretty sweep of sand pinned between hulking mountainous headlands and bisected by two estuaries. At low tide, beachcombers stroll…
H
Hat Kaibae
A companion beach to Khlong Prao, Hat Kaibae is a good spot for families and 30-something couples. A slim strip of sand unfurls around an island-dotted…
N
Nam Tok Khlong Plu
The island's biggest and most impressive waterfall, this is a three-tiered cascade with a pool where you can swim (with fish). It's easily accessible from…

B
Ban Bang Bao
At this former fishing community built in the traditional fashion of interconnected piers, the villagers have swapped their nets for renting out portions…
B
Ban Salak Phet
To discover what Ko Chang was like before tourists came, visit Ban Salak Phet, in the far southeastern corner. This sleepy community is full of stilt…
H
Hat Khlong Kloi
At the eastern end of Ao Bang Bao, Khlong Kloi is a pretty sandy beach that is away from the package tour scene and, though popular, still has a hidden…
Lonely Beach
The last thing you'll be here is lonely, as this is Ko Chang's backpacker enclave and the liveliest place to be after dark – until at least 5am. Here,…
A
Ao Salak Kok
The dense tangle of mangroves here is protected by a group of fisherfolk who recognises its ecological importance. Mangroves are the ocean’s nurseries,…
M
Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park
This land and marine national park covers the entire archipelago and protects much of the central part of the island. Conservation efforts are a bit…
A
Ao Khlong Prao
Khlong Prao’s beach is a pretty sweep of sand pinned between hulking mountainous headlands and bisected by two estuaries. At low tide, beachcombers stroll…
H
Hat Kaibae
A companion beach to Khlong Prao, Hat Kaibae is a good spot for families and 30-something couples. A slim strip of sand unfurls around an island-dotted…
N
Nam Tok Khlong Plu
The island's biggest and most impressive waterfall, this is a three-tiered cascade with a pool where you can swim (with fish). It's easily accessible from…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ko Chang.

See
Ban Bang Bao
At this former fishing community built in the traditional fashion of interconnected piers, the villagers have swapped their nets for renting out portions…
See
Ban Salak Phet
To discover what Ko Chang was like before tourists came, visit Ban Salak Phet, in the far southeastern corner. This sleepy community is full of stilt…
See
Hat Khlong Kloi
At the eastern end of Ao Bang Bao, Khlong Kloi is a pretty sandy beach that is away from the package tour scene and, though popular, still has a hidden…
See
Lonely Beach
The last thing you'll be here is lonely, as this is Ko Chang's backpacker enclave and the liveliest place to be after dark – until at least 5am. Here,…
See
Ao Salak Kok
The dense tangle of mangroves here is protected by a group of fisherfolk who recognises its ecological importance. Mangroves are the ocean’s nurseries,…
See
Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park
This land and marine national park covers the entire archipelago and protects much of the central part of the island. Conservation efforts are a bit…
See
Ao Khlong Prao
Khlong Prao’s beach is a pretty sweep of sand pinned between hulking mountainous headlands and bisected by two estuaries. At low tide, beachcombers stroll…
See
Hat Kaibae
A companion beach to Khlong Prao, Hat Kaibae is a good spot for families and 30-something couples. A slim strip of sand unfurls around an island-dotted…
See
Nam Tok Khlong Plu
The island's biggest and most impressive waterfall, this is a three-tiered cascade with a pool where you can swim (with fish). It's easily accessible from…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Ko Chang

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