Despite being a relatively undiscovered tropical paradise, Koh Chang (or Elephant Island) has a lot to offer visitors. This little-known destination is surrounded by stunning beaches, aquamarine bays, and friendly locals.
One of the best things to do in Koh Chang is to watch a sunset on the beach. You can do this at Kai Bae Viewpoint, Chai Chet Cape, or at any of the other beaches on the island.
Salakok Fishing Village
In the southeastern corner of Ko Chang, Salakok Fishing Village is a sleepy community that is full of stilt houses and fishing boats. It's also a great place to trek and explore the jungle.
The village has been developed with responsible tourism in mind, helping to protect the local environment and promote a more authentic experience for tourists. The villagers have formed a cooperative to work together on various projects, including protecting the mangrove forests in the area.
You can rent kayaks at the Salakok Kayak Station and paddle through the canals in the mangrove forest out into the bay. This is a project run by the local community and was awarded an Ecotourism award from the Thai Tourist Authority in 2007.
Wat Salak Petch
A local village in the south of Ko Chang, Salak Petch has a few guesthouses and homestays. It's a lovely place to stay with great views of the sea.
It's also a good base to explore the island. This is particularly true if you want to visit the island's best waterfall, Klong Plu.
You'll find it by following a small road into the island's interior and then a charming riverside path.
A little drive ahead is a mangrove forest, which has been turned into a tourist attraction by the construction of a walkway over the area. This is a great place to take pictures, especially during the daytime.
Waterfalls
Ko Chang is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. These are found deep in the jungle, surrounded by wildlife, and provide a unique experience that few visitors can enjoy.
The best time to visit a waterfall on Ko Chang is during the dry season. This is from October to late December, when the rains have stopped.
The most well known is Klong Plu Waterfall, which is located between Perl Beach and Ban Khlong Prao village on the west coast of Koh Chang. The waterfall is 20 meters high, and creates a refreshing pool for a swim.
Island Tours
Island Tours are the perfect way to discover Ko Chang. They offer an array of activities from snorkeling to scuba diving and more.
With a stunning national park, sweeping beaches and friendly locals, Ko Chang is one of the most underrated islands in Thailand, which makes it a great place to get away from it all. The island is not as touristy as Phuket and Koh Samui, which means you can get a real feel for the place without all the crowds and noise.
You’ll find plenty of small tours around waterfalls and to the two tallest peaks on Koh Chang: JomPrasat in the northwest (630m) and Salak Phet in the south (744m). Trekking is easy for all fitness levels, but you can also hire a guide to show you the best spots.
Cooking Classes
If you love Thai food then a cooking class is the perfect way to spend a day away from the beach. You'll get a chance to learn some basic techniques and make several popular dishes such as Tom Yam Gung, Pad Thai or Green Curry in this hands-on activity.
The classes at Koh Chang cooking schools are not only a great way to learn about the local culture, they are also a lot of fun. There's a great atmosphere in all of the classes and you'll likely meet new friends from around the world.
