Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Although Thailand's second-largest island has accelerated into the modern world with
some understandable growing pains, Ko Chang still has tropically hued seas, critter-filled
jungles and a variety of water sports for athletic beach bums.
West Coast
The west coast has the island's widest and sandiest beaches and the greatest amount of de-
velopment. Frequent public
sŏrng·tăa·ou
make beach-hopping easy and affordable. It is a
good idea to bring swim shoes, especially for children, as many of the beaches are rocky in
spots. These shallow, gentle seas are great for inexperienced swimmers, but be careful of
riptides during storms and the rainy season (May to September).
Hat Sai Khao
(White Sand Beach)
The longest, most luxurious stretch of sand on the island is packed with
package-tour hotels and serious sunbathers. Finding a towel's-worth of sand can be tough
during the high season; try the more low-key backpacker area in the far northern section of
the beach. Along the main road, the village is busy and brash - but comes with all the ne-
cessary amenities.
BEACH
Hat Kai Mook
(Pearl Beach)
The pearls here are large pebbles that pack the shore and culminate in fish-
friendly headlands. Swimming and sunbathing are out but there's good snorkelling.
BEACH
GETTING TO CAMBODIA: HAT LEK TO KRONG KOH KONG
Getting to the border
From Trat, the closest Thai-Cambodia crossing is from Hat Lek to the Cambodian town of
Krong Koh Kong. Minivans run to Hat Lek hourly 5am to 6pm (120B, 1½ hours) from Trat's bus station.
At the border
This is the most expensive place to cross into Cambodia from Thailand. Visas are a steep 1500B
(they are US$20 at other crossings) and payment is only accepted in baht. You'll need a passport photo, too. Avoid
anyone who says you require a 'medical certificate' or other paperwork. The border closes at 8pm.
Moving on
Take a taxi (US$10) or moto (US$3) to Koh Kong where you can catch onward transport to Sihanouk-
ville (four hours, one or two departures per day) and Phonm Penh (five hours, two or three departures until
11.30am).
Thai visas can be renewed here, but note that the visas issued at land borders have been shortened to 15 days.
