Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 845

It is mainly the western coast that has been developed for tourism. In the northwest is
Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) , by far the biggest, busiest and brashest beach. Further
south is Ao Khlong Prao , an upmarket outpost. The backpacker fave is Lonely Beach , which
is lonely no more, especially at night. An old-fashioned fishing community is settled
around Ban Bang Bao . The east coast is largely undeveloped, with only a few low-key
spots, like Hat Yao (Long Beach) .
Ko Chang's mountainous interior is predominantly protected as a national park. The
forest is lush, alive with wildlife and threaded by silver-hued waterfalls. This area is home
to Ban Kwan Chang ( 08 1919 3995; [e-mail] ;

8am-5pm) , the best of the is-

land's three elephant camps.

NATIONAL PARK ADMISSION FEE

Parts of Ko Chang are protected and maintained as a national park and you will be required to pay a
200B park entrance fee when visiting some of the waterfalls (entrance fees are stated in the reviews
and payable at the site). National Park headquarters ( 0 3955 5080; Ban Than Mayom;
8am-5pm) is on the eastern side of the island near Nam Tok Than Mayom.
Do also be aware that nudity and topless sunbathing are forbidden by law in Mu Ko Chang National
Marine Park; this includes all beaches on Ko Chang, Ko Kut, Ko Mak etc.

Activities
The dive sites near Ko Chang offer a variety of coral, fish and beginner-friendly shallow
waters on par with other Gulf of Thailand dive sites. The most pristine diving in the area
is around Ko Rang, an uninhabited island protected from fishing by its marine park status.
It is reached by boat from Ko Chang.
Diving trips typically cost around 2800B to 3500B. PADI Open Water certification
costs 14,500B per person. In recent years, dive shops have remained open during the rainy
season (June to September) but visibility and sea conditions can be poor. Recommended
dive operators include BB Divers ( 0 3955 8040; www.bbdivers.com ) and Lonely Beach Divers (
08 0619 0704; www.lonelybeachdivers.com ) .

KayakChang
( 0 3955 2000; www.kayakchang.com ; Amari Emerald Cove Resort, Khlong Prao) KayakChang
rents high-end, closed-top kayaks (from 1000B per day) that handle better and travel

KAYAKING