Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ate here and the primary pasttime is sunbathing by the pool, as high tide gobbles up much
of the beach.
With hired transport, you can head in to the interior of the island for some waterfall-
spotting. The island's biggest is
Nam Tok Khlong Plu
, a three-tiered cascade with a swim-
mable pool. It is reached via a 600m jungle path and is most stunning just after the rainy
season months. Best viewed in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Hat Kaibae
A companion beach to Khlong Prao, Hat Kaibae is a good spot for families and thirty-
something couples. A slim strip of sand unfurls around an island-dotted bay far enough
removed from the package tour scene that you'll feel self-righteously independent.
There's kayaking to the outlying island and low tide provides hours of beachcombing.
BEACH
Lonely Beach
There's nothing very lonely about this beach anymore, especially not in high season. Ko
Chang's backpacker enclave is the most social place on the island come nightfall, when
the music is loud, the drinks strong and the young crowd have shaken off the previous
night's hangovers. The beach itself is a bit scruffy, but still a decent strip of sand.
BEACH
Tree Top Adventure Park
(
www.treetopadventurepark.com
; Bailan Bay; admission 1100B; 9am-5pm)
Swing through the jungle
like Tarzan, walk rope bridges, or ride the zip lines, flying skateboards and carpets at this
popular attraction. Close to Bailan Bay, it's a three-hour adventure, and the price includes
transport there and back. All tour agencies around Ko Chang can book it.
PARK
Ban Bang Bao
A former fishing community built in the traditional fashion of interconnected piers, the
villagers of Bang Bao have swapped their nets for renting out portions of their homes to
souvenir shops and restaurants. Most visitors come for the excellent seafood and a bit of
shopping.
While Bang Bao isn't a very traditional experience, the commercialisation of Bang
Bao has been done the Thai way. It's much like a mainland market, with every possible
space dedicated to selling something. Follow the pier all the way to the end, though, and
you'll find a big blue ocean and boats waiting to take you past the horizon. There are
VILLAGE
