Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NATIONAL PARK STATUS
Some areas of Ko Chang are protected and maintained as part of the Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park. Conser-
vation efforts are a bit haphazard, but 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.
Be aware also 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 and Ko Wai.
Courses
Break up your lazy days with classes designed to enhance mind and body. Khlong Prao
hosts a well-regarded culinary school. Classes are typically four to five hours, include a
market tour and cost 1200B per person; book ahead.
Koh Chang Thai Cookery School
( 0 3955 7243; Blue Lagoon Bungalows, Khlong Prao)
Slices, dices and sautées in a shady open-air
kitchen beside the estuary.
COOKING
Sleeping
Ko Chang's package-tour industry has distorted accommodation pricing. In general, rates
have risen while quality has not, partly because hotels catering to group tours are guaran-
teed occupancy and don't have to maintain standards to woo repeat visitors or walk-ins.
There is also a lot of copy-cat pricing giving value-oriented visitors little to choose from.
A few places close down during the wet season (April to October) and rates drop pre-
cipitously. Consider booking ahead and shopping for online discounts during peak season
(November to March), weekends and holidays.
On the west coast, Lonely Beach is still the best budget option, Hat Kai Bae is the best-
value option and Hat Sai Khao is the most overpriced; you will also find accommodation
on the east coast at Ao Salak Kok and Ao Dan Kao.
