Dave
Jess
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The Island
Koh Chang is one of Thailand's most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches and clear blue seas. Koh Chang is situated to the east of Thailand in the province of Trat, Koh Chang resides on the Cambodian border. It is one of the larger Thai islands, second only in size to Phuket. Although large in size Koh Chang is still not as developed as other islands, there isn't a McDonalds in sight (thank god).
As well as beautiful beaches Koh Chang contains high mountains, forests, snorkelling reefs and waterfalls. A large part of the island is actually national park land.
The name Koh Chang means Elephant Island, named for the elephant shape of its headland. There are plenty of elephant sanctuaries on the island where elephant trekking and swimming with elephants can be done.
December climate is hot and dry. Daily average temperatures sit at 30 degrees celius.
Accommodation on the island ranges from simple beach huts and bungalows to luxury villas, suites and apartments. If you drive, you can hire motorbikes, jeeps and cars to take you to any of the beaches along the coastal roads and, in the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, live music bars and nightclubs to choose from.
Koh Chang
Things to do
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Elephant trekking - There are several elephant sancturies on the island where you can not only trek through the rainforest but bath with them also. Last time we went we had a baby elephant join us in a restuarant, just wondered in, nothing unusual.
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Waterfalls - There are a series of scenic waterfalls across the island with plunge pools en route to cool yourself off after the trek to the falls.
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Diving - Koh Chang sports a wealth of beautiful reefs with crystal clear waters ideal for diving. They even have an old ship wreck for you to explore.
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Kayaking - You can explore the beautiful coastline by canoe and even kayak out to nearby uninhabited islands. Alternatively kayak amonst the mangroves along the river, in the evening you can watch the glowing fireflies and sometimes you can even spot an elephant swimming.
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Rent a speed boat - enjoy the sea breeze and go to some beautiful uninhabited islands.
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Sea Fishing - squid fishing is a popular activity and can be done day on night.
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Bang Bao Fishing Village - a beautiful fishing village built on a jetty going out to sea. Bang Bao has a range of shops and restuarants for a fun day out.
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Night Markets - White Sand Beach sports a daily night food market - nom, nom, nom. Are you brave enough to try some Thai delicacies?
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Thai boxing match - watch Muay Thai fighting
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Visit other islands that lie to the south of Ko Chang - Ko Kood, Ko Maak and Ko Wai are all close by islands. If it's peace and solitude and the chance to dive or snorkel in and amongst some of Asia's most stunning coral reefs, then the outer islands is where you should head for.
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Thai Cookery Lessons - If you love cooking, perhaps you fancy adding a few of your favourite Thai dishes on to your cooking repertoire. A chance to get a better understanding of the ingredients used in Thai food and how to cook it is available on Koh Chang
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Yoga and relaxation - another great thing to do on Koh Chang is take a yoga class or get a spa treatment. You can take yoga classes on the beach, in special yoga centers, or even do hot yoga in large classes. For spa treatments on Koh Chang, you have a choice of high-end luxury hotels spas, a foot massage on the beach and tons more in between.