Mu Ko Chang National Park

Mu Ko Chang National Park is a collection of over 40 large and small islands. The island chain is situated in the Gulf of Thailand approximately 8 km. from the coast of Trat province. The main island Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand after Phuket and Samui and measures nearly 30km long and almost 14 km wide. The other main islands in the group are; Ko Chang Noi, Ko Khlum, Ko Wai, Ko Lao Ya, Ko Mai Si and Ko Rang. The park received status as a national park on 31st December 1982 to become the 45th national park in Thailand. The park covers a total area of 650 km. 2 of which about 458 km. 2 or 70 % is marine.

Mu Ko Chang National Park is located in the southeastern region of Thailand close to the border with Cambodia. The island runs parallel to the coast and appears very mountainous from the shore due to the mountain ridge which runs the length of the island. The ridge is composed of several summits the tallest of which are Khao Lan, Khao Chom Prasat, Khao Khlong Mayom, Khao Salak Phet and Khao Yai, which is the highest peak reaching 743m above sea level. The rock of the island is mainly Granitic and dates from approximately around 200 million years ago. The geology produces a very mountainous island, but with rounded slopes rather than sheer cliffs.

The island of Ko Chang has many streams and rivers which are fed by the rainfall collected on the mountainous slopes of the island. Due to the great amount of rainfall here these streams are very clean and supply water all year round. The principle streams on the island are Khlong Son, Khlong Mayom, Khlong Khangkhao, Khlong Bang Bao, Khlong Phrao, Khlong Nonsi and Khlong Chaiyachet. This mix of mountains and streams produces some very beautiful waterfalls the most notable of which are Than Mayom, Khlong Phlu, Khlong Nonsi, Khiri Phet and Khlong Nung Waterfalls.

Sai Yao Beach

Had Sai Yao or Sai Yao Beach is located on the southern part of Ko Chang near Ao Salak Petch. This beach is suitable for water sport. from here, visitors can walk to a viewpoint to see the location of memorable Ko Chang war zone as well as panoramic view of nearby islands such as Ko Laoya, Ao Salak Petch and Ko Wai.

The history of Ko Chang war zone was summarized : Many years ago in Salak Phet bay at the southern end of Ko Chang island a border confrontation occured between Thai and French forces, which was a small episode in the long running Indochinese war. The battle took place on 17th January 1941, between three Thai warships the Songkhla, Chonburi and Thonburi and seven French cruisers. The French ships had entered Thai waters and were met by the Thai warships. In the ensuing battle the French ships were repulsed, but in the process the Royal Thai Navy ships, Songkhla and Chonburi sank, with the loss of many men. Every year on the anniversary of the battle the Royal Thai Navy return to the spot where the ships sank to commemorate the battle and the sailors who took part in the engagement.

Than Mayom waterfalls

Than Mayom waterfalls where many kings and members of royal family used to visit as the name shown on the cliff of the waterfall such as Phra Chula Chomklao Chaoyuhua, the King Rama V (1876), Phra Monggutklao Chaoyuhua, the King Rama IV (1922), Phra Pokklao Chaoyuhua, the King Rama VII (1927), Queen of Rama Vll (1973). There's a military sector in the south of Ko Chang.

Diving

The best place for diving is in Ko Kra-Ko Rang, which located in the south of the national park. You can also go diving at Ko Wai, Ko Lao Khlang-Lao Nok and Ko Khlum.

Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae Beach, this beach is at the southern end of Khlong Phrao bay, and is a safe beach for bathing.

Khirii Petch Waterfall

Khiri Petch waterfall is in the south of Ko Chang near Ban Sa Lak Petch.

Khlong Nueng Waterfall

Khlong Nueng waterfall is near Khiri Petch waterfall.

Khlong Phlu WaterFall

Khlong Phlu Waterfall is 3 kilometres from Khlong Phrao Bay community. You have to walk to the waterfall, which takes 20 minutes. The water area is 500 metres far from Khlong Phlu Ranger Station.

Khlong Phrao-Laem Chaiyachet Beach

Khlong Phrao-Laem Chaiyachet Beach is in the west of Ko Chang. It's long beach connected with Had Kai Bae. This is the place where you can enjoy swimming. Khlong Phrao bay is next to Had Khlong Phrao-Laem Chaiyachet. It's the place with a beautiful sight of view but too danger to swim here.

Lao Ya Island

Lao Ya Island, this island takes about 2hours to reach from the ferry terminal at Laem Ngop on the mainland. The island has several resorts situated on beautiful beaches with clear water and some good coral reefs.

Non Si WaterFall

Non Si waterfall is in the northeast of Ko Chang near Ban Mai.

Rang Island

Rang Island, this island is situated about 18 kms south of the main island. There are no facilities here but it is a good site for camping out. The island is also home to the Edible nest Swiflet, the nests being collected annually.

Wai Island

Wai Island, another popular island situated just to the south of Lao Ya Island and is reached by the same ferry. The island has accomodation, instead of large beaches the coast is mainly rocky. The main attraction is the beautiful coral reefs which occur just offshore. Some of the best and largest coral structures in the area are located here.