Rural folks are always enticed by the bright lights of a big city. In the same way that nature, and all things related, works its magic for urban people. Bangkok is on a location which can be near to various places known for their natural riches. This opens a vast opportunity for its huge population to spend more time amongst nature. Some are reachable within 2-hour drive from the city, making them more familiar and thus, monotonous to the frequent visitor. But then, there are plenty of other places farther ahead that are often overlooked, waiting to be discovered…

Located in the eastern part of Thailand, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) is close to the border of Cambodia. Around 85 percent of Koh Chang (Ko Chang), along with 50 smaller islands, is part of the Koh Chang (Ko Chang) Marine National Park. Clear waters of various blue shades surround the island while a terrain of high peaks and steep cliffs provide magnificent scenic points.

In a matter of years, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has undergone a huge change. Back then, only the simplest accommodation was offered. But now, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) is a boom town where the range has extended from economically priced bungalows to luxury resorts. To maintain the landscape of Koh Chang (Ko Chang) as unspoiled possible, a law has been enforced to limit the height of buildings on the island at 3 storeys. Water treatment system is required for new construction projects whereas island residents are discouraged for cutting down trees.

In 2003, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) was able to get a special status that meant less bureaucratic management while the government would finance infrastructure like waste water treatment facilities, garbage treatment sites and piers. While it is a place that faces more rapid growth, the community tries its best to maintain an ecologically sound environment.

Majority of the resorts in Koh Chang (Ko Chang) are thatched roof bungalows sitting on spacious land and long beaches. At the same time, plush hotels and resorts providing luxury services with modern architecture and amenities are fast becoming more numerous.

The beaches of Koh Chang (Ko Chang) are like characters from a fiction story which have their own trait. The most notable, White Sand Beach, is where most people get together. Restaurants, resorts, bars and pubs scatter the area making it the place to go to for nighttime entertainment. Klong Prao Beach (Had Khlong Prao) is distinct because of its more serene environment. Good for those who seek a calm and quiet vacation. The most popular area for those on a tight budget is Kai Bae Beach. Many backpacker-type accommodation are strewn on the area, but are nevertheless of good quality.

Fishing villages, such as Bang Bao and Salak Phet, incorporate visitors into their daily scene. Homes are built on stilts that sit on the waters and the village itself has a pier that serves as a gateway to satellite islands. Accommodation and small restaurants along the water take effort to blend in smoothly with the local lifestyle.

While the western side of the island has undergone a transformation, the eastern side prefers to retain its traditional face, wherein fruit trees and orchard plantation are generally seen.

In order to get around the island, there are pick up trucks called songtaew that have drop off points on the sole main road. Motorbikes and cars are also available for rent for those who would opt to get on the wheel by themselves.

A wide variety of activities are available on the island. A boat trip to smaller satellite islands of the national park is the most common way of spending free time. The beach is only one of the many places to take a dip into. Trek into the interior of the island, and take a plunge in the cool waterfalls. Aside from getting a tan and a massage, a tattoo is just one of the several things that you can take home with you as a souvenir of your vacation.

Koh-Chang Marine National Park

occupies an area of 650 sq. kilometers and is comprised of 47 islands, the largest and most popular of which is Koh Chang (literally means Elephant Island). Other of the more well-known islands include Koh Khlum, Koh Ngam, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Rung, Koh Chang Noi, Koh Mun Nok-Mun Nai, Koh Wai, Koh Phrao, Koh Kood, Koh Maak, and Koh Kradad.

Koh-Chang is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 sq. kilometers, Koh Chang's landscape is mainly mountains, cliffs, bays, coves and beaches. The Salak Petch Peak (744 meters) is the highest mountain. Koh Chang is blessed with fertile virgin forests, many waterfalls, pristine beaches and clear blue sea. Off its coasts it boasts of a spectrum of colourful corals, healthy marine lifes, and idyllic islands.

Koh-Chang is one of the least discovered islands in Thailand despite its size, mainly because it is situated within a protected marine national park. The successes of other more developed destinations in Thailand helped overshadow the potential of Koh Chang and protected it from aggressive exploitation of its natural wonders. However, recently Koh Chang has attracted tremendous attention and is now set to be another newly discovered resort destination that is rich in natural tourism resources and virtually unpolluted, yet! Plans are underway to open its door to more visitors without destroying its resources.

The treasures of Koh Chang, its secluded beaches and the hidden coves that some called the "Gorgeous Tropical Paradise" will no longer be a secret soon. So come now and discover it first!