What to Do in Koh Chang
The beauty of this island lies within the fact that it offers something for everyone, with the recreational opportunities suitably enhanced by the diverse landscape and surrounding ocean. The well-preserved beaches and mountainous interior make adventurous pursuits plentiful and within easy reach.
The east coast is home to some enchanting waterfalls while the Mu Ko Chang National Park that comprises parts of Koh Chang and other islands can be easily reached by boat. Nicknamed 'Elephant Island', it is somewhat obligatory for dwellers to trek and tend to an elephant for the day, which includes feeding and bathing the gentle giants.
Scuba Diving
Some of the world's most exquisite coral and exotic marine life exists in the sea adjoining Koh Chang; experts believe that visibility can be up to 65 meters on a calm day. Bang Boa is considered to be the most popular dive hopping port, although boats can be taken from most beaches.
It takes on averages between 60-90 minutes to reach areas of interest such as Hin Luk Bat, Hin Rap, Koh Wai, Koh Gra and Hin Kadung, some of the most impressive diving hot-spots within reach of the island. The profusion of marine life is a match for the rugged beauty and smooth shores of the mainland.
Elephant Trekking
For some Indiana Jones-style adventure, elephant trekking wont fail to disappoint. 'Chang', meaning elephant, is a comment on the shape of the island rather than the none-ingenious animals that were in fact only relatively recently brought here. Regardless, this is a unique experience.
Consisting of two planned routes, one trek takes you through a rubber plantation and into a pomelo orchard, while the other longer route takes trekkers into an in-land valley and up to the north of the island where you can bathe the elephants in the water of the Nag Yom Waterfall. Treks can be easily arranged through resorts and island tour shops.
Boat Trips
Privately planned boat trips and group boating tours are easily arranged from the island. Whether you take off on your own or join a planned group, all visitors should venture out to neighboring islands and soak up the surrounding sights from the viewpoint of the open sea.
Evening and day trips include various island and snorkeling stops, and often dinner or lunch is served on the boat or on a secluded island under a night sky littered with stars. Tours range from five-star catamaran trips to equally charming tail and speedboat trips.
Spas
The sensory delights available on the island vary from the five-star Anna Resort and Spa to an al fresco massage on the beach. The ancient art of aromatherapy and massage have become somewhat synonymous with Thai lifestyle, especially for year-round visitors who are eager to lap up the array of healing and mood enhancing pleasures.
These techniques can now be taught as well as received in most tourist destinations and Thai cities. Try a good body scrub before you head down to the beach, or a traditional Thai massage after a day of trekking across the island. This will surely be an asset to your mood the following morning.
