Ko Chang National Park: a little explored paradise in Thailand

A few miles from the place where the waters of the Gulf of Thailand pass from the hands of the country to Cambodia, exist an archipelago of 52 islands that, until about 20 years ago, went unnoticed by the hordes of tourists in search of the paradisiac beaches of Southeast Asia . Inaugurated in 1982, the Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park was discovered by travelers around the same time as it gained access to electricity, but many parts of its islands remain untouched or still retain that face of fishermen's village lost in time.

Protected by the rules of preservation of the park, the group of islands spread over a region of 650 square kilometers and are home to more than 70 species of birds and 40 species of other animals, such as turtles, monkeys, deer and snakes. , It is clear from dozens of coral reefs and aquatic animals that make the place an attractive destination for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The diversity of marine life, in fact, makes Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park one of the best places for water sports in Thailand. Among the divers favorites are the west coast of Ko Chang, near Bang Bao beach, and smaller islands like Ko Wai, Ko Rang, Ko Yao and Ko Klang. There is also the possibility of sinking between ships wrecked during a naval battle that happened there in 1941.

Those who prefer snorkeling need to hire a boat that takes us to the reefs. As this activity is more popular among tourists, groups usually go to the same place at the same time, resulting in a tumultuous and massive experience. A more exclusive - and more expensive - option is to hire a private guide with a small group and thus avoid the peak times and the most shady places.

Cities and islands of Ko Chang National Park

Ko Chang is the largest island in the archipelago and the most popular destination within the park, followed by Ko Kood - wilder and remote - and Ko Mak, quieter and more relaxed than the older sister. There are even smaller islands such as Ko Wai, Ko Rang, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Klang, some of them totally free of human presence. Ko Kood and Ko Mak are not protected by the reservation and this could be developed for the tourist sector with the presence of resorts and restaurants. Only 80% of Ko Chang is part of the environmental protection areas, which excludes all beaches on the west coast of the island.

So the best way to explore the natural wonders of the park is by using one of the three largest islands as your base and buying tours with local agencies. Ko Chang is generally the best option for offering more variety of accommodation, infrastructure, transportation to other islands and agencies. An alternative is to spend a few nights in each of them and enjoy the best they have to offer.

Ko Chang

Considered the capital of the archipelago, Ko Chang has some villages that are formed along its main beaches, always on the west coast of the island, which is outside the environmental protection zone. Lonely Beach is the hottest beach, with every day partying and a lot of young backpackers occupying the bars and bungalows of the city. There are also several travel agencies that organize excursions on and off the island. In addition to the water activities, another great attraction is the walks in the ecological reserve. As 80% of the island is under environmental protection, what is not lacking is tropical nature to explore. Also visit the fishing villages, which still preserve the old way of life.

The city has taxis (a truck carrying passengers sitting behind) between the villages, but in general the locomotion is somewhat limited and, therefore, people usually rent a motorcycle to explore the island.

Ko Mak

Ko Mak is 20 km south of Ko Chang and is quieter, thin and elegant. The beaches are also usually empty and there are few lodging options there, as well as restaurants and tourist agencies. Recommended to anyone who just wants a piece of beach to call their own for a few days or just like a kick back from Ko Chang.

Ko Kood

Ko Kood is the second largest island in the Ko Chang archipelago. This island is also much less partying than Ko Chang, but it seemed to me wilder and stopped in time than Ko Mak. There are also fishing villages here where it is not uncommon to listen to Vietnamese instead of Thai - because of the proximity of the border. One of the major local attractions is the Klong Chao Waterfall, whose fall forms a natural pool amidst the rainforest scenery.

Ko Chang agencies also organize day trips and diving trips in Ko Kood. So it is not necessary to stay on the island if you do not want to. Ko Kood, however, also boasts some good lodging options, including beachfront resorts priced well.