Koh Chang

Koh Chang (Thai: เกาะช้าง) is an amphoe (district) in Trat Province, Thailand. It is on the Gulf of Thailand's eastern seaboard, 310 km from Bangkok, near the border with Cambodia.

"Elephant Island" is a great luxuriant island in the center of a marine park, still protected until a few years ago. In 2002, prime minister Taksin allowed the implantation  of tourism infrastructures, thus leaving a clear field to property developers: owing to the fact that it was listed as a protected park, the island should have escaped such fate ! The coastal road has been completely tarred and buildings sprung like mushrooms.
If the west coast beaches are the most  concerned by the hotel trade infrastructures, some others have still managed to keep their  beauty, like Klong Phrao, Kai Bae and Ta Nam. More South, Ao Bang Bao even remained quite unspoiled.

History

Prior to World War II, Ko Chang was little known. During this period, the few families there made a living growing coconuts and fruit.

During World War II, when Thailand was occupied by Japanese forces, Ko Chang was the scene of the 1941 Battle of Ko Chang between the Royal Thai Navy and a Vichy French naval squadron, in which the French won a decisive victory.

Tourism attractions

The hilly nature of the island provides it with a number of popular waterfalls, including Klong Plu (น้ำตกคลองพลู). It is the only one on the west side of the island, and has an entrance three kilometres from Ao Khlong Phrao. Waterfalls on the east side of the island include Klong Nonsi, Klong Nueng, Khiri Petch which is about three kilometres from Salak Petch village, the five waterfalls of Kongoi near Bang Bao, and the Thanmayom waterfall near Thanmayom pier.

Ban Salak Phet village has a temple, Wat Salak Phet, built in the reign of King Rama V on his visit to the island. The original temple is now used as a museum commemorating the king's visits to the area. A new temple was completed nearby in 2014.

Bays include Ao Salak Phet, the largest on the island, and Ao Bai Lan (Thai: อ่าวใบลาน).

Ko Chang's beaches include Hat Kai Bae (Thai: หาดไก่แบ้) beach, and Hat Khlong Phrao-Laem Chaiyachet (Thai: หาดคลองพร้าว-แหลมไชยเชษฐ์) beach. By far the busiest is the first beach visitors reach when they arrive on the island, White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Kao). Backpackers will opt to head a couple of kilometres south of Kai Bae Beach to Lonely Beach, which is known for cheap accommodation and almost nightly parties in high season. A quieter alternative is Klong Kloi Beach on the south coast of Ko Chang. This was deserted until 2006 but is now home to a community of beach bars, restaurants, and accommodation.

Source https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko_Chang_District