as soon as the ferry from Trat province arrived at Koh Chang, my first reaction was to look for an elephant. Surely, at least a couple of them must live on the island – after all, it was named after the four-legged creature. Koh Chang, which means Elephant Island because of its elephant-like shape, is the second-largest island in Thailand after Phuket on the eastern border.
However, unlike its southern counterpart, which underwent a tourism boom decades ago resulting in the mushrooming of lavish resorts and luxury serviced apartments, Koh Chang's development and status as an up-and-coming tourist hot spot will be different from the other major islands across Thailand. To maintain Koh Chang's natural landscape, 70 per cent of which is untouched rainforest, the government implemented a policy to ensure that developers do not construct projects more than three storeys high. I was able to spot several elephants at one of the island's many elephant camps tucking into a bunch of bananas, while others were providing excited visitors with a scenic tour of the forest."Some of these elephants were bought from Prae province and there are others that also came from Burma," says one of the keepers."We felt sorry for them as they were being overworked by loggers, so we bought them. To be so close to nature and not being overworked, they're much happier here in Koh Chang." And the elephants' voracious appetite definitely proves that. They are more than happy to make this island, redolent with plush greenery, their home. )It takes approximately four hours to drive from Bangkok to Koh Chang. Once you arrive in Trat province follow the signs to the respective piers for passenger and car ferries. Cars can cross over from either the Centrepoint or Thammachart piers – the latter being the quickest way to reach the island, taking just 20 minutes.
Deep inside the mountainous and densely forested island, lie a few resorts that are officially "up to the mark". Past the odd 7-Eleven, snooker bar and ATM machine in White Sand beach, the island's growing town centre, the Dewa Koh Chang resort is definitely a lucky find.
Spread across the coastline at KlongPrao beach, the four-star Dewa Koh Chang resort incorporates natural material such as thatched roofs with modem polished concrete; its subtle earthy tones enhancing the resort's overall rustic chic feel. Some of the more unique rooms are the cylindrical grand beachfront villas, the designs of which are reminiscent of Balinese-style homes, ideal for families with children.For sun worshippers, there's nothing more seductive than the hotel's black swimming pool, which provided me with the most therapeutic pool experience, similar to the feeling of swimming in a vertiginous lagoon.Koh Chang is perhaps the only place in Thailand that has something for both lovers of inland nature and the sea. Spend the day on Koh Chang exploring the beaches of White Sand, KlongPrao and Kai Sae or visit attractions such as temples and waterfalls.With unriv exotic IWOStart your day early with a hearty breakfast and visit one of the best-known waterfalls on the island. The KlongPlu Waterfall, which is a good 20-minute hike down a nature trail, takes tourists past natural vegetation and wildlife. The waterfall cascades down three levels, but admiring the spectacular view from the ground is enough to make the 500 metre hike worthwhile.There is even something for armchair tourists – well something very close – who can admire the island's natural beauty on the back of an elephant. The trip will take you into the tropical rainforest, past pomelo orchards and the secluded Wang Nam Kiew Waterfall. Experienced mahouts are also on hand to give you a few tips on how to handle these magnificent animals.Koh Chang's nightlife is still quiet, lacking clubs or trendy cafes.There are, however, a few bars that serve cold beer, but without the throbbing music normally associated with tourist hot spots.For something a little more familiar, check out White Sand Beach. There you can find jugglers practising their skills, with three fire torches at least.
If acrobatics is not your cup of tea, firefly watching is another popular activity worth a try. Start at the Iyara restaurant where, following dinner, guests are invited to hop on to a wooden boat for a firefly watching excursion that lasts 40 minutes – all compliments of the restaurant.
However, unlike its southern counterpart, which underwent a tourism boom decades ago resulting in the mushrooming of lavish resorts and luxury serviced apartments, Koh Chang's development and status as an up-and-coming tourist hot spot will be different from the other major islands across Thailand. To maintain Koh Chang's natural landscape, 70 per cent of which is untouched rainforest, the government implemented a policy to ensure that developers do not construct projects more than three storeys high. I was able to spot several elephants at one of the island's many elephant camps tucking into a bunch of bananas, while others were providing excited visitors with a scenic tour of the forest."Some of these elephants were bought from Prae province and there are others that also came from Burma," says one of the keepers."We felt sorry for them as they were being overworked by loggers, so we bought them. To be so close to nature and not being overworked, they're much happier here in Koh Chang." And the elephants' voracious appetite definitely proves that. They are more than happy to make this island, redolent with plush greenery, their home. )It takes approximately four hours to drive from Bangkok to Koh Chang. Once you arrive in Trat province follow the signs to the respective piers for passenger and car ferries. Cars can cross over from either the Centrepoint or Thammachart piers – the latter being the quickest way to reach the island, taking just 20 minutes.
Deep inside the mountainous and densely forested island, lie a few resorts that are officially "up to the mark". Past the odd 7-Eleven, snooker bar and ATM machine in White Sand beach, the island's growing town centre, the Dewa Koh Chang resort is definitely a lucky find.
Spread across the coastline at KlongPrao beach, the four-star Dewa Koh Chang resort incorporates natural material such as thatched roofs with modem polished concrete; its subtle earthy tones enhancing the resort's overall rustic chic feel. Some of the more unique rooms are the cylindrical grand beachfront villas, the designs of which are reminiscent of Balinese-style homes, ideal for families with children.For sun worshippers, there's nothing more seductive than the hotel's black swimming pool, which provided me with the most therapeutic pool experience, similar to the feeling of swimming in a vertiginous lagoon.Koh Chang is perhaps the only place in Thailand that has something for both lovers of inland nature and the sea. Spend the day on Koh Chang exploring the beaches of White Sand, KlongPrao and Kai Sae or visit attractions such as temples and waterfalls.With unriv exotic IWOStart your day early with a hearty breakfast and visit one of the best-known waterfalls on the island. The KlongPlu Waterfall, which is a good 20-minute hike down a nature trail, takes tourists past natural vegetation and wildlife. The waterfall cascades down three levels, but admiring the spectacular view from the ground is enough to make the 500 metre hike worthwhile.There is even something for armchair tourists – well something very close – who can admire the island's natural beauty on the back of an elephant. The trip will take you into the tropical rainforest, past pomelo orchards and the secluded Wang Nam Kiew Waterfall. Experienced mahouts are also on hand to give you a few tips on how to handle these magnificent animals.Koh Chang's nightlife is still quiet, lacking clubs or trendy cafes.There are, however, a few bars that serve cold beer, but without the throbbing music normally associated with tourist hot spots.For something a little more familiar, check out White Sand Beach. There you can find jugglers practising their skills, with three fire torches at least.
If acrobatics is not your cup of tea, firefly watching is another popular activity worth a try. Start at the Iyara restaurant where, following dinner, guests are invited to hop on to a wooden boat for a firefly watching excursion that lasts 40 minutes – all compliments of the restaurant.