Koh Chang National Marine Park

Situated in the country’s easternmost province, Trat, Koh Chang Marine National Park comprises 52 islands scattered along the coastline close to the Cambodian (Kampuchean) border. Established in 1982, it is one of the least visited of Thailand’s National Parks, and covers just over 650 squire kilometers (250 squire miles).

Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand, covering some 240 squire kilometers (93 squire miles). Tourism is only just beginning, with the majority of the small-scale resorts most fairly basic wooden or bamboo huts. Blanketed in almost impenetrable virgin rainforest, the hilly interior rises to a peak at Khao Jom Prasat (744 meter 2440 feet) in the centre of the island.

Wildlife is sparse, although wild boars are found here, and hornbills, parrots and sunbirds can be seen in the forest. Most of the island’s inhabitants make their living from fishing and tourism. A two-lane road runs around the island, and transport for tourists is mostly limited to rental motorcycle or bicycle. Most hotels, resorts and bungalows have a taxi service to the ferry or to the tourist spots.

Alternatively, to explore these sites you can stay on some of the other islands nearby; Koh Mak, for instance, has a small resort on a good beach on its northwest coast. Camping is permitted on any island within the Park. Several endemic strains of malaria exist in the area, so precautions should be taken.

A long, narrow strip of Trat extends away from the provincial city of the same name, sandwiched by Cambodia to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the west, providing nearly 100 kilometers of seashore. And just how has Bangkok Airways contributed to the accessibility of this tropical paradise? Simply by flying to the beautiful Trat Airport. What was once a five to six hour bus ride is now a mere 45-minute flight from Bangkok. From the airport it is just fifteen minutes to one of the car or passenger ferries at Laem Ngop.