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The
beautiful island of Koh Chang
 Koh
Chang island Marine
National Park
is new and virtually unknown to the
outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders, especially the wonderful
scuba diving (dive) opportunities. Some even boldly call it “the last paradise
islands in South-East Asia”. A paradise it is,
Koh
Chang
Marine
National Park has been a heaven to the locals who
need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge.
Sunbathe, snorkel, dive or try snorkeling or scuba diving for the first time on
the coral reefs and become a certified diver.
Koh Chang is the
largest of the 52-island Marine
National Parks, all of which are untouched by
modernization with their natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the
park as a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in
fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus
another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.
Koh Chang is in Trad (Trat) province.
It is surprising
even to the Thais that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island in the
whole of Thailand
, behind Phuket. Despite its size and
close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped,
untouched, forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a
blessing in disguise. It has to be said though that each year sees more
development on Chang island.
Koh
Chang
Marine
National Park
is a secret retreat relatively un-explored.
Nearly 75% of the
Marine
Park
is protected by law, under the
jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it
remains a virtual virgin wonderland (but unfortunately time and money
(investors) are changing that) shielded from devastating and vigorous
developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and population. There are few
thoughts of modernization. Telephone lines have recently been installed on the
island (2002) hence now Koh Chang has internet connection.
The locals as
well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle,
tranquil and romantic,
Koh Chang
Marine
National Park
continues at its own pace, and still,
a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the
sophisticated luxury of modernity.
The coastlines
of the
Koh
Chang
Marine
National Park
is a spectacular work of nature’s
art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh
Chang Marine
National Park
is indeed a wonderland of fertile
virgin rainforests, un-trekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls,
beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colorful coral reefs, clear blue sea
of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of
healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.
Realizing the
rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh
Chang
Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out
to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors
who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh
Chang Marine
National Park
is set to be the new holiday
destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.
Thailand
Dive Site Weather conditions
The Islands
The Koh
Chang
Marine
National Park is comprised of 52 islands, all of
which are least exposed and best preserved in nature. Rich in rainforests,
well-laden with colorful corals, abundantly stocked with healthy marine life,
encompassed by spectacular coastlines, gorgeous landscape, pristine beaches and
crystal clear sea, a visit to these islands is a journey back to nature. Fresh,
tranquil and laid-back, these islands are most worthy of a holiday. However,
only 10 of these islands are facilitated with accommodation which range from the
very basic thatched roof huts of $US10 a room-night to the more luxurious and
sophisticated properties or hotels that can cost as much as $US100 a room per
night.
There are also
many island resorts that accept only package tours of full board groups because
of its exclusiveness and distance from the mainland. These are well-preferred by
those who love isolations. They include boat transfers, full meals, some with
side trips and usually at least 2 nights accommodation.
Most of the
islands have limited or no development at all. Many of them are uninhabited. The
following are some of the best favored islands off the main island
of
Koh Chang
beginning from the north, west and
then south of Koh Chang.
KOH CHANG NOI
- Laem Chang Noi
Koh Chang Noi is an island off Laem Chang Noi (
Chang
Noi
Cape
) which is located at the northwestern
tip of Koh Chang. The island is comprised mainly of rocks and forest where as
Laem Chang Noi is a cape of purely rocks with no vegetation at all. The beauty
of this area lies in the seabed between them where you will find splendid
unspoiled virgin coral reefs. Facing the island and cape is the new five-star
resort known as the Aiyapura Resort & Spa which has well-appointed rooms
with a splendid landscape and superb view.
KOH YUAK, KOH
MAN NAI, KOH MAN NOK
Off the west coast of Koh Chang are a small group of islands delightfully
visible especially from Klong Prao and Kai Bae beaches. These include Koh Yuak
which has a small beachfront of sand formed from decayed corals. The water is
clear and shallow qualifying it a good snorkeling spot.
From the shores
of Klong Prao Resort the islands form a picturesque view especially during
sunset. Next to Koh Yuak is Koh Plee and Koh Suwan, both of which have rocky
shores. Around the area of Koh Suwan is an unnamed isle which is found to harbor
colourful corals about 6 meters deep. Locals call this Koh Rom which means
Umbrella Island
because of an outstanding beautiful
big tree with an umbrella shape. This is a new-found snorkeling site.
Further down
south is Koh Man Nai which is directly facing the shores of Kai
Bae
Beach
and very close to the Sea View Resort.
The waters between Sea View Resort or Kai
Bae Beach
and Koh Man Nai is quite shallow.
During the low tide when the island bare its lovely sandy beach one can actually
walk amid chest-deep waters from the resort to the island.
Another island
called Koh Man Nok looks as if it’s behind Koh Suwan. It is the twin island to
Koh Man Nai and is linked together by shallow waters with plentiful of
gold-coloured seaweed.
SNORKELING
& DIVING
Koh
Chang
Marine
National Park
offers some of the most
delightful scuba dive & snorkeling sites. The best dive season starts
from October / November to April - very much the same scuba diving season as
Phuket. The best sites are on the west and south of Koh Chang where the
abundance of techni-coloured, healthy and unspoiled corals and reefs and the
great diversity of fish are the main draw.
Popular sites
include the Ao Klong Son, Koh Yuak, Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Nok, Hin Larp, Hin Sam
Sao, Hin Look Bard, Hin Run Taek, Koh Rom, Koh Wai, Koh Ngam, Koh Rang, Koh
Laoya, Koh Mai Si Lek, Koh Raet, Koh Mak, Koh Kham, Koh Rayang Yai, Koh Kra, Koh
Thong Lang, Koh Thian, and Koh Yak.
There are 2 ship
wreck dive sites. The Koh Chang Wreck is a Thai warship sunken by the French
Navy. The wreck lies in shallow waters near the Salak
Petch
Bay, south of Koh Chang.
We say 2 shipwrecks but there are many that have yet to be dove.
The other shipwreck
that has been making headlines recently is the Pak One Wreck. This was the
900-tonne sunken tanker that was called the Vertical Wreck. Pak One sank
after hitting a coral reef in August 1996 on its way to Vietnam. It resurfaced on February 6 2002 and
drifted bow-upwards into international waters, where it poses a danger to
passing ships. The Thai Navy had drained off its 600 tonnes of liquefied
petroleum gas and re-sank it between Koh Chang and Koh Samet. It now lies
horizontal, in 35-meter deep waters.
For
information on diving Koh Chang or the surrounding islands
contact
me
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