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Koh Chang,
the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the
second largest of the country after Phuket. Koh Chang
features natural white sand beaches, beautiful cliff
beaches, wonderful coral reefs, mountains, waterfalls,
rain forest, caves, coral ranges and plentiful marine
life.
Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west
side spreading from the north to the south. They include
Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat
Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore all the
way almost to Hat Kai Bae. From here is a nature trail
through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meandering through wet
forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community on the
foot of the hill in the south.
The idyllic small islands around Koh Chang are easy
to reach and give you an unforgettable impression. Ko
Chang is a true jewel of a tropical island, blissfully
hidden in the Golf of Thailand.
White Sand Beach (Haad Sai Kao) the longest and most
popular beach on Koh Chang. White Sand Beach is a
beautiful sandy beach at the northern end of Koh Changs
west coast. It is about 2.5 kilometres long and lined by
rocks, over-hanging palms and broad-leaved trees.
The most popular beach in the island, it is not
surprising to see a wide variety of resorts and
bungalows lining behind the trees. At night Had Sai Khao
is illuminated with lights from pubs and bars,
restaurants that are located along its beachside road.
There are plenty of grocery stores, car and motorbike
rental shops and petrol stations.
The southern 1.5 kilometre long area, located at the
road, is during the season the busiest part of the
entire island. The main road runs pass all the resorts,
shops, restaurants, pubs and coconut groves. is
during the season the busiest part of the entire island.
In addition, the northern part, probably the most
well-known and longest visited beach on Koh Chang, is
today, after over 15 years of tourism, still quite
quiet.
White Sand Beach it is the best place for those who
enjoy the white wonderful sand and the association with
other travelers: most visitors prefer coming to this
beach that makes the beach so colorful.The beach slopes
gently into the sea and is very wide during low tide
attracting hordes of visitors, especially in the
evening, when it transforms into a playground. Regular
football and volleyball games are played as the sun sets
right off its shore.
The mountains covered with close rain forest, almost
reach the beach in the northern part, where the road
winds itself steeply up the mountain.
Although the entire beach is flat like almost everywhere
on the west coast it is still suitable for swimming at
either high or low tide.
Baan Haad Sai Kao, the village parallel to the beach,
stretches itself almost along the entire road and is the
busiest village on the island. There are many
restaurants, some with European menus, bars,
supermarkets, small shops and massage-shops. Besides
some internet cafes there is also a bakery.
A few hundred metres above the beach, directly by the
road towards Aow Khlong Son (Khlong Son Bay), a small
viewpoint is situated, which offers a beautiful view
over the entire beach.
Had Sai Khao was so named by locals for its distinctive,
pristine white sand. The deep blue water provides a
stark contrast to its beaches, giving it, arguably, the
most aesthetic appeal of all of Koh Chang’s beaches.
White Sand Beach Koh Chang lies on the west coast of the
long, somewhat narrow island. It occupies 1.5 kilometers
of coastline at the north end of Koh Chang. A
significant number of the island’s retailers,
restaurants and hotels are concentrated in the White
Sand Beach Koh Chang area. It is, in fact, the island’s
busiest center during the high tourism season (February
to May.)
Besides bustling with shops and restaurants, White Sand
Beach Koh Chang is close to other sites popular with
visitors. The entrance to the island’s national park is
less than half an hour from White Sand Beach Koh Chang.
The park is brimming with indigenous wildlife, trees and
plants.
Elephant trekking is one of the island’s most popular
visitor attractions. The island boasts two major
elephant tour companies, also located within minutes
from White Sand Beach Koh Chang. Tourists can choose
from shorter tours (one to two and a half hours) or
longer, half-day treks. Each tour explores parts of the
national park. Guides offer interpretive lectures on
Thai culture, farming/industry and local wildlife.
The national park is also home to a number of
waterfalls, the most popular of which is Klong Plu. This
tourist favorite is located mere minutes from White Sand
Beach Koh Chang. Not only is it close by, it is also
very accessible. This makes it an easy trip for most
visitors, even families with children.
While not particularly known for its night life, Koh
Chang does feature several night clubs for those who
enjoy partying while on vacation. White Sand Beach Koh
Chang is considered the nightlife center of the island.
Clubs of various sizes and styles dot the beach. Many
offer late night dancing and gorgeous beach views.
White Sand Beach Koh Chang offers something for just
about every type of traveler. Families, couples,
singles, young and old will undoubtedly find many
appealing activities to enjoy in the White Sand Beach
area. Whether you prefer adventure and constant action
or simply lounging and soaking in the sun, White Sand
Beach Koh Chang is the perfect location.
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