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Ko Chang attracts people who simply want to relax on a beautiful
beach, do some snorkelling and take it easy. If you want to explore,
many resorts arrange short jungle treks and also rent kayaks. Paddle
to the surrounding islands or go with a local tour company. Hire
a local boat or join a snorkelling tour. Small motorbikes can be
rented in most places, which makes the island easier to explore
independently, but take care - there are steep and curvy roads,
unforeseen road ramps, and a general disregard for road rules.
Walking/Hiking.
It's possible to walk around the island within 3 - 5 days. Alternatively
there are lovely shorter paths where you can find waterfalls and
beautiful viewpoints.
Thai Massage
At almost all beaches, masseurs and masseuses offer Thai massages
for between 200-250 Baht. In all Beach-Villages, you'll find small
Massage-Shops directly on the road. In Baan Khlong Prao you can
attend courses in traditional Thai massage. There are also some
Tattoo parlours on the island.
Elephant trekking
Ban Kwan Chang or the Klong Son Elephant Camp is supported by the
Asian Elephant Foundation to provide a natural environment for elephants
and their mahouts (Kwan, in Thai). Located at Klong Son, the camp
offers a half-day tour from 8.30-11:00 a.m. which includes elephant
bathing, feeding, performance and a 1.30 hour elephant trek into
the forest. Cost 900 Baht including hotel transfer, water and bananas
(to feed the elephants) A shorter 35-minute trek with a 15-minute
performance is also available for around 450 Baht.
Snorkeling and Fishing
You can arrange a sightseeing trip combined with snorkelling or
fishing at most resorts, beaches and fishing villages. It's possible
to charter a local boat at White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae
and Bang Bao for groups, but there is a minimum required, usually
10 persons, before the trip will go. Its possible to put your name
down to join a group for the day and chances are, you'll get on
a boat. Cost about 400 - 600 Baht per person. Some tour operators
organise a full day snorkeling trip to Koh Kra and Koh Wai for around
600 Baht per person which includes lunch and drinks.
Speedboats
Speedbots are available at higher prices. The Klong Prao Resort
offers chartered speed boat trips to Koh Yuak at 2,500 Baht or a
4-island package at 8,000 Baht.
Sea Kayaking
Along the coast. For rent at most of the resorts along the beaches
or around 100 Baht an hour
Diving in Koh Chang
The best diving or snorkelling is around the small islands off Ko
Chang's south coast, such as Ko Khlum, Ko Whai, Ko Phrao (some wrecks
of Thai naval ships from WWII) Ko Ngam, and Ko Lao Ya. All of these
islands, except Ko Khlum, have a few bungalows, but the boat service
can be unpredictable and expensive. Dive shops operate at all the
main beaches on the west coast. You can also book combined island
sightseeing and snorkelling trips through local travel agents and
resorts.
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