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 It
was only a few years back that visitors to Koh Chang (Elephant Island)
remember it as a mountainous sleepy town nestled among coconut trees.
Tourists were given the simplest of accommodations. But now, Koh
Chang is a boomtown where moderately priced bungalows to luxury
resorts can be found on the west side of the island.
Modern thatched roof bungalow resorts are plenty, sitting on spacious
land and wide beaches. Yet this large island also gives visitors
hotels and resorts with modern architecture and amenities of an
international standard.
Located in the eastern part of Thailand, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) is
close to the border of Cambodia. Around 85 per cent of Koh Chang
(Ko Chang), along with 50 smaller islands, is part of the Mu Koh
Chang (Ko Chang) Marine National Park. Clear waters of varying shades
of blue surround the island and a terrain of high peaks and steep
cliffs provide magnificent scenic points.
In 2003, Koh Chang (Ko Chang) was able to get a special status that
meant less bureaucratic management while the government would finance
infrastructure like wastewater treatment facilities, garbage treatment
sites and piers. While it is a place that faces rapid growth the
communities tries its best to maintain an ecologically sound environment.
 Fishing
villages, such as Bang Bao, incorporate visitors into their daily
scene. Homes are built on stilts that sit on the waters and the
village itself has a pier that serves as a gateway to the satellite
islands. Accommodations and small restaurants along the water take
effort to blend in smoothly with the local lifestyle. The island
also boasts the presence of a tropical rainforest and waterfalls.
Along the coastline are many notable beaches, including White Sand
beach where everyone gathers to watch the sunset, get pampered with
massages, dine at restaurants or hang out at bars. But if one wants
to get away from it all, there are quiet beaches, such as Lonely
Beach, located at the south end of the island.
The area attracts both individual travelers and families from around
the world. Activities of every sort are plentiful, from swimming
and relaxing on the beach to scuba diving and nature trips into
the rainforest. Travel to nearby islands is easy and accessible,
with many water transport options. Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has numerous
satellite islands, such as Koh Mak and Koh Kham. All one has to
do is choose their choice of sand, snorkeling or diving preference.
 Recently,
several tour companies offer travel packages to the nearby country
of Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville. As a result,
Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has grown in reputation as a top resort destination
in global tourism.
Upon arrival at the island, the pace is relaxed. In order to get
around the island, there are pickup trucks called songtaews that
have drop off points on the main road. Motorbikes and cars are available
for rent. One can hang out at the beach, get a massage, get a little
tattoo, eat well or surf the internet. There are several beaches
to hang out, such as Khlong Prao or Kai Bae beach, although Had
Sai Khao (White Sand beach) serves as a central destination where
restaurants are located and day and night activities take place.
Koh Chang (Ko Chang) suits every traveler's needs - providing accommodations
and activities at every imaginable budget.
But the one common thing that Koh Chang (Ko Chang) has is the opportunity
to escape from the stresses of daily life. Every person has their
own way of doing it and Koh Chang (Ko Chang) manages to provide
all the different options to do it.
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