Ko Chang

Located about 300 km from Bangkok in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, Ko Chang is roughly 30 km long and 14 km wide, with a rugged interior of tropical rainforest, multiple waterfalls, and coral-fringed shores. Mu Ko Chang National Park, established in 1982, encompasses the island and 51 surrounding islands, covering 650 km² of both terrestrial and marine habitat. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) on the north-west coast is the island's most developed tourist area, with a range of accommodation, restaurants, and beach bars, while the quieter east and south coasts retain a more rural character. The island's fishing village of Bang Bao, built on stilts over the sea, serves as a departure point for boat trips to outer islands and snorkelling sites. Ko Chang sees a pronounced wet season from May to October when some smaller resorts close, but the dense forest is at its most vivid green during this period.