Koh Chang Tours and Activities on Koh Chang Hotels & Koh Chang resorts(รีสอร์ทเกาะช้าง) Online Reservation tropical paradise island of Thailand

Surrounding Waterfalls / The Waterfall Abound

An amazing work of natural can give a relaxing feeling or cool you down on a warm day. Apart from lovely beaches, Koh Chang's mountainous landscape of fertile rainforests and steep terrain create some fantastically scenic waterfalls. The tropical jungle fauna near most of the waterfalls remind you of the forgotten former times, when people were so much closer to the nature. At some waterfalls, entrance fee is 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children over 3 years old.

Than Mayom Waterfall

The first waterfall we'd like to introduce to you is Thanmayom waterfall, which is located next to Than Mayom pier on the East-side of Koh Chang. The entrance is just behind the Office of the Koh Chang Marine National Park. Thanmayom Waterfall looks the most beautiful in the winter when the water plentifully falls down. Actually when carefully noticing, this is a series of four-floor waterfall. Along the stream of Klong Mayom from the start to the end the distance is about 400 meters. Among Thai people who visit this magnificent four-level waterfall, Than Mayom is the best known waterfall on Koh Chang. King Rama V and King Rama VI both once visited Thanmayom waterfall and inscribed their names on the stones on the highest cliff of the cascade.

You can also camp at Than Mayom, near Thanmayom Waterfall, possibly at the camping site near the Office of Royal Forest Department. This is probably also the best guarded camping we know of as there is a 24-hour security guard which keeps track on everybody moving around. If you bring your own tent, it only costs you 20 Baht per night. If you do not have your own tent and want to camp here, it is possible to rent a 1 or 2 person tent for 200 Baht, and a larger tent for 4 to 5 persons for 400 Baht. Restrooms and food stalls are available in camping areas. Sunrise is one of the highlights for early risers. Swimming is also allowed. Note : For the better part of the year the Thanmayom waterfall is not a quiet place, where you can take a dip without too much people; for that you probably better look for another waterfall.

Klong Nonsi waterfall

Situated on the east side of the island, Klong Nonsi waterfall is not far from Than Mayom waterfall. It is one of the smallest waterfalls in Koh Chang Island, with only a few levels. The waterfall is perhaps not the easiest to get to. You need to follow a 4-kilometer path which starts just after the headquarters of Koh Chang police station, which is located a Ban Dan Mai nearby Ban Klong Nonsi.

As it is somewhat challenging to reach, Klong Nonsi waterfall is not much often visited by the tourists as is Than Mayom waterfall. That explains why this waterfall features the spectacular wonder of the untouched natural. The surrounding of Klong Nonsi Waterfall is appropriate for bird watching. For the more adventurous persons you can explore the forest around Klong Nonsi waterfall riding a mountain bike and for people who want to do some serious hiking in the area you need to contact the office down the hill. By following the small path to the top of the waterfall you can expect to see in the early morning some Barking Deer. It is recommended you keep yourself from them although they only make a hasty getaway when you are trying to get too close. When you get higher on the mountain, you will possibly see a tiger running around the area of Klong Nonsi waterfall. This seems that you won the lotto, if seeing a tiger in Koh Chang Marine National Park.

Klong Plu

It is the only waterfall on the west-side of the island, located nearby Klong Prao beach and Had Kai Bae beach. About 3 km. south from Klong Prao along the main road, you will see a sign of the waterfall on your left hand side. Turn left into the path and follow the sign for 2 km. You will then find a ticket kiosk to pay for the entrance fee and after that it is just 400 meters walk to get to the waterfall.

This is also a 3-level waterfall. Klong Plu waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls on the island. Most tourists visit the first level which is about 100 meters above sea level and the route to the second level and the third are very difficult and slippery.

The surrounding of the waterfall is always incredible and there is a mystical atmosphere, even on busy days, water can be a bit cold sometimes but on a tropical island a dive in a natural cold water basin is perhaps just what you need. Swimming and camping are allowed.

Other Fun Activities

Spas

Apart from those interesting adventures on Koh Chang, you possibly want to have a relaxing time with a wealth of spas to indulge yourself after a day on the beach. You may try Aana Resort and Spa that offers facilities set amidst swaying coconut trees and a great view of Klong Prao. Lovely places such as Aiyapura Resort & Spa offers massage treatments whereas Koh Chang Grand Orchid Resort & Spa features a traditional Thai-styled building nestled in the vicinity of bungalows. Or you may visit V.J. Hotel & Health Spa where treatments are meant for long-term health. Not less interesting is Koh Chang Resort and Spa where you will enjoy facial massages and treatments, using effective traditional approaches.

Massages, beauty and body treatments

Original Thai massage is something you may not want to miss! As in any part of Thailand, masseuses soothe the muscles with traditional Thai massage or foot reflexology is just right on the beaches. A 1-hour massage on the beach costs only 200 Baht. Away from the beach are several massage places along the main road. Massage services in the compound of the Boutique Resort and Health Spa is one of several professional places offering rejuvenating treatments. Other pampering activities are offered as well, such as hair braiding, manicures and pedicures. Luxury treatments including foot scrubs and skin scraping treatments are available to ensure that your feet remain smooth throughout your vacation.

Thai Cooking Schools

Nowadays, it's easy enough to re-create a lot of your favorite dishes since most of Thai food ingredients can be easily obtained or substituted. Such knowledge is granted at most of Thai cooking schools. Imagine how nice it would be to have an opportunity to cook by yourself and dine with fellow students after class. Remembrance of Thai cuisine. You won't missed.

Note : Contact the front desk in your resort for more information

Elephant Trekking

Not so long time ago the Thai elephants were used to transport products from a village to another. Performing a slow process, the elephants have now been replaced by cars and trucks. Roads cut through the country and the land used for grazing has been cleared. However, a lot of people out there see it a charming experience to be highlighted. There are two elephant trekking operators on this island - Chang Chutiman Tour and Ban Kwan Chang.

The Chang Chutiman Tour

Located near Klong Prao Beach, The Chang Chutiman Tour opens daily from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. You can start your tour any time of the day. It operates two-hour treks for 900 Baht (children under five years old free of charge). The trip takes you into the tropical rainforest and the secluded Wang Nam Kiew Waterfall. Interested in elephants? Let's visit the elephants at Klong Phrao beach any time and enjoy the elephant activities.

The Klong Son Elephant Camp or Ban Kwan Chang

The Klong Son Elephant Camp or Ban Kwan Chang

Bann Chang Thai

Supported by the Asian Elephant Foundation, Bann Chang Thai has serviced a half-day trip from 8.30 am to 11.30 am which you will have a good time watching elephant bathing, feeding, performances, and a 1 1/2-hour trek into the forest. The cost for this trip is 900 Baht inclusive of transportation to and from the resort.

Note : Elephant-handling lessons by experienced mahouts.

" We want our next generation to be able to see the elephant in their natural habitat "

Tattoo

For tattoo lovers or those who happen to have a fine tattoo, tattoo artists are easily found and approachable throughout the island. Both permanent and henna tattooing are available on the beaches. Price for both types starts at 400 Baht. A well-known tattooist, called Jack, is more than happy to offer you custom tattoos at Tantawan Pub and Restaurant on White Sand Beach.

Viewing Fireflies

It may be hardly believable that viewing fireflies can be a memorable, romantic activity on the island. During cooler months on Koh Chang (Ko Chang), you can rent a boat to slowly cruise along the waters at night to see fireflies in the mangroves. Thousands of fireflies send out mating signals as they settle into the mangrove forest, lighting up the whole tree with their simultaneous flashing in the dark. Just like rows of Christmas trees. Hotels like the Koh Chang Grand Orchid Resort & Spa and the Aana Resort & Spa provide information on where to go to spot the fireflies and boat service.

Snorkeling Heaven & Diving Paradise

Diving at Koh Chang Island is an exploratory feeling which always gives you a chance of spotting some rare fish or marine life. While it could never be classified as one of Thailand's prime diving areas, Koh Chang Marine National Park does have some healthy fringing reefs, an interesting wreck, together with several snorkeling and diving sites.

There are a couple of operators on Koh Chang, with another on the neighboring island of Koh Mak. It is best to ask the reception of the hotel or resort you stay for advices on diving trips.

PADI courses are available in English, German and some other exotic languages. PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Specialty Course. Full equipment and certification are included in all courses. For more information, please ask the dive shop.

Where to snorkel and dive?

Koh Chang Wreck

Difficult to reach Koh Chang Wreck is located about 200 meters from the mouth of the river running off the Southeastern direction. It takes you approximately 90 minutes by dive boat from the small pier on Klong Phrao Beach to the wreck.

Koh Chang Wreck is actually an old Thai warship, the Thonburi, which was sunk during the conflict between Thailand and France in 1941. It now acts as an artificial reef. The good depth of wreck dive site begins at the 13th meter.

Operators without an electronic fish-finder start at the mouth of the river and head directly away from the island, trawling behind them a weighted line to snag the wreck.

Koh Wai

Only 2 hours by dive boat from the small pier on Khlong Phrao Beach to Koh Wai. The long parabolic bay generally is popularly visited, but you should be aware that strong currents can occur and can carry divers away from the island.

It is important to note that in such conditions the site should be attempted only by experienced divers. Average depth is ranging from 9 meters to a maximum depth of 20 meters. There are soft corals along the deeper part of the reef-slope, but the highlights are all at areas shallower than 12 meters.

The only true excitement of the deeper waters is that you might be lucky enough to spot a Leopard Shark or a Ray at the sandy bottom. Some of the resorts on Koh Wai are offering free rent a nitro tanks for certified divers who stay in the resort.

Koh Rang

Considered as a great multi-level dive site, Koh Rang takes about 2 hours by dive boat from the small pier on Khlong Phrao Beach. The average depth is around 12 meters and the maximum depth is 30 meters.

At about 15 meters underwater you will discover a good shelf of coral on the deeper pinnacle. The western side of the dive site consists of coral drop-offs and reef sharks are frequently spotted.

Smaller stingrays are on view at about 12 meters whilst Barracudas often intrude into the surrounding waters.

Do & Don't when you Diving & Snorkeling

Snorkeling Heaven & Diving Paradise

Reefs in the Southeast Asian region are among the most biologically diverse in the world. Unfortunately, in the past few decades they have come under increasing pressure from human activities.

Corals are slow-growing, if you damaged or removed, they need many years to recover or be replaced. We know exactly what the effect is as the tsunami waves hit in 2004. The Coral reefs in that region of Thailand are still recovering.

1. Try not to touch living marine organisms

..with either your body or your diving equipment. Be particularly careful to control your fins since their size and the force of kicking can damage large areas of coral. Don't use deep fin-strokes next to the reef since the surge of water can disturb delicate organisms.

2. Learn the skill of good buoyancy control

Too much damage is caused, please make sure you are properly weighted and learn to achieve neutral buoyancy before you close in to the reef. If you haven't dived for a while, practice your skill somewhere, you won't cause any damage.

3. Avoid kicking up sand

Snorkeling should be careful not to kick up sand when treading water in shallow reef areas. Clouds of sand settling on the reef can smother corals.

4. Never stand on coral and don't move marine organisms

If you are out of control and about to collide with the reef, steady yourself with your fingertips on a part of the reef that is already dead or covered in algae or if you need to adjust your diving equipment or mask, try to do so in a sandy area well away from the reef. In particular, don't hitch rides on turtles, it causes them considerable stress.

5. Don't collect or buy any marine souvenirs

When there is no demand there is no business, and the reef is left in peace.

Note: On any excursion, whether with an operator or privately organized, make sure you take your garbage back for proper disposal on land. The childish excuse but nobody did take there garbage is of course no excuse at all ***