Chang Islands

Cover story : 25 Sep 2004 Vol. 21 No. 12
	Chang Islands Marine National Park


By Chai Charlie Photos by courtesy of TAT and the Royal Forest Department

According to the latest statistics published in December 2003, Thailand possesses 26 marine national parks and 81 terrestrial national parks covering a total area of 53,647.12 sq km. Of these, some have their special charms and are frequented by a large number of visitors. A good example is Chang Islands Marine National Park, to which a brief introduction is given here for the benefit of nature lovers -- Ed.



Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has recently suggested Chang Island be developed into "the second Phuket" because of a deeply favourable impression he received during a trip there. In addition, according to former Forestry chief Plodprasop Suraswadi, Chang Island will become a special area, which would be supervised by an exclusive administrative team, like that of Pattaya.



Today, Chang Islands Marine National Park is popular among both Thai and foreign holidaymakers because it is easily accessible. In 2003, the total number of visitors to Chang Islands was 118,391. Data from the Royal Forest Department History & Geography The park occupies an area of 650 sq km and consists of 47 islands off the coast of Ngop Headland in Trat province. Of these islands the largest is Chang Island with an area of 429 sq km. It is in fact the second largest island of Thailand, next only to Phuket.


Khlong Phrao Beach

The island, as part of Trat, was once ceded to France in 1894 during the expansion of French colonialism in Indochina, and was not returned to Siam until 1906. Chang Island was also the scene of a sea battle between the Thai and the French naval ships in 1941. Shooting broke out when the French fleet intruded the Thai territorial waters in carrying out its campaign against the Vietnamese independence fighters. The Royal Thai Navy was able to repel the French but only at the expense of the loss of three warships and many sailors. Ko Chang means Elephant Island. It is so named either because of its size or its shape. Probably it has nothing to do with the animal itself. It is unlikely that the island was once inhabited by any large number of elephants, since the island is 70 percent mountainous and most of the mountains are rugged with the highest peak 744 metres above sea level.


Than Mayom Waterfall

Climate The climate in the park is hot and humid with a yearly rainfall of nearly 3,200 mm and the monthly average temperature ranging from 34°c (April) to 22°c (January). The rainy season lasts from May to October. The dampest month is August with an average rainfall of 690 mm. Wildlife & Plants Among the more important species are wild hogs, bats, monkeys, gibbons, pheasants and swallows (of which a large number exist in the caves on Rang Island). Marine life includes dolphin, shark, beautiful fish, shells and coral.



There are thick evergreen forests on the larger islands, especially Chang Island, which is still predominantly (about 70%) covered with virgin forest. It is only because of the difficult terrain that the forest is well preserved. Among the main plant species are masang of the genus Madhuca, Krabak of the family Dipterocarpaceae, and mai yang (Dipterocarpus alatus).

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Points of Interest
Chang Island is one of the few places where you can enjoy bathing in the sea and swimming in a waterfall pool in the same day. That is possible because the sea and the mountain are close to each other. Of the five waterfalls in the park, the most famous and easiest of access is Than Mayom.

Snorkelling at Kai Bae Beach

It is only 400 metres from park headquarters, formed by a stream flowing down black granite cliff flanked by luxuriant vegetation. Its scenery has been so well known that even King Chulalongkorn and King Vajiravudh took the trouble of a long trip to visit the falls. Other waterfalls worth visiting are Khlong Phlu and Khlong Nonsi, Khiri Phet and Khlong Nueng.

Camping on Chang Island

Chang Island is also famous for its long fine beaches, such as: Khlong Son Bay at the northern tip of the island, a beach of white powdery sand 11 km from headquarters, running parallel to a pine forest behind; Muban Salak Phet (Diamond Pirate Village), an inlet at the southern end of the island, 13 km from headquarters, known as "Texas of Chang Island", containing a long beach and a fishing village, which is so named because in former times the place was used as a hideout for pirates and other outlaws; and Khlong Phrao Beach on the western coast of the island, a beautiful beach suitable for camping, sportfishing, swimming, water sports as well as diving for coral. In addition, Kai Bae Beach, to the southern end of Khlong Phrao Beach, is also a safe beach for bathing.

A serene corner on Chang Island

Speaking of coral, the most colourful underwater scenes are to be found around smaller islands both inside and outside the marine park, such as Khum Island, Wai Island, Rang Island, Lao Ya Island and Kradat Island. On any of these islands, it will be easy for you to find loveable beaches, where you and your company may enjoy sunbathing and swimming.

How to Get There from Bangkok
To reach Trat province
I. By car: There are two routes from Bangkok to Trat:
1) Using Bangna-Trat Tollway and going past Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanthaburi (Total distance = 385 km)
2) Using Bangna-Chon Buri-Klaeng-Chanthaburi route (Total distance 315 km)
II. By bus: Buses and air-con buses are in service at both Ekkamai (Eastern Air-con Bus Station) and Mochit (North & Northeastern Air-con Bus Station in Bangkok).
To reach Ngop Headland (Laem Ngop)
Song-thaeo services to Laem Ngop are available at the fresh food market of Trat Municipality. (distance 20 km.)
To reach Chang Islands
At Laem Ngop, there are three piers: Laem Ngop Pier, Chang Island Center Point Pier and Ferry Pier at Thammachat Bay. It takes half an hour to two hours to reach the islands depending on the destination.

• For those who drive private cars (should be the four-wheel-drive type), there are ferry services as well.

Kayaking is an activity recommended for holidaymakers.

There is a camping site around headquarters that can accommodate 300 people, and another on Khlong Phrao Beach. But the tourists must carry their tents with them.

A peaceful evening on Chang Island

There are also other forms of accommodation available varying from simple bungalows to luxury resorts. Boats for hire are plentiful.

Rang Island

In addition, public transportation is available. Visitors are advised to take along some insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes and other insects which may be harassing.

For the correct pronunciation of romanized Thai words, see
Romanization System of
the Thai Language .