Ko Chang

Ko Chang, elephant island, is about 30 kilometres long and mostly mountain - a forested spine rising to around 740 metres at Khao Salak Phet, with most of the interior inside Mu Ko Chang National Park and no road across it. Development is concentrated on the west coast, where a single road links White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach in a strip that has grown steadily since the 2000s; the east coast and the southern fishing village of Bang Bao are quieter. Waterfalls in the interior - Klong Plu is the accessible one - and short jungle treks are the inland activity. The west coast road has steep gradients between bays that cause frequent motorbike accidents, and the island's medical facilities are limited. The rainy season from May to October brings genuine closures: many businesses shut, ferries reduce, and swimming becomes dangerous on the west coast.

What you actually see

• The forested interior - a mountain spine with no road across it.
• The west coast strip - White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach.
• Klong Plu waterfall - the accessible fall in the national park.
• Bang Bao - the stilt fishing village at the southern end.

When to go

November to April. From May to October much of the island closes, ferries reduce and the west coast surf becomes hazardous.

Honest expectations

The west coast road is steep between bays and motorbike accidents are common, with limited medical facilities on the island. Much closes in the low season. Beaches vary in quality and some are narrow at high tide.

Nearby

Ko Wai, Ko Mak and Ko Kut lie further out; Trat and the mainland piers are west.