Moo Koh Chang was announced as National Park in 1982. This National Park is comprised of 52 islands, of which Koh Chang is the largest with its 429 square kilometers size. Wealthy with greenery, wildlife, and marine creatures, its most scenic beaches are located along its western flank. Moving from North to South, the beaches are generally more secluded, less crowded and pricey, with the aforementioned White Sand Beach towards the northern tip, and Had Klongprao and Had Kai Bae in the middle. Further South is a lively backpacker's enclave at Lonely Beach, or Had Tha Mayom, where you can stay in a tree house.

When you arrive at Koh Chang, the first precaution is to drive carefully. Koh Chang is very safe place where the most trouble is self inflicted with drink driving. Most accidents are fairly common so you should always wear helmet and shoes; most of the roads are concrete now so they are crucial, jeans and jacket are advisable. The sharp curves are mostly around Klong Son, White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach and Kai Bae Beach. Except Klongprao where is almost plain area. Theft is uncommon, but if it does happen, go to police station (see map on page 00) and get a report for your insurance.

Always leave your valuables in a safety in the resorts. And do not gives opportunist the chance, as most theft is through an open bungalow window or from the front basket on the motorbike. Trekking and rock climbing without a guide or proper equipment is not recommended. The island is a big place and get dark early. Guide and trip can be contacted at your resort service. Drugs is not the big deal on Koh Chang but be cautioned that it is prohibited by law in every part of Thailand. Thus, reject it, if you are offered any kind of drugs.

In case of emergency and accidence, police is your only one helper. If you do not see any police, do not be panic, just inform the resorts. They will call a police. One reason that Koh Chang does not have a rescue service nor tourist police is the island’s peace. The most serious case is car-crash. And it seems like a normal event on Koh Chang. When the accidence occurs, call a police; take the injured to a hospital (by their friends).

Immigration Office A blue shuttered shop unit around 1 km along the Laem Ngob – Trat road is home to the nearest immigration office. If you have a tourist visa, it can be extended here. A 30-day visa on arrival can be extended for an additional 10 days. A 60-day tourist visa can be extended for 30 days. The cost in both cases is 1,900 Baht. You’ll need passport photos and photocopies of your passport plus a little patience. The immigration office can be reached on 039-597-261.

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Central region Office, District 5 (Trat) is located at Laem Ngob district, Trat province. The officers are pleased to provide information and assistance to the travelers. The organization works on corporation with the resorts and business entrepreneurs to stimulate tourism and activate the policies from TAT headquarter. Call 039-597-259.

Tourist Police The police on Koh Chang also act as tourist police to help all visitors. They can speak English a little bit. There are 3 police stations on Koh Chang: The headquarters are located at the east coast at Baan Khlong Nonsi near Dan Mai and can be contacted by telephone on 039-586-191 or 039-586-120. At the northern end of the road at White Sand Beach is a police post which can be contacted on 039-529-616. The small police box at Baan Salak Phet has no telephone. The police in Trat can be contacted on 039-511-035.

Animal Care The only animal clinic on Koh Chang is opposite to Wat Klongprao. It is a small clinic; so please take good care of your lovely pet when travel on Koh Chang. The villagers’ pets are healed by the owner when they are sick.

Children’s Day Normally children enjoy their days with playing on the beach, swimming in the sea or in the swimming pool. Some resorts set a children area or playground. But baby sister is not available; the parents have to take care of their children themselves. If they are not too young, they can join an elephant trekking with parents.

Public Transport At Dan-Kao-Pier, public pickup taxis (Song thaew) are waiting to take you to anywhere on Koh Chang. They leave when there are enough passengers (usually it's very tight inside!), or else hire them for your private taxi. There are no taxis from the Dan-Kao-Pier to locations on the east coast. These locations, same as Baan Salak Phet, can only be reached by taxi from Dan-Mai- or Than - Mayom-Pier. Those who have advanced bookings should tell the taxi driver the name of the Resort. However, the taxis stop at the respective beaches at least once.You can get the driver to stop anywhere you want by knocking on the car-body.

Motorbike and Jeep Rental Motorbike and car rental here is convenient. A motorbike can be hired for 200-300 Baht per day. A license to drive in Koh Chang is a must. The vendors also have a wide choice of bikes for rent. All types of car are fully insured and up to international standards. There are wide selections of brands and rented with your passport. Jeep sporty 4WD costs 1,200 Baht/12 hours and 1,500 Baht/24 hours. Toyota pickup truck or Toyota Vios costs 1,800 Baht/24 hours

Taxi Fares
Dan-Kao-Pier - White Sand Beach 30 Baht.
Dan-Kao-Pier - Klongprao Beach 40 Baht.
Dan-Kao-Pier - Kai Bae Beach 50 Baht.
Dan-Kao-Pier - Lonely Beach 70 Baht.
Dan-Kao-Pier - Bang Bao 80 Baht.

PLEASE NOTE : The taxi fares above are the minimum price per person price will change depending on season and time of day. Also most of the time the taxis will only leave when full, so you may have to wait- if you want to leave immediately or are traveling alone the fare may be up to … Baht to hire the taxi.