Ko Chang

Ko Chang is a large island covering an area of approximately 18 sq. km. located 20 km. from downtown Ranong and 4 km. from Ko Phayam. The island is inhabited by some 80 households whose main occupations are cashew nut-one of the country’s best varieties-para rubber plantations, and coastal fishery. There is also a local product center operated by the Ko Chang Housewife Group producing wine from cashew flesh and various cashew nut products. Ko Chang is the habitat of a small variety of hornbill: the oriental pied hornbills that fly between Ko Chang and nearby islands. As the inhabitants of Ko Chang never catch nor hunt them, the hornbills are familiar with humans and tame and easily encountered, except for the period of March-April when they nest and take care of their chicks. Various activities are available on Ko Chang; such as, trekking to hilltop viewpoints, sightseeing biking, herbal steam at Wat Ko Chang, hornbill watching, and fishing for various fish like grouper, sea perch, and Spanish mackerel. Accommodation is available.Admission: 200 baht for adult and 100 baht for childrenContact: Mu Ko Ranong National Park 077-813-840, 077-813-841, e-mail: reserve@dnp.go.th, www.dnp.go.thTo get there: Ko Chang is accessible by a long-tailed boat from the Chao Ko Pier, Saphan Pla Road (the entrance to the pier is next to the Pak Nam Police Station). There are three boats leaving for Ko Chang at 9:30am, noon, 2pm, and 2 boats on the return trip at 7am and 2pm. The boat trip takes one hour and costs 200 baht each. A chartered boat for approximately 20 passengers costs Bt 4,000-4,500.http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-attractions-Detail/Ko-Chang–1130