Koh Chang
the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the nation's second
largest island, after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 sq. kms., it
features fine beaches, coral reefs, and plentiful marine life. It is
also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls
and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. Dotting
the island are many fruit orchards.
 Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located
on
the western side, extending from the north to the south. They include Ao
Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts
through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here,
a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet
forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of
the hill in the south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao
Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to
Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island.
However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh
Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places
for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and
around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao
Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to
Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island.
However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh
Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places
for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and
around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.On Koh Chang itself are
several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong Phlu waterfall is located 3
kms. from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes walk from the parking
lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall is a 4-km. walk from the park
headquarter, while the Khiriphet and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3
kms. from Ban Salakphet.
Second in size to Koh Chang, Koh Kut is located in the southernmost
point in Trat territorial waters. A speedboat transport visitors to the
island within one hour. The inhabitants grow rubber, coconut and other
fruit-yielding plants, while others are fishermen. With scenic beaches
shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees mostly located on the western
shores, it is also blessed with rich mangroves.
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