 Koh Chang is the second largest of Thailand’s many islands, but lags far behind its more famous big brother, Phuket, in terms of both fame and infrastructure. Located off the south-eastern coast, it’s easy to reach from Bangkok and is a favourite retreat for those seeking relaxation on a quiet beach.
 The west coast is blessed with the best beaches and clearest sea water and has seen the most rapid development. Popular beaches on the west side include Klong Son, Hat Sai Khao (White Sand), Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Bai Lan, Tha Nam (Lonely Beach) and Bang Bao. The east coast is the least developed but, as the road has been extended, tourism is slowly making its way here too. The coast is very flat and partly overgrown with mangroves. Many of the accessible spots are quite rocky, but there are also small, sandy beaches.
If you want to take a break from the sun, sea and sand, there are plenty of activities to enjoy along the coast or in the interior of the island. Apart from waterfalls, rivers and viewpoints, there is elephant riding, cooking courses, spas and massage, bird watching and even a paintball arena.
 For those seeking a more cultural experience, the many temples dotted around the coast and the inner island offer a glimpse into everyday Buddhism as it is practiced today. There are several traditional fishing villages along the east coast, which offer home stays. This is a great way to experience everyday Thai life and is even more memorable thanks to the famous Thai hospitality.
Despite the former government’s stated aim to develop Koh Chang into a destination for the rich and wealthy, the lack of infrastructure catering to this clientele means that plenty of mid range accommodation options can still be easily found, although there are many luxurious resorts to be found as well as top class hotels. Most accommodation can be found along the west coast, with each major beach having a selection of hotels, resorts and bungalows. The east coast also offers some fine resorts but fewer and smaller beaches.
History
 During the reign of King Naresuan in the Ayutthaya era, Trat province (which includes Koh Chang) was originally called Baan Bang Pra. The name Koh Chang, meaning Elephant Island, comes from island’s shape, which resembles the head and trunk of an elephant.
The province of Trat played an important part during talks with France under the rule of King Rama V. The area was originally handed over to the French under an agreement that would ensure that French troops were removed from Chantaburi Province. But King Rama was later successful in reclaiming Trat when on 23 March 1906, the French gave it back in exchange for Sri Sophon, Pratabong and Siem Reap.
Hailed as a triumph for Thailand, the people of Trat erected the Rama V Monument which today can be seen at the City Hall and to this very day they celebrate 23 March as their ‘Independence Day’ and the ‘Trat Recalling Day’ is held every year to commemorate these events and the King who freed Trat from foreign rule.
 During the Indochina war (1940-1941), the French navy tried its best to capture Trat again. On 17 January 1941, the French-Thai battle took place at Koh Chang. With considerable bravery, the Thai navy successfully drove the French fleet out of Thai territorial waters. However, many Thais lost their lives and the French laid claim to three Thai battleships Songkhla, Chonburi and Thonburi. This battle was to become known as the ‘Koh Chang Naval Battle’. As a mark of respect for those who lost their lives fighting for their country, the Thai Navy holds a merit-making ceremony each year on 17 January.
 In 1982, the island and its 51 surrounding small islands came under protection as part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park. About 85 per cent of the island is under national park designation, most of which is rainforest found in the island’s interior.
During a trip to the island in 2001, the Thai Prime Minister was so captivated by Koh Chang’s beauty that he suggested the island should be developed into ‘the second Phuket’. His intention was to develop Koh Chang to attract ‘first-class tourists’ only and to limit the number of visitors. However, it is possible that with recent events such as the 2006 military coup, this grand scheme will fade away into the white sand of the island’s beaches.
Weather
 Koh Chang enjoys a tropical climate. The annual average daytime temperature is 27°C with an average high of 31°C and an average low of 23°C.
Mid-November to February is the best time to visit, when the cool, dry season brings pleasant temperatures, particularly in January when the average is a cool 21°C. The hot and humid season is from March to May, with the hottest month, as in most parts of Thailand, being April when the temperature hits an average high of 32°C but can reach as high as 38°C.
The wet season runs from late May to October and brings more rain, although not all the time. The wettest months are August and September, with a monthly rain fall of approximately 700mms. During the rainy season, going to the other islands can be quite difficult and dangerous because of the rough weather.
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