Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [207]
VOLUNTEERING
You’ll probably notice fewer stray animals on Ko Chang compared to other places in Thailand. This is due to the efforts of the Koh Chang Animal Foundation (08 9042 2347; www.kohchanganimalfoundation.org; Ban Khlong Son), established in 2000 by American Lisa McAlonie. The foundation is funded entirely by donations, offers free-of-charge vet services to the people of Ko Chang, and provides refuge and treatment for stray animals around the island. Volunteer visits by travelling vets and veterinarian nurses are particularly appreciated, but the foundation also welcomes day visits from anyone who wants to donate a bit of TLC to help bathe and socialise abused animals.
Sleeping
More snazzy sleeping options are opening up every year. Rustic backpacker bungalows are far from gone, however, and the resulting mix of accommodation should please all tastes. Most development has been limited to the west coast, where you will find nearly all the sleeping and eating facilities. Ko Chang is also seeing a growth in package tourists from Europe, and remains very popular with Thai visitors on weekends and public holidays.
A few places close down during the wet season (April to October), during which time boats will usually go only as far as Ao Sapparot and Tha Dan Kao. Note that the surf further south along the east coast can be impassable during heavy rains.
The following are high season prices; expect discounts of up to 40% from April to October. Many places now offer websites and email addresses; consider booking ahead during peak season (November to March), weekends and major holidays, as the island fills up quickly.
Accommodation is listed in regions from north to south.
BAN KHLONG SON
At the northern tip of the island is the largest village, Ban Khlong Son, which has a network of piers at the mouth of the klorng (canal; also spelt khlong), a wát, a school, several noodle shops, a health clinic and an ATM.
Jungle Way (08 9223 4795; www.jungleway.com; r 200-400B) Stilted bungalows and a funky restaurant with a wildlife-viewing platform are tucked into the jungle near the Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp. You’re nowhere near the beach, but there’s trekking on offer (opposite), and the staff are fun and friendly.
HAT SAI KHAO
The long beach at Hat Sai Khao is not the island’s best, but a wide range of eating and sleeping options, and a lively nightlife keep it popular. Over the last few years, more package tourists are staying here, keeping the prices of accommodation higher than elsewhere on the island.
There’s a backpacker enclave on the north side of the beach; to get there you’ll need to walk. Turn at the 7-Eleven in front of the KC Grande. When you reach the beach, turn right and walk for about half a kilometre. You’ll know when you’re there.
Independent Bo’s (0 3955 1165; r 250-500B) A colourful place that clambers up the jungled hillside, Bo’s is what the Swiss Family Robinson would’ve built if the family were on acid. All bungalows are funky and unique, and very clean. The cheapest rooms are ‘way, way’ up in the jungle.
Rock Sand Beach Resort (0 8712 0044; r 400-1500B; ) Just past Bo’s, Rock Sand takes budget accommodation up a notch. Simple fan bungalows share bathrooms, while the highest-priced air-con rooms look out over the sea. It’s also family friendly with a kids’ play area. The restaurant is popular and hovers over the clear blue water.
Logan’s Place (0 3955 1451; r from 1500B; ) Cool and crisp Scandinavian decor and service features in this Swedish-run boutique hotel found across the road from the beach. Unfortunately, a Wild West themed bar resides downstairs – mechanicalbull included.
Cookies Hotel (0 3955 1056; www.fly.to/cookieshotel; r 2000-3500B; ) Cookies