Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [212]
Another way to get to Ko Chang is via the hourly vehicle ferry from Tha Thammachat. This ferry arrives at Ao Sapparot on Ko Chang (per person/car 60/120B, 30 minutes) and may be the only boat running during rough seas.
Getting Around
BOAT
Charter trips to nearby islands cost around 600B to 900B for a half day, or 1200B to 2000B for a full day. Make sure that the charter includes all ‘user fees’ for the islands – sometimes boat operators demand 200B on top of the charter fee for ‘using’ the beach.
At the southern end of Ko Chang, you can charter a long-tail boat or fishing boat between Hat Kaibae and Ao Bang Bao for 2000B, or around 250B per person if you can manage to fill a boat. Similar charters are also available between Ao Bang Bao and Ao Salak Phet.
Boat rides up Khlong Prao to the falls cost around 50B per person and can be arranged through most bungalows.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Bungalow operations along the west coast charge 200B to 300B per day for motorbike hire. Elsewhere on the island, rental bikes are scarce. Ko Chang’s hilly and winding roads are quite dangerous and are best left to relatively experienced riders, as there have been a number of fatal accidents involving Western tourists. Jeeps can be hired for around 2000B per day in the high season.
srng·ta·ou
The srng·ta·ou meeting the boats at Tha Dan Kao and Ao Sapparot charge 60B per person to Hat Sai Khao, 70B to Ban Khlong Prao, 80B to Hat Kaibae and 100B to Hat Tha Nam along the west coast. You may need to negotiate. There are irregular srng·ta·ou to Bang Bao, but expect to pay around 120B to 150B. Between Tha Dan Kao and Ban Salak Phet, the local price is 50B per person, although tourists may be charged more.
AROUND KO CHANG
There are some dazzling smaller islands in Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park, some uninhabited but many welcoming tourists with open arms to postcard-perfect beaches. Getting to these islands is still expensive, but becoming more straightforward every year. Costs for transport, food and accommodation remain relatively high compared to Ko Chang and Ko Samet.
Visiting the islands is easier in the high season, and during the May-to-September low season many boats stop running and bungalow operations wind down. On weekends and holidays during the high season, vacationing Thais fill the resorts on Ko Kut, Ko Wai and Ko Mak, but during the week the ambience is very laid-back.
In Trat, Serge at Tratosphere Books (Click here) is a reliable source for up-to-date information on accommodation and transport to and from the islands.
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Ko Kut
A rough tangle of jungle and gritty roads, Ko Kut is half as big as Ko Chang and the fourth largest island in Thailand. The water is clear, the palms are shady, and the beaches are top-notch; there’s nothing in the form of nightlife or even dining, really, but those are the reasons for visiting.
ORIENTATION & INFORMATION
There are no banks or ATMs, though major resorts can exchange money. A small hospital (0 3952 5748; 8.30am-4.30pm) can handle minor emergencies and is located inland at Ban Khlong Hin Dam. The police station (0 3952 5741) is nearby. Internet access is still a bit spotty, though many resorts have at least something going.
Beaches with gorgeous aquamarine water are along the western side at Hat Taphao, Hat Khlong Chao, Ao Bang Bao and Hat Khlong Yai Ki. A sealed road links Ban Khlong Hin Dam, the island’s main village on the west coast, with Ao Khlong Chao further south, and with piered fishing village Bang Ao Salat on the northeastern shore. Just south from Ao Khlong Chao the road disintegrates into a bumpy dirt track, eventually petering out into a single track only suitable for motorcycles. Other villages on the island include Ban Ta Poi, Ban Laem Kluai and Ban Lak Uan.
ACTIVITIES
With its gin-clear waters and quiet coves, Ko Kut’s surrounds are great for snorkelling and kayaking. Most resorts have equipment on offer.