| Koh Chang is an exotic island resort in Thailand which | | | | nightmares. |
| is obscured by its more famous counterparts, the | | | | In Koh Chang however, the Thai authorities have |
| island resorts of Phuket and Koh Samui.It is the third | | | | imposed strict building regulations and directives for |
| largest island in Thailand behind Phuket and Koh Samui | | | | beach front developments such as limiting all |
| respectively. | | | | man-made structures to a maximum height of three |
| However, the obscurity of this island is waning as | | | | storeys. To control indiscriminate developments, the |
| more and more people are getting to know about | | | | government declared 85% of Koh Chang as a |
| this island's tourism potential and are making a beeline | | | | national park and thus any developments are |
| this relatively quieter and unspoilt Thai island resort. | | | | disallowed in these areas. |
| With more and more domestic and foreign tourists | | | | Unlike Phuket and Koh Samui with their cacophony of |
| visiting to Koh Chang for their holiday vacation, | | | | tourism related shops, noisy entertainment outlets |
| developers and hotel owners are rushing in to tap | | | | and sleazy clubs, Koh Chang is just the opposite and |
| this market potential. For example, the Amari Emerald | | | | is tranquil, quiet and delightful. Tourists have almost |
| Cove Resort, the first 5-star resort hotel on the main | | | | nothing to do besides enjoying water sports like |
| island opened its doors just a few years ago and | | | | snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing or just simply soaking |
| since then, there are many such projects springing up | | | | up the sun by the beaches. |
| in Koh Chang. | | | | There are 52 islands which make up Koh Chang |
| The White Sand Beach area is a family oriented area | | | | National Marine Park and thus potential for the scuba |
| and quite a number of assorted beach resorts and | | | | diving industry is excellent. Already, there are more |
| hotels can be found here along with some luxurious | | | | than 20 dive operators in this island resort offering |
| beach resorts such as Chang Buri Resort and Spa | | | | scuba diving excursions, conducting certification |
| and Koh Chang Kacha Resort and Spa. There are also | | | | lessons and renting diving related equipment. |
| simple beach hut shacks such as the Rock Sand | | | | The best time to go scuba diving in Koh Chang is in |
| Bungalow and the evergreen Bamboo Bungalow for | | | | the beginning of the year when its pristine water is |
| the budget conscious tourists. | | | | calm and underwater visibility is at its best. Non divers |
| Located on the western side of Koh Chang is the | | | | can also take catamarans to go island hopping cruises. |
| Hat Tha Nam or Lonely Beach which is also very | | | | For tourists and beach lovers who prefer laid back |
| popular with low budget travelers and the | | | | beaches and unspoilt nature, do visit Koh Chang now |
| backpacking tourists whereas Kai Bae beach is more | | | | before it is morphed into another commercialized |
| popular with scuba divers. | | | | beach destination in Thailand. Will Koh Chang island |
| The Thai government has announced that Koh Chang | | | | resort become the next Phuket or Koh Samui? Only |
| will developed into the next premium beach resort | | | | time can provide the answer. |
| tourist destination and vowed that they will not | | | | This exotic tourist attraction in Thailand is accessible |
| commit the same mistakes they made in Pattaya, | | | | by ferry from Trat on Eastern Thailand and the peak |
| Phuket and Koh Samui where resort development | | | | season to frolic in Koh Chang's beautiful beaches is |
| was not meticulously regulated and are infrastructural | | | | from December to April. |