Koh Chang

Koh Chang, or Elephant Island, is the largest and most developed of the 52-island archipelago that became Mu Koh Chang National Park in 1982. Most of the 30-km-long (18-mile-long) island is mountainous—there are only a few small beaches and only nine villages, some accessible only by boat. Beautiful, albeit somewhat inaccessible, rain forest covers a large portion of this little paradise, making it ideal for those wanting more than just sun and sand. But the island is also a good bet for seaside relaxation: the beaches are picturesque and lack the overheated party scene of Pattaya. As the tourism industry grows on Koh Chang, mid-level resorts are becoming more common than expensive upscale establishments. Resorts are also being built on some of the other islands in the national park, including Koh Mak. Every beach on Koh Chang has something being built or renovated. Before you book your hotel, make sure there is no major construction project going on nearby.