Hidden away on Thailand’s north-eastern Trat coastline, Koh Chang National Marine Park has successfully managed to escape the attention of the country’s well established and ever-growing tourist industry. As such the park remains a virtually untouched haven for Thais and well-informed travellers alike who seek total relaxation and escapism on the shores of the park’s many islands which are deservedly often referred to as Thailand’s true paradise.

Made up of fifty-two islands, the national park takes its name after Koh Chang (literally ‘Elephant Island’), which at 492 square kilometres is not only the largest of the park’s islands but also the second largest in all of Thailand behind only Phuket. Given its size and obvious economic potential it is perhaps surprising that the island has not been taken advantage of by eager developers. However this can be explained by the fact that 75% of the island is covered by wild rainforest which is strictly protected by Thai law and any developments must be carried out under the watchful eye of the country’s Forestry Department. Thus the island, virtually unchanged by time, is an ideal escape from the chaos and stresses of urban living. Indeed Koh Chang makes for a stark contrast to the sprawling concrete skyline and traffic-filled streets of Bangkok. With a small population of just 5000 and a basic infrastructure that has only seen the introduction of paved roads and electricity within the last few years, Ko Chang has only recently awoken to its potential as a tourist destination. Yet despite being worlds apart in their appearance and atmosphere, Koh Chang is actually only a 330 kilometre and 4 hour drive east from the capital, with a short 45 minute ferry-ride from the mainland to the island. [Getting to Koh Chang, Thailand]

Another reason behind the island’s untouched beauty is undoubtedly the high regard for which it is held by its inhabitants, all of whom take pride in ensuring that their peaceful island maintains its rightful title as the most beautiful in all of Thailand and arguably all of South-East Asia. By growing with and not against its natural surroundings Ko Chang national park has understandably become a popular choice for visitors with an appreciation for wildlife and nature, many of whom are drawn to Koh Chang’s abundance of stunning coves and bays which lie hidden along the park’s secluded coastlines. Indeed visitors will be spoilt for choice when deciding whether to take a jungle trek through the unspoiled rainforest, admire dramatic cliff-tops and waterfalls fed by permanent streams, or to take a swim in the clear blue waters that are home to a magnificent variety of colourful marine life and well-preserved coral reefs.

Of course with such attractive qualities Koh Chang cannot remain a secret forever. As the park becomes Thailand’s newest holiday getaway destination the key is for the park to evolve so as to be able to accommodate its increasing number of visitors but whilst remaining respectful to the area’s unique natural beauty. As such the park is keen to continue attracting visitors considerate of its wildlife and its future is being carefully planned to ensure that any developments made are environmentally friendly so as to allow the new to sit comfortably side by side with the old.