Ko Chang & Ko Kut Group

Ko Chang & Ko Kut Group

Description

Consisting chiefly of prehistoric granite rock, Ko Chang itself was formed between 200 and 230 million years ago and is the second largest island in Thailand. Ko Chang enthrals, not only because of the long picture-postcard beaches, spectacular Ko Chang & Ko Kut group coral, the magnificent sunsets, the enchanting waterfalls and hushed mangroves, but also because of the vast tropical rain forest – one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia – that covers 75 percent of this mountainous island, whose highest peak stands 743 metres tall.
Not surprisingly, these primordial jungles are home to a great variety of wildlife. Recent studies found 30 different kinds of land animals, 60 types of bird and 40 species of reptile and amphibians on the island, including Pythons, Rat-Snakes, King Cobras, lizards, monkeys, ant-eaters, wild pigs and bats. Ko Chang even has its own, exclusive creature, the ‘Rana Kochang' (Ko-Chang-frog), that is found nowhere else in the world.
Yet, some of Ko Chang surprises. While much of the island remains untouched, beach restaurants and bungalows on the more developed beaches provide the opportunity to touch base during a cruise around the peaceful islands in this national park group.
The last group of islands in Thai waters, the Ko Kut archipelago – including Ko Kut itself, Ko Kra, Ko Maisi Lek and Ko Raet, is less well-known and less explored than Ko Chang. Flatter than its neighbour, the main island is nevertheless heavily forested with endless coconut groves and rubber plantations in the low-lying plains. Ko Kut's splendid waterfall, Nam Tok Khlong Chao, is one of the most striking spots on the island.
Visit the running streams at the upper two tiers, and then stop for a relaxing freshwater swim in the lower level a large pond.

When to Go

January-April is the most preferred time for an excursion on the water, perfect sclimate with steady easterly winds providing the best conditions for an enjoyable cruise and great water conditions for snorkelling and diving.
May-October the southwest-monsoon with its calm sea and clear sky comes complete with fair winds for sailing, though it can get pretty hot during these months.
October-December the northeast monsoon with its rainy season can create winds up to 25 knots or more and gives sailing more of an adventurous touch where you can test your skills in gusty winds and ten feet waves!

Routes

4 Days itinerary

Day 1: KOH CHANG – KOH WAI / KOH KHAM
Sail along the west coast of Koh Chang.

Day 2: KOH WAI / KOH KHAM – KOH RANG – KOH KUT
Sailing through the National Park to Koh Rang, where scattered reefs provide a haven for a variety of soft and hard corals and tropical wildlife. Possibility of swimming and snorkeling. Continue sailing to Koh Kut, where you can spend the night.

Day 3: KOH KUT – KOH WAI / KOH KHAM Possibility to explore a mangrove swamp by dingy. Sailing through the National Park again. Late afternoon anchor at either Koh Wai or Koh Kham.

Day 4: KOH WAI / KOH KHAM – KOH CHANG
Possibility of swimming in crystal clear water and exploring the corals. Then set sail heading back to the island of Koh Chang.

Access

By road
5.30 hours by bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 6.00 am - 12.00 pm).
If your charter operator has not arranged transfer from the bus terminal, continue by local transport (songthaeo) to Laem Ngop or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day. Distance from the bus terminal to Laem Ngop is 17km. Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on Ko Chang every hour from 8.00 am - 5.00 pm. The trip takes 45 minutes.
By air
Bangkok Airways operates two flights per day (morning and afternoon in each direction) between Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport andTrat airport. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.