Island Hopper

Getting to Koh Chang is a breeze. The ferry from Trat takes just 45 minutes, and the island’s jungle-covered peaks are visible from the mainland. If you can drag yourself away from the wide sandy beaches, you can hike through Mu Ko Chang National Park, home to around 110 bird species as well as the rare Indochinese lutung monkey. Many of the park’s waterfalls are on easily accessible paths, while others need a bit more effort to get to, but the rewards are worth it. Head back to the coast and beyond to dive or snorkel over vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

At your arrival point, Ao Salad Bay, you are greeted by a giant gold Buddha statue on the pier instead of the usual hawkers, hotel reps and souvenir shops, and the drive to your resort takes you through mangroves and thick jungle. The beaches on Koh Kood are in general a little longer and wider than those on Koh Mak, and it has a few more amenities, but that feels like splitting hairs! 

The highlights are uncomplicated which, in this case, is right on the nose: relaxing on the sand, swinging in a hammock and enjoying memorable sunsets. High Seasons Resort has a particularly good view from their beachfront bar, and the Soneva Kiri is a sublime exclusive retreat with a private beach on the north west coast. If you’re keen to explore further, hire resort-operated songthaews for trips to stunning waterfalls and working fishing villages.