Koh Kood Far quieter and less developed than neighboring Koh Chang, Koh Kood is a pristine island ideal for a relaxing beach holiday.

Just south of Koh Chang, its more popular neighboring island, Koh Kood is far less developed and consequently more idyllic. A rather flat island covered almost entirely with native forest or coconut and rubber plantations, Koh Kood has a number of pristine beaches with crystal clear water. Koh Kood is located near the Cambodian border and consequently has an ethnically mixed population of roughly 2,000 residents that is slowly transitioning from an exclusive plantation and fishing economy to an incipient tourism oriented one. Development of accommodation on Koh Kood has focused on attracting a middle and upper class Thai clientele that is drawn by the island’s beauty and tranquility. Both 4-5 hour slow boats and one hour speedboats from Laem Ngob and Dan Kao Piers in Trat Province provide service to the island though nicer resorts have their own boat service.
Despite being the fourth largest island in Thailand, Koh Kood has managed to remain an unspoiled slice of tropical heaven. Located in Trat Province, Koh Kood is the southernmost of the Koh Chang island chain. With gorgeous beaches and little other infrastructure it’s a resort destination that caters to those looking for a quiet beach paradise, with soft sand, crystal clear water, and little else.

Relaxing is the predominate activity on this island, whose unspoiled nature and leisurely local lifestyle are the prime attractions. Snorkeling or exploring the islands beaches and forests are activities for the more adventurous, although boat trips to nearby islands for sightseeing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are also options. A small fishing village, located at Ao Salat on the Northeast of the island, provides an opportunity to experience island culture.

With no less than 50 offshore isles, Koh Chang boasts the finest red gems, sweet Rakam fruits, indigenous dogs, the historic Koh Chang Naval engagement, and is the eastern-most province in Thailand.

Koh Chang (Elephant Island) is Thailand’s second largest island and the primary destination for those visiting Koh Chang Marine National Park, which includes dozens of unspoiled islands. Located in Trat Province, about 300 kilometers East of Bangkok and not far from the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is 70% covered by unspoiled rainforest and the island’s 5000 permanent residents are only gradually becoming more involved in tourism as development has increased in the past decade.

Now serviced by an airport just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal in Trat, Koh Chang is more easily accessible than ever before. Drawn to Koh Chang’s pristine beaches and sparkling water, more well-to-do Thai and international travelers have been discovering Koh Chang and numerous luxury spas and resorts have sprung up to cater to them. Nonetheless, the island is still a dream destination for budget travelers and families, with a wide variety of affordable accommodation options and numerous gorgeous and tranquil beaches surrounded by crystal clear water.

While the number of tourists has increased, particularly among middle class Thais, Koh Chang is still predominately unspoiled forests and pristine beaches. In addition to natural beauty, the island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including native birds, snakes, deer, and even a number of elephants. As for activities, Koh Chang and the nearby islands that make up the national park are great for snorkeling, diving, camping, and jungle hiking.

The majority of tourists stay at Haad Sai Khao, Haad Kai Mook, Haad Ta Nam, and Laem Bang Bao, all of which are linked by a single road running down the west coast.

Access to the island is via Bangkok Airways service to Trat or buses that connect to shuttle service to the ferry docks at Laem Ngop near Trat.
Once the quiet refuge of backpackers in the know, Koh Chang (Elephant Island) has grown in popularity as a tourist destination since 2000, when the Thai government hoped to develop the island as the next Phuket. Fortunately, as Koh Chang is nearly as large as Phuket, a decade of development that has seen the construction of an airport in Trat and numerous hotels and restaurants has done little to sully its appeal as an island of spectacular natural beauty.

Koh Chang, the largest island in the Koh Chang Marine National Park, is a beach lover and nature enthusiasts dream come true. While recent development has led to the opening of some nightlife on the island, the primary attractions on the island are the beaches, waterfalls, and neighboring islands. However, several fishing villages, a number of naval battle sights, and some opportunities for diving and snorkeling make Koh Chang both an interesting and relaxing place to visit.

Sa Kaeo The Frontier of the East, with beautiful forests and splendid waterfalls, remains of ancient civilizations, and the commercial nexus between Thailand and Cambodia.
Sa Kaeo is an eastern border province of Thailand, located approximately 245 kilometers from Bangkok. In the past, it was an important and prosperous community with a history dating back to the Dvaravati Kingdom, observable from the remains of ancient monuments scattered across the province, as well as artifacts that shed light on the history and glory of Sa Kaeo’s ancestors.

Apart from historical remains worthy of study, Sa Kaeo also possesses abundant natural resources, such as Pang Sida and Ta Phraya National Parks, as well as unique, canyon-like soil sculptures called “Lalu” that are caused by ground subsidence.

At the Thai border in Amphoe Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo serves as a gateway to Cambodia, connecting international commercial transport and tourism at a hectic border crossing. As a result of the massive influx of goods and people passing back and forth, Rong Kluea Market offers both cheap and second-hand products from the two neighboring countries.Located in the east of Thailand, bordering Cambodia at Aranyaprathet-Poipet border crossing, Sa Kaeo is a popular center of trade between the two countries.

In the past, Sa Kaeo was a important center of civilization and its history dates back to the Dvaravati Period over 1,000 years ago. The archeological sites in Sa Kaeo feature Khmer arts and stone inscriptions that are outstanding examples of the civilizations once occupying the area for many centuries.

Located about 220 km from Bangkok, Sa Kaeo can be reached either by road or rail. Aranyaprathet is the most popular border crossing for those heading overland into Cambodia.

Prachin Buri City of the Sacred Bodhi Tree, Sweet Bamboo Shoots, Tasty Fruits, and
Ancient Remains of Dvaravati Towns

The primarily agricultural province of Prachin Buri is located along the Cambodian boarder to the east of Bangkok. As an area that has been occupied for roughly 800 years, the region contains many ruins from the Dvaravati and Khmer kingdoms. Prachin Buri province is also well known for containing Khao Yai, Thap Lan and Pang Sida National Parks, which together cover over 3,000 square kilometers, the largest protected area of land in Thailand. Much of the remainder of Prachin Buri province is occupied by rice fields.The primarily agricultural province of Prachin Buri is located along the Cambodian boarder to the east of Bangkok, where it has been occupied for roughly 800 years. Prachin Buri province contains Khao Yai, Thap Lan and Pang Sida National Parks, which together cover over 3,000 square kilometers, the largest protected area of land in Thailand. There is a wealth of outdoor activities to do in Prachin Buri, a province that isn’t overrun with tourists and therefore features beautiful natural attractions, including waterfalls and river rapids that are alternatively quiet or exciting depending on the season and your preference of outdoor activity.

Nakhon Nayok is a destination that has arguably been taken for granted by many tourists. Located just 106 kilometers from Bangkok, Nakhon Nayok has many attractions that may be visited on day trips. Consequently, Nakhon Nayok is typically visited by day trippers or those making a brief stop over on the way to other destinations. However, Nakhon Nayok features refreshing natural beauty, including waterfalls and parks, renowned historical sites, a number of soft adventure activities, and a variety of delectable fruits.

The northern part of Nakhon Nayok is located in the Dong Phaya Yen mountain range, an area covered by the Khao Yai National Park. Yod Khao Kiew, its highest peak, is 1,292 meters above sea level. In contrast, the central part of the province is a rather flat river plain formed by the Maenam Nakhon Nayok, a river popular with white water rafting enthusiasts.The provincial seal says a lot about Nakhon Nayok. It features a circle indicating the unity of the people of Nakhon Nayok, an elephant raising an ear of rice that represents the fertile forests where numerous elephants dwell and the ear of rice referring to the fruitful farming in the region, and a pile of straw, a stand of trees, and billowy clouds in the background depicting the natural beauty of the province that includes portions of Khao Yai National Park and contains the Nakhon Nayok River, a popular destination for rafting.