Ko Chang, Ranong Province

The waters around this rustic and laid-back island (not to be confused with the larger Ko Chang in Trat Province) are clouded by effluence from the muddy estuary, but that doesn't stop adventurous travelers from enjoying the mangroves on the east coast and a hilly, forested interior. Pass your time wandering around the small main village where boats land (in the dry season), or exploring one of the dirt trails meandering around the island. Beaches are found along the western shore, and if you're lucky you may catch sight of sea eagles, Andaman kites and even hornbills. Bungalow operations on Ko Chang can arrange boat trips to Ko Phayam and ...

The waters around this rustic and laid-back island (not to be confused with the larger Ko Chang in Trat Province) are clouded by effluence from the muddy estuary, but that doesn't stop adventurous travelers from enjoying the mangroves on the east coast and a hilly, forested interior. Pass your time wandering around the small main village where boats land (in the dry season), or exploring one of the dirt trails meandering around the island. Beaches are found along the western shore, and if you're lucky you may catch sight of sea eagles, Andaman kites and even hornbills. Bungalow operations on Ko Chang can arrange boat trips to Ko Phayam and other nearby islands for around 200B per person (about $6.50, including lunch) in a group of six or more. Dive trips are also possible. Several beach places have opened up over the last few years, although some are only open from November to April, during the dry season. Some have limited electricity.

About the Expert

Joe Cummings has contributed to more than 35 guidebooks, maps, atlases, phrasebooks and photographic works, including his bestselling Lonely Planet Thailand and Buddhist Stupas of Asia: The Shape of Perfection.