About Us : Aiyapura Resort & Spa in Koh Chang Island, Thailand
|
||||
One of the best-known waterfalls, Klong Plu is close to Klong Prao and Kai Bae beaches. The fall plunges down a narrow drop-off into a pool, where you can go for a refreshing swim. Heading 3 km south from Klong Prao along the main road, you will see a sign of the waterfall on the left. Turn left into the path and follow the sign for 2 km. You'll find a ticket kiosk to pay the entrance fee. Walk along a well-marked footpath for only 20 minutes or about 400 metres past many kinds of vegetation, birds and giant trees, and you'll encounter a spectacular view of the waterfall.
This is also a 3-level waterfall, which has served as an important source of fresh water for the island. King Rama V visited Klong Plu twice. Most visitors stay at the first level which is already a breath-taking sight. Walking to the second and third levels will need the assistance of park officials or guides, as the path is slippery and difficult to reach. Swimming and camping are allowed.
Leading up a steep road on the west coast to Ao Sapparos, not too far from the pier, you will see the shrine of Chao Po and Chao Mae Koh Chang on the right. This is a highly revered shrine especially for local people. Chao Po Koh Chang (literally the Deity of Koh Chang) has guarded people on Koh Chang (Ko Chang), nearby islands and the mainland of Trat for generations. Fishermen struck by monsoon or lost their directions in the sea put their faith on Chao Po Koh Chang. Legend has it that many prayers have been answered, and the locals have been praying to Chao Po Koh Chang concerning various hardships, from low yield harvests to sickness or other miseries.
Situated 80 kms southeast of the provincial capital of Trat, Koh Kood is the farthest island from the mainland. It is also the easternmost island of Thailand bordering Kampuchea. With an area of 129 sq. kms Koh Kood is the second largest island of the Koh Chang Marine National Park and fourth largest in Thailand, after Koh Samui. It is supported by essential infrastructure, which include a hospital, schools, police station, electricity (mainly for state-run facilities), water and telephone system. Fuel and solar energy are, the main sources of electricity here. Most resorts generate their own electricity.
To the west of Koh Mak is a group of 12 islands known as the Moo Koh Rang. Of these, Koh Rang Yai is the largest. It is covered with tropical virgin rainforests and boast of the longest and most beautiful beach in the area, the Had San Chao or San Chao Beach, where the sand is powdery white and water crystal clear. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater beauty up to 25 meters deep. Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain. Its only low-lying area are at the shores.
Lying between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, about 40 km from the mainland is a group of 9 islands called the Moo Koh Maak (Moo Ko Mak). Only 4 of these islands, including Koh Maak, Koh Kradad, Koh Kham and Koh Rayang Nok are occupied. Koh Maak, with an area of only 16 sq km and a 27 km coastline, is the third largest island of the Marine Park. It has a flat terrain with plenty of coconut and rubber plantations. The main attractions are the long beaches and clear seawaters. There are only a few hundred people living here, most of them related.
Just 1 km northwest of Koh Maak is Koh Kham, a small island with clear seawater, coral reefs and coconut-fringed sandy beaches that are excellent for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and angling for squids. The island is almost within swimming distance from Koh Maak's Ao Suan Yai beach. Aged lava exists on the island which means a volcano existed in prehistoric times. Big boulders believed to be volcano rocks are seen on its pristine beaches. During low tide a sand dune practically links the island to Koh Maak (Ko Mak).
Siammedee Business Travel Co., Ltd. TAT TRAVEL LICENSE No. 11/4190
555/8137 Pratunam Center, Room No.2137 Rajprarop Rd., Rajthevee, Bangkok 10400 Thailand.
If you have any suggestions or comments, please e-mail us Bangkok Office : 9.00 am. - 6.00 pm. (Mon-Fri) by Siammedee / Travel