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Mu Ko Chang National Park is a breathtaking marine national park in the Ko Chang Archipelago, situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Trat Province close to the Cambodian border. The park is a paradise for both nature lovers and adventure seekers with its waterfalls, trails, vistas, and coral reefs.
Let's explore this stunning destination with Asia King Travel!
Mu Ko Chang National Park is home to Thailand's only remaining proper evergreen forests at higher elevations on Ko Chang island, which is the park's main island. The park is located in the Gulf of Thailand offshore from the coast of Trat Province not too far from the Cambodian border.
The park's coral reefs are classified as an IUCN Category II protected area, highlighting their ecological importance. The highest peak in the national park is Khao Salak Phet, standing at 740 meters above sea level. Covering a total area of 650 km² over 52 islands (70% water), the park offers a unique blend of terrestrial and marine environments.
About Mu Ko Chang National Park
The park headquarters are located in the northwest of Koh Chang, midway between Klong Son village and White Sand Beach, with additional offices near Bangbao, at Than Mayom Waterfall.
On the outlying islands, there is a manned office at Koh Bai Daeng. This island is rarely visited by tourists. And a much larger base on Koh Rang, an island 20km south of Koh Chang. This is the main snorkeling and diving spot in Mu Ko Chang National Park.
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About Mu Ko Chang National Park
The park is a biodiversity hotspot with around 110 bird species, including the heart-spotted woodpecker, copper-throated sunbird, and white-bellied sea eagle.
Here you can find familiar species like wild boars and crab-eating macaques, as well as rare ones like the Indochinese lutung.
The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, such as the Cardamom pit viper, king cobra, and hawksbill sea turtle.
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Wildlife in Mu Ko Chang National Park
White Sand beach Viewpoint
Upon arriving on Ko Chang, visitors pass through the village of Klong Son and ascend over a big hill towards White Sand Beach. As the road descends, there's a spectacular viewpoint on the right side offering great views of White Sand Beach. Note that there is limited parking available on the roadside.
White Sand beach viewpoint
Kai Bae Viewpoint
Located at the south end of Kai Bae Beach, this viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the sea and surrounding areas. From here, you can see four smaller islands: Koh Yuak, Koh Man Noi, Koh Pli, and Koh Man Nok. The viewpoint is accessible by a short walk from the main road along the west coast.
Waterfalls
The park features 6 accessible waterfalls, including Khlong Plu Waterfall, Khlong Chao Lueam Waterfall, Khlong Nonsi Waterfall, Than Mayom Waterfall, Khlong Neung Waterfall, and Khiri Phet Waterfall. Entrance fees apply to Than Mayom and Khlong Plu waterfalls.
Waterfalls in Mu Ko Chang National Park
Salakphet Peak & Trail
Salakphet is the highest peak on Ko Chang Island, standing at 740 meters above sea level. Several trails lead to the peak, including a 5 km hike from Bangboa to the south, offering options to continue to Nonsi Waterfall or a more comfortable route to Salakphet village to the east.
A shorter circular route also leads to the peak, providing a 360-degree view of the surrounding areas.
Mangrove Forests boardwalk
The park has a few mangrove forests with boardwalks that allow visitors to hike into the forest. Notable boardwalks include Salakphet Mangrove Boardwalk and Salak Khok Mangrove Boardwalk. As it is not inside the national park, no entrance fees apply for these boardwalks.
Mangrove Forests boardwalk
Hiking
The primary activity in the national park is hiking, with routes that range in length from short strolls to waterfalls and mangrove forests to longer, trickier routes deep into the forest. While some waterfalls are easily reachable from popular tourist locations, some need more work to get to.
Hiking in Mu Ko Chang National Park
Diving and Snorkeling
Popular activities in the park include diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs, which let guests explore the colorful underwater world and see a variety of marine life.
The archipelago is affected by southwesterly monsoon winds with large waves colliding with the western side of the islands. As, the rainy season (from May to October with the most rainfall from June to September) brings heavy rainfall and rough seas, it can hinder travel and exploration.
However, between November and April, the weather is dry, the winds drop and the seas are calm, perfect for beautiful nature, outdoor and marine activities. This is also the best time to visit Mu Ko Chang National Park.
Best time to visit Mu Ko Chang National Park
Mu Ko Chang National Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. As of June 2022, the entrance fees are 200 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for children 3-14 years old. Thai citizens pay 40 Baht for adults and 20 Baht for children.
Here are some other expenses for a Mu Ko Chang National Park visit:
Accommodation
On Koh Chang, there are two campsites within the national park. One is located at the headquarters. The other is near the Than Mayom Waterfall National Park Office. There, the campsite is close to the sea. There are restrooms and showers facilities at both locations.
Camping fee (if you bring your own tent): 50 Baht per person
Tent rentals:
2-person tent: 150 Baht/night
3-person tent: 225 Baht/night
4-person tent: 300 Baht/night
8-person tent: 600 Baht/night
Sleeping set (blanket, sleeping mat, pillow): 60 Baht per person
There are toilet and shower facilities at the camping ground.
Food and Dining
Local meals: 50 - 150 Baht per dish
Meals at mid-range restaurants: 200 - 400 Baht per person
Transportation
Bus from Bangkok to Trat: 300 - 600 Baht
Ferry from Trat to Ko Chang: 80 - 150 Baht per person (one way)
Songthaew (shared taxi) on Ko Chang: 50 - 200 Baht per trip, depending on distance
Activities
Hiking trails: normally free
Snorkeling tours: 500 - 1,000 Baht per person
Diving trips: 2,000 - 4,000 Baht per person
Waterfall entrance fees (Than Mayom and Khlong Plu): Included in the park entrance fee
The mainland piers to Ko Chang are 90 km from Chantaburi, 250 km from Pattaya and about 300 km from Bangkok. Here are some step-by-step ways to reach Mu Ko Chang national park.
By Air: The nearest airport to Mu Ko Chang National Park is Trat Airport (TDX). Several airlines operate daily flights from Bangkok to Trat, with approximately 1 hour. Arriving at Trat Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle service to Laem Ngop Pier, which is about 30 kilometers away. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
By Bus: The bus journey takes approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arriving at Trat Bus Terminal, you can take a songthaew (shared taxi) or a private taxi to Laem Ngop Pier. The ride takes about 30 minutes.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and travel from Bangkok to Laem Ngop Pier. The distance is roughly 315 kilometers, and the drive takes around 4-5 hours via Route 3 (Sukhumvit Road).
By Ferry: From Laem Ngop Pier, you can catch a ferry to Ko Chang There are two main piers with regular ferry services: Ao Thammachat Pier and Centre Point Pier. Ferries run every 30-60 minutes from early morning until late afternoon (6:00 AM to 7:30 PM), and the crossing takes about 30-45 minutes.
On Ko Chang: Once you arrive on Ko Chang, you can use local transportation options such as songthaews, taxis, or motorbike rentals to reach Mu Ko Chang National Park and explore the island.
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