Koh Chang is an exotic island resort in Thailand which is obscured by its more famous counterparts, the island resorts of Phuket and Koh Samui.It is the third largest island in Thailand behind Phuket and Koh Samui respectively.

However, the obscurity of this island is waning as more and more people are getting to know about this island's tourism potential and are making a beeline this relatively quieter and unspoilt Thai island resort.

With more and more domestic and foreign tourists visiting to Koh Chang for their holiday vacation, developers and hotel owners are rushing in to tap this market potential. For example, the Amari Emerald Cove Resort, the first 5-star resort hotel on the main island opened its doors just a few years ago and since then, there are many such projects springing up in Koh Chang.

The White Sand Beach area is a family oriented area and quite a number of assorted beach resorts and hotels can be found here along with some luxurious beach resorts such as Chang Buri Resort and Spa and Koh Chang Kacha Resort and Spa. There are also simple beach hut shacks such as the Rock Sand Bungalow and the evergreen Bamboo Bungalow for the budget conscious tourists.

Located on the western side of Koh Chang is the Hat Tha Nam or Lonely Beach which is also very popular with low budget travelers and the backpacking tourists whereas Kai Bae beach is more popular with scuba divers.

The Thai government has announced that Koh Chang will developed into the next premium beach resort tourist destination and vowed that they will not commit the same mistakes they made in Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui where resort development was not meticulously regulated and are infrastructural nightmares.

In Koh Chang however, the Thai authorities have imposed strict building regulations and directives for beach front developments such as limiting all man-made structures to a maximum height of three storeys. To control indiscriminate developments, the government declared 85% of Koh Chang as a national park and thus any developments are disallowed in these areas.

Unlike Phuket and Koh Samui with their cacophony of tourism related shops, noisy entertainment outlets and sleazy clubs, Koh Chang is just the opposite and is tranquil, quiet and delightful. Tourists have almost nothing to do besides enjoying water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing or just simply soaking up the sun by the beaches.

There are 52 islands which make up Koh Chang National Marine Park and thus potential for the scuba diving industry is excellent. Already, there are more than 20 dive operators in this island resort offering scuba diving excursions, conducting certification lessons and renting diving related equipment.

The best time to go scuba diving in Koh Chang is in the beginning of the year when its pristine water is calm and underwater visibility is at its best. Non divers can also take catamarans to go island hopping cruises.

For tourists and beach lovers who prefer laid back beaches and unspoilt nature, do visit Koh Chang now before it is morphed into another commercialized beach destination in Thailand. Will Koh Chang island resort become the next Phuket or Koh Samui? Only time can provide the answer.

This exotic tourist attraction in Thailand is accessible by ferry from Trat on Eastern Thailand and the peak season to frolic in Koh Chang's beautiful beaches is from December to April.

About the Author

Chris Chew owns a travel guide website for traveling in Asia at Koh Samui Resort Island and Exotic Phuket Island Resort

 

Welcome to paradise for that is what the word 'Hawaii' means; and with a warm, sub-tropical climate, friendly outgoing people, some of the world's most wondrous scenery and those famous beautiful beaches, who are we to argue? The islands of Hawaii each have their own unique characteristics and the four main islands offer a world of contrasts. There are black lava desert plains, waterfalls, rainforest, the world's most active volcano, endless beaches and even snow-capped mountains.

The Hawaiian Islands are known for their breathtaking scenery and the hospitality of their people, as well their abundant marine life. Surfing and diving are popular pursuits, but you can kayak or bicycle tour the islands as well. With most high-density tourism activity located around Honolulu, on the island of Oahu (also home to the famed Waikiki beach resort), visitors looking for a more laid-back holiday usually head for one of the other islands.

The long awaited Superferry service has now started operation, so access to the outer islands is better than ever and cheaper. This high-speed, 866-passenger catamaran carries both people and vehicles between Oahu and Maui, and should begin services to Kauai in the near future.

You can drive aboard the Hawaii Superferry in your own car, relax in the lounges, watch TV and enjoy refreshments during the three-hour ocean voyage. Adult, advance purchase, midweek fares start at $44 one way (plus a fuel surcharge), while peak fares (Friday–Monday) start at $54. You can take your car for an extra $59.

The introduction of the Superferry has dramatically altered the fare structures for traveling within the Hawaiian Islands, forcing airlines, which have long dominated inter-island transportation, to slash their fares to meet their new competitors head to head. Of course airfares change regularly, but in recent months Hawaiian and Aloha airlines have been offering inter-island sale fares of $19 one way. These airlines also offer tour packages that allow you to see as many of the major islands in Hawaii that you have the time and resources to visit.

Cruise ships also run services to Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (often called the big island to avoid confusion with the state of Hawaii), giving you a taste of the best each island has to offer.

A trip from Honolulu to Maui by Superferry takes about three hours, compared to about 40 minutes by plane. To secure cheap air and ferry fares, be sure to make your reservation early – at least two to three weeks in advance, or at least as soon as you know your travel dates. Also, flying on a weekday usually costs less than flying on Saturday or Sunday, and flights departing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday generally offer the lowest fares.

If you visit during the low season (January–May, September–November) you can save up to 20 per cent on fares. So whenever you travel to Hawaii, keep in mind the different options for inter-island travel and check the transportation companies well in advance for new services and special rates. Welcome to paradise!

About the Author

Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Go America provide discount Hawaii flights as well as great deals on Hawaii hotels and car hire.