Haggling is advisable, start by practicing your basic Thai and give a big smile to shop attendants or keepsake sellers at the beach.

If you’re interested to know the daily life of Koh Changites, visiting the traditional markets will be an exhilarating cultural experience. Trat, the province where Koh Chang is included in, is well known for fruit and a local kitchen’s must have — the fantastic, yet pungent shrimp and fish pastes.

Original Crocs, Gucci, Adidas and Louis Vuitton made in Hong Kong (or other cities in China) are common in Koh Chang’s sporadic shops. For unique home furnishing and jewels in silver, gold, encrusted with semi precious stones or not, head to Portobello located in White Sand Beach. Handicrafts can be found at the Prince Craft Centre, also in White Sand Beach.

If you feel like mingling and meet fellow backpackers from all over the world, the Elephant Isle have few great spots not to be.

Nocturnal backpackers often head to White Sand Beach where heaps of pubs and bars like Buffalo Bill, Sabay Bar, and Oodies Place offer chilled beers and live music. Feel like singing after a few pints of Kilkenny at Paddy’s Palms or plenty of servings of Mojitos at 15 Palms? Head to Milky Bar and flaunt your singing talent. The bar also has a pool table, in case all of those liquors fail to conquer your stage fright.

So you’ve made new friends in Koh Chang and would like to know them better, then live band bars at White Sand Beach might not be the perfect place to have a friendly chat and be at ease. Head to Klong Prao Beach where you can watch European premier leagues on big screen TV while having some pints with the boys, or show of your darting and billiard skills to your new global peeps. Some recommended bars in Klao Prao are River Island Café, Magic Pub, Bar at VJ Hotel, Nid’s Kitchen (a Thai Rastafari restaurant and bar) and the snazzy jazzy Zigamar.

Kai Bea Beach bare witness to the first backpacker’s arrival in Koh Chang, nowadays, the beach is also known as a place where the free spirited night owls gather. Beer Gardens such as Rock Sugar and White Beach’s Oodies Place brother pub called Oodies Brothers. Other recommended watering holes are in KB Beach are the Brit owned Lek Bar & Diner, Casamarina, A Lee Bar, Taxi Stop, and European style beach bar called The Joker. Most bars in Kai Bae are gay-friendly ones, and happy-go-lucky Issam bar girls can be found flocking in central Kai Bae in bars such as Cats Bar, Butterfly Bar, Canucks! Bar or Sweet Witch Bar.

Lonely Beach has the reputation of being THE backpacker’s spot in the island, however the trend is quickly going downwards.  The carefree spirit is still though, it’s just if you think that you’ll be lonely in Lonely Beach, then you’ll be disappointed. The open minded crowds flock here, day and night, the same crowd baptized this beach to be the island’s hedonism capital  or Haad Rin of the East (Haad Rin is where the famous Full Moon Party usually takes place). Vitamin Bar at Lonely Beach keeps the party in full throttle, while Tree House and Lemon Bar has in-house DJs that will make your dancing shoes worn out and Full Moon parties. Other recommended bars are BB Divers Pool & Lounge, Ting Tong Bar, Stone Free and Nature Bar.

Massages is an intangible local culture, it’s virtually everywhere.

Koh Chang has become a favorite resort destination for locals (Thai or westerners who live many years in the land of smiles) as well as for the international tourists.

At the Spa Resort Ko Chang at Salak Kok Village, visitors can enjoy the Spa’s specialty: 32 Thai herbs steam bath. They also have an integrated Detox center as well as  excellent Yoga and Reiki classes. We recommend their fasting detoxification, followed by raw food on their Radiance Restaurant, one of world 50 best restaurant according to the U.K. Health magazine.

The Baan Zen at Klong Prao Beach is a center for Yoga and meditation, Reiki, and Chakra Balancing. What exactly is Chakra Balancing, you might ask; Indian traditional writings say that there are more than 80,000 chakras (means disk in Sanskrit) in our spiritual body which defines our physical, mental, and spiritual functions. Chakra balancing aims to influence our chakras and make them positive. Having balance chakras mean having a more positive you.

Revitalize at Aar’ Spa (means River in Malayalam, a Southern Indian language) belonging to the Aana Resort in Klong Prao Beach. The spa offers massages and beauty treatment surrounded by breathtaking views.

Although Koh Chang is becoming more and more a resort island instead of a sleepy fisherman’s land, pampering yourself doesn’t mean you need to break the bank.

If all that you want is an authentic massage and don’t mind about posh venues, then you’ll be happy to know that you can have massages and reflexology without having to move yourself away from the beach. Beach massages cost a fracture of the prices they offer on luxurious spas. Great natural setting and you don’t have to hitch hike all the way back to Newark or Oslo–blissful!

Baan Dan Kao

People of the Dan Kao Village (Baan Dan Kao in Thai) are mostly fisherman, they’re the direct descendant of the fishermen Hai Lam Chinese (Hainan, southernmost island of China) who drifted from China many years ago. They Dan Kao fishermen are still using Krasang (floating fishing basket, made out of bamboo) to fish Yamsawat Fish, the blue spotted sea bass.

Baan Dan Mai

Dan Mai Village is one of the accesses to Than Mayom waterfall. 500 meter climb from Durian Orchard, you’ll reach the cascading waterfall. From the top of the hill, there are some inscribed stones to commemorate the royal visits of King Rama VI and King Rama VII.

Baan Khlong Non Si

In this village, tourist can discover Wat Khlong Nonsi, one of the six temples in Koh Chang. The Wat (literally means pagoda) is located close to the Dan Mai Pier. Like any temple in Thailand, visitors are strongly recommended to wear proper attire before entering the place of worship. Tank tops or any form of clothes that reveal part of shoulders is a big no-no.

The Chang Park Resort is located on Koh Chang Island, Thailand, and provides comfortable accommodation for those that wish to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the lush tropical landscape. The Chang Park Resort offers bungalows and suites decorated in an attractive Thai style, surrounded by pleasant tropical gardens and a private beach.

There are 45 private bungalows available at the Chang Park Resort and these are fully air conditioned and provide guests with cable televisions, spacious private bathrooms and decked balconies which offer access to the stunning views. These comfortable guestrooms include 6 luxurious Honeymoon Suites, which offer elegant surroundings complete with teakwood terraces, comfortable sitting areas and private Jacuzzis.

The Chang Park Resort has a swimming pool (with poolside bar and Jacuzzi) and tranquil tropical gardens, and is right on the beachfront offering guests with immediate access to the island’s stunning coastline. The restaurant is also on the beachfront and is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a quiet meal with a choice of a la carte dishes (both Thai and International). The resort Club House (Salachaikhao) also serves a range of light meals and snacks and catering can be provided in the conferencing and meeting spaces. Guests can take part in a number of activities provided at the Chang Park Resort including beach volleyball, kayaking, diving and fishing, and traditional Thai spa treatments are available.

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The Barali Beach Resort is located on the west side of Koh Chang, alongside the stunning white sands and tropical warm waters of Klong Prao Beach.  Guests can enjoy panoramic views out across the lush green mountains and breathtaking tropical coastline, and there are some amazing sunsets and sunrises.

The Barali Beach Resort offers a number of contemporary Thai-style villas which provide terraces facing the beach and private swimming pools (deluxe options).  Villas provide a real ‘home-away-from-home’ with modern conveniences such as air conditioning, satellite colour televisions, direct dial telephones, tea and coffee making facilities, hair dryers and minibars.  Spacious, private bathrooms offer separate showers and large tubs and some villas also provide outdoor rainfall showers.

There is a pleasant onsite café which serves authentic Thai cuisine and a good selection of hot and cold beverages, and the pool bar also serves drinks and light snacks.  The Barali Beach Resort has two swimming pools (one for children) and a Jacuzzi, and there are also activities on offer such as ocean kayaking, elephant trekking, snorkelling and boat trips.  Other facilities include a free resort car park for guest use, laundry service, tours desk, car rental and room service.

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Koh Kood is a stunning tropical island in Thailand, just off the west coast of Koh Chang. Away Koh Kood is part of a chain of privately owned resorts and offers guests comfortable, stylish accommodation in the heart of the islands tranquil surroundings. Private terraces offer access to some amazing sea views, and there are plenty of activities on offer from exploring the rich tropical underwater environment from the dive centre through to rejuvenating beauty treatments at the onsite spa.

Deluxe Seaview Bungalows at the Away Koh Kood resort offer a number of modern conveniences including individually controlled air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, televisions, private bathrooms with shower and stunning beachfront locations.

The Away Koh Kood onsite restaurant ‘Escape’ offers panoramic views out across the island and has an exciting menu with fresh seafood, Asian fusion cuisines and a selection of International dishes. The Away Spa offers a range of exotic spa treatments from experienced therapists and is set in a tranquil, spacious pavilion. If you want to try some outdoor activities then Away Koh Kood offers an extensive activity centre with scuba diving lessons and trips (supervised by fully trained instructors), kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, sightseeing excursions and motorcycle/car rental.

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The Amari Emerald Cove Resort is a lovely seafront establishment that offers beautiful, tranquil surroundings where guests can relax and unwind.  The resort is located right on the stunning Klong Prao Beach with its pure white powdery sand and azure blue waters and is close to a number of facilities including restaurants, bars and shops.

The luxurious accommodation at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort is modelled in a contemporary Thai style with real wood furniture and tasteful décor and offers superior amenities including air conditioning, satellite televisions, tea/coffee making facilities, wireless Internet access, direct dial telephones, minibars, DVD players and in-room safes.  A number of rooms offer private balconies so that you can enjoy view out over the pool, beach and ocean and the bathrooms are spacious and luxurious with marble flooring, separate showers and bathtubs.

As well as the world class service and accommodation the Amari Emerald Cove Resort offers a 50 metre lap pool, Jacuzzi and children’s pool and a wide range of spa treatments including relaxing massage therapies and facials.  There are several onsite dining options including Just Thai, which serves authentic Thai cuisine using fresh local ingredients.   Sassi provides a taste of Italian cuisine and has intimate inside and outdoor dining areas, and also a private dining room that can be hired for parties, weddings or business events.  There are also two bars (one at the poolside) which offer a good selection of drinks and light snacks.  Other facilities include a tours desk, dive shop, game room, activities centre and beauty salon.

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The Koh Chang Grand Lagoona is a stunning floating resort which offers a luxurious fleet of boat chalets and cruise ship style accommodation located in one of Thailand’s most beautiful natural freshwater lagoons.  The Koh Chang Grand Lagoona is spread over 160 acres of tropical rainforest, waterfalls, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and offers a wonderful environment where guests can relax and enjoy their stay.

There are 30 luxury boat chalet options available in the stunning freshwater lagoon and a 7-deck modern floating hotel (The Galaxy) which offers 125 comfortable rooms. Waterfront villas and bungalows are also available including the luxurious country home style residence of Baan Rim Tharn which overlooks a pretty stream flowing from the nearby waterfall.  The boat chalets are decorated in a stunning traditional Thai style with carved teakwood features and provide private and luxurious accommodation.

The Koh Chang Grand Lagoona provides a number of dining options including the top floor floating Chankrachang Restaurant on The Galaxy, which offers a range of tasty international dishes and also Sandals Beach Bar for more relaxed, casual dining.  The Galaxy can also provide seminar, meeting and banqueting facilities. There are plenty of activities on offers for guests as well including mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, sightseeing tours, kayaking, fishing and diving.

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There are 96 comfortable villas, suites and guestrooms at the Dusit Princess Resort, and private balconies are also available so that you can enjoy a garden or sea view.  Many modern facilities are offered including telephones (with International Direct Dial option), DVD players, colour televisions with satellite channels and Internet access.  Private bathrooms are available and bathrobes and slippers are provided for guest use.

The Dusit Princess Resort offers a number of facilities including a quiet private beach, two swimming pools and a kid’s activity club.  There is also a relaxing onsite spa which offers many refreshing and rejuvenating treatments such as facials, body scrubs and massages.  The Dusit Princess Resorts provides a number of dining options including The Bay Restaurant, which offers delicious international cuisine with views out over the water and also the Starfish Lobby Bar which serves a range of snacks and light meals.  This resort also offers meeting and conference space, and audio/visual equipment and onsite catering can be provided on request.

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