Experience the best of Ko Chang

Ko Chang is Thailand's third-largest island, lying off the coast of Trat province in the east, close to the Cambodian border. A ridge of jungle-covered mountains runs down the middle, dropping to beaches on the west coast. The island is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, a group of islands, and ferries cross from the mainland pier at Laem Ngop.

White Sand Beach is the main beach, with smaller bays at Kai Bae and Lonely Beach, and the fishing village of Bang Bao, built on stilts over the water, has a long pier lined with seafood restaurants and boats to snorkelling spots. Waterfalls such as Than Mayom and Klong Phlu fall through the forest, and the nearby islands of Ko Wai, Ko Mak and Ko Kut have clear water and coral.

Seafood grilled over charcoal, stir-fries with holy basil, green curries and fresh coconut ice cream are typical. This is one of the wetter parts of Thailand, with heavy monsoon rain, and the island is greenest and its waterfalls fullest then, while the dry, cooler months bring calm, clear seas.