A long soft strand
About two kilometres under the hills.
Nick Steemans — CC BY 3.0 · nakhon100 — CC BY 2.0 · nakhon100 — CC BY 2.0 · Public domain
Koh Chang's longest and liveliest beach, called Hat Sai Khao in Thai, on the north-west coast about a quarter of an hour by road from the ferry piers. Pale, fine sand runs for about two kilometres between coconut palms, with the forested hills of the national park rising behind. Along it stand hotels and resorts of every class, restaurants and cafés on the sand, and shops and tour desks on the parallel road. The north end is quieter and better for swimming, while the south is busier, with bars and music in the evening, so families prefer the northern end. Sunsets here are among the island's best, when tables are set out on the sand. There is no fee for the beach. From the mainland a ferry from the Laem Ngop piers in Trat crosses in about half an hour to three quarters of an hour, then open-backed shared taxis run along the coast road. The best season runs from November to April; from May to October the monsoon makes the sea rough on the west coast and boat trips thin out. Make it your base if you want services and plenty of restaurants close by; easy trips run from here to Khlong Phlu waterfall, Bang Bao village and snorkelling trips to the southern islands. Watch for currents on windy days and keep to the red flags.
About two kilometres under the hills.
Restaurant tables by the sea.
To waterfalls and islands.
Hat Sai Khao, north-west coast of Koh Chang, Trat province
Yes, especially the north end; the south has bars and music in the evening.