The heart of Koh Chang's wildlife is undoubtedly Mu Ko Chang National Park. It is a place that impresses with its beauty and diversity of ecosystems. The park encompasses not only much of Koh Chang Island, but also the surrounding smaller islands and marine areas, creating a unique natural complex.

Mu Ko Chang National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Here you can admire the rich flora of the tropical rainforest, including many species of orchids and palm trees. The park's fauna is equally impressive, from colorful butterflies and birds, to monkeys and warblers, to larger mammals such as wild boars and sambar deer.

One of the park's main attractions is the opportunity to hike along marked trails. Trails of varying degrees of difficulty allow you to discover the beauty of the jungle and admire the scenic waterfalls. We especially recommend visiting the Khlong Phlu waterfall, which is located in a part of the park called the National Park Protection Unit (Khlong Phlu).

Khlong Phlu waterfall is a true gem of nature. Not only can you admire the cascades of water falling from a height of several tens of meters, but you can also take a refreshing bath in the natural pools at the foot of the waterfall. This is the perfect place to relax and cool off on hot days. Note that it is best to visit the waterfall early in the morning, when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the beauty of nature in peace.

Mu Ko Chang National Park also offers opportunities to observe marine life. Snorkeling and diving excursions allow you to discover the richness of the underwater world, including colorful coral reefs and exotic fish. This is a great opportunity to see marine ecosystems up close and understand the importance of protecting them.

It's worth remembering that there is a fee to enter the park (200 baht for adults, 100 baht for children as of 2023), but this fee also allows access to other parts of the island's national park. Remember that as visitors to this natural environment, it is our responsibility to behave responsibly and with respect for nature.

One of the most unique experiences on Koh Chang is the opportunity to have a close encounter with Thai elephants. The island is nicknamed 'Elephant Island' for a reason, and one of the places where you can learn about these majestic animals is Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp.

Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp is a place that evokes mixed feelings among visitors. On the one hand, it offers the opportunity to come into close contact with elephants, feed them and observe them. On the other hand, the treatment of the animals is sometimes criticized. Elephants here are chained, which many tourists find difficult to accept. It is worth noting, however, that the camp strives to provide the elephants with veterinary care and regular meals.

If you decide to visit Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp, you can feed the elephants (at a cost of about 200 baht for a bucket of bananas), observe them while they bathe, or opt for a short ride. Note, however, that riding elephants is controversial from an animal welfare standpoint.

For those looking for a more ethical way to interact with animals, a great alternative is Koh Chang's Animal Voice. It's an animal sanctuary that focuses mainly on caring for dogs and cats, but its activities have a broader educational and environmental focus.

Animal Voice Koh Chang is a place where you can not only see what professional animal care looks like, but also get actively involved as a volunteer. The sanctuary runs adoption programs, sterilization and vaccination campaigns, and educates on responsible animal care.

A visit to Animal Voice Koh Chang is a great opportunity to teach children empathy toward animals and show them the importance of caring for the vulnerable. You can spend time here helping to feed the animals, walking the dogs or just cuddling the cats. It's an experience that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Both Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp and Animal Voice Koh Chang have their strengths and weaknesses. Ban Kwan Chang offers the opportunity for close contact with elephants, but raises controversy over the treatment of the animals. Animal Voice, on the other hand, focuses on smaller animals, but offers a more ethical and educational experience. The choice between these places depends on the visitors' personal preferences and values.

Koh Chang is not just about elephants and animal sanctuaries. The island is also famous for its beautiful waterfalls, which are a real treat for nature and photography enthusiasts. Two particularly notable ones are Khlong Phlu Waterfall and Than Mayom Waterfall.

Khlong Phlu Waterfall is one of the most famous and easily accessible waterfalls on the island. It is located in the western part of Koh Chang and is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. The waterfall is about 20 meters high and forms natural pools where you can swim. It's the perfect place to relax and cool off on hot days.

The road to Khlong Phlu Waterfall is a pleasant walk of about 15 minutes through the jungle. Along the way you can observe the lush vegetation and listen to the sounds of the rainforest. Note that it's best to visit the waterfall early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when there are fewer tourists.

On the other hand, Than Mayom Waterfall, located on the eastern part of the island, offers a slightly different experience. It is a four-foot waterfall that requires a bit more effort to fully explore. The road to the waterfall leads through dense jungle and can be quite challenging, especially after rain.

Than Mayom Waterfall is less crowded than Khlong Phlu, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and quiet and closeness to nature. Water falling in cascades creates picturesque scenery, perfect for photography. At the lowest level of the waterfall there is a large pool for swimming.

Both waterfalls have their own unique features. Khlong Phlu is easier to access and more popular, which means there may be more people there, especially during peak season. Than Mayom, on the other hand, requires more effort, but offers a wilder and more natural experience.

When visiting the waterfalls, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, be careful - the rocks can be slippery, especially during the rainy season. Second, it's a good idea to take water, snacks and mosquito repellent with you. Finally, remember the rule 'leave the place as you found it' - don't leave trash and respect nature.

Exploring the waterfalls of Koh Chang is not only an opportunity to admire the beauty of nature, but also a chance to encounter wildlife. In the vicinity of the waterfalls you can observe various species of birds, butterflies and sometimes even monkeys. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local ecosystem and the role waterfalls play in it.

Whether you choose Khlong Phlu or Than Mayom, a visit to the waterfalls of Koh Chang is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature on this tropical island.