Guide: best trekking trails on Koh Chang

Guide: best trekking trails on Koh Chang

April 11, 2025

Koh Chang, Thailand's second largest island, is a true paradise for trekkers and wildlife lovers. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the island impresses with its lush jungle, picturesque waterfalls and breathtaking views. In this guide, we'll outline the best trekking routes for you to discover the beauty and diversity of Koh Chang. Whether you're an experienced trekker or just starting out on your trekking adventure, there's something for you. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Thai nature!

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Tan Trekking and Khao Laem Mountain Trek

Start our adventure with two of the most exciting trekking trails on Koh Chang: Tan Trekking and Khao Laem Mountain Trek.

Tan Trekking is a true gem among the local trails. Led by an experienced guide named Tan, this trail offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the jungle. Tan, known for his extensive knowledge of local wildlife and ecosystems, provides not only a safe trek, but also a fascinating lesson on the island's flora and fauna. The route is suitable for different levels of experience, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. A unique advantage is the opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat, including exotic birds and monkeys. According to tourist reviews, a trip with Tan is not just a physical activity, but a real educational adventure.

The Khao Laem Mountain Trek, on the other hand, is a challenge for those who want to conquer Koh Chang's highest peak. The route leads through dense jungle and offers incredible views of the island and the surrounding sea. The hike to the summit takes about 2-3 hours and requires good physical fitness. Along the way you can admire unique plant species, including pitcher plants, which grow near the summit. The reward for the effort of the climb is a breathtaking panorama - on one side there is a view of the mountains and jungle, on the other the blue sea and distant islands.

Comparing the two trails, Tan Trekking is more accessible to a wider range of tourists and focuses on the educational aspect of the trek. Khao Laem Mountain Trek, on the other hand, is a more challenging route, offering an intense experience and spectacular views. Both trails have their own unique advantages: the Tan Trekking is distinguished by its guide's personal approach and the opportunity for close contact with nature, while the Khao Laem Mountain Trek offers unforgettable views and the satisfaction of completing a challenging route.

It is worth remembering that both trails are best traveled with an experienced guide, due to the dense vegetation and changeable weather conditions. It is recommended to take enough water, energy snacks, and insect repellent. The best time for trekking is the dry season, which runs from November to April, when the trails are less slippery and more accessible.

Whichever trail you choose, both routes guarantee an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to deeply immerse yourself in Koh Chang's wildlife. It's the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches and discover a lesser-known but equally fascinating facet of this tropical island.

Khlong Phlu and Khiri Phet waterfalls

The next leg of our trekking adventure on Koh Chang are two picturesque waterfalls: Khlong Phlu and Khiri Phet. These natural wonders are not only a trekking destination, but are also oases of calm and refreshment in the heart of the tropical jungle.

Khlong Phlu Waterfall, located in Mu Ko Chang National Park, is one of the most famous and easily accessible waterfalls on the island. The trail to the waterfall is a pleasant 15-minute walk through lush tropical forest. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for people of all ages, making it ideal for families with children. The waterfall itself is impressive - the water falls from a height of several tens of meters into a natural pool where you can cool off. It's a popular picnic spot where you can spend several hours enjoying the beauty of nature. Note the numerous species of fish that can be observed in the crystal clear water.

Khiri Phet Waterfall, on the other hand, located in the southern part of the island, offers a slightly wilder and less crowded alternative. The route to this waterfall is slightly more difficult and longer, making it less frequented by tourists. The hike leads through dense jungle and requires crossing streams, which adds an element of adventure to the trip. The waterfall itself, although smaller than Khlong Phlu, is captivating in its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. It's an ideal spot for those looking for a more intimate nature experience.

Comparing the two waterfalls, Khlong Phlu is more easily accessible and offers more facilities, such as restrooms and beverage outlets. It is a good choice for families with children or those who prefer shorter and easier routes. Khiri Phet, on the other hand, requires more effort, but rewards visitors with more serenity and a sense of exploring the wilderness.

It is worth remembering that access to both waterfalls requires payment of a national park entrance fee. For Khlong Phlu, the fee is 200 baht per person (as of November 2023), while admission to Khiri Phet is slightly cheaper. The best time to visit is the rainy season (May-October), when the waterfalls are most impressive due to the greater volume of water. However, special care should be taken then, as the trails can be slippery.

Whichever waterfall you choose, both locations offer an unforgettable experience and a chance to get in close contact with Koh Chang's nature. These are great places to cool off after the hardships of trekking, take picturesque photos and enjoy the beauty of tropical nature. Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel and waterproof camera to fully enjoy these natural wonders of Koh Chang.

Mu Ko Chang National Park -. heart of the wilderness

The culmination of our trekking adventure on Koh Chang is Mu Ko Chang National Park, which is the heart of the island's wildlife. This vast protected area encompasses not only much of the main island, but also dozens of smaller islands and coral reefs, creating a unique ecosystem that connects land and sea.

Mu Ko Chang National Park, established in 1982, is a true paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. It offers a wide range of trails of varying degrees of difficulty that lead through lush rainforests, mangrove-covered hills to pristine beaches. One of the most popular trails is the one leading to the Khao Laem viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding sea.

The richness of the park's flora and fauna is impressive. Rare species of birds can be found here, including hornbills and sea eagles, as well as a variety of monkey species, such as macaws and langurs. For plant lovers, the park offers the opportunity to admire the orchids, ferns and palms that form a dense tropical canopy.

One of the park's biggest attractions is the opportunity to combine trekking with marine exploration. After a strenuous hike through the jungle, you can cool off in the crystal clear waters of the bay or go snorkeling to admire the colorful coral reefs and exotic fish.

Note that there is a fee to enter the park (about 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children, as of November 2023), but the fee includes access to all attractions, including waterfalls and beaches. The best time to visit is the dry season (November-April), when the trails are more accessible and less slippery.

When planning a trek in Mu Ko Chang National Park, consider using a local guide. Their knowledge of the terrain and local wildlife can greatly enhance the experience and ensure your safety during the trek. Guides can often point out lesser-known but equally fascinating places that are not marked on standard tourist maps.

The park also offers the option of staying overnight in simple huts or campsites, allowing for a deeper immersion into nature and observation of the jungle's nightlife. This is an unforgettable experience for those who want to feel the true spirit of the wilderness.

All in all, Mu Ko Chang National Park is not just a trekking destination, but a true wildlife sanctuary, offering countless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Whether it's a short walk to a waterfall or an ambitious hike to the island's highest peaks, there is something for everyone. The park is the perfect culmination of a trekking adventure on Koh Chang, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of this tropical island.

Remember to be respectful of nature when exploring the park - don't leave trash, don't pick up plants or animals, and follow the rules set by the park administration. By doing so, you are contributing to protecting this unique ecosystem for future generations.

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