Tropical Paradise: Koh Chang, Thailand

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดีต้อนรับ
  [prôd/yindî tôn rap]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [khop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [kho toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม
  [sabaidee mai]
• Fine. And you?ดีค่ะ คุณละ
  [dee ka khun la]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม
  [khun poot phasa angkrit dai mai]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao chai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseฉันอยากดูเมนู ของหน่อย
  [chan yak du menu khong noi]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai kin nuea]
• Cheers!ชนเครื่องดื่ม!
  [chon khreung deum]
• I would like to pay, pleaseฉันต้องการจ่ายเงิน ของหน่อย
  [chan tong kan chai ngern khong noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย!
  [chuai duay]
• Go away!ไปข้างหน้า!
  [pai kang naa]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ!
  [tho tamruat]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ!
  [tho mo]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yak seu...]
• I'm just lookingฉันแค่ดู
  [chan kae du]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่
  [ra ka thao rai]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng kuen pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม
  [lot ra ka dai mai]

• What time is it?เวลาเท่าไหร่
  [wela thao rai]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงตีหนึ่ง
  [pen mong tee nuea]
• Half past (10)สามสิบครึ่ง
  [sam sip khreung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua waan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [phrung nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [nuea]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [si]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [chet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [kao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน
  [...yoo tee nai]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่คืออะไร
  [tee yoo keu arai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?แสดงให้ฉันดู (บนแผนที่) ได้ไหม
  [saeng hai chan du (bon paen tee) dai mai]
• When's the next (bus)?รถถัดไปเวลาเท่าไหร่
  [rot that pai wela thao rai]
• A ticket (to ....)ตั๋ว (ไป....)
  [dtua (pai...)]

Long before modern tourists, Koh Chang was home to indigenous tribes such as the Chong people, who are believed to have inhabited the island for centuries. These early inhabitants lived off the rich natural resources, engaging in fishing, hunting, and small-scale agriculture. Evidence of their presence can still be found in local folklore and some archaeological sites.

During the Ayutthaya period (1350-1767), Koh Chang became a strategic location for the Kingdom of Siam. It served as a vital stopover point for naval and trading vessels navigating the Gulf of Thailand. The island's position helped protect Siam from potential seaborne invasions, and its natural harbors provided refuge for ships during storms.

In 1893, Koh Chang was the site of a significant altercation during the Franco-Siamese War. French warships clashed with Siamese forces near the island as part of their broader campaign to exert control over the region. This conflict eventually led to the Treaty of Bangkok, which ceded territories on the east side of the Mekong River to French Indochina.

On January 17, 1941, during World War II, Koh Chang became the theater for a naval battle between the Royal Thai Navy and the French Navy. Known as the Battle of Koh Chang, this confrontation resulted in a Thai victory, with the sinking of several French ships. The battle is commemorated with a shrine at the naval base in Laem Ngop, just a short ferry ride from Koh Chang.

In the late 20th century, Koh Chang began to transform from a quiet, largely undeveloped island into a popular tourist destination. The government initiated development projects to improve infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply, making the island more accessible to visitors. The island's natural beauty, with its pristine beaches, dense jungles, and vibrant coral reefs, quickly attracted international attention.

In 1982, the Thai government designated Koh Chang and its surrounding islands as part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park. This move aimed to protect the area's rich marine biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism. The park status helped preserve the island's natural environment, ensuring that future generations could enjoy its unspoiled beauty.

Koh Chang hosts several cultural festivals that reflect its rich heritage. One of the most notable is the Chong Khao Khat Festival, celebrating the traditional customs of the Chong people. Additionally, the island observes Songkran, the Thai New Year, with fervor, where locals and tourists alike participate in water fights and traditional ceremonies.

Koh Chang is accessible primarily via Trat Airport, which is the nearest airport to the island. From Bangkok, you can take a domestic flight to Trat, which takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival at Trat Airport, you can take a taxi or a minibus to one of the ferry piers, such as Laem Ngop, Ao Thammachat, or Centerpoint Pier. The ferry ride to Koh Chang takes about 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Trat, followed by a taxi or minibus to the ferry pier.

On Koh Chang, transportation options include songthaews (shared taxis), motorbike rentals, and car rentals. Songthaews are the most common form of transport and operate as shared taxis along the main road. Motorbike rentals are popular and provide flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Car rentals are also available, though the island's hilly terrain and narrow roads require careful driving. Bicycles can be rented for short trips, especially in flat areas.

The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, and major restaurants, but smaller establishments and local markets may only accept cash. ATMs are available throughout Koh Chang, allowing you to withdraw Thai Baht using international debit or credit cards. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash for small purchases and in more remote areas of the island.

Koh Chang is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any popular destination, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid isolated beaches after dark and be mindful of your surroundings. It is recommended to use hotel safes for valuables. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, dial 1155 for the Tourist Police, who can assist in English. For medical emergencies, dial 1669. Koh Chang has several medical clinics and a hospital located in the northern part of the island in Dan Mai. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the main tourist areas and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach but not in public places such as markets or restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering temples and avoid pointing your feet at religious objects. Public Transport: Do use songthaews and negotiate fares in advance. Don’t expect strict schedules as service can be irregular. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'wai' (a slight bow with hands pressed together). Avoid overly physical greetings like hugs and kisses. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food, but be cautious with tap water. Prefer bottled water for drinking.

To experience Koh Chang like a local, visit the night markets where you can enjoy local street food and shop for handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and welcoming. Consider taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare Thai dishes. Explore the island's waterfalls such as Klong Plu and Than Mayom, which are popular among locals. For a unique experience, participate in a Muay Thai class or watch a local match.