Koh Kood

Koh Chang is situated in the east of the Gulf of Thailand, off Trat province and close to the Cambodian border. Covering approximately 210 square kilometers, it is one of the country's largest islands. Its interior comprises forested mountains, part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. The coastal strip, traversed by a road with steep ramps, is the primary inhabited area.Along the west coast, the beaches line up: Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) in the north is the most developed, followed further south by Klong Prao and Kai Bae, then the quieter Lonely Beach. At the southern end, the fishing village of Bang Bao sits on stilts over the water, with its pier being the starting point for diving and island boats.In the island's interior, short trails lead to waterfalls like Khlong Phlu, and longer rainforest tours are available with guides. Off the southern tip lie additional national park islands, accessible by boat.The island is reached by car ferry from Ao Thammachat Pier near Laem Ngop; from Bangkok, travel to Trat is by bus or flight. The dry season, from November to April, is the most reliable time to visit. During the rainy season, heavy rainfall occurs, and some businesses close.

The East Coast extends from Chonburi southeast of Bangkok, through Rayong and Chanthaburi, to Trat on the border with Cambodia. It is the coast reachable from Bangkok by land — without a domestic flight or an overnight train.The character changes quickly: Pattaya in the north is a large, noisy beach resort with its own history, while Koh Chang and the islands off Trat are considerably quieter and largely comprise national park. The region shares its sea with the Gulf of Thailand, but differs in access and travel time: It lies over 700 kilometers from Koh Samui and Koh Tao and has a different monsoon rhythm.

Located approximately 200 kilometres from Bangkok off the coast of Rayong province, Koh Samet is one of the capital's most quickly accessible beach islands. Most of the island is part of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, with an entrance fee collected upon arrival. Ferries depart from Ban Phe, with the standard crossing taking 30 to 45 minutes.

Pattaya, on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, was originally a fishing village. From 1959, US soldiers came here for recreation, and during the Vietnam War, it grew into a resort town. Today, it's a city with high-rises along the beachfront promenade, about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok.The Walking Street in the south is the center of nightlife, heavily dominated by bars and red-light establishments. Those wishing to avoid this are better off staying further south in Jomtien or north in Naklua, where it's quieter.Two cultural highlights are: the Sanctuary of Truth in Naklua, a temple built entirely from wood with intricate carvings, and Wat Phra Yai on Pratumnak Hill, offering views over the bay. From Bali Hai Pier, boats depart for Koh Larn island, whose beaches have clearer water than the city beaches.The drier months from November to February are the most pleasant time to travel.

The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is located just under 60 kilometers south of Hua Hin on the Gulf Coast. Limestone mountains, Thailand's largest freshwater marsh, and the beaches of Laem Sala and Sam Phraya characterize the park. The Phraya Nakhon Cave is well-known for its Khuha Kharuehat Pavilion, which King Chulalongkorn had built in 1890; through an opening in the cave ceiling, sunlight falls directly onto it at certain times.