Mu Ko Chang National Park, Marine national park in Gulf of Thailand.
Mu Ko Chang National Park is a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, covering an archipelago of islands with varied habitats. Coral reefs lie in the shallow coastal waters, mangrove forests line the shores, and dense jungle covers the higher ground of the larger islands.
The park was established in 1982 to protect the ecosystems of the Ko Chang archipelago, which sits close to the Cambodian border. It was one of the first protected marine areas created in this part of Thailand.
The park's name derives from Chang, the Thai word for elephant, though today the islands draw fishers and visitors seeking the open waters and forest. Local communities have long depended on these waters for their livelihoods and continue their traditional practices.
Ferries run daily from two departure points near Chanthaburi, and the crossing to the islands is short. The best time to visit depends on what you plan to do, as sea conditions and weather change noticeably between seasons.
The park is home to over 100 bird species, among them hornbills and fish eagles that nest in the old-growth forests of the larger islands. These birds are most often spotted near the forest edges, far from the busier beach areas.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
