Any tourist heading in the direction of Thailand's Koh Chang Island should be familiar with the symptoms of malaria, just in case the very small chance of infection becomes a reality.
Koh Chang's situation, with regard to malaria, is far better these days, with only the surrounding islands still declared as malaria zones, while Koh Chang itself is free of the disease, largely due to the efforts of the local deployment of anti-malaria chemicals administered at regular intervals.
Malaria in Koh Chang is distant history now, with the virus being notorious in the early nineties, but some precautions still need to be exercised by visitors to the island, especially if they are to give into the temptation of visiting the surrounding areas, seeking some adventure or holiday fun which stretches beyond the confines of Koh Chang itself.
These malaria precautions include doing some research on the current malaria situation, which applies to any destination you plan to visit anyway, seeking medical advice, getting familiar with the symptoms of malaria as well as making sure you know exactly where to get medical treatment, should the need arise, and how to get to the medical treatment facilities.
Throughout Koh Chang, there are many pharmacies which are easily accessible, but there are also a number of clinics in Baan Klong Son, Baan Klong Prao, Baan Kai Bae, Baan Bang Bao, Baan Salak Phet and Baan Chek Bae, for general health treatment or some check ups.
Should anything related to health matters get serious, like suspected malaria infection, the Bangkok Koh Chang Hospital is located in White Sand Beach, operating 24 hours a day and offering private healthcare services with an emergency services as well.
Koh Chang Clinic is also within range, located on the east coast of the island, but operates only during what could be said to be normal office hours, with Saturdays and Sundays set aside for emergency cases only.
Always seek the advice of your doctor though, before travelling anywhere where malaria may be a cause for concern.
Klong Son Beach is good for:
peace and quiet
sandy beach
fishing
Short description:
Klong Son beach (or Had Klong Son) is located on the north of Koh Chang. Nice bay at the very top of the island. Pure white sand stretch of beach, shaded with coconut trees. Klong Son gets very low numbers of visitors with the bulk of the backpackers and tourists alike speeding south enroute to Koh Chang's finer and more popular stretches of sand.
White Sand Beach is good for:
night live
sandy beach
variety of restaurants
shopping
Short description:
Koh Chang's most famous stretch of sand, at over 2km long there's certainly room for everyone! Lined with bungalows, food stalls and shops this is one of the best beaches in all of Thailand.
Klong Phrao Beach is good for:
tranquil surroundings
gorgeous rocky landscape
all sorts of activities
quiet and peaceful
Short description:
Situated on the somewhat less glamorous, northern side of the Koh Chang Island, Klong Prao isn’t all that much of tourist destination, especially for those who are in need of a true holiday experience of the exotic kind.
Lonely Beach is good for:
great sunset
cheap and peaceful retreat
all sorts of beach activities
perfect for family
Short description:
Also known as Kai Bae Beach, this is the spot to catch a great sunset! A few small shops and food stalls are along the beach, a good spot to chill out away from the crowds at White Sands Beach.
Bangbao Bay is good for:
fishing
seafood restaurants
shopping
nightlife
Short description:
A well-sheltered bay with a small and quiet beach. It is a fishing community where residents still live in houses built on stilts and are connected by wooden bridges. There are a growing number of tourist shops, scuba dive outlets and seafood restaurants offering a good selection of seafood.
Salak Khok Bay is good for:
pretty, unspoiled area
traditional Thai community
kayaking
quiet and peaceful
Short description:
There aren’t so much attraction in Salak Kok, but tourists can Kayak among the mangroves. Salak Kok Bay still has a fishing community that doesn’t change so much in many years, a great place to see the real traditional Thai community.
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