For both locals and tourists, Pandanus odoratissimus is a common tree found growing along the beaches of Koh Chang Island. The leaves resemble like sword because they measure like 1 to 2 meters long and between 4 to 7 centimeters in width. This kind of tree species is growing abundantly in sandy soils and is considered helpful to soil stabilization as its root holds firm into the ground.
As an erect, evergreen coarsely branched tree, Pandanus odoratissimus looks like a large branched candlestick holder. This tree species can reach the height of 15 meters high. It is distinctively featured to having a dichotomous branching or in some instances branching out in three or trichotomous irregularly. It is also distinguishable by its numerous prop roots which are thickly originated from the trunk. The exposed stems are usually colored pale buff or grey brown and are grossly ringed by leaf scars. Usually, the stems are hollow. Its sword-like leaves are arranged spirally in three rows at the tips of the branches. In exposed leaves, the midrib is bent or hangs down that gives a drooping appearance to Pandanus odoratissimus. The fruits are variable in shape. They are ovoid, ellipsoid, sub-globose or globose with tightly bunched wedge shaped fleshy drupes which are referred to as keys. When unripe the fruit is green and it turns to orange or red or vermilion when ripe. Each drupe is covered with a pericarp or outer layer. The middle layer (known as mesocarp) is divided into upper and lower. The upper mesocarp comprises the elongated cavern with tissue containing air spaces. The lower mesocarp is fleshy and fibrous – it is the edible portion of the fruit which serves as food during famine and scarcity. The covering of the seed is hard giving the seed the best protective shield.
When it comes to uses, Pandanus odoratissimus is not a timber provider but its hollow stems can be utilized in building resting hut. The leaves when dried up can be used to make soft mats. Its prop roots when flattened can be used as brush to paint boats. As recent studies show many medical uses of this tree species, it simply means that Pandanus odoratissimus has a lot to offer to human health.
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.
Koh Chang Tourism is sending out an electronic newsletter with the latest news, events and offers from Koh Chang. We would be happy to inform you as well! Insert your email: