Mu Ko Chang National Park
National Park Marine national park of islands and coral reefs
Surrounding Koh Chang, Mu Ko Chang National Park protects beaches, waterfalls and coral reefs; visitors snorkel, trek jungle trails and seek quieter island beaches outside the main resorts.
Mu Ko Chang National Park is a marine and island national park in Thailand, located off the east coast in the Gulf of Thailand. It protects a group of coastal islands and surrounding sea areas and is administered as a national park.
The park is known for beaches, coral reefs, snorkeling and multi-island boat trips around the archipelago. Visitors often take short boat hops between islands to visit beaches, shallow reefs and coastal viewpoints.
The area was designated and is managed by the Thai national park authorities to protect island ecosystems and nearshore marine habitat. Protection covers terrestrial and marine zones rather than being a single contiguous land mass.
The park sits offshore from eastern Thailand in Trat Province on the Gulf of Thailand, near the Thai mainland and not far from the Cambodia border. Access is by boat from coastal piers on the mainland.
- Best time: Best visited in the dry season, roughly November to April, when sea conditions and visibility for snorkeling and boat travel are generally calmer.
How to Get to Mu Ko Chang National Park #
From the mainland the usual approach is via Trat province. From Bangkok you can take a direct bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Trat or fly to Trat Airport; from Trat town drive or take a minivan to Laem Ngop (Ao Thammachat) pier. Regular car ferries (about 30-45 minutes) and faster speedboats (shorter) run from Laem Ngop to Ko Chang; ferries arrive at Ao Sapparot/White Sand or other main piers on Ko Chang. On arrival the main villages and beaches are a short walk or a few minutes by local tuk‑tuk from the pier.
Tips for Visiting Mu Ko Chang National Park #
- Book early-morning boat trips from Koh Chang's main piers to reach snorkeling and dive sites before they get busy and when marine life visibility tends to be better.
- Use the park's official boat operators or ask at the park office for recommended itineraries so you visit protected sites with minimal impact and know which islands are open that day.
- If you plan to island-hop, schedule transfers on weekdays or the early first boat to avoid the day-trip crowds that build up later in the morning.
Best Time to Visit Mu Ko Chang National Park #
For Mu Ko Chang, aim for the dry season (November-April) when seas are calmer and snorkeling/diving conditions are best.
Weather & Climate near Mu Ko Chang National Park #
Mu Ko Chang National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (3526 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (310 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (619 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (593 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (719 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (565 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (330 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 13 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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