Exploring Ko Kham Island
It is not down in any map
True places never are
Herman Melville
Ko Kham Island is a true tropical treasure paradise belonging in part to the national marine park archipelago of 52 islands set in the Gulf of Thailand and situated approximately 22 kilometers or 13 miles southeast of Hat Bang Bao Bay at the southernmost end of
Ko Chang Island
and also within reasonably easy reach from Ao Suan Yai beach on the northern shores of the
Ko Maak Island
Apparently the island was recently sold in 2008 to a private buyer and little is known at this stage whether the island will remain open to the pubic or not. As of now tourists are still more than welcome to enjoy the tranquility of this truly special tropical gem. The tiny island measures only about 300 meters from it's northern end to it's southern end and about 200 meters from east to west. On the island's western shores you will encounter some mangrove swamps and a variety of wild orchids. On the flat sandbank of the eastern shores there are two small but stunning sandy beaches where you can simply relax and enjoy a swim amongst countless small fish in the warm crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Koh Kham Beach
Ko Kham Island has some reasonable good places to snorkel especially around the southern shores. The beach itself is enhanced with a few fairly attractive volcanic black boulders that protrude from the calm blue sea. Swimming is safe during the months from November through to May but high winds and torrential rains batter the island between June and September. Not a good time to visit. The pleasant sand dunes are excellent for sunbathing. In fact sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling are about the only recreational things to do on the island besides perhaps the occasional kayak ride around the island that should not take you more than 40 minutes or so. Relaxation is the keyword here. Emphasis on the island at present, is it's unique location, it's low environmental development, it's quiet atmosphere and it's prime position with the richness of a long, sandy beach and a sprinkling of tall coconut palms. The island can easily be reached with a sea kayak from Ko Mak or by walking across during low tide.
Koh Kham Beach
Ko Kham Resort consisting of some 20 bamboo bungalows, is the island's only real accommodation situated on a long pristine sandy beach along the island's eastern shores. The setting is absolutely stunning for those wishing for an atmosphere of sheer peace and tranquility. There is no traffic, no crowds, no noise, only pure bliss, a lush tropical interior, the scattering of gentle swaying coconut palms and warm clear blue waters.The resort's accommodation materializes into several price variations from the very reasonable, the very inexpensive to the ridiculously cheap. If superlative luxurious accommodation is what you seek, you won't find any of that here. Well not quite yet anyway, that is, as this private island has not been developed to the extent of some of it's near neighbours. What you will find however is that having the island practically to yourself, is pure luxury in itself.
Koh Kham Resort bungalows
At the cheap end of the scale you will receive bamboo-thatch huts with coconut frond roofs. Your bedding will be in the form of mattresses on the floor. Cooling is generated from overhead fans and to keep mosquitoes at bay, nets are provided. At the reasonably priced end of the scale there are large two-tier wooden huts or bungalows with blue corrugated roofs. Separate sleeping quarters come in the form of lofts. Cooling in the form of real air-conditioning is powered from the island resort's generator. The outdoor showers are pure Bali-style. Prices also depend on location, location, location. Some units are beach fronted while others are simply scattered amidst a well-maintained garden. The resort is completed and complemented with the island's only restaurant serving both Thai and European type cuisine. Of course fresh seafood is the the better option.
Koh Kham Beach
Koh Kham Resort
News updates
I have being doing some news updates as far back as 2009 on the whereabouts of Koh Kham Resort and it appears that the only contactable website is either offline or gone altogether. Their telephone number is or was 081 303 1229. (www.kohchanghotelsvr.com/kohkhamresort/hotelsthailand.html)I would appreciate anyone who travels to the island of Koh Mak to find out if the island is still open to tourists. If accommodation is no longer available, you could find alternative ones on Koh Mak and hopefully do day trips from there.
Latest News Report
It has just come to my attention as of April 2010 that Ko Kham Island has in fact been sold to a wealthy Bangkok family who are at present turning the island into a luxury upmarket resort. The original resort has now been demolished, besides a couple of bungalows used by construction workers. New concrete structures are taking place which will later form the basis for some luxurious studio's and a plush new restaurant. You are allowed to visit the island but unfortunately, you won't be able to stay the night until the new resort is completed. Please take you own refreshments with you as only soft drinks are available at present. Keep in touch.
Volcanic Rock Formation
Ko Kham Island
Getting There
Between November and May, various boats sail daily from Laem Ngop's Naval Monument Pier on Thailand's main land to Ko Kham around 3:00 pm. The return trip leaves around 8:00 pm. A one way trip takes approximately 3 hours at a cost of around 250 baht. There are also daily short taxi boat trips leaving the island of Ko Mak (Ko Maak) from the pier at Ao Suan Yai Beach during the same period.
Sunset on the Island
If you'd like to see more photos of this island, go to
www.pictures-thailand.com
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