Mu Ko Rang Marine Park

Mu Ko Rang Marine Park is the most popular and crowded destinations for snorkelling day trips from Koh Chang. The Park consists of a group of 12 uninhabited islands located about 17 Km south of Koh Chang, 70-minute boat ride from Bang Bao pier. Koh Rang, also known as Koh Rayang is the main island, it has a Ranger Station, a restaurant for visitors and few bungalows for overnight stay. The main island has several pristine beaches with white sand and crystal clear water. Among these the best one is located on its south-eastern tip, often used for lunch buffet by visitors of day trips. The other islands and islets scattered around Koh Rang are divided into three distinct groups. To the east south-east is Koh Tun, the other island of medium size also known as Koh Rang Lek, and the islets of Koh Mapring, Koh Yak and Koh Laun, sometimes referred to as Koh Yak Lek. This is one of the main snorkelling areas. To the north-west lie Koh Klang, Koh Thian and another Koh Mapring. In the north east are Koh Thong Lang, Koh Kra and two other islets nominated once again Koh Thian and Koh Mapring. This was one of the main snorkelling areas, but the degeneration of their coral, bleaching in particular, has forced the Marine Park authorities to place this area off limits. The small islets and rocky outcrops around Koh Rang are all characterized by high visibility and a great variety of marine life. The rock formations are covered with sea fans, sponges, hard and soft corals. Here you will spot big Barracudas and Groupers, shoals of Batfish, Porcupine fish, Triggerfish, Angelfish, Parrotfish, Blue-spotted Stingrays, Moray Eels and occasionally Bamboo Sharks and Turtles.
Getting there - There are lots of tour operators in Koh Chang that organize day or half-day trips to Mu Ko Rang Marine Park with large wooden boats or speedboats. The majority of these tours include the transfer by minivan from your hotel, the roundtrip by speedboat from Bang Bao pier, tropical fruit, juice and water on board, snorkelling equipment, lunch buffet on beaches, tour guide and insurance. The large number of tourists transported from one point of view is negative, but makes it very competitive price, with prices ranging from 800 to 1200 THB, depending on the service offered and boats used. Alternatively you can rent a speedboat in Bang Bao or Kai Bae, the price is between 3,000 and 4,000 THB for a half-day tour, up to 6 people. Koh Rang and other islands belong to a Marine Park, due this you’ll to pay a government tax for access of 200 THB per person, 100 for child; the tax on the group tours is included in the ticket price.Read More