Koh Chang, a verdant Elephant lying on its side

Once hush-hush as a backpacker's little secret, Koh Chang or Elephant Island is rapidly becoming a must do on the Thailand tourist's bucket list.

Although expansion is lining the west coast with world class resorts and family friendly bungalows, escape into the island's mountainous interior and you'll stumble upon waterfalls amid lush rain forest flora and indigenous wildlife. Egress from forest and you'll be standing on a precipice overlooking out of sight coves and lonesome beaches.

What's not to love about Koh Chang? Crusoe style hideaways are not too far away from cosmopolitan bars and restaurants lining white sand beaches. A plethora of sea life in nearby coral reefs makes fabulous snorkeling and diving. Elephant treks and oil massages by day and sea side barbecues and red-bull buckets by night--the list goes on.

The decision of where to stay could never be more important as each beach has its own ambiance. If you're traveling with little ones then head for Hat Sai Khao and Hat Kai bae. The perfect moonlit party is never a night away on Lonely Beach. A bit of privacy can be had at Klong Prao beach.

Hotels and Resorts on Koh Chang

Some herald Thailand's second largest island and the whole of the Koh Chang National Marine Park as the Maldives of the East, but where Koh Chang departs is the magic of discovering the hidden over the lure of overt indulgence. After a few days of snorkeling and beach barbecues, do absolutely nothing on the gorgeous islands of Koh Mak and Ko Wai.