Located along a peaceful, sheltered stretch of coast at the southern edge of Koh Chang Island, Baan Salak Khok is a serene fishing village with one of the best-preserved mangrove-forests in the whole of Thailand. The small fishers and fruit farmers of Baan Salak Khok are satisfied to flow with the traditional rhythms of island life. Twenty years of development in Koh Chang have taught local people to be open to the world, but to also be selective about which aspects of modernisation they wish to pursue.
Local families still build their homes on stakes driven into the bay, connected by small timber bridges, emphasizing their intimate relationship with the sea. Community members work together to protect Koh Chang’s largest area of mangroves, which most families rely upon directly on as a nursery for sea life. To help negotiate a compromise between tradition and new opportunities, the community has developed a range of healthy eco-tourism activities, complemented by a touch of modern management, fair income distribution and support for conservation and social work.
The Trat Airport is 28.9 kilometers away from the village. You can arrive by boat from Laem-Ngop-Pier to Dan-May-Pier or to Than-Mayom-Pier and then onward by taxi. The departure times of the taxis to Dan-Kao-Pier are subject to seasonal change, so it is advisable to check in advance.
