Most visitors come to Ko Chang for its long sandy beaches, clear water, and laid-back resort atmosphere. The island’s west coast, with its line of beach towns and resorts, has become the focal point for tourism in the region. Yet beyond these popular stretches of sand lies a quieter and more traditional side of the island. In the south-eastern corner of Ko Chang, the fishing village of Ban Salak Khok offers travellers a chance to experience local life and support responsible, community-based tourism.
While Ban Salak Khok lacks the sweeping beaches that attract most holidaymakers, it offers authenticity instead. Set around a sheltered bay surrounded by mangrove forests, this small village remains closely connected to the sea and the natural environment that sustains it. For travellers interested in meaningful experiences and sustainable tourism, Ban Salak Khok provides a fascinating alternative to the resort scene elsewhere on the island.
A village rooted in tradition
Life in Ban Salak Khok still follows rhythms that have remained largely unchanged for generations. Wooden homes stand on stilts above the water, fishing boats bob in the harbour, and the mangrove channels that weave through the area continue to support both wildlife and the local community.
Fishing remains a primary livelihood for many families, while others cultivate fruit or raise seafood in small coastal farms. These traditional ways of life are closely tied to the health of the surrounding ecosystem, particularly the mangrove forests that fringe the bay.
Recognising both the opportunities and the challenges tourism brings, the villagers have taken a proactive approach. Rather than allowing large-scale development to reshape the area, the community has chosen to embrace community-based tourism, ensuring that visitors contribute positively to the village.
Residents formed the Salak Khok Community Tour Club, a cooperative that manages tourism activities and distributes the benefits among community members. This cooperative model allows villagers to maintain control over tourism while preserving their cultural identity and environment.
Tourism that supports the community
One of the most important aspects of tourism in Ban Salak Khok is that the income generated from visitors directly benefits the village.
Revenue from tourism is shared among cooperative members who help operate tours and community initiatives. At the same time, a portion of the funds is set aside for projects that strengthen the village as a whole. These include:
- Environmental conservation programmes
- Educational scholarships for local students
- Training for community tour guides
- Maintenance of tourism infrastructure
- Mangrove protection initiatives
The mangrove forests are especially vital to the community. These coastal ecosystems serve as nurseries for fish and other marine life, protect the shoreline from erosion, and help maintain water quality in the bay. By preserving the mangroves, villagers safeguard both their livelihoods and the natural beauty that draws visitors to the area.
For travellers, this approach means that money spent on tours or local food doesn’t simply leave the community; it directly supports conservation, education, and sustainable livelihoods.
Exploring the Mangrove Forests
The highlight of any visit to Ban Salak Khok is a journey through its tranquil mangrove waterways. These winding channels form a peaceful natural maze where visitors can explore one of Thailand’s most important coastal habitats. The Salak Khok Community Tour Club offers several ways to experience the mangroves.
Kayaking
Independent travellers can rent a kayak and paddle through the narrow waterways at their own pace. Kayaking allows you to quietly explore the forest and observe wildlife up close. Prices are modest (typically around 100 baht per person per hour), making it an affordable activity while still supporting the community.
Traditional rowboat tours
For a more relaxed experience, visitors can glide through the mangroves aboard a traditional Thai rowing boat known as a reua maad.
Colloquially known as the Ko Chang gondola, these elegant wooden boats have historical roots dating back to the Ayutthaya period, when they were widely used along rivers and canals in central Thailand. Crafted from durable takien (ironwood) trees, the boats have rounded hulls that make them ideal for calm waterways.
(Photo: Vassamon Anansukkasem / Shutterstock)
Each boat is operated by a local oarsman who slowly rows through the channels, allowing passengers to fully absorb the peaceful surroundings. Tours usually last about an hour and accommodate up to four people.
As you drift through the mangroves, you may spot sea eagles circling overhead or hear the calls of birds hidden among the trees. The calm waters and dense greenery create an atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy resort areas elsewhere on Ko Chang.
Fresh seafood and sunset views
After exploring the mangroves, many visitors choose to stay for dinner and watch the sunset over the bay. Seafood here is as fresh as it gets and is often caught by local fishermen earlier the same day. Restaurants around the village serve classic Thai seafood dishes featuring prawns, squid, crab, and locally caught fish.
One of the most memorable experiences available through the community is a sunset boat dinner. Couples can book a romantic cruise through the bay aboard a traditional boat, where they are served a candlelit seafood meal while the sky turns shades of orange and pink over the water. Alternatively, visitors can dine at the waterfront Salak Khok Seafood restaurant, where the relaxed atmosphere and panoramic views make it an ideal place to end the day.
Things to do nearby
Although small, Ban Salak Khok offers several other attractions worth exploring. An elevated mangrove boardwalk allows visitors to walk above the forest canopy and gain a different perspective of the ecosystem. The walkway provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to observe crabs, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the mangroves.
(Photo: Panwasin Seemala / Shutterstock)
Coffee lovers can stop by Ban Kafae, a small café where locally grown coffee is served in a relaxed village setting. And for travellers seeking relaxation, The Spa Koh Chang Resort is located nearby and offers wellness treatments, yoga classes, and detox programmes in a tranquil environment surrounded by nature.
How to Visit Ban Salak Khok
Ban Salak Khok shows how tourism can benefit local communities when it is carefully managed. Rather than replacing traditional livelihoods, tourism here complements them, helping residents preserve their culture and environment.
For anyone exploring Ko Chang beyond its beaches, Ban Salak Khok is a great option. Although getting to Ban Salak Khok requires a bit of planning, the journey is part of the adventure. Unlike many tourist destinations in Thailand, Ko Chang does not have metered taxis. Instead, transportation is provided by white songthaews, shared pickup trucks that operate as informal taxis around the island.
These vehicles usually run along the main west coast road between beaches, but reaching Ban Salak Khok requires negotiating a private fare with a driver. Approximate travel times from White Sand Beach are around 40 minutes and from Lonely Beach around one hour.
Hiring a songthaew for a round trip is often the easiest option, especially if you plan to stay for dinner or a sunset tour.
