+++Moo Koh Rang+++

To the west of Koh Maak (Ko Mak) is a group of 12 islands known as the Moo Koh Rang. Of these, Koh Rang Yai is the largest. It is covered with tropical virgin rainforests and boasts the longest and most beautiful beach in the area, the Had San Chao or San Chao Beach. The sand here is powdery white and the water crystal clear. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater beauty up to 25 metres deep. Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain. Its only low-lying area is at the shores. Birds and reptiles are the main wildlife. Northwards from San Chao is Had Ao Cho or the Ao Cho Beach which is the site of a Marine National Park ranger unit. Here, the water is transparent and swimming is safe. Camping is allowed at a small fee and with the approval of the officer in charge but you have to prepare your own food. Water supply and toilets are available. In front of the ranger office is a bridge made by dropping rocks and stones into the sea. The bridge was built to help transport supplies from the International Red Cross Organization to Vietnamese refugees in the past. Further south of Koh Rang Yai is Koh Rang Lek which is the main freshwater supplier to the former. There is a bird's nest concession in Koh Rang Lek and it is also a major source of bat's dung, which is known to be great fertilizers. Lucky visitors may see sea-turtles laying eggs on Koh Rang Lek and other nearby islets as they are chosen as nesting grounds. The other well-known assets of Koh Rang Lek are its beautiful oval-shaped stones which have smooth textures. The islands of Koh Kra, Koh Thong Lang and Koh Thian on the northeast of Koh Rang Yai are great sites for skin diving. An array of varied corals and fishes abound. Of these islands, Koh Kra has the longest beach, although only 20 metres long. Swimming is not recommended here as the seabed is carpeted with corals. These three islands are only walking distances apart and the seawater is so shallow that it is possible to do so during low tide, but you should float with a life jacket or buoy to avoid stepping on some of the healthy corals. The last coral island you should not forget to visit is Koh Yak where you will virtually swim with fishes while you snorkel. However, Koh Yak is a rock island with no beach. It is off the shores of San Chao Beach.