August is one of the wettest months of the year in Ko Chang, Thailand, with a total rainfall of 547mm, just a little bit less than the annual maximum of 558mm in July. This rather large amount of precipitation is spread out over 13 days with rainfall. The likelihood that you will experience rain on any given day ranges from 53% in the beginning of the month to 61% toward the end. There are three main types of rainfall recorded in the resortoderate rain falls on 42% of those 13 rainy days, while thunderstorms and light rain happen respectively on 29% and 24% of those days.
Because of this high amount of rainfall, cloud cover is, naturally, also high. It ranges around 74% all throughout August. However, despite these rather cloudy skies, the resort still has 7 hours of sunshine per day on average, which is definitely quite pleasant. There are, after all, also 18 days without any precipitation whatsoever.
In terms of temperatures, the island enjoys an average temperature of 26°C this time of yearhe same is recorded in September and October, as well as in February. While the nighttime temperature remains high at 23°C on average, the afternoon temperature drops a few degrees compared with July and now averages 27°C. Together with September, August happens to have the coolest afternoons of any month. The sea temperature is even higher than the air temperature this time of year. It averages 29°C. That being said; the rainy and sometimes windy weather greatly decreases underwater visibility and makes snorkelling and scuba diving an activity that is best enjoyed in the dry season.
There are a number of activities that are great fun this time of year, though, most notably hiking and visiting waterfalls, which because of the rainfall grow to spectacular sizes in the wet season.
Siam Beach Resort is a wonderful place to base yourself during your holiday in August. This inviting resort offers direct access to a beautiful sand beach. It has a great outdoor swimming pool, a Jacuzzi on the beach, a beach bar and a number of other fine facilities. Guests can unwind after a fun day of exploring at the resort's restaurant, sampling delicious local dishes or grilling freshly caught fish on one of the beach barbecues.
Another suggested place to stay is Bailan Beach Resort, which lies right on the beach in the southwest of the island. Amenities are plentiful and range from a main swimming pool and children's pool to hammocks between coconut treesoes it get any better than that?reen gardens, a seaview restaurant and a spa.
Families might want to take a look at Kacha Resort & Spa. This idyllic accommodation has child-friendly facilities such as a children's pool, a kids' club and babysitting services. This is a great place for a stress- and worry-free vacation with small children. Additional facilities include Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a travel desk, a spa, a limousine service, a swimming pool, and meeting and conference rooms.
If you want to hit the beach in August and enjoy the 29°C water, it is recommended that you do that in the morning, before the afternoon rains arrive. Consider visiting the beaches in the southeastern corner of the islandalak Khok, Long Beach and Chek Baehich are the most remote of all beaches in Ko Chang. This is an area of local fishing communities, fruit farms, authentic villages and virtually unspoiled beaches and nature. The only accommodation consists of homestays, backpacker bungalows and very few small hotels. This quiet area is absolutely ideal for anyone looking to get away from it all and experience the "real" Ko Chang.
With English owners Morgan's Restaurant and Bar on Kai Bae Beach offers its guests a warm atmosphere in comfortably cosy surroundings. This is a wonderful destination if you want to go for a laidback meal or a couple of casual drinks. There's live music on a regular basis, while the pool table, Wi-Fi and live sports on TV offer entertainment as well. On the menu, you can find goodies such as full English breakfasts, cottage pie, spaghetti and a number of local Thai dishes.
One of the handful of restaurants on the Bang Bao pier, Ruan Thai is a nice seafood restaurant serving all kinds of fish and seafood with the usual spices and undeniably strong flavours. Its menu features food ranging from clams to prawns and sea bass.
Tantra Restaurant is part of Nirvana Koh Chang Resort, located beautifully on stilts above the waterhe views of the sea are quite phenomenal. Featuring a Thai menu, this recommended restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner.
The locals celebrate the Queen's Birthday on the 12th of August. This is also Thailand's Mother's Day, which culminates in a great display of fireworks. It is a major holiday in the country and a popular day for family reunions and get-togethers. Accommodation and flights tend to be fully booked on this day and the days before and after, so keep that in mind when booking your August vacation.
August, as one of the wettest months of the year, is a great time to visit one (or more) of the island's magnificent waterfalls. The most popular of those is the Klong Plu Waterfall, which is the only major waterfall on the west coasthe most touristy side of the island. This waterfall is reached after an easy hike suitable for all ages and abilities. You do have to pay an entry fee, though, of 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Around the waterfall, there are many rocks that are ideal for sunbathing and a plunge pool that offers a welcome cool-down from the heat. In August, visiting the Klong Plu Waterfall is best done in the morning, before the afternoon rains arrive.
