Salak Kok Mangrove Forest

Salak Kok Mangrove Forest is a protected mangrove ecosystem in Salak Kok Bay on the southeastern coast of Ko Chang Island in Trat Province, Thailand. Centered around a traditional fishing village in Ko Chang Tai, it is notable for its dense mangrove channels, community-led conservation and ecotourism. Visitors explore via kayak or boardwalk, observing diverse flora, fauna and local fishing culture within one of Ko Chang's largest intact mangrove areas.

Visitors can expect a tranquil coastal mangrove bay with narrow waterways lined by dense mangroves, mudflats and traditional stilt houses of Salak Kok fishing village. The main experience is paddling a kayak or canoe through marked mangrove tunnels and open bay waters, or walking an elevated wooden boardwalk with viewpoints and interpretive signs. The setting is natural and quiet, with opportunities to see birds, crabs, mudskippers and fishing boats, and to learn about community-based conservation.

Salak Kok Bay has long supported a traditional fishing community. The mangrove forest was developed as a community-based conservation and ecotourism project to protect the mangroves from degradation and shrimp farming, with village-managed kayak services and a boardwalk established to promote sustainable use and education.

The site reflects the traditional coastal fishing culture of Ko Chang Tai, where livelihoods depend on fishing and mangrove resources. The community-managed ecotourism model demonstrates local stewardship of natural resources and preserves village heritage for visitors.