Looking at the map of Thailand, we find the country has three coastal borders. This benefits the country commercially, not only in terms of transportation, but also through the abundant sustainable resources of food, minerals and energy all produced here. Therefore, we all should appreciate and use the marine resources wisely.

When we talk about the sea, many of us usually think of summer. But I feel that the beauty of our oceans lay in all seasons, regardless of which monsoon is blowing as different places have unique charms at different times of the year. The sea can be velvety blue or emerald green depending on the changing of these seasons, the condition of the sky or the rays of the sun. The changing moods of the ocean can mirror the inner feelings in each of us.

Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park, situated off the east coast of Thailand, is one of the country's sea borders. Like many other seaside destinations throughout Thailand it is a popular destination for tourists. The natural beauty both above and below the water are still very well preserved. White Sand Beach (whose name derives from the powdery white sand) and Klong Prao Beach (which is situated next to Chai Yod peninsula) boast fine sands and crystal clear waters and have thus become favorite places for swimmers and sun bathers. Another saught after beach on the island, is that of Kai Bae; a perfect place to enjoy the classic Koh Chang sunset. There are not only tourist facilities and bungalows along this beach, but also places where mountain bikes can be hired; ideal for an eco-friendly tour around the island. There are also a couple of dive shops on the beach., 'Seahorse Dive Center' is at Kai Bae Hut, and the other is at 'Koh Chang Diver Point' at the Klong Prao Resort. The services include diving into the wonderful underwater world, snorkeling in shallower water and of course dive training.

I have been diving at Hin Look Bad and Hin Rab; both sites are quite close to the island: The wide variety of marine life of the eastern Thai coast was pleasantly surprising. There are many Christmas tree worms (Shirobranchus giganteus) and Polychaeta soft corals with numerous tiny residents of pink, blue, green and brown. Moray eels can also be found near the buoy of Hin Look Bad dive site. They feed on crustaceans, squid and fish. One of the most spectacular features of the moray eels are the white rings around their eyes. There are also tiny fine hair pygmy gobies on the many sea whips and plectorhynchus chaetodonoides, who always swim out to greet divers. The juveniles are white with netlike brown patterns. As they age, the brown pattern gradually becomes scattered dots all over their bodies.

The beaked coralfish (chelmon rostratus) has a flat body with a long mouth, and each side of its tail fin has a black spot surrounded by a white ring; resembling a large eye to trick predators. Their favorite foods are sea worms, fish and shrimps, all of which dwell amongst the corals. Night diving here finds grooved razorfish or shrimpfish. They always swim with their head down. They also like to stay together as a group, usually near sea urchins and sea whips to protect their delicate bodies from any enemies. The banded boxer shrimp (stenopus hispidis), with it's red and white stripe along its body, always raises its claws; like a boxer moving around the ring. The banded boxer shrimp also serves algae on its body to fish who just float in for a feed, not thinking to harm the shrimp at all.

We can also find blue spotted stingrays (dasyatis kuhlii), with their blue spots and a spine in their tail, buried in the sand. Then there's the colorful Raggy scorpionfish (scorpaenopsis venosa), who lays still on sea sponges. One should be careful not to touch them because of their deadly poisonous spines.

Besides the underwater wonders, you can also indulge yourself in the island way of life. For insrtance, at the fishing village on Bang Bao Beach, with it's busy pier. Another local attraction is the Klong Plu waterfall, which is reached on foot.

There is no doubt that Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park is rich in topside and underwater beauty. Nature has truly created a circle of life in harmony with all the islands living creatures. This is where beauty and joy meet in perfection.