If you’re craving the sun, sand, and sea of Thailand but want to avoid the crowds in Phuket and Koh Samui, then Koh Chang in the Trat province is the perfect destination for you. With its stunning beaches and tranquil atmosphere, this hidden gem is the ideal spot for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful getaway.
What is Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s the largest island in Trat province and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including dense rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs. One of the most popular activities on the island is exploring its many pristine beaches, such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, and Lonely Beach.
In addition to its beaches, Koh Chang is also home to several waterfalls, including Klong Plu Waterfall, which is one of the most popular and accessible waterfalls on the island. The island’s rainforests are also home to a variety of wildlife, including macaques, gibbons, and a diverse range of bird species.
For those seeking adventure, Koh Chang offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and jungle trekking. The island’s interior features several hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, while its coastline is dotted with picturesque bays and coves that are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling.
How to get to Koh Chang
Trat is the easternmost province along the Thai coast and it has borders with Cambodia to the East. Trat town is around 290 km east of Bangkok and it’s a transit point for the islands of Koh Chang, Kok Mak and Koh Kood. The boarder with cambodia is around 90km east of Trat city.
Getting to the city of Trat is quite easy: you have the options of flying to Trat or to take a private taxi, but if you are on a budget taking a bus will probably be the best choice.
Get to Koh Chang by bus
From Bangkok, busses depart from Ekkamai Eastern Terminal and Mochit Bus Terminal every day, it costs around 250 THB ($8 USD) for a 2nd class bus and 350 THB ($11 USD) for a van.
The trip from Bangkok takes around five hours and a half, and there is no need to book a ticket in advance unless it’s a national holiday or high season. When you buy a ticket, you can either buy a ticket that includes “bus + ferry” or just the bus to Trat city.
Check out the following links to see the full timetable:
- 12go.asia (Bangkok to Trat timetable)
- thailandee.com (Bangkok to Trat timetable)
- busonlineticket.co.th (Bangkok to Trat timetable)
GET FROM BUS TERMINAL TO THE FERRY PIER
Once you arrive in Trat city, you’ll find plenty of songthaews – those modified pickup trucks with two rows of seats in the back – waiting at the bus station. These songthaews offer direct transportation to the ferry piers for popular destinations like Koh Chang, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood.
The ride typically costs around 80 THB ($2.3 USD) per person, although it may be a bit more if you’re headed to KohKood or if the songthaew isn’t full. It’s a convenient and affordable way to get around and start your island adventure in Trat province!
Below is a map with the bus terminals as well as the piers from which you can take a ferry to the island of Koh Chang as well as the other islands:
Ferry to Koh Chang
The boats to Ko Chang leave every 45 minutes from 06:00 to 19:00 for 80 baht per person from two different piers (Ferry Koh Chang and Centerpoint Ferry), and the ride takes around 45 minutes.
Ferry to Koh Kood:
Boats to Koh Kood leave from Laem Sok Pier. Slow boats and speed boats are available, for about rispectively 350 THB and 500 THB. The slow boat takes about 2 hours while the speed boat takes about 1.5 hours. From Koh Chang, you can reach Koh Kood from the Bang-Bao pier.
Ferry to Koh Mak:
The frequency of the boats vary depending of high or low season. They depart from Laem Ngop Pier and the cost is about 400 – 450 THB depending on the company and the ride takes about 1 hour. From Koh Chang to Koh Mak, speedboats leave from the pier near Kai Bae beach on the western side of the island.
Ferry to Koh Wai:
Some of the boats to Koh Mak make a stop in Koh Wai in high season. However the best way to reach this island is from Bang-Bao pier in southern Ko Chang.
There are other boats available that can take you from one island to another, so don’t worry about missing out on anything. One of the easiest ways to explore the different islands is to start from one of them, with Koh Chang being a great starting point, and then visit the others from there. This way, you can experience the unique beauty and charm of each island while still keeping your adventure convenient and stress-free.
TIP: if you are coming straight from the airport in Bangkok, there is a minibus service from Suvarnabhumi Airport to hotels on Koh Chang. Ticket price is 600 Baht ($17.5 USD) per person including ferry ticket. Buy tickets from the counter at Entrance 8 on Level 1 (Ground floor) of the terminal building.
Best things to do in Koh Chang
Ko Chang is the biggest and the most popular of the islands off the coast of Trat. The piers where ferries from Trat dock are located on top of the island, and many songthaews wait there to shuttle tourists along the way. There is only one road along the coast of Ko Chang so you can’t get lost, and the price for a ride is around 100THB.
On Ko Chang, most of the accommodations and highlights are situated on the island’s western side, while the east side doesn’t offer as much to see or do until you reach the southern tip. However, don’t let that deter you from exploring the whole island – the journey to the south is worth it for the stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and secluded beaches waiting to be discovered.
Understanding the island
With the exception of a small village in the north, Ko Chang doesn’t have any distinct towns or villages. Instead, buildings and accommodations are scattered along the island’s main road, with different areas being referred to by the name of the nearby beach. This unique setup adds to the island’s laid-back vibe and offers visitors the chance to explore a variety of different areas and beaches during their stay.
Here are the main points of interests in the island of Koh Chang:
West coast
White Sand Beach
The first beach you will encounter on your way south is called White Sand Beach, a 2 km long strip of fine sand. This is also the most touristic spot on the island. Here you will find mostly families, who choose this spot for its comforts, the resorts, the bars and the fancy restaurants. On White Sand Beach you will also find some shops and one of the night markets of the island. Contrary to what you may think the beach is not so crowded and you can easily enjoy the quietness and the beauty of it. (TIP: check out White Sand Beach Resort (location here) for a cosier and less known spot)
Pearl Beach
This beach is quite small and mainly rocky. However, this makes it one of the quietest and peaceful beaches on the island. You can find a few vendors who will offer you the freshest and cheapest fruit on the island, and you can chill under the trees. Along the road, there isn’t much going on, so if you are looking for something more hectic keep reading and consider this beach for a stop on a day trip.
Chai Chet & Klong Prao
The next two beaches are Chai Chet and Klong Prao, where you can find nice, new hotels as well as stretches of undeveloped beaches. In Klong Prao is possible to sleep in rudimentary (but incredibly beautiful) huts on the beach.
Kai Bae
Things get interesting in Kai Bae. This is arguably the most beautiful beach on the western side of Ko Chang. The beach is split into two different parts: the northern one is 500 metres long and is more touristic, with lots of bars and resorts while the southern, approximately 750 metres long, is wilder and the water there is crystal-clear!
(TIP: rent a kayak and explore the little islands like Koh Man Nai in front of the beach!)
Lonely Beach
Lonely Beach is the perfect destination for backpackers looking for a fun and affordable party scene. This area is often underrated, with many hostels, bars, and clubs located within walking distance of each other. Accommodations here are incredibly cheap, and the food is also very affordable. The beach itself is beautiful and offers a nice escape from the party scene.
The clubs in Lonely Beach are open every day and have free entrance, with drinks available at very reasonable prices.
It’s worth noting that many of the accommodations in this area are not listed on popular booking platforms like Booking.com or Hostelworld. In fact, some of them don’t even take reservations, and instead, you can pay day by day. So, if you’re not worried about last-minute deals, it’s best to visit in person and look for accommodation when you arrive. This way, you can get the best value for your money.
TIP: If you’re looking for a great spot to catch the sunset, check out the tree house at Oasis | Koh Chang Bungalows, located here. They offer amazing food and one of the best sunset views on the island. The tree house is part of the restaurant, and you can climb the tree to enjoy your meal with a stunning view.
Bang Bao
Almost all the ferries to the other islands leave from Bang Bao pier. Here you can also find many restaurants and this place is known for being a fishing village. Along the pier itself you will find many shops and restaurants.
East coast
Long Beach
The only relevant beach of the eastern coast of Ko Chang is Long Beach, located at the southern tip of the island. It’s a 50km (1.5hours) ride from Lonely Beach, since there is no road yet connecting the West and the East coasts on the south. You may ask: is it worth to make such a effort just to go to the beach? Hell yes! Even on a day trip, you should make your way down the island and reach this piece of paradise on earth. The beach is undeveloped and you can enjoy 500 metres of fine white sand. (TIP: There are some bungalows in the area which are perfect for those seeking for a very quiet and untouched beach in Thailand)
Salak Khok Fishing Village
Salak Khok Fishing Village is a charming and authentic community located on the eastern side of Koh Chang, Thailand. The village is home to a small but active fishing community, and visitors can experience the traditional way of life and culture of the local fishermen.
One of the highlights of the village is the bustling morning fish market, where fresh catches are sold daily. Visitors can watch as the fishermen bring in their haul and negotiate prices with buyers, offering a glimpse into the local fishing industry. In addition to the market, there are also several seafood restaurants in the village that serve up delicious dishes made with the day’s fresh catch.
Inside the island
Khao Salak Phet
Khao Salak Phet is a mountain located in the southeastern part of Koh Chang island in Thailand. It is one of the island’s highest peaks, reaching a height of 743 meters above sea level. The mountain is part of the Khlong Phrao National Park and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of birds and monkeys.
For those seeking adventure, Khao Salak Phet offers several hiking trails that lead to the peak and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Klong Phlu Waterfall
Ko Chang, thanks to its huge rainforest and mountainous terrain, has several waterfalls but the most impressive is certainly Klong Phlu Waterfall. The entrance costs 200THB (6USD) for adults and 100THB (3USD) for kids.
Other waterfalls in Koh Chang include Khlong Chao Lueam Waterfall, Khlong Nonsi Waterfall, Than Mayom Waterfall and Si Tho Waterfall.
Elephants Trekking in Koh Chang
While elephant trekking is a popular activity on Koh Chang, it’s important to note that the animals are often mistreated and forced to work long hours for the sake of tourism. Six different camps offer elephant trekking experiences across the island, with many located roadside or inland in Klong Son, Klong Prao, and Kai Bae Beach on the west coast.
Unfortunately, many of these camps use unethical practices to control the elephants and ensure the safety of tourists. For example, the elephants are often chained by one ankle when not working, meaning they cannot move freely around the camp. Additionally, wooden seats are attached to the elephants’ backs for tourists to sit on during rides, and mahouts may use elephant goads (bullhooks) to control the animals.
We urge you to avoid elephant trekking and not support animal abuse. Instead, consider alternative activities that promote ethical and sustainable tourism on Koh Chang.
READ ALSO: How To Respectfully Travel Southeast Asia – Backpacking Tips
Where to stay in Koh Chang
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Koh Chang, the western side of the island is the most popular and convenient area, as it’s home to most of the island’s accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The northern part of the west coast is particularly suited for families, with a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
For backpackers and those looking for a more lively scene, Lonely Beach is the go-to spot. This area boasts a fun party scene and a variety of hostels, bars, and clubs that are popular with young travelers. Keep in mind that some of the cheaper accommodations in Lonely Beach may not be listed on popular booking portals, so it’s best to go in person to find the best deals.
If you prefer to book in advance, there are several great options to choose from:
ON A BUDGET: If you’re a budget-conscious traveler looking for affordable accommodation on Koh Chang, there are several great options to choose from. The cheapest hostel on the island is Cafe Del Sunshine, offering dorm rooms from just $5 USD per night. For a more comfortable stay, Pajamas Koh Chang is a great choice and is often considered the best hostel on the island. With dorm rooms starting at $15 USD per night, the accommodation offers great value for the price. The hostel boasts a modern and stylish design, comfortable beds, and a variety of amenities such as a swimming pool and a rooftop bar with great views of the island.
MID-RANGE: Watercolours is a solid mid-range option if you’re looking for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank, with private rooms starting from $27 USD per night for two people. An even better option in our opinion is called Beach Jungle, with outstanding rooms and private apartments starting at just $15 USD/night.
LUXURY: One of the best luxury accommodations in Koh Chang is Amber Sands Beach Resort, a charming and eco-friendly beachfront resort. An even more exclusive accommodation is Crown View Beach Resort, with its stunning private villas! These luxury properties are all priced at about $100-150 USD/night.
Looking for a unique accommodation to stay at? Check out The Place!
How to get around Koh Chang
Getting around Ko Chang is easier than ever, with several convenient transportation options available to visitors. If you’re looking for more independence and flexibility, renting a motorbike is a great option, with prices starting at around $4 USD per day. This allows you to explore the island at your own pace and on your own schedule, stopping at any beaches or attractions that catch your eye.
Alternatively, if you prefer to sit back and relax, you can take one of the many songthaews that travel along the island’s main road. These modified pickup trucks with two rows of seats in the back are a popular and affordable mode of transportation, with frequent stops at all the major attractions and beaches on the island. As there is only one main road in Koh Chang, it’s easy to know where to go and how to get there, making it simple to plan your itinerary and get around the island.
The roads on Koh Chang are also well-paved and maintained, so you don’t have to worry about any bumpy or uncomfortable rides. With convenient and affordable transportation options, exploring the island has never been easier or more enjoyable!
Go island hopping from Koh Chang
Visiting the other islands from Ko Chang is very easy! You don’t need to book your tickets in advance or to do any specific research. Once you are on the island you can arrange your transportation for the next day even late at night. There are ticket sellers pretty much everywhere and you can bargain down the price. Boats leave from Bang Bao pier, on the southern tip of Ko Chang (West side), or sometimes from Kai Bae beach.
Prices vary depending on the type of boat and the island you are going to:
- 300-400THB (9-12USD) to Ko Wai
- 400-600THB (12-19USD) to Koh Mak
- 700-900THB (22-28USD) to Koh Kood
All boats leave in the morning. You can check out the timetables here: https://kohchangferries.com/boats-koh-mak-koh-kood/
Best time to visit Koh Chang
Koh Chang, as well as the nearby islands of Ko Mak and Ko Kut, have a tropical climate that is hot and humid year-round. The rainy season occurs from May to October, coinciding with the southwest monsoon, which can be particularly intense in this area. The dry season takes place from December to April, with March and April seeing a slight increase in rainfall before the onset of the monsoon.
It’s important to note that the region can still experience the effects of tropical cyclones in November, so it’s best to check weather reports and plan accordingly if traveling during this time.
Overall, you should be prepared for hot and humid conditions throughout the year, with the possibility of heavy rain during the rainy season.
See more on: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/thailand/ko-chang