Koh Chang
Photo: Christian Holzinger / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season, 26-32°C). December-February is peak. April-May is hot but quiet. June-October has heavy rain and some resorts close
Language
Thai; English spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Airport
Trat Airport (TDX), 17km from the ferry pier; or fly to Suvarnabhumi Bangkok (BKK) and drive/bus 5 hours
Population
~8,000 permanent residents (Koh Chang district)
Climate
Tropical monsoon, avg 26-33°C, heavy rainfall June-October
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1) — watch for motorbike accidents and strong currents in monsoon season
Top Highlights
Klong Plu Waterfall
Koh Chang's most impressive waterfall — a three-tiered cascade surrounded by lush tropical jungle inside the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Entry: 200 THB (~$5.60) for foreigners. Open 8AM-5PM. The main pool at the bottom is deep enough for swimming. A 20-minute uphill walk from the park entrance on well-maintained paths. Allow 2 hours. Weekday mornings are almost empty.
White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)
Koh Chang's longest and most developed beach — 2.5km of fine white sand with warm, calm water. Free access. Sunbed rental: 100-200 THB (~$2.80-5.60). The northern end is quieter; the center has beach bars, restaurants, and massage huts. Night market stalls set up along the road after dark. Best swimming: November-April when seas are calm and clear.
Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam)
The backpacker hub of Koh Chang with a bohemian vibe, cheap bungalows (300-800 THB / ~$8-22), reggae bars, and a laid-back atmosphere. The beach itself is small but atmospheric, backed by jungle-covered hills. The fire shows at Ting Tong Bar are a nightly institution. Budget eats along the main strip: pad thai for 60-80 THB (~$1.70-2.20). Not actually lonely anymore, but still has that traveler energy.
Snorkeling at Koh Rang Marine Park
A cluster of uninhabited islands south of Koh Chang with the best snorkeling in the area — visibility up to 20m with healthy hard coral and abundant marine life. Full-day boat trips from Bang Bao pier: 800-1,500 THB (~$22-42) including lunch, gear, and national park fee. Season: November-May only (boats don't run in monsoon). Koh Rang and Koh Yak are the top sites.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
A picturesque fishing village built entirely on stilts over the water at the island's southern tip. Walk the wooden boardwalk past seafood restaurants, dive shops, and souvenir stalls. Fresh seafood dinner: 200-500 THB (~$5.60-14) per person. The pier is the departure point for snorkeling day trips and speedboats to Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Allow 1-2 hours. Best at late afternoon for golden light on the water.
Elephant Encounters (Ethical)
Koh Chang (meaning 'Elephant Island') has several elephant sanctuaries. The Koh Chang Elephant Haven focuses on ethical, no-riding encounters — feed, bathe, and walk with rescued elephants in a natural setting. Half-day: 2,000-3,000 THB (~$56-84). Avoid camps that offer riding or shows. Book directly with sanctuaries to ensure ethical practices. Allow 3-4 hours including transport.
Than Mayom Waterfall & Royal Trail
On the quieter east coast, this three-tiered waterfall was a favorite of Thai kings — look for the royal initials carved into rocks by Kings Rama V, VI, and VII. Entry: 200 THB (~$5.60). The trail through old-growth rainforest takes 30 minutes to the upper tier. Less visited than Klong Plu, with a more pristine feel. Bring water and mosquito repellent.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Koh Chang Itinerary
Arrival & White Sand Beach
Ferry to Koh Chang and settle into Thailand's third-largest island on the Gulf coast.
Fly to Trat Airport (TDX) or bus from Bangkok(1-5 hours)
Bangkok Airways to Trat (1h, from THB 2,500) or minivan from Ekkamai bus station (5-6h, THB 350 including ferry). Ferry crossing: 30 min
Ferry to Koh Chang(30 minutes)
Passenger THB 80. Ferries every 30-60 min until 7PM
Songthaew to White Sand Beach(20 minutes)
Shared truck taxi THB 50-100. The main beach on the west coast
Check-in at Mac Resort(30 minutes)
Beachfront. Rooms from THB 1,500/night. Or KC Grande Resort (mid-range THB 3,000). Budget: independent bungalows from THB 500
Sunset on White Sand Beach(1.5 hours)
2.5km of fine sand. Grab a sunbed (THB 100-200) and watch the sun drop into the Gulf. Beach bar cocktails from THB 150
Klong Plu Waterfall & Than Mayom Royal Trail
Jungle waterfalls and a trail visited by Thai kings.
Klong Plu Waterfall(2 hours)
THB 200 national park entry. Three-tiered cascade in tropical jungle. 20-min uphill walk. The main pool is deep enough for swimming. Weekday mornings almost empty
Lunch at Iyara Seafood, Klong Prao(1 hour)
Beachfront Thai restaurant. Tom yum goong (THB 180) and pad krapow (THB 120). Fresh and spicy
Than Mayom Waterfall(2 hours)
THB 200 (same-day park ticket valid). East coast. Three tiers — look for royal initials carved by Kings Rama V, VI, and VII. Less visited, more pristine. 30-min trail through old-growth rainforest
Sunset drinks at Klong Prao Beach(1.5 hours)
Quieter and more upscale than White Sand Beach. The Spa Koh Chang has a beachfront bar with great cocktails
Koh Rang Marine Park Snorkeling
Full-day boat trip to uninhabited islands with the best snorkeling in the area.
Snorkeling day trip from Bang Bao(7 hours)
THB 800-1,500 including lunch, gear, and park fee. Departs 8:30AM from Bang Bao pier. 3-4 snorkel stops at Koh Rang and Koh Yak. November-May only (boats don't run in monsoon). Visibility up to 20m with healthy hard coral
Lunch on the boat(1 hour)
Included — Thai fried rice, fruit, and water
Evening at Bang Bao fishing village(1.5 hours)
A picturesque village built on stilts over water. Walk the wooden boardwalk past seafood restaurants and dive shops. Fresh seafood dinner THB 200-500 per person. Best at late afternoon for golden light
Lonely Beach & Backpacker Vibes
The bohemian hub of Koh Chang — cheap bungalows, reggae bars, and fire shows.
Morning at Lonely Beach(2 hours)
Small but atmospheric beach backed by jungle hills. The backpacker vibe is relaxed and social. Cheap bungalows THB 300-800 if you want to move here
Lunch at Magic Garden(1 hour)
Bohemian restaurant in the jungle behind the beach. Smoothie bowls THB 120, pad thai THB 80. Fairy lights and hammocks
Afternoon at Bailan Bay(2 hours)
One beach south of Lonely Beach. Less developed, good swimming. The Tiger Muay Thai gym is here if you want a boxing session (THB 300 drop-in)
Fire show at Ting Tong Bar(1.5 hours)
Nightly fire shows at Lonely Beach's legendary bar. Bucket cocktails THB 150. The performers are seriously skilled. The vibe is classic backpacker Thailand
Rest Day — Elephant Sanctuary & Spa
Ethical elephant encounter and a Thai massage to recover.
Koh Chang Elephant Haven(3.5 hours)
THB 2,000-3,000 for half-day. No-riding sanctuary — feed, bathe, and walk with rescued elephants. Book directly with the sanctuary. Allow 3-4 hours including transport
Lunch at Barrio Bonito(1 hour)
Mexican restaurant on the main road near Klong Prao. Fish tacos THB 180. A fun change from Thai food
Thai massage on the beach(1.5 hours)
Beach massage huts along White Sand Beach. 1-hour Thai massage THB 300. The sound of waves enhances the experience
Night market dinner(1 hour)
Night market stalls set up along White Sand Beach road after dark. Grilled seafood skewers THB 50-80, pad thai THB 60, mango sticky rice THB 60
East Coast Exploration — Salak Phet Bay
The quiet, undeveloped east coast where local fishing communities live.
Motorbike to Salak Phet Bay(45 minutes)
Rent a scooter THB 200-300/day. The east coast road is steep and winding — drive carefully, especially the hill between White Sand Beach and Klong Prao
Salak Phet Bay mangrove walk(1.5 hours)
A wooden boardwalk through mangroves at the southeast tip of the island. Free. Birdwatching, crabs, mudskippers. Peaceful and tourist-free
Seafood lunch at Salak Phet Seafood(1.5 hours)
Freshly caught fish, crab, and squid at fishing village prices. Steamed whole fish THB 200, crab fried rice THB 120. Overlooking the bay
War memorial at Laem Ngop (mainland)(Optional)
If interested in WWII history, the naval battle memorial near the ferry pier commemorates a 1941 engagement between Thai and French navies
Sunset at Kai Bae Beach(1.5 hours)
Stop at Kai Bae on the way back. The tree-line beach has great sunset views and a more local feel than White Sand Beach
Departure — Last Swim & Ferry
Final morning on Koh Chang before the ferry and onward journey.
Last swim at White Sand Beach(1 hour)
Early morning when the beach is quiet. The water is calm and warm
Checkout and songthaew to ferry(45 minutes)
Shared truck THB 50-100 to the ferry pier
Ferry to mainland(30 minutes)
Ferries start at 6:30AM
Transfer to Trat Airport or Bangkok(1-5 hours)
Bangkok Airways to BKK or minivan to Ekkamai (5-6h, THB 350)
14-Day Koh Chang Itinerary
Arrival & White Sand Beach
Ferry to Koh Chang.
Ferry(30 minutes)
THB 80
Check-in Mac Resort(30 minutes)
From THB 1,500
Klong Plu & Than Mayom Waterfalls
Jungle waterfalls and a royal trail.
Klong Plu Waterfall(2 hours)
THB 200. Three tiers, swimming pool
Lunch at Iyara Seafood(1 hour)
Tom yum THB 180
Than Mayom Waterfall(2 hours)
East coast. Royal initials by Thai kings
Koh Rang Snorkeling
Full-day to uninhabited islands.
Snorkel day trip(7 hours)
THB 800-1,500 from Bang Bao. Nov-May only. Visibility 20m
Bang Bao village dinner(1.5 hours)
Stilts over water. Seafood THB 200-500
Lonely Beach & Fire Shows
Bohemian hub.
Magic Garden lunch(1 hour)
Smoothie bowls THB 120
Ting Tong Bar fire show(1.5 hours)
Nightly. Bucket cocktails THB 150
Elephant Sanctuary & Spa
Ethical encounter and Thai massage.
Elephant Haven(3.5 hours)
THB 2,000-3,000. No-riding. Feed, bathe, walk
Thai massage on beach(1.5 hours)
THB 300. Waves soundtrack
Night market dinner(1 hour)
Skewers THB 50-80, mango sticky rice THB 60
Rest Day
Beach and relaxation.
East Coast — Salak Phet
Quiet fishing communities and mangroves.
Motorbike to Salak Phet(45 minutes)
THB 200-300/day rental. Careful on steep roads
Mangrove boardwalk(1.5 hours)
Free. Birdwatching, peaceful
Seafood lunch(1.5 hours)
Fishing village prices. Whole fish THB 200
Koh Mak Day Trip
Day trip to the quieter neighboring island.
Speedboat to Koh Mak(45 minutes)
THB 500-800 from Bang Bao. A quieter, flatter island with beautiful beaches and fewer tourists
Bicycle around Koh Mak(3 hours)
Rent a bike (THB 100/day) and cycle the flat coast road. Rubber plantations, coconut groves, pristine beaches
Lunch at Koh Mak Seafood(1 hour)
Beachfront. Grilled fish THB 180
Ao Suan Yai Beach(1.5 hours)
Koh Mak's best beach. White sand, clear water, almost no one there
Diving Day
Explore Koh Chang's dive sites.
Two-dive trip(5 hours)
THB 2,500-3,500 from BB Divers or Scuba Dawgs. Sites: Hin Luk Bat (submerged pinnacle), Hin Rap (coral gardens). Season Nov-May
Dinner at Tonkhao Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Upscale Thai. Green curry with prawns THB 250. Klong Prao area
Cooking Class & Jungle Trek
Learn Thai cooking and explore the interior jungle.
Thai cooking class at Blue Lagoon(3 hours)
THB 1,500. Market tour + 3-dish cooking class. Tom kha gai, pad thai, mango sticky rice. Eat everything
Jungle trek to Klong Neung waterfall(3 hours)
Interior trail through dense jungle. Less visited — ask at the national park office for guide (THB 500). The waterfall is off the tourist path
Koh Kood Day Trip
Visit Koh Chang's even more remote neighbor — crystal clear waters and waterfalls.
Speedboat to Koh Kood(1 hour)
THB 800-1,200 from Bang Bao. One of Thailand's most pristine islands
Klong Chao Waterfall(1.5 hours)
Walk through jungle to a waterfall with a deep swimming pool. The water is crystal clear
Ao Tapao Beach lunch(1.5 hours)
Beachfront restaurant. The water color at Koh Kood is extraordinary — vivid turquoise
Snorkeling off Koh Kood(1.5 hours)
Excellent reef condition. Less damaged than Koh Chang's reefs
Free Day — Favorite Beach
Return to your favorite spot.
Beach day(5 hours)
White Sand, Kai Bae, or Lonely Beach — your choice
Kayaking & Fishing Village
Kayak along the coast and explore local fishing culture.
Sea kayaking from Kai Bae(3 hours)
THB 500 half-day rental. Paddle south along the coast to small islands (Koh Man Nai). Calm mornings best
Fishing village lunch at Salak Kok(1.5 hours)
A hidden bay on the northeast coast with a floating restaurant among mangroves. Tom yum with fresh fish THB 180
Mangrove kayak at Salak Kok(1.5 hours)
Rent a kayak (THB 300) and paddle through the mangrove-lined bay. Monkeys, eagles, kingfishers
Last night dinner(1.5 hours)
Best restaurant on the island: Invite Restaurant near Klong Prao. Thai-fusion. Massaman curry THB 280. Book ahead
Departure
Final morning and ferry.
Ferry and onward(30 minutes)
To Trat Airport or Bangkok bus
21-Day Koh Chang Itinerary
Arrival & White Sand Beach
Ferry to Koh Chang.
Klong Plu & Than Mayom Waterfalls
Two waterfalls and a royal trail.
Klong Plu(2 hours)
THB 200. Swimming pool
Koh Rang Snorkeling
Uninhabited island reefs.
Snorkel day trip(7 hours)
THB 800-1,500
Lonely Beach & Fire Shows
Bohemian vibes.
Elephant Sanctuary
Ethical encounter.
Elephant Haven(3.5 hours)
THB 2,000-3,000
Beach massage(1.5 hours)
THB 300
Rest Day
Beach relaxation.
East Coast — Salak Phet
Fishing communities and mangroves.
Koh Mak Day Trip
Quiet neighboring island.
Speedboat to Koh Mak(45 minutes)
THB 500-800
Bicycle around Koh Mak(3 hours)
THB 100/day
Diving
Underwater exploration.
Two-dive trip(5 hours)
THB 2,500-3,500. Hin Luk Bat, Hin Rap
Thai Cooking Class
Market tour and 3-dish class.
Cooking class(3 hours)
THB 1,500
Jungle trek to Klong Neung(3 hours)
Interior trail. Guide THB 500
Koh Kood Day Trip
Crystal clear neighbor island.
Speedboat to Koh Kood(1 hour)
THB 800-1,200
Free Day
Your choice.
Kayaking & Mangroves
Coastal paddling and fishing culture.
Sea kayaking from Kai Bae(3 hours)
THB 500
Mangrove kayak(1.5 hours)
THB 300
Move to Lonely Beach
Change base for a different island vibe.
Move accommodation to Lonely Beach(1 hour)
Bungalows THB 300-800. Bohemian atmosphere
Explore Lonely Beach strip(2 hours)
Reggae bars, art shops, traveler cafes
Bar hopping(2 hours)
The Lonely Beach nightlife scene
Koh Chang Trekking
Full-day trek across the island's jungle interior.
Guided interior trek(6 hours)
THB 1,500-2,000 with guide through national park. Cross the island through dense jungle with stream crossings, waterfalls, and wildlife. Moderate-hard. Bring water, leech socks, and rain gear
Simple dinner(1 hour)
Pad thai THB 60 from the strip. Perfect
Yoga & Wellness Day
Slow day with yoga, massage, and beach.
Morning yoga at Spa Koh Chang(1.5 hours)
Drop-in class THB 300. Overlooking the ocean
Herbal steam sauna(1 hour)
THB 200. Traditional Thai herbs in a small bamboo sauna
2-hour Thai massage(2 hours)
THB 500 for 2 hours at a proper spa. Deep tissue and stretching
Koh Wai Day Trip
Tiny island with excellent snorkeling — almost no development.
Boat to Koh Wai(1 hour)
THB 600 from Bang Bao. Tiny island with 2-3 simple resorts and incredible snorkeling
Snorkeling Koh Wai reef(3 hours)
The house reef is some of the best in the area. Shallow, healthy coral, abundant fish
Lunch at the sole restaurant(1 hour)
Simple Thai food. Fried rice THB 100
Beach afternoon(2 hours)
White sand, clear water, maybe 10 other people on the entire island
Free Day — Rest
No agenda.
Cambodian Border Excursion
Optional day trip to the Cambodian border town of Koh Kong for waterfalls and a different culture.
Drive to Hat Lek border crossing(2 hours)
From the ferry pier. Note: some scam 'VIP border services' charge inflated fees — use the official crossing
Koh Kong town exploration(3 hours)
The Cambodian border town has a chaotic market, riverside promenade, and different cuisine. Riel and USD accepted. Amok (Cambodian curry) and fish from the river
Tatai Waterfall (if time)(2 hours)
45 minutes from Koh Kong. A wide cascade in jungle. Swimming possible
Last Full Day
Return to favorites and farewell dinner.
Last waterfall visit(2 hours)
Klong Plu or Than Mayom — whichever you preferred
Farewell dinner at Invite Restaurant(2 hours)
Thai-fusion. Massaman curry THB 280. Book ahead. The best meal on the island
Departure
Final morning and ferry.
Ferry and onward(1 hour)
To Trat Airport or Bangkok
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Thailand Visa Exemption
Citizens of 57 countries (including US, UK, EU, Australia) get 60-day visa-free entry to Thailand as of 2024. No separate permit needed for Koh Chang. If arriving from Cambodia at the Hat Lek/Koh Kong border crossing, ensure you get a proper Thai entry stamp — this crossing has a history of scam 'VIP border services' charging inflated fees.
transport
Ferry Is the Only Way On
Two ferry companies run from the mainland: Koh Chang Ferry (Ao Thammachat pier) and Centre Point Ferry (Centre Point pier). Ferries run every 30-60 minutes from 6:30AM-7PM. Car + driver: 120 THB, passenger: 80 THB (~$2.20). The crossing takes 30 minutes. From Bangkok, minivans from Ekkamai bus station cost 350 THB (~$10) and take 5-6 hours including ferry.
Motorbike Rental — Dangerous Roads
Scooter rental is 200-300 THB/day (~$5.60-8.40). The island's single ring road is steep, winding, and has several hairpin turns that cause multiple tourist accidents daily. The hill between White Sand Beach and Klong Prao is notoriously deadly when wet. Wear a helmet (required by law), drive slowly, and don't drink and ride. Songthaew (shared trucks) are the safer alternative: 50-100 THB per trip.
Budget
East Coast Is Half the Price
Most tourists stay on the developed west coast. The quieter east coast (Salak Phet, Bang Bao) has bungalows for 300-600 THB/night (~$8-17) vs. 1,000-3,000 THB on the west. Local seafood restaurants here serve freshly caught fish for 100-200 THB. The tradeoff: fewer beaches and you'll need a scooter to get around. Perfect for longer stays.
Safety
Monsoon Season Closes Half the Island
From June to October, heavy rain makes many roads dangerous, seas are too rough for boat trips, and some resorts/restaurants shut down entirely. Lonely Beach flooding is common. If visiting in shoulder season (May or November), check that your accommodation and planned activities are actually operating. The upside: prices drop 40-60% and you'll have beaches to yourself.
Local Customs
National Park Fees Apply Island-Wide
Koh Chang is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. The 200 THB (~$5.60) foreigner fee is charged at waterfall entrances and some snorkeling sites but NOT at beaches or for simply being on the island. Keep your ticket stub — it's valid for the entire day across all park sites. Thai nationals pay 40 THB.
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