Koh Chang Travel Guide
Koh Chang is a big, green island with a proper mix of long beaches, thick rainforest and a more relaxed pace than Phuket or Koh Samui. It’s close enough to Bangkok for a proper island break without needing a flight, yet big enough that you can find quiet stretches even in high season. The west coast holds most of the beaches and accommodation, while the interior is still largely jungle. It’s a solid choice if you want nature, swimming and a bit of island life without the full-on party scene.
How to Get There
From Bangkok and Trat
Almost everyone reaches Koh Chang via the mainland town of Trat. Buses and minibuses from Bangkok (Ekkamai or Mo Chit) take about 5–6 hours and many include the ferry ticket. You can also fly Bangkok Airways into Trat Airport, then transfer to the pier (around 30 minutes).
The main ferry runs from Ao Thammachat Pier near Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on Koh Chang. Crossings take 30–45 minutes and run frequently from roughly 06:30 to 18:30. Foot passenger tickets are cheap (around 80 baht). Songthaews wait at the island pier to take you to the main beaches.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
Koh Chang has a clear dry and rainy season.
Best time: November to February
These months are the driest and most comfortable. Seas are calmer, the beaches look their best, and outdoor activities are reliable. This is peak season, so book accommodation in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year.
Hot season: March to May
Hot and humid, but still good for beach time if you plan around the midday heat.
Rainy season: May/June to October
Heavy afternoon rain is common, especially July–September. The island turns very green and prices drop, but some boat trips and outdoor plans can be disrupted. Ferries still run, though conditions can be rougher.
What You’ll Love Doing Here
The west coast beaches are the main draw. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the busiest and most developed, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and shops. Further south, Klong Prao is longer and more spread out, with a calmer feel and some of the nicest sand. Kai Bae has a pleasant village atmosphere and good food, while Lonely Beach still attracts a younger, more backpacker-oriented crowd.
Inland, the island is mostly rainforest. Khlong Phlu Waterfall is the easiest and most popular — a short walk leads to a swimming pool at the base. Other waterfalls require more effort but reward you with quieter surroundings. Kayaking, snorkelling trips to nearby islands, and scooter exploration of the quieter east coast are all popular.
Evenings are low-key compared with the bigger islands. You’ll find beach bars, seafood restaurants and a few spots with live music, especially around White Sand and Kai Bae. The overall atmosphere is more “relaxed holiday” than non-stop party.
Pros and Cons
What people love
- Good balance of beaches, jungle and a manageable size
- Easier and cheaper to reach from Bangkok than many southern islands
- Variety of beaches from lively to quiet
- Waterfalls and rainforest add real nature value
- More relaxed and less commercial than Phuket or Samui in many areas
What can frustrate people
- The main beaches can feel busy in high season
- Some stretches of road are steep and winding — scooter riders need care
- Rainy season can be very wet and limit activities
- Not the clearest water or best coral in Thailand
- Limited public transport — renting a scooter or using songthaews is almost essential
Why Go
Koh Chang gives you a proper island experience without the long journey or high prices of the far south. Come for the west-coast beaches, a swim at the waterfall, and the feeling of being surrounded by jungle. Stay a few nights, rent a scooter if you’re comfortable, and explore beyond the main strip. It’s big enough to find your own pace and still close enough to the mainland to feel accessible. For many people, that combination is exactly what they’re looking for.