Koh Chang is Thailand's third-largest island and sits in Trat province near the Cambodian border. Most of the island is covered by hills and rainforest within a national park, and the road follows the west coast, linking a series of beaches that range from lively to almost empty. It is a less developed alternative to Phuket and Koh Samui, with a mix of simple bungalows and mid-range resorts rather than big luxury complexes.
Koh Chang is also the starting point for the Koh Chang archipelago, a group of smaller islands including Koh Wai, Koh Rang, Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Many visitors do a snorkelling day trip from Koh Chang, while others continue to a quieter island for a few nights.
For a more detailed walkthrough, read our Koh Chang guide.
How to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok
Koh Chang is reached via the mainland port area at Laem Ngop in Trat, then by ferry. All details are indicative, as of 2026, and should be checked with the operator.
| Option | Typical journey time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus to Trat | About 5 to 6 hours | Services run from Bangkok's Eastern (Ekkamai) and Northern (Mo Chit) terminals and from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Check the operator for timetables and fares. |
| Minivan to Laem Ngop | About 5 to 6 hours | Direct vans to the pier area exist, often with transfers included. |
| Flight to Trat | About 1 hour | Bangkok Airways has historically operated flights between Bangkok and Trat. Check availability and schedule on the airline's page. Trat Airport is about 1 hour from the ferry piers. |
| Private car | About 4.5 to 5.5 hours | Park at the ferry area or take the vehicle ferry to the island. |
From the mainland, car ferries run to Koh Chang from Ao Thammachat, a short drive from Laem Ngop. The crossing usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes. Schedules differ by season and operator, so check before you arrive. On the island, shared songthaews run from the ferry landing to the main beaches.
Allow a full day for travel in each direction. If you take a very early bus and an afternoon ferry, you can reach the beach by evening, but a night in Trat town on the way is a more relaxed choice.
For more on connections around the country, see the Thailand getting-around guide.
Best time to visit
- November to February: the best weather, with the driest days, calmer seas and the clearest visibility for snorkelling. Prices are highest and popular resorts fill quickly at Christmas and New Year.
- March to April: hot and still, good for sea trips. Mid-April sees Songkran celebrations.
- May to October: the wet season, with heavy rain, rough seas and fewer boats. Some bungalows close, services are reduced and jungle waterfalls are at their fullest. Rip currents and waves can be dangerous.
Some of the smaller islands run fewer boats in the wet season, so confirm ferries before you plan an extended trip.
Beach areas on Koh Chang
- White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao): the busiest and most developed stretch, with many restaurants, shops and nightlife, and a wide beach.
- Klong Prao: a long, quieter beach with a river mouth at one end, popular with families and couples.
- Kai Bae: a smaller beach with a mix of resorts, shops and restaurants, and good access to boat trips.
- Lonely Beach: known for a backpacker atmosphere, beach bars and budget bungalows. Hilly and busy at night.
- Bang Bao: a fishing village on stilts at the southern tip, with seafood restaurants and the departure point for many snorkelling trips.
- Salak Khok and Salak Phet: quiet bays on the east side with a more local feel.
Top things to do
- Snorkelling and island-hopping trips: commonly to Koh Wai, Koh Rang and Koh Kloum. Choose a boat with enough life jackets and check that the operator is licensed.
- Waterfalls: Klong Plu and Than Mayom are popular, and flow best after the rains. Wear shoes with grip.
- Elephant experiences: several camps exist. Look for operators that do not offer riding or shows. See our ethical elephant visits guide for criteria that apply anywhere in Thailand.
- Kayaking, jungle walks and viewpoints: guided tours run from several beaches.
- Bang Bao and the mangroves: wander the boardwalk, eat seafood and take a longtail boat out for sunset.
- Diving: some operators run introductory dives and fun dives to local reefs. Look for a recognised training agency.
The roads on Koh Chang are steep, winding and slippery in the rain. Scooter accidents are common among tourists. If you rent one, wear a helmet, drive slowly and check that your travel insurance covers it. Emergency numbers: police 191, medical emergency 1669, Tourist Police 1155.
Sample budget
All amounts approximate per person per day (as of 2026).
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room (per person sharing) | THB 400-800 | THB 1,000-2,500 | THB 3,000-8,000 |
| Food | THB 300-500 | THB 600-1,200 | THB 1,500-3,000 |
| Local transport | THB 100-300 | THB 300-800 | THB 1,000-2,500 |
| Tours and activities | THB 0-400 | THB 600-1,800 | THB 2,000-5,000 |
| Total | THB 800-2,000 | THB 2,500-6,300 | THB 7,500-18,500 |
The national park charges an entry fee for some areas of the island and the marine park. Confirm current fees on the Department of National Parks site, and carry some cash because not every small business accepts cards.
Getting around the island
Shared songthaews (pick-up trucks with bench seats) run along the main west-coast road, but they run less often in the evening and low season. Taxis and motorbike taxis charge fixed rates by distance. Scooter rental is common, but the hills are risky. Walking is only practical within a single beach area.
Nearby hubs and next steps
- Bangkok is the usual starting point.
- Thailand overview helps compare islands and coasts.
- Pattaya is on the route east from Bangkok and could be combined with Koh Chang.
- Hua Hin is a quieter west-Gulf alternative.
FAQ
How do I get to Koh Chang?
Go to Trat province (by bus, minivan or flight), then to a ferry terminal near Laem Ngop and take the car ferry to the island. Check schedules in advance.
When is the best month for Koh Chang?
December to February are usually the driest and calmest. The rainy season, May to October, brings rougher seas and fewer services.
Is Koh Chang good for families?
It can be. Klong Prao and Kai Bae are relatively calm. Be aware of strong currents in the wet season and steep roads.
Is Koh Chang cheaper than Phuket?
Often yes for accommodation and food, though prices vary by season and standard. Compare real quotes for your dates.
Can I visit Koh Chang and Koh Mak together?
Yes, boats connect them in season. Check timetables, because services change during the wet season.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
