Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak and Koh Wai

The Koh Chang islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak and Koh Wai are located on the eastern side of the Gulf Of Thailand, sharing a maritime border with Cambodia.

Though far less busy and developed than the likes of Phuket and Koh Samui, these islands still offer everything you could need for a perfect beach holiday in this part of the world.

From luxurious resorts to backpacker bungalows, beautiful beaches around each corner, restaurants, nightlife and a fantastic daily choice of things to do, the Koh Chang islands have it all.

So, whether you are travelling as a couple, a single traveller, with your family or in a group of friends, you’ll always find something to suit.

UPDATED March 24

On this Page, At A Glance:-

About the Site | Koh Chang | Koh Kood | Koh Mak | Koh Wai | Contact Us | Features (Blogs) | Weather | Visas and Immigration | Cambodia | Property for Sale


Koh-Chang-Map-with-Koh-Kood-Koh-Mak-and-Koh-Wai


About the Site

  • To help you with your holiday plans, our individual island guides – Koh ChangKoh Kood, Koh Mak, Koh Wai  –  round-up all the information on getting here, the best places to stay and where to eat and drink. There’s details too on activities and offshore islands, a bit of history and all your FAQs answered.
  • In addition to that, you’ll find comprehensive summaries on visas (including the latest visa exemption update which has reverted back to 30 days only).
  • Given its close proximity, visitors often combine the Koh Chang islands with a trip to Cambodia – we cover all the travel options for you.
  • Our weather breakdown explains when the 3 Thais seasons fall and what kind of climate to expect – November through February is your best time to come.
  • Finally, are you looking to make a fresh start in life? Maybe start a business, retire or simply winter in the sun? Then,  head over to our Property section. It’s packed with resorts, villas and land for sale, together with a primer on the buying process here in the Koh Chang Islands.

 


Koh Chang – Koh Chang Islands

Koh Chang is the largest of these islands, boasting superb beaches, seven waterfalls, two mountains and a huge rainforest interior.

Its well developed, vibrant tourist scene offers accommodation across the board – everything from deluxe hotels to boutique resorts and traveller bungalows.

And when you need a change from relaxing by the pool or ocean, you can enjoy a whole host of activities –  diving and snorkeling, jungle treks, elephant camps, cooking schools, kayaking to the offshore islands, massage and spas.

There’s plenty of excellent restaurants too, Thai and western as well as more than enough nightlife to keep you busy.

With Koh Chang also so easy to reach from Bangkok, it’s not hard to see why it has become one of the most popular Thai islands over the last decade.


How to Get to

Need to get to Koh Chang? Then look no further as this section gives you what you need to know for getting between Bangkok hotels, its Airports and Koh Chang. Timetables, prices, travel times, you’ll find it all here and in detail too.

  • Private transfers  – from 4,200bt for an SUV car (2 persons) from BKK Airport or 4,300bt (2 persons) from a central hotel to a resort on the island with fast ferry tickets. Note in peak season (Xmas through New Year), a supplement  may be applied.
  • Car Ferries – 06.30, 07,45, 08.45 till 16.45, 17.45 and 18.30, (Koh Chang Ferry,  25 to 35 minutes) and 07.15, 10.30, 14.00 and 17.20 (Centerpoint, 60 minutes) 
  • Flying to Trat Airport – twice daily at lunchtime and afternoon in either direction.
  • Share Minibus – hotel to hotel from 950bt per person with ferry ticket, BKK Airport, Khao San Road, Victory Monument available too.  As of March 24, Koh Chang to Bangkok only
  • Khao San Road Bus – daily departure at 07.30 , 900bt including resort delivery by share vehicle
  • Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus – 07.00 and 11.00, 650bt, resort delivery up to Kai Bae
  • Public Buses and Microbuses – 05.00 to 18.30 to Trat from Bangkok Bus Stations at Ekamai or Morchit,  including the 999 at 07.45 (back at 14.30) direct to the pier
  • Island Hopping – wooden boat or catamaran at 09.00, speedboats at 09.00 or 12.00, Koh Chang to Koh Klum, Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood and in reverse. Prices from 400bt to 1,200bt per person. See here for options in the rainy season (June to September) when island-hopping services close.
  • Cambodia – Private services between Koh Chang and the borders or Cambodian cities (change of vehicle at border).

Where to Stay

Visit this page to start your hunt for that perfect holiday room!

  • Area by area, we give you accommodation tips in every category including luxury and boutique hotels, bungalow resorts, backpacker hostels.
  • Explore further with our in-depth listings and recommendations  – again beach by beach.
  • Direct links to our affiliates for the best daily prices and immediate booking.

Quick Tips

  • Luxury and 4 Star: KC Grande (White Sand Beach), Santhiya Tree, Dewa (both Klong Prao), The Chill, Awa,  The Retreat (all Kai Bae)
  • 3/4 Star: Aana, Emerald Cove (Klong Prao), Koh Chang Paradise (Chai Chet), Sylvan, Gajapuri (Kai Bae), 
  • 2/3 Star: Grand View, Kacha, Erawan, Chang Buri ( White Sand Beach), Flora i Talay (Chai Chet), Barali (Klong Prao), KB Resort, Kai Bae Beach Resort (Kai Bae), Bhuvarin (Bang Bao)
  • Boutique: Nest Sense (Lonely Beach), Chivapuri (Bang Bao Beach), Vayna Boutique (Klong Prao), Little Sunshine (Klong Son), Amber Sands, Crown View, Spa Koh Chang (east coast)
  • Villas: Blue Haven (Klong Son), Elegance (Klong Prao), Pearl, Inspiration (Pearl Beach), Baan Talay Thai (east coast)
  • Bungalows and Budget: Independent Bo, Sai Khao Inn, Koh Chang Hut (White Sand Beach), TP Huts, Privilege (Pearl Beach), Pajamas (Chai Chet), Baan Rim Nam, Papaya (both Klong Prao), Porn’s, Paradise, Sea Escape, Sea Breeze (Kai Bae), Oasis, Warapura, Seaflower, Nature, Magic Garden (all Lonely Beach), Harley Moon, Elephant Bay, Bailan Beach, St Tropez, Lazy Republique (all Bailan), Cliff Cottage, Wild Hippie (Bang Bao), Indie Beach, Klong Kloi Cottage (Hat Sai Noi and Klong Goi Beach), Serenity (east coast)

Beaches

Explore the island with us beach by beach, starting with our brief round-ups of each area – what to expect, its main resorts, restaurants, bars and natural attractions.

Whether it be White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach, Klong Prao or Kai Bae Beach, Chai Chet or Pearl Beach,  Bailan Beach and Bang Bao, Klong Son to the east coast, Salak Phet and Chek Bae , we have it covered in our at a glance guides or our in-depth tours.

 

Things to Do

Need a break from the beach and lazing around? 

Start here with our guide to all the activities on Koh Chang or in/under its surrounding waters:-

  • Snorkeling trips and learning to dive
  • Cookery school to jungle trekking or elephant camps
  • Fitness to ATV and Muay Thai
  • Massage and yoga
  • Volunteering, shopping or getting a tattoo

We take you through what you need to know as well as give you our recommended companies, prices, times and a chance to book.

Restaurants

Travel round the island with us beach by beach, as we pick out the best places to eat on Koh Chang.

Our guide includes our restaurant recommendations for Thai food – noodles, cheap street food, Issan, evening dining, seafood, vegetarian.

Fancy some decent western food too? We’ve got plenty of tips on the best diners for that also – Italian, Mexican, Turkish. Greek, Indian, steaks and breakfasts among others.  Dig in!

Quick Tips:

  • Thai: Sun and Soul (White Sand Beach), Gloy, U-Turn (Chai Chet), Boat Noodles on Soi Coral Resort, Khao Kwan (Kai Bae), Zhong Zi Pad Pad, Ta Klua @ Aana Resort (Klong Prao), Kati (Klong Prao), Blues Blues (Klong Son)
  • Seafood: Salak Phet Seafood, Salak Khok Seafood, Magic Resort, Jae Aew (Klong Prao), Ruan Thai (Bang Bao), Signature (Chai Chet)
  • Fusion: Saffron (Pearl Beach), Cabana (Kai Bae)
  • Western: El Barrio, Wine Gallery (both Kai Bae), 15 Palms (White Sand Beach), Pizzeria Toscana, El Greco Crust Bakery (all Klong Prao)
  • Vegetarian: Everflow (Pearl Beach), Naga (Klong Prao), Indie Raw, Tofu Kitchen (both Kai Bae)
  • Coffee Shops: Tastory (White Sand Beach), Le Jao Jom (Pearl Beach), Alam @ Signature (Chai Chet), Moccacino (Klong Prao), Fig Cafe, The Mount (both Kai Bae), Baan Kafae (east coast), Altitude 79 (Salak Phet)

Nightlife

In our Koh Chang nightlife section, first up we cover the basics – where to head for a beach party, the best bars for a sundowner, where to find Thai female company, where to listen to some decent live music.

In detail, we also visit the three main nightlife areas – Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, Kai Bae Beach – bringing you tips on bars, pubs, clubs and party venues. 

Quick Tips:

  • Bars: Mac Bar, Himmel @ White Princess, Tapas Bar, Zap (White Sand Beach); Fin, Jellyfish, Cabana, Seaweed, Sun View ( all Kai Bae); Sapparot, Summer SUP (Klong Prao); Lonely Beach Bar, Mimo Beach, Mimo Tree, Rude Boy, Nature (all Lonely Beach), Rasta View (Bang Bao)
  • Pubs/Sports: Morgan (Kai Bae), White Elephant (both White Sand Beach)
  • Clubs/Parties: Sabay (White Sand Beach), Ting Tong, Himmel, Mimo Bar (all Lonely Beach)
  • Beer Bars : Mini Pattaya (White Sand Beach, southern end), Chaichet (street-side, northern end), Walking Street (Kai Bae)

Koh Kood – Koh Chang Islands

Located at the far southern end of the archipelago, Koh Kood is slightly smaller than Koh Chang.

It’s home to some seriously fabulous long beaches on the west coast, mangroves, a hilly jungle interior and several waterfalls. Its east side, meanwhile, is wild and untamed except for two authentic fishing villages and a little known navy base.

With no car ferries to speed things along, Koh Kood’s development has been very measured so maintaining its standing as one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. 

Accommodation, from luxury (plenty of that) to traveller (far less), is spread out across the island with each beach generally having just a couple of places to stay but not much else besides. Prices here are  more expensive here than its neighbours.

You’ll find restaurants up by the road in certain areas and  the fishing villages have a few seafood choices. Yes, there is a bit of nightlife but it’s very laid back –  you certainly won’t be dancing till dawn. As for things to do, you can head to the waterfalls or snorkel and dive on the local reefs. A day on the boat over at Koh Rang is easily organised too.

Though popular with Thai weekenders, Koh Kood is a tranquil away from it all island. You come here primarily to relax at your resort, read, swim, watch the sunsets … in fact to do as little as possible, just perfect for couples who  want a romantic getaway.  Families do visit in considerable numbers too, often combining a few days of R&R here before or after the more frantic pace of Koh Chang


How to Get to

Jump in here to find out the different ways of getting to Laem Sok Pier for Koh Kood

Private transfers are your easiest option at 3,900bt for an SUV car from BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport, and 4,000bt from central Bangkok, door to door and collections timed for whatever boat you choose (see below).

You can also fly to Trat Airport with the PG305 landing at 13.40 (winter timetable 29/10/23 to 31/3/24), connecting to the Seudamgo boat at 16.00. The afternoon flight, PG307, does not make any boat connections.

Alternatively, the boat companies offer combined bus and boat tickets from around the Khao San area in Bangkok – Boonsiri, 07.30 1,100bt per person, Seudamgo’s own service, same price, 05.00, 1,100bt and Koh Kut Express at 06.00 (with their slow boat), 1,000bt  Public services (bus and microbus) also run from Ekamai or Morchit to Trat.  

Koh Kood has passenger boats only, no car ferries – different companies running express, catamaran, mini catamaran and speedboat, times from 10.00 to 16.00, return 09.00 to 13.50, daily, 350bt to 600bt. Full timetables given including details on the reduced services in rainy season.

Also a breakdown on island hopping possibilities but note they have no service during rainy season, June to September – replacement options here. Also useful information on moving about the island once there.

And if you are going to or coming from Cambodia, we can help with your all travel arrangements – leave Siem Reap and arrive on Koh Kood on the same day.

 

Where to Stay

Whether looking for the perfect resort or cheap accommodation, our guide does all the legwork for you.

We start by rounding up the best places to stay on Koh Kood, with At A Glance categories including luxury and boutique, 3 to 4 star resorts, bungalows and traveller options. Alongside them, there’s snippet information for each and every beach so you can see which resort is where.

You can then head to the individual area pages for all the details, recommendations and instant links to our affiliates for the best prices and booking.

Quick Tips:

  • Luxury: Soneva Kiri (Klong Yai Kee), High Season (Klong Chao)
  • 3/4 Star: Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Tolani (Klong Chao), Natural Beach Resort, Koh Kood Resort (Bang Bao), Cham’s House (Ao Takian), Shantaa (Ao Tapao)
  • Boutique: Wendy The Pool (Klong Chao), Bann Makok (Klong Yai Kee), Hideout (Klong Hin), Rest Sea , Escape Life (both Ao Phrao), Jasmine Garden (Bang Bao)
  • 2/3 Star: Meedee, Seafar, Koh Kood Paradise (all Ao Tapao),  Siam Beach (Bang Bao), Koh Kood Beach Resort (Klong Mad)
  • Bungalows and Budget: Mangrove, PD Guesthouse, Koh Kood Garden View (Klong Chao), Dusita, Ngamkho Resort (Ao Ngamkho), Sea and Sand (Bang Bao), Sunshine (Ao Phrao), Baan Bua Cottage, Klongmad Hostel (Klong Mad), Eve House (Ao Takian)

Beaches

The Koh Kood beaches, which are exclusively on the west coast, are arguabaly the best throughout all the Koh Chang Islands.

Start with Klong Chao, the central beach, home to luxury resorts and cheaper bungalows, a waterfall and even some nightlife – sunset here is everything you hope for on a Thai island. Bang Bao too is a fabulous bay of white sand and shallow blue waters. Or there’s the more untamed Ao Takian and the simply beautiful long stretch at Ao Phrao down in the far south west.

With the old pier at one end, Ao Tapao Beach is another lovely 2km stretch, with a handful of 3 star resorts, whilst up in the north, you can find hidden spots here and there opposite the offshore islands.

Ao Yai and Ao Salad, the two authentic fishing villages, are located on the east coast.

Our at a glance guides on the main page or our in-depth tours on the individual beach pages take you round the island.

 

Restaurants

Our restaurant guide goes around Koh Kood, picking out the best spots in all the different categories.

We start with seafood before moving onto  western food – Italian, Mediterranean, French and more. For the main Thai course, we take you to each area to highlight the choices. There’s coffee shops too and we end with our recommendations. 

Quick Tips: 

  • Thai and Seafood: Chonthicha Seafood, Noochy Seafood (both Ao Yai), Relax (Ao Phrao), Fishermen Hut, Esan Family (Hin Dam), Nuch Leuang Seafood, Chillout Cafe, Chaiyo, Sea Dog (Klong Chao), Black Bananas (Ao Ngamkho), Bang Bao Home (Bang Bao)
  • Western: Pizza and Pasta (Hin Dam), Heaven Sense (Bang Bao), Kood Vibes (Ao Ngamkho)
  • Coffee Shops: Viewpoint Cafe, Good View Cafe (Klong Chao), Nomkhon Station (Ao Ngamkho), Suanya Cafe (Klong Mad)
  • Resorts: Shantaa (Ao Tapao), Mangrove (Klong Chao), Baan Makok (Ao Klong Yai Kee)

Koh Mak – Koh Chang Islands

In term of size, Koh Mak ranks third among the Koh Chang islands.

It’s a wonderfully laid back, unassuming place where life ticks along quite happily in the slow lane. Up until now and there’s no reason this will change, development has been modest and restrained.

The island’s topography is surprisingly flat, so there are no waterfalls or untouched forest interiors as in Koh Chang and Koh Kood. This, in turn, makes Koh Mak easy to explore by bicycle, motorbike or even walking.

It boasts too a couple of wonderful long sweeping beaches, where the accommodation is centred, though the wilder coasts too have some great places to stay. Wherever it is, that acommodation is primarily in small boutique resorts or cheaper bungalows and backpackers huts. It’s not an island for chain hotels or such like.

You’ll find a decent selection of restaurants but given Koh Mak tends to attract couples and families rather than groups, nightlife is ultra lowkey. That said, it does play host to two clubbing festivals, one at New Year and one at the end of March.

Meanwhile, the Marine Park of Koh Rang, with its excellent snorkeling and diving, is on its doorstep so trips can be done in a 1/2 day. You can also kayak to its 5 offshore islands with very little effort.

How to Get to

Start here for the full rundown on getting to and from Laem Ngop Pier, the main departure point for Koh Mak.

Private transfers are the easiest way to travel from Bangkok or the Airports, with prices from 3,800bt for an SUV car or 4,500bt for a minibus, excluding the boat tickets.

There’s also the 999 bus from Ekamai at 07.45 to the Koh Chang pier down the road followed by a quick 15 minute songthaew taxi to Laem Ngop. Seudamgo have a bus service at 05.00 from the Khao San area linking to their boat at 12.00 from Laem Sok Pier. Or you can use  the public bus or microbus, also from Ekamai (or Morchit) to Saen Tung Junction or Trat.

We bring you the daily speedboat timetables between Laem Ngop and Koh Mak – 10.00, 10.30,  11.00, 12.30, 14.00, 15.00 (check ahead) and 16.00, with returns at 08.00, 08.30, 09.00, 10.00, 11.30 and 13.30 daily, all at 550bt per person, 1 hour. And the new options from Laem Sok Pier too (11.30, 12.00, 15.00, returns at 09.45, 10.00, 13.00 and 14.30, 550bt).

There’s  the island hopping information if coming from Koh Chang or Koh Kood.

Note timetables may be cut back during the rainy season (June to September) – always check the main boats page for the timetable. The inter-islands boats reduce in May and stop completely from June to September, alternative options here.

You can also fly to Trat Airport from BKK Suvarnabhumi with the PG305 landing at 13.40 (winter timetable 29/10/23 to 31/3/24). This is too tight for the 14.00 boat so you connect to the 16.00 (or maybe the 15.00 if running, check ahead).

And you can travel between Koh Mak and Cambodia – Siem Reap to/from Laem Ngop Pier in one day.

Where to Stay

Koh Mak has around 50 places to stay – just a handful at the top end combining with boutique affairs and a couple of small hotels. It does have some larger 3 star resorts but they, like the island, are nicely very low key. At the cheaper end of the scale, you’ll also find plenty of of standard bungalows and backpacker options too.

In our Koh Mak accommodation section, we list our recommendations in all the budget categories before taking you round the island, area by area so you can get a handle on their location.

There’s guide prices too and the chance to head over to our affiliates to make that booking.

Quick Tips:

  • Luxury:  Seavana (Ao Suan Yai), Mira Montra (Ao Pra), Plubpla (east coast) or The Mak (north coast)
  • Boutique and 3 Star Resorts: Little Moon (north coast), By The Sea, Ao Kao Resort (both Ao Kao), Koh Mak Resort (Ao Suan Yai)
  • Small Hotels: Makathanee (Ao Kao), Islanda (Hill above Ao Suan Yai)
  • Bungalows and Budget: Villa Allure (east coast), Hidden Beach (near Laem Tookata), Lazy Day The Resort, Big Easy, Baan Koh Mak, Hanoi House, 2 Cans, Island Huts (Ao Kao), Prompkadee (Ao Suan Yai), Sea View, Bamboo Hideaway, Corsita (Ao Baan Lang – east coast), Talay Time (south coast)

Restaurants

Dive in here for our general round-up of the best restaurants on Koh Mak.

From Thai food to western options, seafood to coffee shops and resort dining, we’ve worked our way around Koh Mak to see what’s on offer. 

Once you finished digesting that, you can finish off with our recommendations.

Quick Tips:

  • Thai and Seafood: Kon Gin Sen, Nuchzabmaks, Krua Khun Mam, Pimjai, Table Tales (Ao Kao), Laem Son Somtam (Laem Son), Koh Mak Organic Farm (Ao Suan Yai), Koh Mak Seafood, Mong and Jam (Ao Nid)
  • Western: M.A. Bistro (fusion), Little Red Oven (pizza), Pak Pak (vegan) – all Ao Kao; 12 Bars (Japanese) – Ao Suan Yai, Terraria (Japanese) – Ao Nid
  • Resorts: Day Beds at Seavana (Ao Suan Yai), The Mak (Ao Talong), Ao Kao Resort, By The Sea (Ao Kao), Talay Time (south coast)
  • Coffee Shops and Cafes: By The Sea, Food Art Hut, Ball Cafe (Ao Kao), Sweetcake (Ao Nid), Pineapple (Ao Suan Yai)

Beaches

Take a stroll around Koh Mak’s beaches with our at a glance guides or our in-depth tours.

From Ao Kao Beach in the south west to Ao Suan Yai Beach in the north west or over to the more remote north, east and and south coasts, we have Koh Mak covered.

We also take you around the main village at Ao Nid and a couple of the deserted beaches – Ao Tao Kai (Turtle Beach) in the far north west corner, Ao Lom on the noth west coast and Laem Son in the far north east corner. 



In our Features section of the site, we post all our regular updates, tips and recommendations from the Koh Chang Islands.


Weather – Koh Chang Islands

Your detailed guide to the climate and seasons in the Koh Chang Islands is here.


Koh Wai Guide

The smallest of the holiday islands, Koh Wai is about 30 minutes south of Koh Chang. 

It has just 4 places to stay on its north coast – either basic traveller style beach huts or slightly grander bungalows. This coast is also home to the beaches, with the best strands outside Paradise or beyond Grand Mar Huts.  Offshore, you can snorkel over a very respectable reef, but at certain times of day, the tours arrive en masse to do the same.  

Koh Wai has no shops or roads nor any electricity. Power comes via generators, which means the 3 cheaper sets of huts turn it off during the night. Using mobile data, internet coverage is good but don’t expect in-house WiFi .

To get there, you can island hop from its bigger neighbours by wooden boat, speedboat or take a day trip. You can also travel from the mainland on the 11.00 daily Koh Mak Ferry speedboat on its way to Koh Mak, 450bt per person or the 12.00 Koh Waii Paradise speedboat, also 450bt . Their respective mainland returns are at 08.50 or 10.00, same price.

Head over our guide for all the details.

 

To and From Cambodia

If you are travelling between Cambodia and the Koh Chang islands, visit our comprehensive summary of travel to and from the main cities – Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh.

There’s information on the visas and the border crossings too at at Had Lek (Thai side)/Cham Yeam (Cambodian side), Aranya Prathet/Poipet and Ban Pakkard/Phsar Prum.

We provide private transfers on all these routes and can help you co-ordinate your holiday plans when moving from Thailand to Cambodia or visa versa.

If you need help with your holiday in Cambodia, we an organise that too. Whether it be travel between the cities, driver and SUV on standby, city guides or speciality activities in Siem Reap such as a cooking school, cycling tours and jungle, just ask and we can put together  a plan for you. (Laos, Vietnam available as well).

Updated June 23

Thailand Visa and Immigration – November 2023

Your guide to the latest entry requirements for travellers to Thailand.

What are the requirements I must meet to enter the country? What is the 30 day visa exemption? What visa do I need to stay 2 months? All these questions answered and much more.