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Koh Chang is Thailand’s third largest island, with a size of 212 square kilometres, 30 kilometres long by 14 kilometres wide and a population touching 10,000.

It’s located about 320km out from Bangkok near to the border with Cambodia – the far east of the Gulf Of Thailand. The island and surrounding area is designated as the Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park.

After laying low for many years,  its steady development over the last decade is not on the same scale as the 2 larger Thai Islands of Koh Samui or Phuket. Instead, Koh Chang attracts the more independent minded global tourist who is looking for something a bit different.

Alongside the international visitors, the island is also hugely popular with Thais themselves, who come from all over the country in their holiday time to enjoy its rugged beauty and wonderful beaches.

At A Glance – Accommodation, Getting There, Beaches

  • Koh Chang’s accommodation covers the board – luxury and boutique resorts, hotels in all sizes, family villas, pool villas, 3 star resorts, bungalows, cheap rooms and hostels. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something that suits.
  • You access the island via a car ferry. Private transfers are the ideal way of getting to the departure piers but you can fly, jump on a share minibus, microbus, cheap bus or island hop too.
  • The best beaches are on the west coast; White Sand Beach is the most developed, Klong Prao the longest stretch with large resorts on the sand. Lonely Beach is famed for the traveller vibes, cheap digs and lots of parties. Kai Bae has a bit of everything and since Covid, has become the beach of choice. Plenty of other great spots too and don’t forget the more local east coast.

Eating, Drinking, Activities, General Info

  • As for restaurants, you can eat around the globe – some great Thai diners and seafood of course but also  Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Korean and vegetarian. Plenty of cafes and bakeries too.
  • For the night owls, Koh Chang does have a vibrant nightlife scene – parties, bars, live music and even a couple of small clubs.
  • Koh Chang offers a broad range of activities including diving, snorkeling, visiting the waterfalls, cooking classes, sailing and trekking, massage, yoga and volunteering.
  • Offshore, you can visit various islands on day trips or even in a kayak.
  • As to those important holiday FAQs, Koh Chang is a very well developed island, with a public and a small private hospital, police stations, banks, 4G/5G internet, great mobile coverage, 7-11s and superstores.

UPDATED 6th April 2026

How to Get to Koh Chang

Head here for complete lowdown on the different ways of getting to Koh Chang whether by land, by air or by sea. We give you everything you need to know on private transfers, share minibuses, public buses, flights to Trat Airport, ferries and island hopping.

Private Transfers

Want to travel to Koh Chang in comfort with the minimum of fuss?  Then, a private transfer is the only way to go.

With us, you can book either an SUV style car for couples and small families or a private minibus for larger groups. The service is door to door, ferry tickets are included, collection times are up to you, child seats are available . 

Private transfers are available in either direction from Bangkok hotels, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Trat Airport, Ban Phe , Pattaya, Laem Ngop Pier (Koh Mak) and Laem Sok Pier (Koh Kood).

Prices start at 4,300bt for an SUV style car (Fortuner, Innova, Pajero etc.)  from Bangkok’s main BKK Airport to central resorts on Koh Chang, 4,400bt from central Bangkok hotels. It’s 5,200bt for a private minibus for 4 persons, with each additional person at 100bt.

All transfers are, of course, available in both directions.

Cambodia

We also lay on International transfers from the Cambodian cities like Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Phnom Penh. Or we meet you as you cross into Thailand at the borders – Had Lek, Aranya Prathet and Ban Pakkad. Note: The recent Thailand and Cambodia conflagration has resulted in the closure of the land borders, so road travel is not currenlty possible. You can still combine the island with a trip to Cambodia but you must fly in and out  – we can organise the private transfers between Koh Chang and BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport or DMK Don Mueang Airport as needed. 

Book Your Transfer Now!

Flying to Trat Airport

Bangkok Airways flies three times daily from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Trat Airport (TDX) on the mainland, with a flight time of around an hour.

On the winter timetable from 26/10/25 to 28/3/26,  the PG301 departs at 08.10 from BKK and arrives at 09.10 at TDX. Its return, PG302, is at 09.40 (10.40). This is followed by the PG305 at 12.45 (13.45), return PG306 at 14.15 (15.15) and PG307 at 16.15 (17.15), return PG308 at 17.45 (18.45).

On the summer timetable from 29/3/26 to 24/10/26,  the PG301 is at 08.15 (09.15), return at 09.45 (10.45). The PG305 is at 11.40 (12.40), return PG306 at 13.10 (14.20). PG307 leaves at 16.15 (17.15), its return PG308 at 17.50 (18.50)

Between Trat Airport and your resort on the island, we can provide a private transfer at 2,000bt for an SUV car for 2 adults or 2 adults with 2 small children for delivery to beaches up to Kai Bae.  It’s 2,500bt for a minibus for 4 adults, both with ferry tickets.  For areas from Lonely Beach to Klong Goi Beach (Bang Bao), please add 200bt.

Alternatively,  shared minibuses are 950bt per person each way, with ferry ticket.

Trat Airport/Koh Chang – Book the Transfer here

Ferries

Due to USA and Israel’s war with Iran, the Thai government is ordering all businesses to conserve oil and fuel. As of March 24th 2026, the ferries will therefore only leave in either direction when full. There will always be sailings in each direction at 06.30 and 18.30 (first and last daily boats).

The island is served by just one car ferry, Ferry Koh Chang, with the crossing taking 25 to 35 minutes.

Ferry Koh Chang runs from Ao Thammachat on the mainland to Ao Sapparot on the island, with times at every hour from 06.30, 07.45, 08.45 to 16.45, 17.45 and 18.30 – same in either direction.

The ferry is 80bt for a single adult ticket, 120bt for a car. There is no reduction for a round trip.

Share Minibus, Bus

For the 26/27 season, our hotel to hotel  share minibus is only available from Koh Chang to central Bangkok hotels. If 2 persons or more, it’s 1,100bt per person including the ferry ticket. For 1 person only, please add 100bt.

Collections start from 08.20 from the bridge at Bang Bao Beach, ending at 09.30 on White Sand Beach and then to Ao Sapparot for the ferry.  You can also use this service for BKK Suvarnabhumi, Airport hotels, Khao San Road, Victory Monument, DMK and other destinations – see the page for full pricing.

If you are staying in the Khao San Road area, you can jump on the Boonsiri 08.00 daily bus service, 900bt per person with fast ferry ticket and resort delivery by share taxi. The bus return is in the morning, 10.00 from the mainland side at Ao Sapparot Pier, with the same shuttle taxi collection on the island to head to the pier.

There are also direct links from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 07.00 (high season only) or 11.00, 650bt for the SWB Tour microbus with ferry ticket and resort delivery up to Kai Bae Beach.  The return is at 10.00 or 13.00 (high season only) from their base in White Sand Beach.  If you need resort collection, check when booking for times and any additional costs.

Public buses (The Transport Company – 999, Cherchai) and microbuses (Koh Chang Transport Company) depart  from the Bangkok Bus Stations at Ekamai and Morchit from 05.00 to 18.30 , either to the pier or Trat. The last daily departure to Ao Thammachat, the ferry pier is at 11.00.

You can book the hotel to hotel share minibus to Bangkok, the share minibus from Koh Chang to other Bangkok destinations and the Khao San bus here.

Island Hopping

You can island hop between Koh Chang, Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Your choices include speedboats run by Koh Kut Express (formerly Bang Bao Boats), Kai Bae Nor Nou and Boonsiri’s catamaran. 

With their Laem Sok main boats, Koh Kut Express and Seudamgo also have a daily mini catamaran service between Koh Mak and Koh Kood only.

Times for the speedboats from Koh Kut Express are 10.00 and 13.00, with the return from Koh Kood at 11.30 or 14.30. In either direction, it’s 600bt to Koh Wai (15 minutes), 600bt Koh Wai to Koh Mak (15 minutes), 600bt Koh Chang to Koh Mak (30 minutes), 500bt Koh Mak to Koh Kood (30 minutes), 800bt Koh Wai to Koh Kood (45 minutes) and 1,000bt Koh Chang to Koh Kood (1 hour). Note: Their boats still carry the Bang Bao Boats branding.Stops from end of May to start of October (low/rainy season)

Kai Bae Nor Nou departs at 09.00 from Koh Chang, 30 minutes to Koh Wai (600bt), 1 hour to Koh Mak (800bt) and another 30 minutes to Koh Kood (1,000bt). The return service is at 11.00. From Koh Mak to Koh Kood is 600bt, Koh Wai to Koh Mak 500bt, Koh Wai to Koh Kood 1,000bt. Stops from end of April till early November.

Boonsiri departs at 09.00 and 13.00 from Koh Chang, taking an hour to Koh Mak, 600bt and a further 30 minutes to Koh Kood, 900bt Chang to Kood. Returns are 11.00 and 14.30 (Koh Kood), 11.30 and 15.00 (Koh Mak) reaching Koh Chang at 12.30 and 16.00. Running all year,  but in rainy season, they may use a speedboat if numbers are low and will revert to ferry/road replacement in adverse weather condtions.

Seudamgo and Koh Kut Express – Laem Sok Boats

Seudamgo’s mini catamran is at 15.15 from Koh Mak to Koh Kood, 08.30  going the other way. It costs 400bt in either direction, taking 30 minutes. You can also start or end with this service at Laem Sok Pier on the mainland. Stops June to September

Koh Kut Express’ mini catamran is at 12.15 or 16.30 from Koh Mak to Koh Kood, 09.00 or 14.00 going the other way. It costs 500bt in either direction, taking 30 minutes. You can also start or end with this service at Laem Sok Pier on the mainland. Stops June to September

**We can organise all these services for you so do get in contact wth your requirements.**

Where to Stay in Koh Chang

Numbering in the hundreds, Koh Chang hotels, resorts, villas and bungalows are located all around the island.

Luxury and 3/4 Star

At the top end, the premier resorts on the island are The Chill, Awa and The Retreat in Kai Bae and KC Grande on White Sand Beach. In Klong Prao Beach, you can also add Santhiya Tree, Dewa and the Dinso Resort and Villas to that list. Prices start around 5,000bt but go much higher for the pool villas, 15,000bt to 50,000bt.

3/4 star resorts include Kacha (White Sand Beach), Koh Chang Paradise (Chai Chet), Aana, Barali (Klong Prao), Gajapuri, Sylvan (Kai Bae Beach), Aiyapura, Peninsula (Klong Son).

Mid Range

Across the beaches, you’re also spoilt for choice in the mid range category – look out for Chang Buri and Grand View ( White Sand Beach), Flora I Talay (Chai Chet), The Splash, Annika (Klong Prao), Kai Bae Beach Resort, KB Resort, Kai Bae Grand View, Mam Kai Bae (Kai Bae), Mercure Hideaway  (Bailan), Bhuvarin, Resolution (Bang Bao), Spa Koh Chang (Salak Khok) and Parama (Jek Bae)   – estimate 3,000bt to 4,500bt per night, family and pool villas obviously more.

Boutique

No need to worry either on finding decent boutique resorts –  try Chivapuri (Bang Bao Beach), Vayna Boutique, Sol Beach, Tides Signature, Riva, Watercolors (Klong Prao), Nest Sense (Lonely Beach), Amber Sands, Serenity (east coast) and Little Sunshine (Klong Son) for starters, 2,500bt and up.

Villas

For families and groups, villas sleeping from 4 to 12 persons are available in different developments –  Blue Haven Bay (Klong Son), Pearl Beach and over on the east coast at Serenity and Baan Talay Thai.

Bungalows and Budget

The cheapest fan rooms (shared bathroom) are as low as 350bt but for something a bit more salubrious – hot water and a/c – assume in the region of 500bt to 4,000bt. Here’s a few from around all the beaches (north to south):- Independent Bo, Rock Sands Inn, Maylamean, Palm Garden, Sabai Guesthouse, Sai Khao Inn, Island Lodge, Chang Life (White Sand Beach), Baan Ton Rak, 7 Senses, Macura, Privilege (Pearl Beach), Pajamas, Eastique (Chai Chet), Tiger Huts, Ban Rim Nam, Papaya Cottage, Tropical Paradise, Blue Lagoon (all Klong Prao), Sea Escape, Porn’s Bungalows, Paradise Bungalows, Sea Breeze, The Stage, Patoo (all Kai Bae), Sunstone, Oasis, Nature Beach, Warapura, Sea Flower, Lazy Elephant, Magic Garden, Easy Life, Beach Jungle (all Lonely Beach), Elephant Bay, Lazy Republique, Cocoon, Red Moon Hideaway, 3 Trees (Bailan), Cliff Cottage, Hippy Hut, Hill House, Padel Lodge (Bang Bao), Indie Beach, Bang Bao Beach Resort, Freedom Home, Klong Kloi Cottage (Hat Sai Noi, Bang Bao Beach), Long Beach Bungalows (Long Beach).

In the main page of our resorts section, we provide recommendations in all the different budget categories – from luxury to traveller. In addition to that, we bring you our detailed snippet accommodation guides for each area.

You can then explore further by going to that individual area page for the full run-down. Choices made, all that remains is for you to head over to our affiliates at Agoda and Booking.com

You can also use the main guide in conjunction with our accommodation section in the Features area of the site. There we provide detailed recommendations on individual resorts as well as lists and Top Tens –10 Ten Luxury Resorts, Best Hotels, Top 10 Boutique, Budget Picks and Best Hostels and Dorms.

Klong Kloi (Bang Bao Beach) Koh Chang

Salak Phet Koh Chang

Koh Chang East Coast

Salak Khok, Chek Bae and Long Beach – Koh Chang

Kai Bae Beach Koh Chang

Lonely Beach Koh Chang

Pearl Beach Koh Chang

Klong Prao Beach Koh Chang

White Sand Beach Koh Chang

Klong Son Koh Chang

Beaches

We take you round all the Koh Chang beaches including White Sand Beach, Lonely Beach, Klong Prao Beach and Kai Bae Beach. West coast and east coast, it’s all here.

Our At A Glance snippets for each beach give you information on what to expect in that area, with tips for places to stay, restaurants and bars.

We then take you on a detailed guided tour in the At An Island Pace section, highlighting where hotels, restaurants and bars sit in relation to one another.

There’s a map too so you can see whereabouts on the island each beach sits and a few pictures to give you a taster.

Things to Do in Koh Chang

You won’t be short of things to do on the island, with a wealth of activities on land and at sea to keep you busy.

Whether it’s snorkeling, sailing or diving, cooking classes, jungle treks or elephant camps, waterfalls, ATV, Muay Thai, massage, yoga, gym, shopping or volunteering, our in-depth guides give you all the information required.

We take you through what’s on offer, the companies, the prices and the daily schedules and of course, we can organise any of these activities for you too.

Diving

Koh Chang has a vibrant diving community, with  a handful of professional companies heading out to sea daily.

The calm waters and usually excellent visibility make it a perfect place to learn to dive. For those that have never tried, you can start with the taster day known as DSD (Discover Scuba Diving).  If you want to get fully qualified, then the Open Water Course over 2 to 3 days is the one you need.

For PADI qualified, there’s some terrific dive sites offshore at the Marine Park of Koh Rang and at the HTMS Chang wreck to the south of the island.

Prices start from 3,000bt for 2 fun dives, DSD at 4,500bt and Open Water at 14,500bt. All other courses are also available.

Please note there is a government tax for visiting Koh Rang Marine Park – 400bt for adults, 200bt for children.

Koh Chang Boat Trips

Snorkeling is a must-do activity when on holiday in Koh Chang.  

With either a converted wooden fishing boat or a speedboat, you can choose between the reefs at the Marine Park of Koh Rang (4/5 island) or a shorter day with a trip combining Koh Wai, Koh Klum and Koh Laoya (3 island) and possibly Koh Ngam.

Prices per person are in the region of 750bt to 850bt down to Koh Rang or 650bt to 750bt for the 3 island tour with the wooden boat.  The speedboat is 1,000bt  for a 1/2 day to either the local 3 islands or Koh Rang. The big cruise boat which includes Koh Mak and Koh Wai, is 1,490bt – lots of great food with this too.

We specialise in bespoke days on private boats of all sizes – large wooden boats for wedding parties or celebrations, small speedboats for couples or families. Whatever your requirement, we can find a boat and itinerary to suit.

Please note the Koh Rang Marine Park Tax at 200bt per adult and 100bt per child is additional in all cases.

Services generally shut for low season from mid May to mid October.

Trekking

Trekking in the Koh Chang forest is a popular break from the beach, with excursions into the interior of the island.

The treks are run by a couple of separate guides, who offer a combination of half days or full days – both will have some tricky sections.

For the fittest, you can climb the highest mountain peak at Salak Phet (Khao Laem) or there’s also a 1/2 day trek in Klong Prao up to the top of Klong Plu Waterfall (afternoons, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), 900bt.  There are tours too to the south east of the island, with visits to the mangrove walkways and local fishing community, prices on request.

Birdwatchers too can head out early morning with the island’s expert – it’s a couple of hours in the Klong Prao area, 900bt per person Wednesdays and Sunday only.

Thai Cooking School

Learn to cook Thai food at one of the island’s cooking schools, with detailed instruction on ingredients,  preparation, techniques and some history. 

You learn everything from how to make the curry pastes (pestle and mortar at the ready) to cooking the actual curries (Green, Red, Massaman, Sour). There’s time too to knock up some noodle dishes such as Pad Thai and even a dessert, with sticky rice and mango the most popular. You eat what you cook!

Of the 4 schools, Napalai, Kati and Ban Suan are based centrally on the west coast in the Klong Prao whilst Koh Chang Thai Cooking School by Nam is over on the east coast just before Dan Mai. Kati runs a day class from 11.00 to 15.30, whilst Napalai and Nam offer sessions in the morning, afternoon or evening. Ban Suan is 3 hours duration, normally with a mid morning start time.

Prices range from 1,200bt to 2,000bt per person, with transfers included. Classes are 8 to 10 persons maximum.

Elephant Camps

Koh Chang is home to 5 camps, where you can get up close to the elephants and enjoy a forest trek.

The hour session is the trek only where you sit in pairs on a specially made seat strapped to the elephant’s back.

The longer two hour session includes the trek followed by the chance to swim with the animals and give them a thorough scrubbing –  a unique experience.

Prices are 500bt for the hour, 900bt for the two hours, with kids at half price. Transfers between the camp and your resort are included. 

Koh Chang Weather

For the full guide to the climate and seasons on Koh Chang Islands, please head here.

Restaurants

Having put in all the hard eating for you, our restaurant guide kicks off with our recommendations for where to find the best Thai food –  seafood, fine dining, Issan, noodles, cheap eats, vegetarian.

We add in all our western restaurant choices including Italian, fusion, burgers and steaks, Mediterranean, breakfasts, bakeries and coffee houses.

We then take you round the island, beach by beach – in brief or in detail. 

Top Tips

  • (White Sand Beach) Sea and Sun, Ta-Yay, 15 Palms, Kapow, Barbarra, Beach Tango, Sea Bar, Kin Dee, Tum Preang Praang, Alaturka, Papa Il Baffo, Wine Fans
  • (Pearl Beach) Saffron on the Sea, Everflow, Jae Pai-Roh
  • (Chai Chet) Marco Italian, Signature, U-Turn, Gloy
  • (Klong Prao Beach) Iyara Seafood, Baan Ta Klua @ Aana Resort, Kati Culinary, Toscana, Crust Bakery, Mango Tree, Palm Beach Rimray, somtam (2 diners near The Gallery), food court (by lane to Santhiya Tree)
  • (Kai Bae Beach) Khao Kwan, Wine Gallery, El Barrio, El Greco, Poke Bowl, Little Italy, Enjoy Life, Boat Noodles (and Hot Pot), Infinity, Tofu Kitchen, Fig Cafe,
  • (Lonely Beach) Nature Beach, Por Par, Coco, Dang, Nanny’s, The Godmother, Tropical Nest, Knife and Fork @ Magic Garden, Roxy Bar @ Warapura, Easy Life
  • (Bailan Beach) Kohchang 7, Lisca Beach (closed in rainy season), Song Phi Nong, Nanny
  • (Bang Bao, Bang Bao Beach) Chow Lay, Ido Ido, Nong Yim Seafood, Siam Kitchen
  • (Klong Son) Blues Blues, Tee Kitchen, Eddy and Thy Cafe
  • (East Coast) Baan Kafae, Ronnie’s Organic, Salak Khok Seafood, Salak Phet Seafood, Krua Pah Jeaw, Altitude 79, Long Beach Bungalows Restaurant

Nightlife

Looking to dance till dawn? Hoping to meet the partner of your dreams? Want to watch a sunset sipping a Mai Tai? Kick back and and hear some old classics? Watch the game with a cold one?

Well, worry not as Koh Chang nightlife has it all and our unique guide does the legwork for you, so you can plan your evening out on the island.

Whether it be a wine, lounge, beach or cocktail bar, sport pubs or Thai beer bars, live music or party venues, we’ve got it all covered.

As well as our general summary and snippets on all the areas, we also take you in depth to three main nightlife areas – Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach and Kai Bae. So get your party hat on, strap on those dancing shoes and head on in!

Top Tips

  • (White Sand Beach) 15 Palms, Sabay Bar, Mac Bar, Some Mao, Tapas Bar, Lion’s Den, Bentley’s, Zap Bar, mini Pattaya
  • (Pearl Beach) – Sunset Club, PJ’s, Saffron, Crazy Mojito
  • (Chai Chet) Nelly O’Changs, Malibu, Third, Flora i Talay and the beer bars (northern end)
  • (Klong Prao) Vanilla Sky, Sapparot, beach restaurants near Dewa, Summer SUP, beer bars (southern end)
  • (Kai Bae) Morgan, Cabana, Seabreeze, Margaritaville, Tom’s, Jellyfish, Fin, Sun View, Walking Street, Wine Gallery
  • (Lonely Beach) Lonely Beach Bar, Nature, Himmel, Ting Tong, Moonshine, Mimo on the Beach, Rude Boy, Tchin Tchin, Nhings, Beautiful Bar, Dirt Bar
  • (Bang Bao) Rasta View, Cliff Cottage, Jerpordee (sunset)
  • (Hat Sai Noi & Bang Bao) Djembe, The Beach Cafe, Green Bar

Islands near Koh Chang

In this section, we explore in detail the smaller islands near Koh Chang.

Koh Rang sits about an hour out from Bang Bao. As the center of the Marine Park, it’s home to the best snorkeling in the area.

Koh Ngam lies off the south east corner of the island near Long Beach, home to a double beach and an abandoned resort. Just a bit further out to sea, you’ll find Koh Laoya, which also has a wonderful beach and a closed resort.

Koh Klum, a regular feature in the 3 island boat trips, now has accommodation and of course, we cover all those islands you see from the west coast beaches too.

You can visit these islands on either join or private boat trips – please contact us for more information.

FAQs and Information

As you plan your holiday in Koh Chang, practical considerations come into play.

  • Can I change money?
  • Will my mobile work easily?
  • What hospitals are at hand should something happen?
  • If I lose my passport, how do I find the Police?

We go through all this essential information and hopefully put your mind at ease. We have also added a dedicated page just for emergency contact telephone numbers.