Car hire and motorbike rental are a popular way to explore Koh Chang, giving you that extra freedom to do things at your own pace and at a time of your own choosing.
Island tours using private minibuses are another option to get around, great for groups or for families to seek out the less visited east coast.
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Car Hire on Koh Chang
Saloons (Jazz or Vios), larger family cars (Innova and Fortuner), Isuzu 4 door pick-ups and converted army jeeps are just some of the options offered for car hire on the island.
Rates start at 1,300bt per day for a sedan, 1,500bt for a pick-up and 1,600bt for a SUV style car. There are reductions given for weekly and monthly hires. A limited number of child seats may be available.
For rental with us, you will need to leave your passport for the duration of the hire or a copy of your passport and a 10,000bt ($300, EUR300) cash deposit. Insurance is at 15,000bt excess .
The army jeeps are between 1,800bt and 2,200bt.
Island Tours
We can set you up with a day tour around the island either solely on the east coast or the west coast or a combination of both.
With the east coast tour, you stop at the Chinese Temple in Klong Son at the start of the trip and then head down to the mangrove walkway (Red Bridge) in Salak Phet. You can also visit the charming local temple and its little museum. For lunch, we take you to Salak Phet Seafood, one of the best restaurants on the island and then afterwards visit the viewpoint for coffee and drinks at Altitude 79.
If there is time, you may also be able to pop in the waterfall at Than Mayom (entrance fee 200bt, 100bt per child). We can of course vary this itinerary, even taking in the main waterfall at Klong Plu on the west coast at the start or end of the day.
All tours use a private minibus, with prices starting from 2,900bt. The driver has limited English but please note he is not a guide. A specially chartered songthaew taxi is a similar price. Food, drink and entrance fees to waterfalls are not included. Hours are usually with a 09.00 collection from your hotel, back at between 15.00 to 16.00.
Motorbike or Scooter Hire on Koh Chang
Daily rental (24 hours) is from 200bt to 450bt depending on the model and beach, with discounts given for weekly and monthly deals. Always check the bike thoroughly for existing damage before you drive away. You sign a contract on rental and leave some form of ID, be it passport, driver’s licence or their copies.
The bikes come with helmets, wearable by law, though a law normally flouted. There are now frequent police checks, with the fine at 500bt for both driver and passenger for non-compliance. Keep the receipt in case you are stopped again on the same day. You should also have a licence to drive a motorbike, with our understanding being an International one will suffice. If you cannot produce a licence, you will be fined – 500bt and upwards.
The motorbikes use gasohol at around 50bt a litre, which is sold in recycled bottles outside every other shop. You will also find two PTT gas stations in Klong Prao Beach and Klong Son, where the price is cheaper.
We do not organise motorbike rental.
Dangers of Motorbikes on Koh Chang
Riding a motorbike anywhere in the world is dangerous, with Koh Chang no exception. Inexperienced drivers find themselves on a very steep learning curve so accidents are very frequent. Unfortunately, deaths on the roads are far too common.
The two mountains between Klong Son and White Sand Beach and Kai Bae Beach and Lonely Beach have some very difficult ascents, descents, curves and hairpins. The rainy season or brief showers in the dry season can make these hills unbelievably slippery in a blink of an eye.
Much of the driving on the island is very poor with little adherence to generally accepted traffic laws. In many places, lighting at night is poor. Drink driving is commonplace. Our advice is stick to the laws you know to be right, keep your speed down and be very aware and cautious of other road users at all times. That way, you are minimising the risks.
Bicycle Rental
Standard bicycles can be rented in all the major areas at 100bt to 150bt per day. The models used are mostly for local pottering but you will some decent ones for hite too – try Koh Chang Cycling in Coconut Plaza, Chai Chet.
Once you get over that White Sand Beach mountain (and only the proper dedicated cyclists will manage it), the east and south east coast is great to explore. Here’s a little tour idea for you – Chek Bae – A Cycle Tour.
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