Koh Chang Travel Guide

Hey Adventure Seeker! Welcome to Koh Chang 🏝️

Forget what you know about Thailand’s crowded islands. Koh Chang (literally “Elephant Island”) is where nature decides to show off—dramatic jungle-covered hills, waterfalls that make you gasp, crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, and beaches that somehow escaped the development frenzy. Think of it as your wild cousin to Phuket and Samui: less commercialized, more authentic, and way more fun for the adventurous spirit.

Spanning 217 km² in Trat Province (eastern Thailand), Koh Chang sits proudly as Thailand’s third-largest island—and arguably one of the best-kept secrets in the Gulf of Thailand. Whether you’re diving into jungle hikes, snorkeling reefs that shouldn’t be real, chilling on picture-perfect beaches, or just vibing with the laid-back locals, this island has your adventure covered.

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Geography: The Island Layout

Location: Trat Province, Eastern Thailand (near Cambodia border, 300 km from Bangkok)

Size: 217 km² of pure island magic, part of Mu Ko Chang National Park (52 islands, 650 km² total)

Terrain: Mountainous jungle interior with Salak Phet peak hitting 740m—and yes, you can hike it for 360° views that’ll blow your mind.

What You’ll Find:

• West Coast: Where the tourists hang out—sandy beaches, resorts, and restaurant energy
• East Coast: Fishing villages, local vibes, fewer crowds
• Marine Life: 110 bird species (hello hornbills!), monkeys, wild boars, turtles, and snakes
• Reefs: IUCN-protected coral gardens with more fish than you can count

The Vibe: Dramatic bays, mangrove forests, waterfalls galore, and roads that wind through mountains like a video game level

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Getting to Koh Chang (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Quick Facts First:

• From Bangkok: 5-8 hours depending on transport
• Ferry Time: 30-45 minutes from mainland
• Best Booking: Use ThailandBoatTickets.com for ferry schedules and live pricing

Your Travel Options:

✈️ Fly (Fastest - Recommended)

• Bangkok Airways flies to Trat Airport 4x daily (50 minutes, 2,500-4,000 THB)
• Airport shuttle + ferry to hotel: 500-550 THB (total island arrival ~1.5-2 hours)
• Pro tip: Book early for better prices

🚌 Bus from Bangkok

• Bus 999 from Ekkamai terminal (5-5.5 hours, 292-500 THB including pier drop)
• Minivans from Khao San Road (600-750 THB, 5-8 hours, door-to-door)
• Real Talk: It’s long but cheap and you get to see Thailand

🚗 Private Vehicle

• Rent a car/van from Bangkok (4-5 hours drive, 4,000-5,500 THB for 2-8 people including ferry)
• Way more comfortable if you’ve got a crew

⛴️ Ferry Details

• Piers: Ao Thammachat (main, 30 minutes) or Centrepoint (Trat, 45 minutes)
• Schedule: 06:30-19:00/19:30, every 20-45 minutes during busy times
• Cost: 80 THB adult, 40 THB child, 120 THB for cars
• Payment: Cash only (no advance booking)

From Cambodia: Minivan from Siem Reap (900-1,200 THB) though border crossings can be tricky post-2024

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Getting Around the Island

Once you’re here, moving around is straightforward:

Songthaew (Shared Pickup Trucks)

• The local’s choice: 50-200 THB depending on distance
• Pier to White Sand Beach: 50-100 THB
• Pier to Lonely Beach: 100-150 THB
• Tip: Negotiate if you’re alone, share with others to split costs

Scooter Rental ⚠️

• 250-400 THB/day (deposit 1,000-2,000 THB)
• Roads are winding and steep—helmets mandatory
• Honest truth: Accidents happen more than you’d like
• Great for freedom and exploration if you’re confident

Car Rental

• 1,300-1,900 THB/day
• Better for groups or families

Taxis

• Scarce outside main beaches
• Always negotiate price before hopping in

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Things to Do - The Good Stuff 🎯

Waterfalls & Hiking (The Main Event)

Mu Ko Chang National Park is your playground. Park entry: 200 THB for foreign adults (100 THB kids).

Klong Plu Waterfall ⭐ Most Popular

• 600m hike through jungle
• Stunning plunge pool at the bottom
• Best visited mid-day for fewer crowds
• Go early morning or late afternoon to beat the busses

Than Mayom Waterfall

• East coast gem with royal heritage
• Easy stroll (family-friendly)
• Less crowded than Klong Plu

Klong Chao Lueam Waterfall

• Year-round flow (perfect in rainy season)
• Warning: Gets slippery during monsoon

Salakphet Peak (The Challenge)

• 740m high—360° island views that are legitimately incredible
• 5km hike from Bang Bao village or circular route from Salakphet
• Guide tours available (500-1,000 THB via your hostel)
• Takes 2-3 hours—bring water!

Jungle Trekking Tours

• Half-day or full-day options: 500-1,500 THB
• Local guides know where the wildlife is
• Spot monkeys, birds, butterflies

Mangrove Walks

• Salakphet boardwalk: 600m circular route
• Salak Khok boardwalk: 860m + kayak option

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Water Adventures (Snorkel, Dive, Play)

Snorkeling & Diving

• See coral reefs, fish schools, maybe a turtle
• HTMS Chang wreck (119m) if you’re certified
• Full-day tours from Bang Bao: 1,000-2,000 THB (lunch included, gear provided)
• Koh Rang trip: Rivals the fancy southern islands at a fraction of the price
• Check out: Scuba Dawgs for diving courses

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

• Rentals: 200-500 THB for half-day
• Paddle to Koh Suwan or Koh Rom (20-30 minutes away)
• Mangrove kayaking at Salak Khok: 200-400 THB/hour

Sailing

• Catamaran day trips: 2,000+ THB (BBQ lunch, snorkeling included)

Island Hopping from Bang Bao

• 4-Island Snorkel Tour: Visit Koh Wai, Rang, Yak, Mak Nok (1,000-1,500 THB full-day with lunch)
• Koh Mak & Koh Kood: More undeveloped beaches (ferry 800-1,200 THB)
• Pro move: Book big boat tours for stability and better lunch

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Beach & Chill Activities

17+ Beaches to Choose From

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)

• Busiest and most developed (find quieter spots 1km north)
• Resorts, bars, water sports
• Best for: Families and nightlife lovers

Klong Prao Beach

• Longest beach (3km) with a river running through it
• Super peaceful and perfect for walks
• Best for: Relaxation and upscale vibes

Kai Bae Beach

• Palm-fringed paradise with island views
• Mix of family-friendly and boutique spots
• Great for kayaking

Lonely Beach (Despite the Name, It’s Social)

• Backpacker central with beach parties
• Fire shows free most nights in high season
• Best for: Budget travelers and young crowds

Hidden Gems

• Chai Chet: Soft sand, shallow waters
• Long Beach: Southeast side, secluded
• Pearl Beach: Reef snorkeling right from shore
• Bailan & Klong Kloi: Rocky coves with chill beach bars

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Unique Experiences

Tree Top Adventure Park

• Zip-lines and rope bridges through the jungle
• 2 hours, 500-800 THB
• Great for families and thrill-seekers

Ghost Ship Beach

• Explore the abandoned Galaxy wreck (burned in 2024)
• 100 THB entry, eerie cottages and lagoon
• Strangely cool for photos

Ethical Elephant Encounters

• Sanctuaries in Klong Son (avoid riding—support walking tours instead)

Muay Thai Training

• Ko Chang Thai Boxing Camp: 2-hour group class
• Learn kicks from the pros

Cooking Classes

• Kati Culinary: 5-hour class (about 1,500 THB)
• Make real Thai food, eat it, love your life

Viewpoints

• Kai Bae Viewpoint: Ocean + island views + sunset
• Mountain Viewpoint (North): Monkeys—keep valuables close!

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Where to Stay (Every Budget)

Budget (275-1,200 THB/night)

• Pajamas Koh Chang (Lonely Beach): 275-550 for dorm/private, super social
• Jungle Fever (guesthouse): 415-800 THB
• Paradise Cottage: 500-1,200 THB
• Best area: Lonely Beach (cheapest options)

Mid-Range (1,200-2,500 THB/night)

• Seree Bungalows: Cute beach bungalows
• Saffron on the Sea: Oceanview rooms
• Best area: Klong Prao (peaceful + good restaurants)

Luxury (2,500+ THB/night)

• The Retreat Koh Chang (Kai Bae): Infinity pool, spa, absolute stunning
• Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort: Tree house vibes
• Dinso Resort & Villas: Villas with pools
• The Chill Resort & Spa: Modern luxury
• GajaPuri: Beachfront excellence
• Airbnbs: 1,000-3,000 THB for apartments

Booking Pro Tips:

• High season (Nov-Apr) can be 30-50% more expensive
• Low season is cheapest but some places close
• Book ahead Nov-Apr—2024-25 was busier than ever

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Food & Eating (Fresh, Delicious, Cheap)

Street Food & Local Spots (70-130 THB)

• Jae Eiw Seafood: Garlic crab that changes lives
• Koh Chang Seafood: Tom Yum that tastes like the ocean
• Friend Seafood: BBQ fresh catch
• Night markets at White Sand: BBQ everything

Casual Dining (100-230 THB)

• Kati Culinary: Homemade Thai, community-focused
• Island favorites everywhere

Western Food (If You Need a Break)

• Mordi e Fuggi: Actual good pizzas (not Thai-fied)
• Italian spots scattered around

Vegan?

• Fig Cafe: Great options

Drinking

• Beers: 60-155 THB
• Sunset cocktails: 15 Palms (iconic)
• Rasta Bar (Bang Bao): Reggae vibes

Real Talk: The seafood is ridiculously fresh because the fishermen are still actively fishing. Eat where locals eat.

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Nightlife (Laid-Back, Not Crazy)

No mega-clubs here—this isn’t Phuket. It’s more about beach bars, fire shows, and good vibes.

Lonely Beach

• DJ parties at Tingtong and Himmel
• Bucket drinks (yes, they have them)
• Younger, party-focused crowd

White Sand Beach

• Live music at Oodie’s (rock/blues)
• Sabay Bar: Chill hangout
• More family/mixed crowd

Kai Bae

• Walking street with small bars
• Filou Cocktails: Legit bartenders
• Sunset cocktails at 15 Palms (unmissable)

Other Hot Spots

• Rasta Bar (Bang Bao): Reggae all night
• Fire shows: Free most nights high season at main beaches

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Best Time to Visit & Weather

November - February (Sweet Spot!)

• 27-30°C, sunny and clear
• Peak season = more people, higher prices
• Calm seas for water activities

March - April

• Gets HOT (33°C+)
• Songkran water festival (April)
• Still good, just sweatier

May - October (Rainy Season)

• Showers but short and sweet
• LOW PRICES (30-50% cheaper!)
• Fewer crowds = authentic experience
• Water activities still run
• Ferries generally operate

2026 Forecast: Similar patterns; Nov-Dec might have choppy winds

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Practical Info (The Boring But Necessary Stuff)

Visa (Updated 2025)

• 60-day exemption for 93 nationalities (US, UK, EU, Aus, etc.)
• Pre-online registration now required
• Passport: 6+ months validity
• Proof of funds: 20,000 THB (~$550 USD)
• Onward ticket sometimes requested
• Extension: 30 days for 1,900 THB at local immigration
• Check: thaievisa.go.th for updates

Safety

• Overall: Very safe (low theft/violence)
• Real risks: Road accidents on scooters, monkeys at viewpoints
• Border: No impact on islands (2025 is normal)
• Emergency: Dial 191

Health & Insurance

• Travel insurance: Essential (covers medical evacuation)
• Tap water: Don’t drink it
• Bottled water: 10-20 THB
• Mosquitoes: Use repellent (dengue risk)
• Medical: Clinics island-wide, hospitals in Trat town
• Common meds: Available at pharmacies

Money & Banking

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB)
• ATMs: Everywhere (220 THB fee)
• Credit cards: Major resorts/restaurants accept them
• Exchange: Best rates at BKK airport
• Budget: 500-2,000 THB/day for activities

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Virtual Ticket Assistant - Your Booking Buddy 🎫

Need to book your ferry tickets? Get real-time prices and live availability without the hassle?

Our Virtual Ticket Assistant (VTA) at ThailandBoatTickets.com can help you with:

• ✅ Real-time ferry schedules and pricing
• ✅ Live availability checking
• ✅ AI-powered booking assistance
• ✅ Human support for complex bookings
• ✅ Instant confirmation

Contact our VTA via:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Send a message with your travel dates and preferences
• 📱 Instagram DM: Quick questions answered same-day
• 📘 Facebook: Message us anytime
• 🌐 Website Chat: Available 24/7

The VTA uses AI + human oversight to ensure you get the best possible prices and schedules. It’s like having a local Thai ferry expert in your pocket!

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FAQ - Your Burning Questions Answered

General Questions

Is Koh Chang safe post-2024 border issues? Totally safe! Island tourism operates normally. Border tensions don’t affect the islands.

Can I do a day trip from Bangkok? Not really—5+ hours means minimum 3-4 nights to make it worth it.

Is it family-friendly? Absolutely! Great beaches, waterfalls, calm waters. Just avoid Lonely Beach’s late-night parties if you’ve got young kids.

Best beach for couples? Klong Prao hands down. Peaceful, beautiful, romantic.

Can I visit during rainy season? Yes! Cheaper, quieter, activities still run. Rain comes in short bursts.

Practical Questions

Scooter Safety? Roads are winding and steep. Helmet mandatory. Risky if you’re not experienced. Alternatives: Songthaew or car rental with driver.

Are ATMs available? Everywhere on the island. 220 THB fee per withdrawal.

Do I need travel insurance? YES. Covers medical emergencies, evacuation, dive accidents.

Visa runs possible? Limited (2/year for land borders). Flying to Vientiane is easier.

Activity Questions

Best place to snorkel? Japanese Gardens (northeast reef)—good free snorkeling from shore.

Worth doing a 4-Island Tour? 100%. Koh Wai, Rang, Yak, Mak Nok are stunning.

Can I rent a scooter? Yes, 250-400 THB/day. Helmet required. Risky on mountain roads.

What’s the deal with monkeys? There are wild monkeys! Cool to see but don’t feed them. Keep valuables secure at viewpoints.

Planning Questions

How long should I stay? Minimum 3-4 days. 5-7 days is better to really explore. 10+ days if you’re diving or relaxing.

Can I island-hop? Yes! Koh Mak and Koh Kood are accessible by speedboat/ferry high season.

Is there a dry season? Nov-Apr is best (dry, calm seas). May-Oct rainy but still doable.

What’s the best beach? Depends on your vibe:

• Social: White Sand or Lonely Beach
• Peaceful: Klong Prao
• Adventure: Kai Bae or Bang Bao

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Pro Tips from Real Travelers

✨ Must Do:

• Wake up early for Klong Plu waterfall (beat the crowds)
• Book activities on-island for better prices
• Rent a scooter Day 1 for maximum flexibility
• Snorkel/dive early in trip (if weather changes)
• Try local seafood at night markets

⚠️ Avoid:

• Traveling during peak high season if you hate crowds
• Scootering at night or in rain
• Touching coral or feeding fish
• Unmarked taxis (use Songthaews instead)

💡 Insider Moves:

• Stay in Klong Prao for the perfect balance of peace and access
• Hire a local guide for waterfall hikes (cheap and worth it)
• Visit Salakphet Peak for sunrise (different vibe, amazing light)
• Chat with other travelers—best recommendations come from them
• Download offline maps (signal can be spotty)

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Why Koh Chang Wins

Koh Chang isn’t trying to be the next Phuket. It’s authentically itself—a place where nature still calls the shots, where locals still outnumber tourists, where a waterfall dip costs a handful of baht and tastes like freedom.

Whether you’re a jungle trekker, beach lounger, water sports addict, or curious explorer, Koh Chang delivers. It’s got the adventure, the calm, the food, the people, and the views.

Come for the beaches. Stay for the waterfalls. Leave with stories.

Safe travels to Thailand’s wild east! 🌴🌊