Koh Chang is one of our favorite islands in Thailand, partly because it's so close to Kat's family in Chanthaburi. We first went there together in 2018 and were absolutely thrilled, but on subsequent trips we preferred to explore the smaller neighboring islands like Koh Kood and Koh Mak. In March 2026, we decided to finally return to Koh Chang and see how the island had changed over the years.
As we disembarked from the ferry and drove to our hotel in a minivan, memories of the wild and vibrant island came flooding back. From steep, winding roads up the jungle mountains to drives past bustling beaches, we suddenly realized how much we had missed Koh Chang and couldn't wait to explore the island more thoroughly this time on scooters.
On this trip, we were accompanied by Kat's two nieces, as well as her sister Nahm and Nahm's boyfriend, Mint. Koh Chang is a very family-friendly island with activities for all ages – from adults to teenagers to toddlers. We stayed at the Aana Resort, just a short scooter ride from Klong Prao Beach. Although the resort was a bit dated, we really liked the Balinese jungle design, and we had snagged a decent discount on Booking.com – so we were completely satisfied!
We enjoyed a fantastic variety of activities every day: from scooter rides and beach hopping to fire shows and incredibly spicy seafood in local restaurants. To our surprise, we both fell in love with Koh Chang all over again. Admittedly, some beaches aren't as pristine as those on Koh Kood, and the atmosphere isn't quite as unconventional as on Koh Mak – but we thoroughly enjoyed the island's energy and the many amenities within easy reach (including a 7-Eleven on every corner)!
Koh Chang is indeed the third largest island in Thailand, and with its size comes a wealth of possibilities. You can spend the entire day relaxing in luxurious beach clubs, hike through mangrove forests on the east coast, enjoy a breathtaking sunset from a roadside viewpoint, or visit completely untouched islands on a boat tour. Whatever you're looking for, Koh Chang will enchant you and leave you wanting more.
Kat and her niece board the ferry
Kat, Nahm and Mint arrive at the hotel
Cam with Kat's niece at the Oasis restaurant
20 Top Things to Do in Koh Chang
1. Explore Koh Chang by scooter
Exploring Koh Chang by scooter is by far the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around. However, be especially careful on the hills, particularly after rain and especially on the notorious hairpin bends. Two sections are particularly challenging: the large hill at the ferry terminal before White Sand Beach and the large hill between Lonely Beach and the Kai Bae viewpoint.
One morning, after a brief rain shower, Cam was riding his scooter down the hill back to Lonely Beach when his rear wheel slipped, almost causing an accident. Luckily, he managed to regain control and apply both brakes at the last moment. It's important to always use both brakes (front and rear) when going downhill on Koh Chang – the island is known for its many car accidents, and the last thing you want there is to end up in the hospital!
Nevertheless, everything should be fine as long as you drive carefully and have the right scooter – a 150cc scooter will give you the necessary boost when going uphill. You'll find the most challenging sections on the west coast, where it's busiest. If you prefer flatter roads and more scenic surroundings, you should explore the quieter east coast.
Kat and her niece are riding scooters.
2. Visit Klong Kloi Beach (“Bang Bao Beach”)
In our opinion, Klong Kloi Beach, also known as "Bang Bao Beach" due to its proximity to Bang Bao Pier, is the most beautiful beach on Koh Chang. We were particularly impressed by its cleanliness – soft, white sand and crystal-clear water, completely free of the trash that washes up on some other beaches. Along Klong Kloi, you'll find beach villas, massage huts, and cozy little bars, perfect for enjoying a fresh coconut or a cocktail. We spent the whole day there, drinking mojitos, floating in the sea, and simply soaking up the sun!
3. Spend the afternoon at the Sol Beach Club
The Sol Beach Club is located on the stunning Klong Prao Beach and offers everything from beach bungalows and an all-day restaurant to spa treatments and private boat trips. We snagged some sofas in the restaurant, ordered some food and drinks, and simply relaxed while Kat's nieces swam in the sea and played in the sand. The girls then treated themselves to a massage in the spa – the perfect end to a wonderful afternoon.
Cam with Kat's niece at the Sol Beach Club
4. Admire the sunset at Klong Prao beach.
The Aana Resort is situated at a river mouth that connects to Klong Prao Beach, making it our first stop after arriving on Koh Chang. The expansive beach is famous for its stunning sunsets, and we experienced a magical golden hour from the Sol Beach Club. For those seeking a more tranquil experience, a stroll along any stretch of beach is the perfect way to find a spot on the sand and enjoy the view undisturbed.
Kat & Cam at Klong Prao Beach
5. Relax at the Oasis Koh Chang restaurant
The restaurant area at Oasis on Lonely Beach is a fantastic place to relax for a few hours. You can get comfortable on beanbag chairs, order drinks and snacks, and soak up the resort's jungle atmosphere. There's even a treehouse you can climb to watch the sunset—which is exactly what we did as soon as we arrived. Cats doze around the restaurant, soft music plays in the air, and a glittering disco ball shines from the ceiling, creating a super laid-back atmosphere.
6. Take a longtail boat or kayak to Wai Chaek Beach.
Wai Chaek Beach was at the top of our Koh Chang wish list after hearing such wonderful stories about it from other travelers. We imagined a secluded beach with golden sand and coconut palms stretching right into the water, but this dream remained unfulfilled, as we had completely underestimated how difficult the journey there would be by scooter.
First, you have to drive around the island's east coast to reach the southern access point, which alone takes an hour. The route, as shown on Google Maps, eventually leads to an unmanned hut with a warning sign: "Road damage, caution!" To be honest, the beginning of the gravel road didn't look too bad, so we decided to give it a try.
However, this proved to be a mistake: loose stones, huge potholes, and extremely steep climbs awaited us around every bend, making the entire ride a dangerous undertaking. After a kilometer or two, we decided to turn back. On the way back, we met another couple who were having similar difficulties (they even had to push their bikes up the steep sections) and advised them to abandon their tour.
We had such high expectations for Wai Chaek Beach and hope to reach it on our next visit to Koh Chang. However, it's absolutely impossible to navigate this terrain by scooter. Even dirt bikes would struggle! If you want to visit Wai Chaek Beach, the best options are a longtail boat trip from Bang Bao Pier or a kayak tour from Klong Kloi Beach.
7. Watch a fire show on the beach
We were lucky enough to discover a fire show at the Flora | Talay Resort and enjoyed the short performance from the front row while having dinner. Although it only lasted about 30 minutes, some of the acrobatic feats were impressive – especially the human pyramid and the spiraling effects that illuminated the beach. This activity is very popular with families on Koh Chang, as children are often encouraged to juggle fire themselves under the supervision of the performers.
8. Lunch at Siam Kitchen
There are two Siam Kitchen restaurants on Koh Chang: one on Klong Kloi Beach and the other on Klong Prao Beach. We discovered the restaurant near our hotel, not far from Klong Prao, shortly after arriving on the island. We were all quite hungry and desperately needed something spicy to revive us. As is typical for Thais, Kat and Nahm ordered a feast of various seafood dishes and salads. The food was a hit with everyone: it was authentic enough for Thais but also offered some Western options for tourists.
Read more: What to eat in Thailand: 50 dishes you absolutely must try
9. Explore the viewpoints of Koh Chang
The most popular viewpoint on Koh Chang is Kai Bae Viewpoint, just five minutes from Lonely Beach. From there, you have a magnificent view of four small offshore islands. To be honest, though, we found it a bit boring and preferred the White Sand Beach Viewpoint – a simple roadside parking area with a breathtaking panoramic view of White Sand Beach stretching all the way to Klong Prao.
Viewpoint on the white sandy beach
10. Explore the white sandy beach
White Sand Beach is the first major tourist area you reach upon arrival on Koh Chang. As the name suggests, the beach boasts fine, white sand, but in our experience, it's not as clean and pristine as Klong Kloi Beach. The area offers everything you could want for a varied island holiday: beach resorts, restaurants and bars, 7-Elevens, boat trips, fire shows, Muay Thai studios, street food, night markets, and much more. We found other parts of the island more charming and would therefore recommend visiting White Sand Beach but not staying overnight.
11. Party all night at Lonely Beach
On our first Koh Chang trip in 2018, we stayed at Lonely Beach and have fond (if somewhat hazy) memories of the parties there. Most of the typical cocktail bars and live music venues still seem to be around, which is great for backpackers and partygoers, but these days we're not so drawn to them anymore. Sadly, we're not in our early twenties anymore and prefer the more relaxed, unconventional atmosphere of the beaches at Klong Prao and Klong Kloi.
12. Trip along the east coast of Koh Chang
We took a trip along the east coast to tick two items off our list: the mangrove forest of Salak Phet and Wai Chaek beach. But even on the way there, we realized that the drive itself was the highlight. The road was mostly flat and offered beautiful, uninterrupted views of the sea – we constantly passed coconut palm groves, fruit plantations, and picturesque farms. The atmosphere was peaceful and a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the west coast.
If you enjoy motorbike riding, lush landscapes, and cultural attractions—like Wat Salak Phet temple—you'll love Koh Chang's east coast. Set aside a full day to explore the area, allowing you to enjoy the ride and stop at the roadside cafes and restaurants along the way. While we didn't manage to reach Wai Chaek Beach, we've heard there's another stunning beach nearby called Long Beach, accessible via a paved road.
13. Take a walk on the red boardwalk in the mangrove forest of Salak Phet.
The mangrove forest of Salak Phet lies just outside the small village of Salak Phet on the east coast and is therefore an absolute must-see if you're in the area. A red wooden boardwalk winds through the forest, offering beautiful views along the way. Although the boardwalk is a bit worn and you have to watch your step, the photo opportunities are truly unique.
Salak Phet Mangrove Forest
14. Visit the only 7-Eleven on the East Coast.
On the outskirts of the village of Salak Phet, you'll find the only 7-Eleven on the east coast, impossible to miss. The new, freestanding building is surrounded by palm trees and has been dubbed "Thailand's coolest 7-Eleven" by some social media influencers! While there are countless 7-Eleven branches on Koh Chang's west coast, this one is unrivaled with its unique charm.
7-Eleven on the East Coast
15. Stroll along Bang Bao Pier
Before visiting Klong Kloi Beach, be sure to stop by Bang Bao Pier and explore the unique fishing village built on wooden stilts. A stroll along the narrow pier will lead you to many hidden gems: houses, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and boat companies offering snorkeling, diving, and ferry trips throughout the national park. It's a charming and authentic experience that will show you a different side of Koh Chang.
16. Enjoy the positive atmosphere of Rasta View
Rasta View is a typical reggae bar, just a 5-minute walk from Bang Bao Pier. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the pier, the bay, and the fishing village. A visit around 6:00 PM is particularly recommended to enjoy the sunset from the open wooden terrace – the perfect end to a relaxing day at Klong Kloi Beach or after a boat trip.
17. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza at Lisca Beach
When we first came to Koh Chang in 2018, we stayed at the Mercure Hideaway. During a stroll along the left side of the resort's beach, we discovered a pizzeria run by a very friendly Italian-Thai couple. They served delicious wood-fired pizzas right on the beach. We spent an unforgettable evening there and highly recommend the pizzeria to anyone visiting Koh Chang. The street is called "Soi Lisca Beach" and is signposted; there is also parking for scooters.
18. Visit the “Phi Phi of the East” – Koh Ngam
Koh Ngam has become a viral hit on social media. Drone footage impressively showcases the double-sided beach, connected by a small sandbar – hence its nickname, the "Phi Phi of the East." However, the island elicits mixed reactions: some see it as paradise on earth, while others complain about litter and entrance fees. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to go, but we will definitely consider it on our next visit to Koh Chang.
19. Book a private boat tour with the Sol Beach Club
Sol Beach Club offers private boat tours in small groups to the surrounding islands and hidden beaches of Koh Chang – for example, snorkeling trips to Koh Yuak and Koh Suwan, or speedyacht tours to secret beaches near Wai Chaek and Koh Ngam. Given the quality of their beach bungalows and spa facilities, we would feel very comfortable on a boat tour with them and highly recommend them!
20. Island hopping to Koh Kood or Koh Mak
The great thing about Koh Chang is that it's the largest island in the Trat archipelago, making onward travel to Koh Kood or Koh Mak incredibly easy. We booked our trip to Koh Kood with Boonsiri's fast ferries, and the 90-minute crossing was extremely comfortable thanks to the air conditioning. Both Koh Kood and Koh Mak are beautiful destinations, each with its own unique charm. You can read more about them below.
Read more: 20 top activities in Koh Kood: A tropical paradise
Accommodation in Koh Chang
Based on our many years of experience on Koh Chang, we can say that the two best areas on the island to stay are Klong Prao Beach and Klong Kloi Beach. This is especially true for travelers between 30 and 40 years old (like us) or families. While there are some other great accommodations on the island, these two areas, in our opinion, offer the best combination of beaches, amenities, and atmosphere. Here are some of our top picks:
budget
middle class
luxury
Frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Chang
When is the best time to travel to Koh Chang?
As in most parts of Thailand, the best time to visit Koh Chang is during the dry season between November and February. During this time, you're almost guaranteed clear blue skies, calm waters, and pleasant temperatures. In March and April, temperatures rise above 32°C, but it's still a lovely time to visit. From May to October, the island becomes quieter, and many businesses (like Pizzeria Lisca) close.
What many travelers don't know about Koh Chang: it rains significantly more there during the monsoon season (June to September) than Phuket and Koh Samui. The average monthly rainfall during this period is 500–700 mm, compared to a meager 100 mm on Koh Samui. Anyone who absolutely wants to take an island trip during Thailand's rainy season should consider the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao – they are sheltered by the mainland and remain relatively dry during the European summer months.
What's the best way to get to Koh Chang?
From Bangkok, you can easily make a stopover in Chanthaburi on your way to Trat, or travel directly to Trat. The ferry from Trat departs from Ao Thammachat Pier and costs 80 THB per person. For comparison, the crossing from Koh Chang to Koh Kood costs 900 THB per person! You can also bring your own car for 120 THB, which is very popular with both locals and tourists. The crossing only takes 30–40 minutes, making Trat one of the easiest islands to reach in Thailand.
Is Koh Chang better than Koh Kood?
This is a controversial question, and for many, the answer is a personal one: some prefer the lively atmosphere of Koh Chang (7-Eleven, gyms, bars, etc.) and find Koh Kood "boring," while others feel the opposite. We can't say which of the two islands is better—they simply have different qualities.
One advantage of Koh Chang is the wide selection of affordable hotels and resorts. Koh Kood, on the other hand, quickly becomes one of the most expensive places in Thailand, especially if you don't book months in advance. Koh Chang, however, offers excellent value for money. If you have the time, spend four fun-filled days on Koh Chang followed by three relaxing days on Koh Kood – the perfect island getaway!
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