Koh Chang Travel Guide: There are two main reasons why travelers visit Trat Province: traveling overland to Cambodia or taking a trip to Koh Chang (literally: Elephant Island), Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, or to the surrounding islands (Koh Mak, Koh Kood, Koh Wai, etc.). Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, and dense forests covering the mountains create a beautiful landscape. Bang Bao, a fishing village, is also worth a visit. It has adapted to tourism but retained its authenticity. The island, much of which is still within a national park, enjoys increasing popularity with tourists year after year. Backpackers may prefer Lonely Beach, as it offers plenty of budget accommodation and some basic bungalows. Those who prefer a clean, white sand beach will likely be better off at White Sands Beach (Hat Sai Khao), where most tourists stay. Getting around the island, especially in the west, is easy thanks to regular shared taxis. Prices depend on the distance and range from 50 to 150 THB if you want to travel from one end of the island to the other (e.g., from White Sands Beach to Bang Bao). If possible, try to get into a taxi that is already occupied. If you travel alone, you will always pay more. Note that 30 to 40 minutes before departure (depending on your location on the island), special shared taxis with a "TO THE DOCK" sign leave for the piers in Trat. Do not take any other taxis, as you will pay significantly more or be refused a ride. All information on getting around Koh Chang can be found in our "Getting Around Koh Chang" section.

Accommodation on Koh Chang: On Koh Chang, White Sands Beach (Haad Sai Khao) is the most popular and busiest beach. It's still possible to find affordable accommodation here. There are a few small bungalow complexes and guesthouses with simple but charming rooms, though these are few and far between. The beachfront accommodations are located in front of and behind the Rock Sand Resort. Since the number of rooms is limited and many guests are repeat visitors who return year after year, it's not easy to get a room. Finding a room for under 1000 THB at White Sands Beach is therefore difficult, except in the 3-4 accommodations opposite the beach, which are cheaper but often fully booked. If you want to stay at White Sands Beach during peak season, you should definitely book in advance. Backpackers usually go to Lonely Beach. The bungalows there are cheaper, but the beach is less beautiful and rocky. Haad Klong Prao offers only a few affordable accommodations, while Haad Kaibae has a wider selection of beautiful beaches, especially Kaibae itself, and is quieter. For Kaibae, early booking is recommended during peak season. We also suggest staying with a host family in the fishing village of Bang Bao. However, the beach is not as easily accessible from there. Which beach on Koh Chang is right for you? Each beach has its own unique charm: find out which one best suits your budget and preferences, and what its advantages and disadvantages are. Map. Check out our Koh Chang beach guide. Find accommodation in Koh Chang. Select destination Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Prices not available in the city selection are retained ("All prices are now only available") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Koh Chang. Serenity Resort Koh Chang Hotel in Koh Chang 9.1/10 Book now More details Little Sunshine Boutique Beach Resort & Spa Hotel in Koh Chang Location Klong Son 9.1/10 Book now More details Elephant Bay Resort Hotel in Koh Chang Location Bailan Beach 8.0/10 Book now More details Bangbaobeach Resort Hotel in Koh Chang, Bang Bao (9.2/10) Book now More details Jungle Garden Hotel in Koh Chang (7.8/10) Book now More details The Buddha View Guesthouse Hotel in Koh Chang, Bang Bao (8.0/10) Book now More details arrow_circle_right View all accommodations in Koh Chang

Practical information about Koh Chang: To get from Trat to Koh Chang, head to Laem Ngop (there are two ferry piers, but the driver will usually take you to Center Point). Don't worry, you don't need to remember the name. At the bus station in Trat, many shared taxi drivers will offer to take you to the pier. The crossing to Koh Chang takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately 100 baht (120 baht for a return ticket). There are hourly departures from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (every two hours during the rainy season). Alternatively, you can book combination tickets for bus and ferry from Bangkok or minivan and ferry (book here).

How do you get to Koh Chang? Koh Chang is an island, so the last part of the journey is naturally by ferry or boat. Ferries depart from Laem Ngop, about 20 km from Trat. To get to Trat, you can fly from Bangkok (2 flights daily) or take a bus from Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Station. Buses run almost hourly, and the "Trat Express" offers 4 departures daily. It's more comfortable, but not necessarily faster than other buses. You can also buy combination tickets for bus and ferry at Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Station or combination tickets for minivan and ferry from Bangkok (book online here). See all travel options to Koh Chang

What's the best way to get around Koh Chang? Songthaews (shared taxis) are constantly on the move. Most run from White Sands Beach to Bang Bao. You can hop on and off at any time, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand. They sometimes drive very fast on the island's winding roads, which can quickly make you feel sick. Expect to pay between 50 and 200 baht, depending on the distance. Alternatively, you can also rent a scooter on Koh Chang. This is probably the cheapest option, but drive carefully!

Annual Fruit and Regional Product Festival on Koh Chang. This festival usually takes place in April. More about the annual Fruit and Regional Product Festival on Koh Chang

Other sights on Koh Chang include Khlong Phlu Waterfall, Khiri Phet, and Than Mayom Waterfalls – to name just a few. Koh Kood (or Koh Kut), Koh Chang's neighboring island, is less suitable for a day trip and more ideal for a longer stay. Less touristy and developed than Koh Chang, it particularly appeals to nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Koh Mak, also a neighboring island of Koh Chang, offers a less touristy alternative and is perfect for a relaxing multi-day holiday. Day trips are available from Koh Chang, especially to its beaches, as well as to Koh Kradat, the Deer Island.

How do you ask for directions to Koh Chang in Thai? I want to go to Koh Chang / Yak pai thi Koh Chang. Where is Koh Chang? / Koh Chang yu thi nai?