Thailand's third largest island – jungle in the interior, relaxed beaches and the archipelago of Koh Mak & Koh Kood

Planning a trip? The Koh Chang travel guide tells you which beach to stay on, how to get there from Bangkok, and when the best time to travel is.

The offer data was updated on October 28, 2026.

About Koh Chang

Koh Chang is Thailand's third largest island after Phuket and Samui, and still exudes the charm of the southern islands of a few decades ago. The island's interior consists largely of protected jungle within the Mu Ko Chang National Park: steep, forested peaks descend to a series of beaches along the west coast, each with its own distinct character. To the north lies the lively White Sand Beach, to the south the long and tranquil Klong Prao, and further south the Lonely Beach, popular with backpackers, and the stilt fishing village of Bang Bao, whose pier serves as a starting point for snorkeling trips and island hopping.

The east coast presents itself like a completely different island: mangroves, fishing villages, and hardly any tourists. Koh Chang is also the gateway to the rest of the Trat archipelago. The tranquil Koh Mak and the increasingly popular Koh Kood are both accessible by boat, and many travelers combine all three islands in a single trip. The seasons play a more significant role here than on the main Gulf islands. From June to September, the sea is rough, ferries run less frequently, and many shops on the west coast close completely.

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Visitor information

Avoid the period from June to September (rough seas, many closures).

Weather on Koh Chang by month: Rainfall, temperatures and humidity

There is no airport on the island. From Bangkok, you can reach Trat by bus or minivan (5–6 hours) or with Bangkok Airways (TDX, approximately 1 hour). From there, take the car ferry from Ao Thammachat Pier (approximately 30–45 minutes). Combined bus and ferry tickets are available in Ekkamai.

  • •Community songthaews along the West Coast Road
  • •Motorcycle rental (200–300 Baht/day – the hills between the beaches are steep, drive carefully)
  • •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry terminal
  • • Island hopping by longtail boats and speedboats from Bang Bao Pier

    • Where to stay in Koh Chang

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    Explore Koh Chang by category

    Are you looking for a clear, itinerary-style list instead? Start with our "Things to Do in Koh Chang" guide, then come back here to browse all entries by category.

    Koh Chang offers 319 carefully selected locations in 10 categories. Choose from 89 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 61 restaurants and eateries. Visit 17 temples and cultural sites. Explore 23 beaches and islands. Book from 38 activities and tours.

    Browse the categories below or scroll down to see the top deals in each category. Every offer includes Google reviews from verified visitors, pricing information, and, where available, direct booking links.

    Book in advance in Koh Chang

    The highest-rated tours offered by Klook on Koh Chang, with today's prices. Most can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

  • Over 1,000 bookings for Koh Chang: Snorkel and beach tour by large boat (3/4 islands) including lunch, 4.4 (45 reviews), from US$29.65
  • Over 200 bookings for the Mangrove Forest SUP Experience (Paddleboard) – 4.9 (8 reviews) from US$19.45

    • The best hotels in Koh Chang

    My hotel selection in Koh Chang, in every price category, is based on Google's hotel classification. My top 10 hotels are displayed first, followed by the highest-rated ones. Each button takes you directly to the hotel's page on Booking.com, where your travel dates are already entered.

  • #1 Luxury · 5-Star KC Grande Resort Koh Chang 4.5 (2,807 reviews) Beachfront resort with spa on Koh Chang with 4 pools, 3 pool bars, 2 restaurants and a spa area. Check prices
  • #5 Mid-range · 4 stars · Kacha Resort Koh Chang · 4.3 (1,972 reviews) · Beachfront resort on Koh Chang with outdoor pools, open-air restaurants, and a spa. Check prices
  • #7 Budget · 3-Star Shantaa Resort Koh Kood 4.8 (712 reviews) Secluded villas and suites overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, two private beaches, restaurants and a bar on Koh Kood. Check prices

    • Hotels & Resorts

    KC Grande Resort Koh Chang

    Awa Koh Chang

    Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort

    Kacha Resort Koh Chang

    Restaurants & Food

    Noochy Seafood

    Rasta View

    The U-turn

    Sabay Bar

    Temples and Culture

    Wat Salak Phet

    Yuttanavi Memorial Monument on Ko Chang

    Ko Chang Monument

    Wat Khlong Phrao

    beaches

    Bang Bao Beach (Koh Kood)

    Klong Chao Strand (Koh Kood)

    Long Beach

    Kai Bae Beach

    islands

    Koh Kood

    Ko Kham

    Koh Wai

    Koh Rang

    Markets & Shopping

    Makro Food Service Koh Chang

    Big C Market Koh Chang

    Night market

    Lotus'

    Activities & Tours

    Bang Bao Pier

    Mu Ko Chang National Park

    Khlong Phlu Waterfall

    Kai Bae's perspective

    Nightlife & Bars

    Nice bar

    D_Castaway Beach Club

    THE DECK BAR KOH KOOD

    Tawan Eco Bar

    Wellness & Spas

    Star Massage

    Hatta Thai Massage and Wellness Center.

    Massage with a beautiful view

    Rainforest Spa

    transport

    Laem Sok Pier

    Trat Airport

    Koh Kood Princess

    Ko Kut Express

    Arrival in Koh Chang and onward travel

    Arrival

  • Bangkok to Koh Chang: Fastest connection: Fly to Trat + shared bus, approx. 3 hours. Cheapest connection: Bus 999 to the pier + ferry, 329 ฿ + 90 ฿ ferry. Compare all 7 options.
  • Pattaya to Koh Chang: Cheapest bus connection to Trat + songthaew + ferry, approx. 300 + 60 + 90 Baht. Compare all 5 options.

    • Further from Koh Chang

  • Koh Chang – Bangkok: Cheapest ferry + 999 Baht bus, 90 Baht ferry + approx. 330 Baht bus. Compare all 8 options.
  • Koh Chang Koh Kood Cheapest Boonsiri Catamaran, 900 Compare all 5 options

    • Live departures from Bangkok to Koh Chang with 12GoEvery on the route within Thailand compared

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Chang

    Bus 999 runs from Ekkamai to Ao Thammachat ferry pier and takes about 6 hours for 329 baht. Minivans including the ferry cost 700–900 baht from Suvarnabhumi or Khao San Road. Bangkok Airways flies to Trat Airport (about 1 hour), from where it's a 20-minute walk to the pier. The car ferry costs 90 baht and takes about 30 minutes. You can find all the options in our travel guide "From Bangkok to Koh Chang".

    At White Sand Beach, most hotels, restaurants, and the vibrant nightlife are within walking distance. Klong Prao is ideal for couples and families seeking a long, quiet beach with mid-range resorts. Lonely Beach is the perfect base for budget travelers and partygoers. Bang Bao and the far south are best for divers and island hoppers: you stay right by the pier but can easily reach the main beaches by songthaew (shared taxi).

    May and October are considered transitional months. While it's rainy by Koh Chang standards (Trat averages 420 mm of rainfall in May and 338 mm in October, compared to 85 mm in November), the landscape is green, peaceful, and prices are significantly reduced. From June to September, it's a real gamble, as monthly rainfall varies between 777 and 1024 mm. The southwest monsoon brings rough seas, snorkeling trips are suspended, and many bars and bungalows on the west coast close for the season. If your travel dates are fixed during these months, I recommend the Gulf islands like Koh Samui, where the weather is generally better.

    Koh Samui boasts an airport, upscale resorts, and a significantly wider selection of restaurants and nightlife. Koh Chang, on the other hand, offers jungle, more affordable accommodations, and a more relaxed atmosphere. The island is accessible from Bangkok by bus or minivan and a short ferry ride. Beach for beach, the islands are comparable. The choice usually depends on flight connections and the desired tourist experience.

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