Koh Chang, Thailand travel guide

Thailand's jungle island: empty beaches, waterfalls and slow island life.

Best time to visit: November to April
Average daily budget: $40 to $90
Ideal trip length: 4 to 6 days

Koh Chang is Thailand's third largest island and its best kept mainland coast secret: a mountainous jungle interior laced with waterfalls, a string of sandy west coast beaches from busy White Sand to near empty Lonely Beach, and none of Phuket's crowds. Five hours from Bangkok by bus and ferry, it is where Bangkokians go to actually relax.

Koh Chang itinerary

Day 1, Get oriented

Morning: Beach hop down the west coast. White Sand to Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach by songthaew or scooter, swimming as you go.

Afternoon: Explore White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao), The longest and most developed beach, with the most hotels, restaurants and a proper sunset strip.

Evening: Watch sunset from a west coast beach bar. Beanbags, a cold Singha and the sun dropping into the Gulf of Thailand.

Day 2, Go deeper

Morning: Swim at Klong Plu waterfall. The island's big three tier fall with a natural pool, a 20 minute jungle walk from Klong Prao.

Afternoon: Explore Klong Prao and Kai Bae, The mid island family beaches: long sand, kayaks in the estuary and a relaxed village feel.

Evening: Kayak the Klong Prao estuary. Paddle the mangrove river at dusk when the fireflies come out.

Day 3, Hidden side

Morning: Snorkel the Koh Rang islands. Day boat trips to the marine park south of Koh Chang: clear water, coral gardens and lunch on board.

Afternoon: Explore Lonely Beach and Bailan, The backpacker south: budget bungalows, beach bars and the island's social scene.

Evening: Trek the jungle interior. Guided hikes to Khao Salak Phet or the remote east coast waterfalls with a local guide.

Best neighbourhoods

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao): The longest and most developed beach, with the most hotels, restaurants and a proper sunset strip.
Klong Prao and Kai Bae: The mid island family beaches: long sand, kayaks in the estuary and a relaxed village feel.
Lonely Beach and Bailan: The backpacker south: budget bungalows, beach bars and the island's social scene.

Must-do experiences

Beach hop down the west coast: White Sand to Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach by songthaew or scooter, swimming as you go.
Swim at Klong Plu waterfall: The island's big three tier fall with a natural pool, a 20 minute jungle walk from Klong Prao.
Snorkel the Koh Rang islands: Day boat trips to the marine park south of Koh Chang: clear water, coral gardens and lunch on board.
Watch sunset from a west coast beach bar: Beanbags, a cold Singha and the sun dropping into the Gulf of Thailand.
Kayak the Klong Prao estuary: Paddle the mangrove river at dusk when the fireflies come out.
Trek the jungle interior: Guided hikes to Khao Salak Phet or the remote east coast waterfalls with a local guide.

Hidden gems

Long Beach and the empty southeast coast past Salak Phet
The mangrove walkway and seafood stilt village at Salak Khok
Klong Nonsi waterfall on the quiet east coast
The tree top adventure park ziplines near Bailan

Daily budget

$40 to $90 per day.

What to eat

Beachfront seafood BBQ: whole grilled fish, prawns and som tam at sunset
Massaman and green curries at the family run kitchens in Kai Bae
Roti and fruit shakes from the evening stalls in Lonely Beach village
The fisherman village restaurants at Bang Bao pier, built on stilts over the water

Getting around

From Bangkok, buses and minivans run from Ekkamai and Khao San to Trat's Centrepoint or Ao Thammachat piers (5 to 6 hours including the 30 minute ferry). On the island, white songthaews run the west coast until evening; scooters rent for $7 to $10 a day. The east coast is quiet and best by scooter.

Safety

Koh Chang is safe and laid back. The real risks are scooters: the island's hills are steep with sharp bends, so ride slowly, wear a helmet and skip it entirely if inexperienced. Jellyfish appear mainly in rainy season, currents can be strong off the southern beaches, and sandflies bite at dusk; bring repellent.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Koh Chang from Bangkok?

Take a bus or minivan from Ekkamai terminal or Khao San Road to the Trat ferry piers, 5 to 6 hours total including the 30 minute car ferry. Joint tickets with ferry and island transfer cost $12 to $20. Flying to Trat airport (1 hour) then transferring is faster but pricier.

Which beach should I stay on in Koh Chang?

White Sand Beach for the most facilities and sunset bars, Klong Prao or Kai Bae for families and long quiet sand, Lonely Beach for backpacker nightlife and budget bungalows, and the east coast around Salak Phet for total peace. First timers usually pick Kai Bae as the best balance.

How many days do I need on Koh Chang?

Four to six days is ideal: two for beach hopping and sunsets, one for a waterfall and jungle trek, one for a snorkel or dive trip to Koh Rang, and a spare to kayak the estuary or explore the east coast. It pairs well with Koh Kood or Koh Mak further south.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

November to April is dry season with calm seas and sunshine; December to February is peak. May to October brings rain, rougher seas and some closed businesses, but also empty beaches and half price rooms. Shoulder months November and April are the sweet spot.

Is Koh Chang good for solo travellers?

Yes. Lonely Beach has a social backpacker scene with beach bars and cheap bungalows, while Kai Bae and White Sand suit solo travellers wanting comfort. The island is safe, songthaews make getting around easy, and group snorkel trips are an easy way to meet people.

Do I need a scooter on Koh Chang?

Not strictly: white songthaews run the west coast all day for a dollar or two per hop. A scooter ($7 to $10 a day) gives freedom for the east coast and waterfalls, but the island's steep, bendy roads cause regular accidents. Only rent if you are an experienced rider, and always wear a helmet.

What does Koh Chang cost per day?

Budget travellers manage $40: bungalows from $15, pad thai and curries $2 to $4, songthaews a dollar. Mid range runs $70 to $90: beachfront resorts $40 to $70, seafood BBQs $10 to $15, snorkel day trips $30 to $40, and scooter rental under $10.

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