The Koh Chang archipelago is one of the most popular areas in Thailand for travelers seeking a beach destination near the capital. Elephant Island (Koh Chang) is the most convenient option if you want to avoid a lengthy journey. Here’s how to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang in the easiest way.
Koh Chang is just over 340 kilometers from Bangkok, and the most common route is by road to the port that connects to the island. Trat Airport is the closest to the archipelago, but given the relatively short distance, flying is less common.
Trat Airport is one of Thailand’s private airports, with limited access to airlines. As a result, regular flights are primarily operated by the premium airline, Bangkok Airways. Nonetheless, the fastest way to get to Koh Chang is to fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport (map) in Bangkok to Trat. The flight takes about 50 minutes.
From the airport, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to Thammachat Harbour, where ferries depart for Koh Chang. The ferry journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 40 baht, with frequent departures.
While this is the quickest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang, flying such a short distance can feel excessive.
If you choose to travel by bus from Bangkok to Koh Chang, it will take roughly twice as long as flying, but you can purchase a combined ticket, making the journey hassle-free with fewer transfers.
The trip between the two destinations takes around seven hours, with the 300+ kilometers between Bangkok and Thammachat Harbour taking approximately five hours.
There are several departure points in Bangkok for buses to Koh Chang, but the most convenient option is to book the journey through 12GoAsia. However, departures are often early in the morning, typically from the Khaosan district or even Bangkok Airport.
The company operating the service will take you directly to the port, and the ferry transfer to the island is included in the fare.
Koh Chang Island is accessible by car, even though it is not connected by a bridge. This is made possible by loading your car or motorbike onto the ferry. So, if you’re an adventurer, you can drive from Bangkok to Koh Chang.
From the capital, you’ll need to travel more than 300 kilometers to Thammachat Harbour (map), and then board the ferry with your vehicle. In addition to the 40 baht per person ferry fare, loading a car costs 120 baht extra, and for a motorbike, it’s half that. This fee covers transportation on the island.
No matter which method you choose, once you’ve learned how to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island is sure to impress.
