Despite being the second-largest island in Thailand, Koh Chang is often overlooked by foreign tourists. This relative obscurity contributes to its relaxed atmosphere.
The island’s name, “Elephant Island,” is derived from its shape, which some people think resembles an elephant. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Chang covers an area of more than 200 km².
Koh Chang Island may not have the most stunning beaches in the country; though in Southeast Asia, even less famous beaches can be quite beautiful, but it has its advantages. It is relatively close to Bangkok compared to other islands, offers boat trips to nearby islands, and is very affordable (for instance, laundry service costs 40 THB per kg, and motorbike rental is 200 THB per day).
One of the highlights of this part of the country is the kindness of the people. Unlike in more tourist-heavy areas of Thailand, the owners of hostels, shops, and restaurants here are genuinely friendly and welcoming.
The beaches we enjoyed in Koh Chang are located on the island’s east and south sides. While they may not feature the pristine white sand typical of some dream beaches, they are all beautiful and well-maintained. You’ll find plenty of coconut trees and other shade options, and all beaches are accessible by road, whether by pickup truck or motorbike.
Koh Chang is a great choice if you have limited time and want to avoid internal flights, or if you arrive in Thailand around November, when the monsoon season is winding down and southern beaches might still experience storms. The island has two high seasons—hot and dry—and one low rainy season:
Travel advice: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand for month-by-month climate information.
It’s essential to travel to Thailand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular 5% IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well. You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Thailand offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We’ve included details on obtaining a eSIM Thailand card with unlimited data (from Holafly) or with fixed data but cheaper (from Saily).
If you want to get it directly, here’s the link (with a discount) for both companies:
Depending on your starting point, you have several options for reaching the island:
Buses to Koh Chang depart from the Ekamai Bus Terminal and take about 6 hours. Buses frequently run but note that some stop in Trat (where you’ll need to take a pickup truck to the port), while others stop directly near the ferry terminal. You can purchase a combined ticket that includes the ferry ride at the ticket office.
You can book transportation from Bangkok to Koh Chang using the link below:
f you arrive in Trat by bus or plane, you can continue to the port by minivan or taxi.
Ferry: Once at Trat port, take a ferry to Koh Chang. Be mindful of your arrival time in Trat; if you arrive too late and there are no more ferries, you may need to stay overnight in Trat.
Speedboats are less comfortable than ferries but offer a good option for traveling from Koh Kood to Koh Chang. Tickets are available at port agencies or directly from ferry companies.
Located on the west side of Koh Chang, Lonely Beach is a popular area among travelers. It offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, travel agencies, currency exchange offices, motorbike rentals, laundries, and beachfront cottages.
Although the beach is not very long, it is large enough to accommodate several beach bars and equipment rentals for snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
Larger than Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach has more activity but remains relaxed. Occasionally, vendors sell bracelets, necklaces, or fruit. For refreshments, there are beach bars offering slushes and beers.
Several local restaurants are also located on the beach.
The route to Bangbao Beach is somewhat challenging, with the final stretch being a dirt road. While it may not be the most picturesque of the three beaches, it’s an excellent spot to watch the sunset. The sky’s colors and the horizon’s silhouettes create a stunning view as the sun sets behind the mountains of the small peninsula to the southwest of Koh Chang.
A classic activity in any beach area of Thailand is to take a boat trip, which typically includes visits to several islands or snorkeling spots. The main stops are Ko Thong Lang, Ko Yak Lek, Ko Rang, and Ko Wai.
You have two options: a slow option, where you travel on a boat with a large group for the entire day, or a faster option, where you do a similar tour in half a day with a smaller group. Here are a couple of options for you to consider:
The price usually includes water, coffee, food, snacks, and snorkeling gear. Fins are also available but may incur an extra charge.
If lounging on the sand isn’t your thing, you can rent a kayak and get some exercise while exploring. At the rental stand on Lonely Beach, called “Live’s a Beach,” you’ll find a map detailing the available routes, their duration, and the locations of coral reefs.
Kayaking in Koh Chang typically costs 100 THB per hour, and they provide a waterproof backpack to keep your belongings dry. The nearby island of Ko Man Nai can be easily reached by kayaking. Alternatively, you can rent paddleboards and paddles for paddle surfing or book other related activities, such as:
The island is home to several waterfalls, with Klong Plu being one of the most popular. If you’re up for more than just a swim, you can go trekking. Don’t underestimate the island’s size; it’s one of the largest in Thailand. There are several trekking camps where you can also book an elephant ride.
Note: To understand why we advise against elephant rides and learn about the associated abuse, read the article “Tourism and Animal Abuse: Get Informed and Don’t Be an Accomplice.”
If you haven’t tried Thai massage, it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. Thai massage is a blend of pleasure and pain, revealing the limits of your flexibility and muscle tension. On Lonely Beach, there are several basic “massage centers”: wooden boards on the sand with mats on the floor.
It may not be the most private setting, but the view at sunset can make it worth the experience. Initially, we were hesitant about “doing it in public,” but we ended up loving it.
During our stay in Koh Chang, we lodged at Siam Hut, a modest cabin on Lonely Beach, close to the beach with a private bathroom and clean facilities. The only drawback was that on Fridays, a party with a DJ could be quite noisy, with walls rumbling until the early morning. For a quieter option on the same beach, consider the following:
Exploring the ocean floor is a fascinating activity, though for many, it can also be a bit unsettling. Simply putting on a diving mask and looking beneath the water reveals a whole new world of colors and unknown forms of life.
But this world needs to be cared for and respected. So, if you’re planning a trip that might include snorkeling and you don’t want your presence to have a negative impact on the ecosystem, you might be interested in what I share in the link above—what I’ve learned about responsible diving (with or without a tank).
Koh Chang offers plenty of dining options across its beach areas. It’s best to visit the restaurants that appeal to you in the part of the island you’re exploring. Here are a couple of recommendations on Lonely Beach:
BE CAREFUL WITH MOTORCYCLES!
Koh Chang is quite large, so you’ll need a vehicle to travel between beaches. Taxis and pickup trucks can reach almost every corner of the island, so you can wait for one to pass by.
If you’re comfortable driving, renting a motorbike (200 THB per day) offers the most freedom. However, be cautious as the island’s roads are narrow, with sharp curves and steep inclines, making it challenging for inexperienced riders.
Note: Make sure to obtain an international driving license if you plan to rent a vehicle.
When purchasing a ferry or boat trip ticket, it’s common for a pickup truck to collect you before departure and transport you to the port.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Koh Chang.
Filtered water refill stations are available along the road, though there are fewer than we would have liked. Most are located in front of restaurants or agencies. If there’s no refill station near your accommodation and you don’t have a motorbike, avoiding plastic bottles can be more challenging.
Regarding straws and single-use cups, awareness is still low on the island (see the photo of what we found in the sand). Many beach bars serve drinks in plastic cups and use plastic straws. There is still much work to be done in this area!
Why Are We Talking About This?
A few years ago, we realized how much plastic we use during our travels and wrote about it in “Travel Without a Trace: Reduce Your Impact Easily.” In addition to raising awareness, we decided to change our habits and share tips for reducing plastic use: “Less Plastic in Your Backpack: Ten Simple Ways to Reduce It.”
