Where to Stay in Koh Chang 2026: Best Beaches, Areas & Hotels for Every Traveller

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Explore Koh Chang

Pick your base

Most first-timers do best on White Sand Beach or Klong Prao. Families love Kai Bae. Want a party? Try Lonely Beach. Want peace? Head to Klong Kloi or the east coast. Tap an area, or if you're not sure, use the quick picker below.

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Each area guide shows what’s nearby, the map and our hotel picks.Guide →Start over
Solo travel

Travelling alone on Koh Chang

A simple solo plan for Koh Chang: stay on White Sand Beach for the first night, move to Lonely Beach if you want a social scene, or Bailan and Klong Kloi for quiet, and hop on a snorkelling boat to meet people.

🛡️ Thailand entry is free Avoid paid lookalike sites — get the real info here ›
Why this guide exists ▾
We've been to Thailand many times, and Koh Chang is one of our favourite big islands — but picking the right beach really matters. White Sand Beach is busy and built-up, Klong Prao and Kai Bae are calmer and great for families, Lonely Beach is the party spot, Bang Bao is the base for boat trips, and the east coast is almost empty. Pick the wrong one and you can spend half your holiday in songthaews.

This guide exists to make that easy. We start with which part of the island suits you, then show real, well-reviewed hotels in each area, how to get there from Bangkok, the airport and Pattaya, and what is nearby. Every area, hotel and place, plus the ferry and park fee details, is checked against current reviews and official sources.
Last updated: October 2026

Koh Chang Beach Guide

Which beach suits you? Koh Chang is Thailand’s third-largest island, with jungle-covered mountains in the middle and most of the beaches along the west coast. Here is how they compare.

White Sand Beach

⛴️ ~15 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (the island’s main beach and busiest area)

White Sand Beach, or Hat Sai Khao, is the first big beach you reach from the ferry pier and the busiest part of Koh Chang. The main road behind it is lined with restaurants, bars, 7-Elevens, massage shops and tour desks, so everything is within walking distance. The north end has the best sand and the biggest resorts, and the south end is quieter, with a rockier shore. In the evening, restaurants put tables out on the sand for seafood barbecues, and some bars have fire shows.

Best suited for
First VisitNightlifeEverything Close
⚠️ The Trade-off: It is the most built-up part of the island, with a busy main road behind the beach, and some bars play music late. At the south end the beach gets narrow at high tide.
💡 Stay at the north end for the best sand, and walk south along the beach in the evening for dinner and drinks.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
Cookies Hotel Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Cookies Hotel

A simple beachfront hotel with a small pool and decent rooms for the money, steps from the sand and the main road.
Banpu Koh Chang Hotel Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Banpu Koh Chang Hotel

Wooden bungalows in a garden by the beach, in a handy central spot. Some rooms are dated, so ask for a renovated one.
Changburi Resort & Spa Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Changburi Resort & Spa

A hillside resort at the quieter south end, with sea views and an infinity pool. Peaceful, but a short walk from the restaurants.
Kacha Resort & Spa Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Kacha Resort & Spa

A well-kept resort with a pool, gardens and a spa, close to the beach on the lively middle stretch.
White Sand Beach Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

White Sand Beach Resort

Beachfront bungalows at the quiet north end, where the sand is cleanest and the beach is calmest.
KC Grande Resort & Spa Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

KC Grande Resort & Spa

The biggest resort on the beach, with several pools, sea-view rooms and some of the island’s best sand right outside.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

Klong Prao Beach

⛴️ ~25 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (long, quieter beach in the middle of the west coast)

Klong Prao is a long, curving bay in the middle of the west coast, split in two by the Klong Prao river. It is much quieter than White Sand Beach, with more space on the sand and some of the island’s best resorts, especially on the south side. Behind the beach there is a small village with shops, a temple and good local restaurants, and Klong Plu Waterfall is a few minutes inland.

Best suited for
CouplesFamiliesSpace on the Sand
⚠️ The Trade-off: Hotels and restaurants are spread out along the main road, so you will often need a songthaew or scooter to get around. There is not much nightlife here.
💡 Stay on the south side of the river for the quietest beach and the smartest resorts. The north end, near Chai Chet, is cheaper.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
Pajamas Koh Chang Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Pajamas Koh Chang

A stylish mix of hostel and hotel, with private rooms and dorms around a pool, a minute or two from the beach.
Coconut Beach Resort Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Coconut Beach Resort

A friendly mid-range resort right on the beach, with a pool and simple, comfortable rooms.
Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa

A big beachfront resort with pools, a spa and villas, on a quiet stretch of the bay.
Klong Prao Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Klong Prao Resort

A long-running resort with big gardens and pools between the beach and the river. A good choice for families.
AANA Resort & Spa Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

AANA Resort & Spa

Smart villas set along the river, with pools and a spa, a short walk from the beach. Calm and romantic.
Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort

A big, peaceful resort on the hillside at the north end of the bay, with sea views, pools and its own beach.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

Kai Bae

⛴️ ~30 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (calm bay with the best choice of restaurants)

Kai Bae is a smaller bay south of Klong Prao, with a busy little village behind it. It has the best choice of restaurants on the island, from Thai and seafood to Mexican and Italian, plus relaxed bars, but it is far less hectic than White Sand Beach. The bay is calm and shallow, with small islands just offshore, and Kai Bae Viewpoint is on the hill road to the south.

Best suited for
FamiliesCouplesFood Lovers
⚠️ The Trade-off: The beach is narrow, and at high tide much of the sand disappears. The best stretches are in front of the resorts.
💡 Stay at the north or south end of the bay for the best beach, and ride up to Kai Bae Viewpoint in the late afternoon.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
KB Resort Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

KB Resort

Simple bungalows by the sand, a relaxed, good-value choice in the middle of the bay.
Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Pick · TGS Pick

Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang

A stylish IHG resort on Kai Bae Beach, with modern rooms, pool villas and a beachfront pool.
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort

A well-run resort on the beach, with Thai-style bungalows, a pool and a good breakfast.
Gajapuri Resort & Spa Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Gajapuri Resort & Spa

Low-rise wooden villas in a lush garden by the beach, in the middle of the village.
The Chill Resort & Spa Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

The Chill Resort & Spa

A stylish resort with several pools, a spa and modern rooms, right on the beach at the north end.
SYLVAN Koh Chang Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

SYLVAN Koh Chang

A smart resort running from the hillside down to the beach, with big views over the bay.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

Lonely Beach & Bailan Bay

⛴️ ~40 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (backpacker beach with the island’s nightlife)

Lonely Beach is Koh Chang’s backpacker hub and the only place on the island with a real party scene. The small village behind the beach is packed with bars, cheap restaurants, tattoo shops and guesthouses, and the beach bars have fire shows and DJs most nights. A few minutes south, Bailan Bay is much quieter, with a rocky shore, wooden bungalows over the water and a relaxed village feel.

Best suited for
BackpackersNightlifeGood Value
⚠️ The Trade-off: It is loud late at night, especially at weekends, and most rooms are back from the sand. In the rainy season the sea here can have strong currents.
💡 Stay in Bailan Bay if you want the bars close by but quiet nights. Only swim when the sea is calm.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
Paradise Cottage Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Paradise Cottage

Rustic wooden bungalows by the sea, a long-time traveller favourite with hammocks and a chilled feel.
Nature Beach Resort Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Nature Beach Resort

Simple rooms right on the beach, next to one of Lonely Beach’s best-known beach bars.
Siam Beach Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Siam Beach Resort

One of the few resorts right on the sand at the quieter south end of Lonely Beach, with spacious rooms.
Warapura Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Warapura Resort

Rustic-chic wooden bungalows and decks over the water, between Lonely Beach and Bailan.
Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway

A polished, modern resort on the rocks at Bailan, with two pools, a spa and sea views.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

Bang Bao

⛴️ ~50 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (fishing village on a long pier)

Bang Bao is an old fishing village built on stilts along a long wooden pier at the south-west tip of the island. Today the pier is lined with seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, cafés and dive shops, and it is the main place to catch snorkelling and diving boats, and ferries to Koh Kood, Koh Mak and Koh Wai. It is busy with day-trippers by day and calm in the evening.

Best suited for
Snorkelling & DivingSeafoodIsland Trips
⚠️ The Trade-off: There is no real beach in the village itself — the nearest is Klong Kloi, a short ride away. The pier is busy with day visitors from late morning to mid-afternoon.
💡 Come for an early boat trip, or stay over and have dinner on the pier when the day crowds have gone.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
Cliff Cottage Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Cliff Cottage

Simple rooms and fan huts on the headland, a backpacker favourite with a sunset bar and a snorkelling cove.
Bhuvarin Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Bhuvarin Resort

A small, quiet resort near Bang Bao, handy for early boat trips.
Resolution Resort Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

Resolution Resort

A smart, modern resort on the Bang Bao peninsula, a short ride from the pier.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

Klong Kloi Beach

⛴️ ~55 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (laid-back beach in the far south)

Klong Kloi is a short, pretty beach just east of Bang Bao, with calm water and a relaxed southern-island feel. Deckchairs, simple beach bars and seafood restaurants line the sand, and next door is tiny Hat Sai Noi, with Indie Beach and its acoustic nights. It feels far from the busy west coast, but Bang Bao pier and its boat trips are only a few minutes away.

Best suited for
CouplesChilled Beach BarsQuiet Nights
⚠️ The Trade-off: It can get busy with day-trippers in high season, and it is a long way from the rest of the island. Songthaews are pricey from here, so a scooter helps.
💡 Visit midweek for the quietest beach, and stay for the sunset.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
BeachBox @ Koh Chang Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

BeachBox @ Koh Chang

Compact, modern container-style rooms around a small pool, a short walk from the beach.
YuYu Golden Beach Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

YuYu Golden Beach

A popular bungalow resort with simple, honest rooms right by the sand.
Chaipura Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Chaipura Resort

A comfortable resort on the beach, with a pool and a good restaurant.
Tropical Beach Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Tropical Beach Resort

Quiet beachfront bungalows at the far end of the beach, with lovely sea views and sunsets.
Chivapuri Beach Resort Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

Chivapuri Beach Resort

Thai-style villas around a pool, right by the sand. One of the best-reviewed places on the island.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

The Quiet East Coast

⛴️ ~20–60 min from Ao Sapparot ferry pier (Dan Kao, Salak Kok and Salak Phet)

The east coast is Koh Chang’s quiet side, with only a handful of resorts, fishing villages on stilts, mangroves and jungle waterfalls. In the south-east, the villages of Salak Kok and Salak Phet are known for kayaking through the mangroves and fresh seafood restaurants over the water, and Long Beach at the far tip is almost empty. It is the place to see a more local side of the island.

Best suited for
Peace & QuietNatureLocal Life
⚠️ The Trade-off: There are very few shops, restaurants or songthaews, and the beaches are not as good as on the west coast. You will need a scooter or car.
💡 Get fuel and cash on the west coast before you go, and combine Than Mayom Waterfall, Salak Kok and Salak Phet in one day.
What's nearby
Drag and zoom to explore — tap a numbered pin to jump to that hotel below.
Serenity Resort Koh Chang
💰 Best Value · TGS Pick

Serenity Resort

A calm beachfront resort with a pool and free kayaks, near Dan Kao on the north-east coast.
Sunrise Beach Resort Koh Chang
⭐ Best All-Rounder · TGS Pick

Sunrise Beach Resort

A small, quiet resort with stylish bungalows and direct access to the sea.
Parama Koh Chang Koh Chang
💎 Luxury Upgrade · TGS Pick

Parama Koh Chang

A four-star hideaway on Salak Phet Bay, with a lagoon-style pool and its own private island beach.
Rates change by season and are higher at weekends — tap a button to see today’s price.

Koh Chang with Kids

Family travel · Calm bays · Easy days
🏖️ Best family bases: Kai Bae, Klong Prao & White Sand Beach (calm bays · resort pools · waterfalls)

Koh Chang is a great island for families, with calm bays, jungle waterfalls and plenty of resorts with big pools. Kai Bae has calm, shallow water and lots of easy restaurants, Klong Prao has space on the sand and family resorts, and White Sand Beach has the most choice of everything. The car ferry is short and easy, even with luggage.

Getting there with kids: a private taxi from Bangkok or the airport to the Ao Thammachat ferry pier takes about 4–5 hours, then the ferry takes 30–40 minutes. You can also fly to Trat and take a short transfer to the pier.

Best suited for
Calm BaysResort PoolsWaterfalls
⚠️ The Trade-off: The roads south of Kai Bae are very steep, so a car or songthaew is safer than a scooter with children. Lonely Beach can have strong currents, so swim at Kai Bae or Klong Prao instead.

Family-Friendly Picks

Genuinely well-rated hotels that suit families.

KC Grande Resort & Spa Koh Chang
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Pick · TGS Pick

KC Grande Resort & Spa

Several pools, sea-view family rooms and some of the island’s best sand right outside.
Klong Prao Resort Koh Chang
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Pick · TGS Pick

Klong Prao Resort

Big gardens, pools and family rooms between the beach and the river.
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort Koh Chang
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Pick · TGS Pick

Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort

Thai-style bungalows by the beach, a pool and a good breakfast — easy with young children.
Coconut Beach Resort Koh Chang
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Pick · TGS Pick

Coconut Beach Resort

A friendly beachfront resort with a pool, at a good mid-range price.

Koh Chang for Couples & Honeymoons

Pool villas, quiet beaches, waterfalls and sunsets over the sea — how to plan a romantic trip to Koh Chang.

Romantic places to stay
AANA Resort & Spa Koh Chang
💕 Romantic Pick · By the Klong Prao river

AANA Resort & Spa

Smart villas along the river, with pools and a spa. Calm, green and romantic.
🌴 Klong Prao
The Chill Resort & Spa Koh Chang
💕 Romantic Pick · Kai Bae

The Chill Resort & Spa

A stylish beachfront resort with several pools and a spa, close to the best restaurants.
🏖️ On Kai Bae Beach
Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway Koh Chang
💕 Romantic Pick · Bailan Bay

Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway

Modern rooms, two pools and big sunset views, in a quiet bay near Lonely Beach.
🌅 On the rocks at Bailan
Chivapuri Beach Resort Koh Chang
💕 Romantic Pick · Klong Kloi

Chivapuri Beach Resort

Thai-style villas around a pool right by the sand, in the laid-back far south.
🏖️ On Klong Kloi Beach
Parama Koh Chang Koh Chang
💕 Romantic Pick · Salak Phet

Parama Koh Chang

A hideaway on the quiet east coast, with a lagoon pool and its own island beach.
🌿 On Salak Phet Bay

Hidden Gems

Away from the busy west coast — a quieter, wilder side of Koh Chang that most visitors never see.

Wellness, Spa & Slow Days

Koh Chang isn’t a yoga island like Koh Phangan, but with its jungle, waterfalls and quiet beaches it is perfect for slow, restful days. Here are the best ways to unwind.

Rainy Day Koh Chang

Koh Chang is one of the wettest islands in Thailand from about June to September, and showers can come at any time in the rainy season. Here are a few good indoor ideas for a wet day.

Essentials to Pack for Thailand

🎒 What to Pack — tap to see essentials The same few things come up in every real Thailand packing list ▼

Island Hopping & Day Trips

Out to the islands of the Mu Ko Chang marine park and back — or carry on around Thailand. Use 12Go to book your own bus, van or ferry.

A simple Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Chang plan (9 nights):

1. Bangkok, 3 nights — temples, markets and rooftop bars.

2. Pattaya, 2 nights — about 2 hours from Bangkok by road. Beaches, views and nightlife.

3. Koh Chang, 4 nights — about 4–5 hours from Pattaya by minivan to the Ao Thammachat ferry pier, then a 30–40 minute ferry. Beaches, waterfalls and island trips.

Then take the ferry back to Ao Thammachat and a bus, van or taxi to Bangkok or the airport (about 5–6 hours), or fly from Trat.

Koh Chang Food Guide

Where to actually eat — seafood over the water, beach barbecues and a surprising choice of restaurants in Kai Bae and Klong Prao.

Favourite Restaurants on Koh Chang

Simple, well-loved places worth a visit.

Best Bars on Koh Chang

Live music, beach bars and fire shows — from easy-going bars on White Sand Beach to the party bars of Lonely Beach.

Koh Chang After Dark

Koh Chang is mostly relaxed after dark. Lonely Beach is the only real party area, White Sand Beach has live music and fire shows, and Kai Bae has easy-going bars. Klong Kloi and the east coast are very quiet. Pick your base to match.

What's On

Festivals, busy times and things to plan your Koh Chang trip around.

🏝️ Things to Do
🧳 Before you arrive
📝
STEP 1Digital Arrival Card (Required)
You must fill in the Digital Arrival Card before you travel to Thailand. It’s free on the official government website and takes about 10 minutes. You can only fill it in during the 3 days (72 hours) before you arrive, not earlier. As soon as you submit it, you get your confirmation and QR code within minutes — show it at immigration when you land and you’ll get a 30-day stay stamped in your passport.
🇹🇭 Official Arrival Card website
🛡️
STEP 2Travel Insurance
Sort your travel insurance before you fly, and make sure it covers medical care. Thailand’s private hospitals are excellent, but treatment can be costly without cover. Planning to ride a scooter, use a jet ski or go on boat trips? Check your policy includes them.
🚌
STEP 3Getting to Koh Chang
Koh Chang has no airport. From Bangkok (Ekkamai bus station or Suvarnabhumi Airport) take a bus or minivan to Trat or straight to the Ao Thammachat ferry pier (about 5–6 hours), then the car ferry to Ao Sapparot on the island (30–40 minutes). You can also fly with Bangkok Airways to Trat, then take a short transfer to the pier.
🚌 12Go: Bangkok → Koh Chang ✈️ 12Go: Airport → Koh Chang 🚐 12Go: Pattaya → Koh Chang ⛴️ 12Go: Koh Samet → Koh Chang
🎫
BRING CASHNational Park Fee
There is no fee to land on Koh Chang. Most of the inland jungle is a national park, and foreign adults pay about 200 baht in cash at the waterfall gates, such as Klong Plu and Than Mayom. The ferry costs about 80 baht per person, also in cash.
📶
OPTIONALThailand eSIM
Get connected the moment you land — install before you fly, and you’re online all the way to the island.
Trip.com eSIM
🏖️
Coming from Pattaya?
Minivans with combined ferry tickets run from Pattaya to Koh Chang every day (about 4–5 hours in total), or take a private taxi to the Ao Thammachat pier. The last ferry leaves at about 6:30 pm.
🚐 12Go: Pattaya → Koh Chang

Where should you stay?

Tap the one that matches your trip. You’ll get the best areas and what they’re like.

🎉 Nightlife & going out Live music, fire shows and beach bars — White Sand Beach & Lonely Beach ▼

You want bars, live music, fire shows and an easy walk home. Base yourself where the evenings are busy, so you don’t need a songthaew back.

Best areas: White Sand Beach (live music, fire shows and the most bars) or Lonely Beach (the island’s party beach, with a younger crowd)

What it’s like: Fire shows on the sand most evenings, live bands on White Sand Beach and party bars at Lonely Beach that are busiest from Thursday to Saturday.

Good if: You’re travelling with friends or solo, and you don’t mind some music at night.

🛵 Safety tip: the hill roads are steep and dark — walk or take a songthaew rather than riding a scooter after drinking.

White Sand guide →Lonely Beach guide →
💕 Couples Sunsets, pool villas, quiet beaches — Klong Prao, Kai Bae & Klong Kloi ▼

You want a beautiful beach, a lovely room, good dinners and calm nights, away from the busy weekend crowds.

Best areas: Klong Prao for a long, quiet beach and smart resorts, Kai Bae for great restaurants, and Klong Kloi or the east coast for real peace

What it’s like: West-facing beaches for sunsets, jungle waterfalls, spa afternoons, and seafood dinners on Bang Bao pier.

Do together: Sunset walk on Klong Prao Beach · private boat from Bang Bao · couples massage · Klong Plu Waterfall · Kai Bae Viewpoint

Usually skip: White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach if you want calm nights.

🚕 Safety tip: ask your hotel to call a songthaew for you at night, and agree the price before you set off.

Klong Prao →Klong Kloi →
😌 Quiet stay or first visit Easy, calm and good swimming — Klong Prao or Kai Bae ▼

You want to sleep well, have a nice beach and restaurants nearby, and not feel overwhelmed by crowds.

Best areas: Klong Prao (a long, quiet beach) or Kai Bae (calm water and lots of restaurants). White Sand Beach is easiest if you want everything close.

What it’s like: Calm bays, relaxed restaurants, and a short songthaew ride to the busier beaches when you want them.

Good if: It’s your first time on Koh Chang, you want quiet nights, or you care more about rest than nightlife.

Klong Prao guide →Kai Bae guide →
👨‍👩‍👧 Travelling with kids Calm water, pools, waterfalls — Kai Bae or Klong Prao ▼

You want calm, shallow water, a resort with a good pool, and easy days out.

Best areas: Kai Bae (calm, shallow bay and easy restaurants) or Klong Prao (space on the sand and big family resorts)

What it’s like: Family resorts with pools, gentle beaches, waterfalls and big, stable snorkelling boats.

Good if: You’re travelling with children and want calm water and a good pool.

Kai Bae guide →Koh Chang with Kids →
🚖 Getting to Koh Chang, and getting around From Bangkok, the airports or Pattaya — road to Ao Thammachat, then the ferry ▼

Koh Chang has no airport and no bridge. Most people travel by road to the Ao Thammachat ferry pier near Trat, then take the car ferry across to Ao Sapparot. The whole trip from Bangkok takes about 5–6 hours.

From Bangkok (bus): Buses leave the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai (next to BTS Ekkamai) for Trat, and some go straight to the ferry pier. The trip takes about 5–6 hours. Minivans and combined bus-and-ferry tickets also run each morning.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport: Buses run from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Trat (about 5 hours), and a private taxi to the ferry pier takes about 4–5 hours. You can also book an airport-to-island ticket with 12Go, or fly from Bangkok to Trat with Bangkok Airways and take a short transfer to the pier.

From Don Mueang Airport: Take a taxi or transfer (about 5 hours), or go into Bangkok and catch the bus from Ekkamai.

From Pattaya: Minivans with ferry tickets run every day (about 4–5 hours in total), or take a private taxi to the pier.

The boat: Car ferries run from Ao Thammachat to Ao Sapparot about every 30–60 minutes, from around 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. They take 30–40 minutes and cost about 80 baht per person, paid in cash at the pier.

Park fees: There is no fee to land on Koh Chang. The national park gates at the big waterfalls (Klong Plu and Than Mayom) charge foreign adults about 200 baht and children about 100 baht, in cash. Fees can change, so carry a little extra cash.

Getting around: Shared songthaews meet the ferry and run along the west coast — expect about 100–200 baht each, depending on how far you go. Scooters cost about 250–400 baht a day, but the hills south of Kai Bae are very steep, so only ride if you are experienced.

🏡 Pool villas and private stays Great for couples, families and groups — your own space ▼

Koh Chang has some lovely pool villas and family suites, especially at Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Klong Kloi.

Best areas: Klong Prao (river and beach villas), Kai Bae (pool villas close to restaurants) and Klong Kloi (quiet beach villas).

What it’s like: More space and privacy, but in the quieter areas you rely on the resort for food and drinks.

Good if: You’re on honeymoon, travelling as a family or group, or want a special treat.

Ready-made Koh Chang itineraries

Tap a plan to see it day by day. Koh Chang is a big island, so give yourself at least three nights.

⚡ Short break (3 nights) A quick taste — stay on White Sand Beach or Klong Prao ▼

The journey from Bangkok takes most of a day, so three nights is the shortest trip that makes sense.

Day 1: Bus, taxi or flight to Trat, then the ferry to the island. Sunset swim, then a seafood barbecue and fire show on White Sand Beach.

Day 2: Morning at Klong Plu Waterfall, lunch at Klong Prao, then sunset at Kai Bae Viewpoint and dinner in Kai Bae.

Day 3: Snorkelling boat from Bang Bao to Koh Wai and the small islands.

🌴 3 days on Koh Chang The highlights — stay in Klong Prao or Kai Bae ▼

A short trip that fits in the best of the island, with time to relax.

Day 1: Arrive, settle in and swim. Dinner on the sand on White Sand Beach.

Day 2: Snorkelling boat from Bang Bao, then dinner on the pier.

Day 3: Klong Plu Waterfall in the morning, a lazy afternoon on Klong Prao Beach and sunset at Kai Bae Viewpoint.

🏝️ 5 days on Koh Chang A relaxed mix of beaches, snorkelling and good food ▼

Enough time to see the island without rushing, with a couple of lazy beach days.

Day 1: Arrive and relax on the beach. Dinner in Kai Bae.

Day 2: Klong Plu Waterfall and a kayak on the Klong Prao river.

Day 3: Full-day snorkelling trip to Koh Rang marine park.

Day 4: East coast loop: Than Mayom Waterfall, Salak Kok mangroves and a seafood lunch in Salak Phet.

Day 5: A lazy day on Klong Kloi Beach, then a seafood dinner on Bang Bao pier.

🗺️ 9 days: Bangkok, Pattaya & Koh Chang City, beach town and island in one easy trip ▼

A full trip that links three easy stops by road and boat.

Days 1–3: Bangkok — temples, markets and rooftop bars.

Days 4–5: Pattaya — about 2 hours by road. Beaches, viewpoints and nightlife.

Day 6: Minivan with ferry ticket to Koh Chang (about 4–5 hours).

Days 7–8: Beaches, waterfalls and a snorkelling trip on Koh Chang.

Day 9: Ferry back to the mainland, then a bus or taxi to Bangkok, or a flight from Trat.

When to visit Koh Chang: weather, festivals & busy times

Planning when to visit Koh Chang? The dry season, from November to April, is the best time. From about June to September Koh Chang is one of the wettest islands in Thailand, and some places close. Here’s a simple guide.

Nov – Feb
Cool and dry — the best weather. Busiest with foreign visitors.
Mar – May
Hot and mostly dry — great beach weather, and the waterfalls start to shrink.
May – Oct
Rainy season, with heavy rain from June to September. Very quiet, with low prices.

Quick pick: Want the best weather → aim for November–February. Want lower prices → try May or October. Want full waterfalls → go just after the rains, in October or November. Want to avoid crowds → skip Christmas–New Year and Songkran.

Koh Chang’s weather — great dry season, very wet rainy season

Best: November to April · Rainy season: roughly May to October

November to February is cool, dry and sunny. March to May is very hot. From about May to October the south-west monsoon brings heavy rain, especially from June to September, when there can be days of rain in a row.

Effect on travel: In the rainy season the sea on the west coast can be rough, some boat trips stop, and some restaurants and bungalows close. The waterfalls are at their best.

Best areas in the rainy season: Kai Bae and White Sand Beach, with plenty of restaurants and resorts with pools.

💡 In the rainy season, book boat trips last-minute, on a calm, sunny day.

Weekends & Thai holidays

Every Friday evening to Sunday, plus Thai public holidays

Koh Chang is a popular escape for Thai families from Bangkok on long weekends and public holidays. The ferry gets busy, and hotel prices go up. Christmas, New Year and Songkran are the busiest times of all.

Effect on travel: There can be queues for the ferry, rooms sell out and many hotels ask for a minimum stay on holidays.

Best areas when it’s busy: Klong Kloi and the east coast stay calmer than White Sand Beach.

💡 Avoid arriving on a Friday of a Thai long weekend if you can.

Songkran on Koh Chang (Thai New Year)

Mid-April (usually 13–15 April)

Thailand’s biggest festival. Koh Chang gets very busy with visitors from Bangkok, and there are water fights along the main road on White Sand Beach. Fun if you want to join in; tiring if you want a quiet holiday.

Effect on travel: Boats and hotels fill up, prices rise, and you will get wet whenever you go out.

Best areas during Songkran: White Sand Beach for the party; the east coast or Klong Kloi if you want to stay dry.

💡 Book early, and carry a waterproof pouch for your phone.

Quick weather & festival calendar

When What happens Effect on travellers
November – February Cool, dry season (best weather) Sunny and dry, pleasant temperatures, busiest with foreign visitors — book early
March – May Hot season Very hot and mostly dry, good beach weather; Songkran in mid-April is very busy
May – October Rainy season Heavy rain at times, rough seas on the west coast, very quiet and low prices
Thai long weekends Thai holidaymakers Busy ferry, full hotels and higher prices
April Songkran Water fights, very busy boats and beaches, higher prices
November (full moon) Loy Krathong Candle-lit krathongs floated on the sea
Late December Christmas & New Year Peak prices and crowds, fireworks on the beaches

Planning rule: On Koh Chang, the season matters most. Come between November and April for sunshine and calm seas, and book early for Christmas, New Year and Songkran.

Weather & festival FAQs

Is it worth visiting Koh Chang in the rainy season?

It can be, if you like it quiet. May and October are usually fine, with sunny spells and low prices. From June to September it can rain for days, the sea gets rough and some places close.

How many nights do I need on Koh Chang?

At least three nights. The journey from Bangkok takes most of a day, and the island is big, with lots to see.

Do hotel prices go up at weekends and during festivals?

Yes — at weekends, on Thai public holidays, and especially over Christmas, New Year and Songkran. Book as early as you can for those dates.

Quick tips before you go

Tap any tip for the short version. Practical stuff that saves you a bad first day.

💵 Tipping in Thailand It's not expected everywhere — here's where it actually matters ▼

Tipping isn't built into the culture the way it is in the US, so nobody expects it everywhere. Rounding up a songthaew fare is appreciated but not required. Always agree the price before you get into a songthaew or onto a motorbike taxi. In restaurants, a service charge is often already added to the bill — check first. A small tip for hotel porters, housekeeping, massage staff and fire-show dancers is always appreciated. Many earn very little, so it means a lot.

🛡️ Simple ways to avoid problems A few easy habits for a smooth, relaxed trip ▼

Book with people you trust — your hotel, or a well-reviewed booking site, is the easiest way to arrange boats and transfers.

Never leave your passport as a deposit — if you rent a scooter or jet ski, offer cash or a copy instead, and take photos of it before you use it.

Agree prices first — for songthaews, boats and seafood sold by weight, agree the price before you go.

Need help? Call the Tourist Police on 1155. They speak English and are there to help visitors. Most people have a relaxed, trouble-free trip — Koh Chang is a friendly island.

💳 Cash, cards & ATMs ATMs are easy to find on the west coast ▼

There are plenty of ATMs and 7-Elevens along the west coast, from White Sand Beach to Lonely Beach, but very few on the east coast and in the far south. You’ll need cash for the ferry, park fees, songthaews, street food and most small shops. Bigger resorts take cards.

🙏 Temple dress code & etiquette Get turned away less, offend less ▼

Shoulders and knees covered, and shoes you can slip off (you'll take them off at the entrance). Never point your feet at a Buddha statue or step over someone sitting on the floor — both are considered disrespectful. Away from the beach, cover up a little in the village too.

🗣️ A few Thai phrases that help You don't need much — this covers most situations ▼

Sawasdee krap/ka — hello (krap if you're male, ka if you're female)
Khob khun krap/ka — thank you
Mai phet — not spicy (genuinely useful — Thai "not spicy" can still have a kick)
Tao rai? — how much? (handy at markets and seafood stalls)
Aroy mak — delicious (a small compliment that goes a long way)
Hong nam yu tee nai? — where's the toilet?

💧 Water & ice safety One shape of ice tells you it's safe ▼

Don't drink tap water on Koh Chang — fine for brushing your teeth, but stick to bottled for drinking. Ice is a different story: the hollow cylinder-shaped ice cubes (a clean round shape with a hole through the middle) come from proper factory ice and are generally safe. A large bottle of water from a 7-Eleven costs around 15–20 THB.

🎒 Travel light for the boat You carry your own bags on and off the ferry ▼

Everyone arrives on Koh Chang by ferry. It is a big car ferry, so it is easy with luggage, but you may need to carry your bags to a songthaew at the other end. A backpack or small wheeled case is easiest. If you fly with a budget airline, cabin bags are often limited to about 7 kg.

🌊 Check the boat times The last ferry leaves around 6:30 pm ▼

Car ferries from Ao Thammachat run from about 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. If you arrive later than that, you will need to stay the night in Trat or near the pier. Aim to reach the pier by late afternoon.

☀️ Weather & what to pack Best from November to April ▼

November to April is the best time, with sunny, dry days. March to May is the hottest. May to October is the rainy season, and from June to September Koh Chang gets a lot of rain. Pack light, breathable clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sun cream, a hat and mosquito repellent.

🚨 Emergency numbers worth saving Save these before you land, not after you need them ▼

1155 — Tourist Police (English-speaking, helps visitors with theft, lost items and other problems)
191 — General police
1669 — Medical emergencies / ambulance
There are clinics on the island, and the nearest big hospital is in Trat on the mainland. Most hotels can call any of these for you if there's a language barrier.

🚕 Getting around Koh Chang Songthaews, scooters or your own two feet ▼

Shared songthaews (open pick-up taxis) meet the ferry and run up and down the west coast — expect about 100–200 baht each, depending on how far you go. Ask the price before you get on.

Scooters cost about 250–400 baht a day. The road south of Kai Bae has some of the steepest hills in Thailand, so only ride if you are experienced. Wear a helmet, take photos of the bike first, never leave your passport as a deposit, and check that your licence and travel insurance cover you.

🎫 The national park fee Have cash ready for the waterfalls ▼

Most of Koh Chang’s jungle is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. There is no fee to land on the island, but foreign adults pay about 200 baht in cash at park gates such as Klong Plu and Than Mayom waterfalls. Snorkelling trips to the marine park may add an extra park fee.

📅 Avoid the holiday crowds Book early for peak dates ▼

Christmas, New Year, Songkran and Thai long weekends are the busiest times on Koh Chang, with queues for the ferry and higher hotel prices. Book well ahead for these dates.

🚖 Pier to your hotel Songthaews meet the ferry ▼

Getting from the ferry to your hotel is easy. Shared songthaews wait at Ao Sapparot pier when the ferries arrive — agree the price before you set off. Many hotels can also arrange a pick-up.

🏪 The 7-Eleven survival basics There are lots on the west coast — here's what's worth grabbing ▼

7-Elevens are all along the west coast, from White Sand Beach to Lonely Beach. Worth picking up early in your trip: mosquito repellent, after-sun, cooling or prickly heat powder, bottled water and snacks for trips to the east coast, where there are few shops. A physical SIM card is really only worth it if your phone is too old for an eSIM — most travellers are better off sorting an eSIM before they land.

🍸 Sunset dinner bookings Book ahead for the best sunset seats ▼

The west coast faces the sunset, so beachfront tables on White Sand Beach, Klong Prao and Kai Bae fill up fast in high season. Book a table by the sand a day ahead, or arrive early.

🚉 Day trip or stay over? A plain steer on which is which ▼

Easy in a day from Koh Chang: snorkelling boats to Koh Wai and Koh Rang, and Klong Plu and Than Mayom waterfalls.

Not a day trip from Bangkok: the journey is 5–6 hours each way, so stay at least three nights.

Better as an overnight: Koh Kood and Koh Mak, an hour or two away by speedboat.

If you’d rather arrange your own transport, 12Go covers buses, vans and ferries to and from Koh Chang.

💵 What does it actually cost? A rough everyday price guide, so you know what's normal ▼

Prices in Thai Baht (THB) — prices drift over time, so treat these as a general feel for what's normal rather than fixed numbers.

🍜 Plate of pad thai at a street stall: 60–100 THB
⛴️ Car ferry to Koh Chang: about 80 THB
🎫 Waterfall park fee (foreign adult): about 200 THB
🚕 Shared songthaew from the pier: 100–200 THB
💆 One-hour traditional Thai massage: around 250 THB

💷 Planning your spending Everyone's budget is different ▼

Koh Chang costs a bit more than the mainland, because most things arrive by ferry. Everyone's budget is different, so we don't give daily figures. Local restaurants, songthaews and simple bungalows are cheap. Beachfront resorts, private boats and sunset dinners cost more. Prices go up on Thai holidays and over Christmas, New Year and Songkran.

💡 Tip: tap the booking buttons on any hotel to see today's real price.

🧭 Which company do I use for what? A quick reference so you're not guessing ▼

🏨 Hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia or Trip.com — compare across all four, since prices genuinely vary by site.

🚌 Buses, vans & boats: 12Go — for buses and vans from Bangkok, the airports and Pattaya, combined road-and-ferry tickets, and boats to Koh Kood and Koh Mak.

🏝️ Snorkelling boats & activities: ask your hotel or a tour desk on the island, or use Klook and GetYourGuide.

📱 eSIM & local SIM top-ups: Trip.com

🎒 Gear: Amazon — for the practical stuff (dry bags, waterproof phone pouches) mentioned elsewhere in these tips.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Koh Chang for first-timers?

White Sand Beach is the easiest first base, with the most restaurants, bars and shops, and it is closest to the ferry. If you want it calmer, Klong Prao has a long, quiet beach and good resorts, and Kai Bae is great for families and food.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

Take a bus from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai to Trat or the Ao Thammachat ferry pier, or a minivan or taxi. The car ferry to Ao Sapparot on the island takes 30–40 minutes. The whole trip takes about 5–6 hours. You can also fly to Trat.

How do I get to Koh Chang from Suvarnabhumi Airport?

Buses run from the airport to Trat (about 5 hours), and a private taxi to the ferry pier takes about 4–5 hours. You can also fly from Bangkok to Trat, or book an airport-to-island ticket online.

How do I get from Pattaya to Koh Chang?

Minivans with combined ferry tickets run from Pattaya every day (about 4–5 hours in total), or take a private taxi to the Ao Thammachat pier and the ferry across.

How much is the Koh Chang national park fee?

There is no fee to land on Koh Chang. Foreign adults pay about 200 baht in cash at national park gates, such as the waterfalls. Fees can change, so carry a little extra cash.

What time is the last boat to Koh Chang?

Car ferries from Ao Thammachat usually run from about 6:30 am to 6:30 pm. If you arrive later, you will need to stay the night on the mainland, so try to reach the pier by late afternoon.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

November to April is the best time, with dry, sunny days and calm seas. From June to September Koh Chang gets a lot of rain, the sea can be rough and some places close.

When is Koh Chang busiest?

Christmas and New Year, Songkran in mid-April and Thai long weekends. Book hotels early for these dates.

Do I need a scooter on Koh Chang?

Not on the west coast. Shared songthaews run between the beaches. Scooters are easy to rent and handy for the east coast, but the hills south of Kai Bae are very steep, so only ride if you are experienced, and never leave your passport as a deposit.

Is Koh Chang good for families?

Yes. Kai Bae and Klong Prao have calm water and family resorts with big pools, and children love the waterfalls and snorkelling boats.

Why are there no hotel prices on this page?

Hotel prices on Koh Chang change a lot between weekdays and weekends, by season and with special offers, so a fixed price would often be wrong. Tap Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia or Trip.com on any hotel to see today’s live price in your own currency. Weekends, Thai holidays, Christmas, New Year and Songkran are the most expensive times.

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