Koh Chang: 2026 Guide, Getting There, Beaches, Attractions and Prices

Koh Chang is Thailand’s third-largest island and one of the places that still retain a wild, slightly sleepy character. Its mountainous interior is covered in jungle, waterfalls hide among the trees, and in the evening you don’t have to fight for space on the beaches. If you’re looking for an alternative to crowded destinations such as Phuket or Koh Samui, this island in Trat Province should be high on your list.

At the same time, Koh Chang can surprise you, and not everything you read online is up to date. Prices change from season to season, some roads can be challenging for inexperienced drivers, and choosing the right beach really matters. That’s why we prepared this guide based on our own regular visits to the island. As AsiaTrip, local Thailand tour operators based near Bangkok, we know the area firsthand and keep the information up to date.

In this article, you’ll find practical advice on getting to Koh Chang, an overview of the best beaches, attractions worth your time, and estimated prices for 2026. Everything is explained clearly and without unnecessary filler, so you can plan your trip without needless stress.

Why Koh Chang, and who is this island for?

Koh Chang attracts visitors looking for proper rest away from commercial bustle. The island covers around 429 km², and more than 70% of it is covered by a national park. This means developers cannot build up its interior as freely as in other popular destinations. The result is a landscape that really makes an impression: dense jungle runs right down to the sea, and fishing villages still look much as they did a dozen or so years ago.

Koh Chang compared with other popular Thai islands

Phuket has excellent infrastructure, but in peak season its beaches look like car parks for sun loungers. Koh Samui has followed a similar path, with expensive hotels, crowds, and prices that have less and less in common with Thailand. Koh Chang still strikes a balance between convenience and natural character. Here, you can choose between comfortable resorts on the west coast and quiet spots in the south of the island, where there are far fewer tourists.

If you want to experience what Thailand was like before mass tourism, Koh Chang is one of the last larger islands that still offers that.

You can also see the difference in the pace of life. On the west coast, around beaches such as White Sand Beach and Klong Prao, you’ll find restaurants, bars, and shops. Just a few kilometres farther south, however, the island becomes surprisingly quiet. The roads can be steep and narrow, so those beaches are reached almost exclusively by people who are genuinely seeking them out.

Who is Koh Chang a good choice for?

This island is especially well suited to a few types of traveller. Couples looking for a quiet week by the sea will find the right setting here without paying extra for branded hotels. Families with children will appreciate the quieter beaches with shallower water, such as Klong Prao and Kai Bae. Experienced travellers who have already visited Phuket and Samui come here for a more authentic experience.

The island is not the right choice for everyone, though. If you’re looking for a wide range of parties and nightlife, Koh Phangan or the south of Phuket may be a better fit. In the evenings, Koh Chang winds down. Restaurants, walks along the beach, and sunsets are the norm here, not a drawback.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

Koh Chang lies on the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand, which is important when planning your trip. The dry season runs from November to May, and the weather is stable during this period: sunshine, low humidity, and water temperatures around 28-30°C. This is the best time to see the island at its finest.

The rainy season begins in June and lasts until October. During this time, some hotels close, and waves on certain beaches can be too high for safe swimming. Travellers who enjoy peace and lower prices sometimes deliberately choose September or October, but you should be prepared for the possibility of several days of rain. If you’re planning a trip in 2026 and want reliable weather, aim for January or February.

How to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok and the surrounding area

Koh Chang is off Thailand’s eastern coast, in Trat Province, about 315 km from Bangkok. The journey takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the route and mode of transport. Fortunately, getting there is straightforward, even if it’s your first visit and you don’t speak Thai.

Bus and ferry, the most popular combination

The most accessible option is a bus from Bangkok to Trat or directly to the ferry terminal at Laem Ngop. Minibuses run regularly from Ekkamai or Mo Chit bus stations, and the journey usually takes 5 to 6 hours. A one-way ticket costs 200 to 350 baht. Once there, you board the ferry to Koh Chang. Two ferries operate: one to the centre of the island at Dan Kao and another farther south at Ao Sapparot. The crossing takes around 30 minutes and costs 80 baht per person.

If you’re travelling with family or a private closed group of 4 to 20 guests, it’s worth checking out a joint transfer, a ready-made transfer that combines the bus and ferry in one booking. It costs less than a taxi and is more convenient than arranging each leg separately.

If you don’t want to piece together the bus, ferry, and transfer yourself, you can travel the entire eastern route in one vehicle. Our seven-day tour of Koh Samet, Koh Chang, and Koh Mak with local support from the AsiaTrip team includes a private van for your group only, pickup from your hotel in Bangkok, and ferry crossings to all three islands. We calculate the price based on the number of people and the date, and send the quote via WhatsApp or the form.

Alternatively, you can fly to Trat Airport, which is only a dozen or so kilometres from the ferry. Flights from Bangkok Airways take just under an hour, but fares are significantly higher than the bus, so it’s worth comparing options in advance.

Rental car or motorbike

Travellers who prefer independence often choose to rent a car in Bangkok and drive along Route 3. Parking at the ferry terminal is paid, and taking a car on the ferry costs 200 to 250 baht per vehicle. Having a car or scooter on the island gives you a lot of freedom, as public transport is limited to a small number of songthaews running along the main road on the west coast.

Scooter rentals are widely available directly on the island, with prices starting at around 200-300 baht per day. Bear in mind, though, that roads in the south can be steep and narrow, especially after rain. If you have little experience riding a motorbike, it’s better to choose a car or stick to the main roads.

Where to stay on Koh Chang and how to choose a beach

Choosing where to stay on Koh Chang really starts with choosing the beach you want to stay near. The island is large enough that different areas have very different characters. Prices, facilities, and noise levels can vary considerably, even between neighbouring beaches. Before booking a room, it’s worth knowing what to expect in each area.

West coast: the centre of tourist life

The west coast is the island’s main accommodation area. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the most developed beach, with the widest choice of restaurants, shops, and bars. Just beyond it is Klong Prao, which combines a quieter atmosphere with good access to services. It’s a good choice for families with children, as the water is shallower and the beach is wider than in the south.

If convenience matters to you and you don’t want to rely on a scooter every time you go shopping, choose accommodation near White Sand Beach or Klong Prao. Most of the island’s accommodation and transport options are concentrated here.

Farther south are Kai Bae and Lonely Beach. Kai Bae offers a mix of peace and basic facilities, while Lonely Beach attracts younger travellers and those looking for a more laid-back atmosphere at a lower price. Accommodation in this area starts at 400 baht per night for basic bungalows and can reach several thousand for rooms in resorts.

South of the island: peace and quiet at the cost of convenience

The southern part of Koh Chang is for those who knowingly give up convenience in exchange for peace and quiet. Beaches such as Ao Bai Lan and Bang Bao have little accommodation and very few tourists. Bang Bao, known for its wooden pier and tour boats, has several pleasant guesthouses right by the water.

The downside of this location is the limited choice of restaurants and shops. In practice, you’ll need your own transport to get around the island easily. If you’re renting a scooter or car and value space, the south is a really good choice. For your first visit, though, we recommend starting on the west coast and moving farther afield once you’ve got a feel for the island.

Things to do on Koh Chang: beaches, waterfalls, boat trips

The island offers much more than sunbathing and the sea. You’ll find jungle trails, waterfalls with natural pools, snorkelling, and day trips to neighbouring islands. Here’s a practical overview of activities worth adding to your itinerary.

Beaches worth visiting

The west coast has the best beaches in terms of facilities. White Sand Beach gets the most visitors, but if you’d like more space, Klong Prao and Kai Bae offer a similar standard with fewer tourists. In the south, the beaches are almost empty. Bang Bao and Ao Bai Lan are places where you can spend a few hours without the crowds.

Swimming conditions vary by season. During the dry season, from November to May, the water is clear and calm, with good underwater visibility. In the rainy season, waves can be higher, and snorkelling straight from the beach is less worthwhile. At that time, consider taking a boat trip to calmer waters around the nearby islands.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, head south before noon. There are very few people on those beaches at that time.

Waterfalls and jungle trekking

The best-known stop for a walk is Klong Plu Waterfall. It’s easy to reach, with a clearly marked trail and a swimming pool at its base. Entry costs 200 baht, and the round trip takes about two hours, including time for a swim, making it a good activity for the morning.

For more challenging routes, consider Klong Nonsi Waterfall or Khlong Mayom. These spots attract fewer tourists and require a longer hike through the jungle. Access roads to the trailheads may be unpaved, so your own transport is practically essential.

Boat trips and snorkelling

Boats regularly leave the pier at Bang Bao for day trips to nearby islands. The most popular destinations are Koh Kood and Koh Mak, known for their exceptionally clear water. Day trips start at around 800 baht per person, depending on the route and number of stops.

Snorkelling around Koh Chang is best near the small islands to the south. The coral reef right by the main island is damaged in places, but the visibility and marine life around Koh Wai and Koh Kood are really impressive.

Prices and practical tips for 2026

The cost of a stay on Koh Chang is lower than on Phuket or Koh Samui, but prices have risen considerably in recent years. When planning your budget for 2026, treat the amounts below as estimates, since the difference between the dry and rainy seasons can be as much as 40 percent.

Estimated costs of a stay

The table below shows roughly how much you might spend on basic expenses during peak season, from November to March:

Bear in mind that booking in advance usually means lower prices, especially for accommodation in popular areas near White Sand Beach. Hotels on the west coast are heavily booked during peak season, so leaving your reservation until the last minute is not a good idea.

What to know before you arrive

Here are a few practical points to help you avoid common problems. ATMs on the island charge a withdrawal fee of 200-220 baht per transaction, so it’s worth bringing a larger amount of cash withdrawn in Bangkok or at the airport. Credit cards are accepted mainly at larger hotels and restaurants, so don’t count on using one at small food stalls.

If you plan to ride a scooter, make sure your travel insurance covers accidents involving two-wheeled vehicles, as most standard policies do not.

Internet access works reasonably well along the west coast, but the signal may be weak or unavailable in the south of the island and deep in the jungle. It’s worth buying a Thai SIM card with a data plan at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Providers such as AIS and DTAC offer low-cost tourist SIM cards valid for 15 or 30 days, which work well for the whole trip.

What to remember before your trip

Koh Chang is an island that rewards those who arrive prepared. Book your accommodation in advance if you plan to visit during the dry season, bring cash withdrawn in Bangkok, and check whether your insurance covers scooter rental. Getting there by ferry is straightforward, but it is worth planning the logistics of your whole trip ahead of time rather than improvising once you arrive.

Choosing the right beach matters more than you might think. The west coast offers comfort and convenience, while the south of the island is quieter and more spacious. If this is your first visit, start with White Sand Beach or Klong Prao, and save the quieter areas for another trip.

If you would prefer someone with experience to plan your entire trip around Thailand, take a look at our Thailand tours and contact us before you book your tickets.

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