Koh Chang
Welcome to Koh Chang
"Tropical Pearl in the Gulf of Thailand"
Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand (after Phuket) and named after the largest island in an archipelago of 52, Koh Chang is one of the best-known national marine parks in Thailand. The park covers an area of 650 km2, two thirds of which is sea. Located in the southeast corner and close to the Cambodian border it is easily accessible from Bangkok. The island’s scenic beauty, which includes a thick jungled interior (with the highest peak at 744 m) teeming with a wide variety of flora and fauna, mangrove forests, cliffs, stunning beaches, clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs, make this an ideal place for a varied holiday experience.
While the best beaches on Koh Chang are on its west coast, the coastal road has helped to increase accessibility to other remote beaches on the island as well. The northwest coast of Koh Chang is the most developed part of the island. The east coast of Koh Chang is lined with mangroves and has few facilities for visitors or beaches and accommodations. The eastern coast is more suited for trekking and bird watching. Increased development also means that Koh Chang now has no shortage of upscale hotels, resorts, restaurants, and spas catering to an increasing influx of visitors. Marine life enthusiasts will find the waters south and west of Koh Chang endowed with fascinating coral formations.
Click and Zoom to see more of the map above.
Trat town, located approx. 320 km southeast of Bangkok, has an airport with direct flights from Bangkok. 20 km south of Trat town, the small fishing port Laem Ngop serves as the ferry point for nearby Koh Chang and the islands that lie beyond. From Bangkok it takes approx. 5 hours overland to the Laem Ngop pier and from here the ferry brings you in 30 minutes to Tha Dan Kao pier on Koh Chang.
Southeast Thailand has 2 seasons, a dry period from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. Even though it can sometimes rain very hard during this rainy season, there are still many summer days during this time.
Beaches, sights and Accommodation on Koh Chang
We offer you accommodation on most of the beaches listed below.
Along the west coastal road
Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) - northern west coast
Located on the northern west coast, White Sand Beach is the first beach you come across from the ferry and is the longest and most popular beach on the island. Hotels, resorts, beach bars and information centers for excursions are located along the approximately 2.5 km long beach with powder soft white sand. On the road parallel to the beach there are shops, restaurants, bars, and a few small shopping malls.
Hotels: Bangpu Koh Chang Hotel - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Kacha Resort & Spa - 4 Stars (4/5) ; KC Grande Resort & Spa (4/5)
Hat Khlong Phrao (Khlong Phrao Beach) - west coast
Located 5km south of Hat Sai Khao, Khlong Phrao beach is the most popular family beach on Koh Chang, with some excellent mid-range resorts. The white sandy beach is in a lovely long bay. The beach is divided into two parts by a lagoon. The sea water here is shallow for the first two hundred meters, making it very suitable as a swimming beach for young children. It is also a beautiful place for the sunset and the view over the islands that lie off the coast. Nearby is the beautiful Khlong Phlu waterfall. Located almost in the center of the island, the three-step waterfall flows into a freshwater pool, ideal for a picnic.
Hotels: ; Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa - 4 Stars (4/5) ;
The Splash Koh Chang - 4 Stars (4/5) ; The Emerald Cove Koh Chang - 4.5 Stars (4.5/5) ; The Dewa Koh Chang - 5 Stars (5/5) ;
Hat Kai Bae (Kai Bae Beach) – west coast
Located 11km south of Hat Sai Khao. One of the best beaches and the last before the road climbs over the huge mountain towards the far southwest of the island. Along this 2km stretch of sand, you will find a couple of luxury resorts with a larger selection of mid-range bungalows.
Hotels: Awa Koh Chang - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Aana Resort & Spa - 4 Stars (4/5) ; Gajapuri Resort & Spa - 4.5 Stars (4.5/5)
Hat Tha Nam (Lonely Beach)– west coast
Located just south of Hat Kai Bae. The go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers with a busy nightlife scene.
Ao Bai Lan (Bai Lan Bay) – southwest Coast
Located 13 km south of Hat Sai Khao. A small and relaxed rocky beach.
Hotels: Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway - 4 Stars (4/5)
Ao Bang Bao (Bang Bao Bay) – south coast
Located 19 km south of Hat Sai Khao. Also known as Klong Kloi beach. One of the most beautiful beaches on the far south coast of Koh Chang, about 1km beyond Bang Bao village at Bang Bao Bay. Bang Bao, in the southwestern corner of Koh Chang, is a small fishing village entirely built on stilts, overlooking the bay. The wooden houses as well as shops, guesthouses and restaurants are connected by narrow bridges, creating a miniature colony over the sea.
Hotels: Cliff Cottage - 3 Stars (3/5)
Hat Wai Chek (Wai Chek Beach)– south coast
Located 5km east of Bang Bao. This secluded serene beach is not accessible by road and can only be reached by trekking across the islands forested interior or by boat rental from Bang Bao Beach
Along the east coastal road
Tham Mayom waterfall – east coast
Located 6 km south of Tha Dan Khao pier. A 2-km walk south of the Tham Mayom pier leads to the waterfall on a steep hill. This natural cascade is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers spectacular views over the coastline.
Ban Salak Phet and Bay – southeast coast
Located 16km south of Tha Dan Khao. A traditional fishing village with houses built on stilts. A visit to the fish and shrimp farms and the lighthouse is worth a visit. A diving or snorkeling excursion from the bay to the shipwrecks of two Thai naval ships, the Songkhla and the Chonburi, is possible. The ships were sunk during World War II by the French Navy.
Hat Sai Yao (Long Beach) – southeastern tip
Located 22km south of Tha Dan Khao pier. One of the most remote beaches on Koh Chang, located at the far end of the southeast peninsula. You will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of just about everything at Long Beach. Virtually no resorts, no restaurants, no shops, you will need to bring all your own things here, or plan to get something back at Ban Salak Kok on the east coast. Hat Sai Yao is the closest point for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing trips to a handful of tiny, yet picturesque islands nearby.
Koh Chang’s outlying islands in the Koh Chang National Marine Park
Located south of Koh Chang, the stunning islands of Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood, with their beautiful beaches and clear waters, are perfect for swimming and sunbathing and offer accommodation. These islands are accessible by ferry or speedboat and offer some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh Wai
Located 10 km southeast of Koh Chang. Bounded by white sands, palm trees, clear waters, and coral reefs, Koh Wai provides a perfect tropical setting with gorgeous views of the neighboring islands. The L-shaped island is 3 km long and 1 km wide at the widest point. The east part of the island is encircled by coral reef and has sand beaches while the west part is more rugged and hilly. The interior is covered by forest jungle. There are a handful of resorts on the island and daily boat connections to Koh Chang, Koh Mak and the mainland, during the season. Hotel: Koh Wai Beach Resort - 3 Stars (3/5)
Koh Mak
Located 22km south of Koh Chang. The 16 sqm island is covered with coconut and rubber plantations. Resorts and bungalows are located mainly on the beaches of Ao Kao and Ao Suan Yai. Scuba diving is a popular activity in Koh Mak and the surrounding cluster of the tiny islands Koh Rayang, Koh Kra, Koh Rang and Koh Kradat. Hotel: Koh Mak Resort - 3 Stars (3/5) ; Seavana Beach Resort - 3.5 Stars (3.5/5)
Koh Kham
Also known as Emerald Island, is a small remote island near Koh Mak. This is one of the view islands where black volcanic rocks are found on the beaches. The west coast has a profusion of mangroves and wild orchids, while the east coast has two small beaches.
Koh Kood
Located 34 km south of Koh Chang. The second-largest island of the Koh Chang archipelago, Koh Kood is also the farthest from the mainland. Most beaches are on the west coast. The pristine untouched interior of this island is home to the beautiful Khlong Chao waterfall. A visit at the fishing village of Ao Salad and sample the fresh seafood on offer is also recommended.
Hotels: Koh Kood Paradise Beach - 4 Stars (4/5)
Sunset on Koh Chang
Khlong Phrao Beach