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Koh Chang travel guide

Ko Chang, in Trat Province near the Cambodian border, is Thailand's third-largest island: a steep, forested ridge about 30 km long, much of it inside Mu Ko Chang National Park. Ferries from the mainland land on the east coast, which has mud and rock shores, while the sandy beaches and almost all the hotels face west along a single coastal road heading south.

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Getting there and choosing your base

  • Ao Thammachat vehicle ferry: The mainland pier in service is at Thammachat Bay, west of Laem Ngop town, with boats crossing to Ao Sapparot in the island's north-east. The older Centrepoint pier has been suspended since mid-2024, so be wary of transfer packages that still name it.
  • Trat Airport (TDX): A small open-air terminal served only by Bangkok Airways from Suvarnabhumi, roughly 17 km from the ferry piers. Door-to-door minibuses that include the crossing are the least fuss if your hotel is far down the west coast.
  • Road from Bangkok: Government buses from Ekkamai and Suvarnabhumi run to Laem Ngop for the ferry. Some shared minibuses from Suvarnabhumi carry on over the water to Lonely Beach and drop passengers along the west coast.

Areas to consider

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)

A good fit for a first trip, with the island's largest spread of rooms, restaurants and bars, and the shortest ride from the ferry. All island traffic heading south passes along the coast road here, so a sea-facing room is worth requesting.

Klong Prao

Works for couples and families who want a calmer beach in the middle of the west coast, close to the Klong Plu waterfall. Resorts are strung out along the shore; check whether there are places to eat within walking distance or whether every dinner means a songthaew.

Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam)

Best for backpackers and anyone after cheap bungalows and late nights in the high season. Bars near the road play music late, so ask how far the bungalow is from the main strip before you book.

Bang Bao

Right for divers and island-hoppers: a long wooden pier village on the south coast with dive shops, seafood restaurants and boats to Ko Kut. Ask how far the nearest swimming beach is and whether there is a shuttle to it.

When to go

Ko Chang is at its most comfortable between November and February, which is also when short-notice rooms are scarcest. March to May is very hot, and from about May or June to October the island gets very heavy rain: many guesthouses shut, but those that stay open cut their rates. Being close to Bangkok, the best-value rooms can sell out at weekends in any season.

Before choosing a room

  • Songthaews switch to higher taxi pricing in the evening and stop entirely in the early hours. If your hotel is a few beaches away from where you plan to eat, ask about a shuttle.
  • Between June and October, confirm the hotel is actually open on your dates and ask about its access road: some tracks near Lonely Beach are rough after heavy rain.
  • Every ferry lands on the east side, over the hills from the west-coast beaches. Check whether a pick-up from Ao Sapparot is included in the rate.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

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