Koh Chang, Thailand, Travel Guide

In 15 minutes from the time the ferry left Trat in the Gulf of Thailand, close to Cambodia’s border, Koh Chang appears. The island is massive and appears to stretch out across the horizon. Its undulating hills and mountains resemble giants snoozing. Like stars, smaller islands dot the turquoise waters surrounding it. As we get closer, I begin to notice how green the island is—more than 70 percent The area is covered by thick, protected rainforest, which is home to critters including white-bellied eagles of the sea and crab-eating monkeys.

Koh Chang (meaning “Elephant Island” because it looks like the mammal above) is Thailand’s 3rd largest island after Phuket & Koh Samui. The anchor island of the Mu Ko Chang National Park is known for its pristine beaches, rushing falls, jungle treks and over six square miles coral reefs. The island is accessible only by ferry and has no airport. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the island from the mainland. It’s a trek that overall results in fewer tourists, a welcome respite from the crowds that are spreading across ThailandAfter the premier of the third season, The White Lotus Koh Chang has a unique mix of tourist attractions that are relatively well-developed, without the crowds of tourists and the impact of overtourism on other major islands such as Phuket or Koh Samui. Grant Ekelund. Travel + Leisure InsideAsia Tours has a list advisor and travel consultant. This means that the prices are lower than in Phuket, even if you’re looking at luxury properties.

The home of incredible stretches white-sand beachesKoh Chang has it all: breathtaking views, great seafood and a secluded location. Thailand’s most underrated islands.

Best Hotels & Resorts

KC Grande Resort Koh Chang

This sprawling five-star resortThe resort where I stayed stretches along the popular White Sand Beach of the island and into the jungle-covered hills. The grounds, surrounded by swaying lotus ponds and palm trees, offer panoramic views of the ocean. The contemporary rooms feature color palettes inspired by Thai culture and balconies with views of hills and the sea. Upgraded suites include Jacuzzis with direct pool access. Mini beachfront villas can also be booked. The resort is situated on the main road of the island, close to several bars, restaurants and shops. Two restaurants, a café, four outdoor pools and a rooftop infinity pool with bar are also on the premises.

The Dewa Koh Chang

The Dewa Koh Chang This beachfront resort seamlessly combines rustic architecture and the natural environment. The property has multiple concrete silos with high ceilings, accented with natural materials like thatched roofs and wood furniture. The rooms are spacious with modern Thai décor, floor-to ceiling windows, balconies, soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Black-tiled pool surrounds lush tropical gardens, and the full-service Spa caters to guests seeking ultimate relaxation. The resort is connected to Klong Prao Beach.

Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort

The resort is surrounded by tropical gardens. this 157-room resort Direct access to Klong Prao Beach. The rustic, yet elevated rooms feature wooden furniture with large windows and balconies or terraces that offer garden and beach views. The resort has a bar and a restaurant located directly on the sand—arguably the best point to watch the sun sink beneath the waves. It’s good to know that pets can be brought in for a small charge.

Santhiya Koh Chang Resort

This serene resort It is nestled between tropical hill and Klong Prao Beach. Villas and Suites have ornate teak, rattan and other furnishings. They also come with private swimming pools and stunning views over tropical gardens, canals and mountains. The resort offers two pools: a beachfront one lined with palms and an infinity-style pool that provides elevated views of the grounds.

GajaPuri Resort

The design is meant to mimic a charming village. GajaPuri Resort The tranquil retreat is set in lush gardens and backed by the natural rain forest reserve on one side, and the calm shores of Kai Bae Beach on the other. The property has two saltwater swimming pools, as well as individual wooden bungalows that are connected by wooden walkways. Upgraded rooms feature Jacuzzis and private villas. There’s also a tent-like room with an outdoor sink, a shower and a mini waterfall.

The Best Things to do

Sunbathe at one of the five main beaches on the island.

Koh Chang’s west coast is home to 5 main beaches. White Sand Beaches, Klong Prao Beaches, Kai Bae Beaches, Lonely Beaches, and Klong Kloi Beaches are all located on the west coast of Koh Chang. “As a Thai island, the beaches of Koh Chang are exactly what you would expect—a truly idyllic landscape of soft white sand with warm waters rolling onto the shore all day,” says Ekelund.

White Sand Beach is by far the most developed of the five. It is just under two-miles long and boasts a powder-white beach, clear waters and plenty of restaurants and bars. The area is illuminated by colorful fairy lights strung among massive mangroves at dusk. In many of the restaurants, you can pick your own meats or seafood. Klong Prao Beach has been dubbed the island’s best beach with its 2+ miles of white sand. Lonely Beach, with its laid-back atmosphere, has been dubbed the ultimate “backpacker’s scene”, while Klong Kloi Beach is known for being secluded.

White Sand Beach Night Market offers street food.

If you want a laid-back dinner, the Koh Chang Night Market near White Sand Beach is a good place to try street food with both locals and tourists. The market, which is lit by fairy lights, is small, but vibrant. It has several stalls with vendors selling everything from spring rolls to seafood and meats grilled in front of you. Some of the unique local delicacies include horseshoe crab served either as a salad, or grilled. You can also find barbecued crocodiles skewers. You can either take your food to go or eat at provided benches and tables.

Explore the fishing village of Bang Bao.

Bang Bao is an island fishing village that is built on wooden stilts. It is situated between steep hills and a 1,100 feet long pier at the southernmost tip of the Island. Tourism has replaced fishing as the main source of income for the community, but the area is still a good way to experience the island without resorts. Ekelund explains that Koh Chang, because of its remote location, has developed a unique culture over the course of hundreds and even thousands years. There are many souvenir shops here as well as quaint guesthouses and seafood restaurants that offer panoramic views of Bay.

Explore coral reefs as well as wreck sites by snorkeling or diving.

The coral reefs can be explored right on the beach in Koh Chang. Or, you can take a snorkeling excursion. You’ll find tropical species like clownfish, parrotfish and angelfish flitting among the corals. Adventuresome divers will love exploring these corals. HTMS Chang wreckThe largest and most famous shipwreck in Thailand. It was a former World War II tank and Korean War tank from the United States that was sold to Thailand’s Navy. In 2012, it was deliberately sunk to create a coral reef. It’s 328-foot long and now hosts a variety of marine species, including barracudas and whale sharks.

In the rain forest, you can swim in waterfalls.

Koh Chang’s rain forest is the main feature of the island, so it is no surprise that there are several waterfalls. Klong Plu has the highest popularity. It is located on a winding path a short distance from Klong Prao Beach. This waterfall, which is completely hidden in dense vegetation with a 130 foot drop and a large pool for swimming, has a huge drop of water. Although the trail is maintained well, it can be steep and uneven in certain places. You should use proper footwear and have a good level of fitness if you intend to see the falls from a higher viewpoint.

Best Restaurants

Sabay Bar

White Sand Beach is a great location. this bar and restaurant At sunset, the restaurant sets up comfortable chairs and tables on the beach. Colorful handmade light fixtures hang in the mangroves to create a relaxing glow. Restaurants serve cocktails, local Thai beer, soft drinks as an aperitif and, at night, you may choose from the menu, or pick your own seafood, meats and vegetables to be barbecued in front of your eyes. Every night, fire dancing is performed on the beach.

Jae Eaw Seafood

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. long-standing family-run establishment This local favorite is known for its large portions, affordable prices, and high quality. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes including grilled tiger-prawns and garlic-fried calabrian. Tom yum soup.

Nong Bua Seafood Klong Prao

The room is small, but has high ceilings. this cozy restaurant It is located on Klong Prao Beach. The original location, which opened in White Sand Beach over 20 years ago, has a sister branch along Klong Prao Beach. The restaurant is known for its seafood platters that include clams and squids. Tiger prawns are also served. The menu also includes traditional Thai dishes, such as pineapple-fried rice and pad Thai.

When is the best time to visit?

It’s best time to visit The dry season is between November and April. Expect clear skies and calm seas with temperatures averaging between 80 and 86 degrees F. The months of December to February are the peak season. This coincides with an active atmosphere, more bars and restaurants open and a more lively atmosphere. The island’s peak season is between November and April. shoulder season The prices are slightly lower and there are fewer people. Ekelund recommends avoiding May through October—the rainy season—as heavy showers and rough seas can disrupt outdoor activities. Budget-conscious travelers can find great deals on accommodation if they’re willing get wet.

How to Get There

Koh Chang can only be reached by ferry from Trat. The nearest airport is the regional Trat (TDX) Airport, located about 20 minutes to the north of Ao Thammachat Pier. This is the main ferry terminal for the island. You can fly directly into TDX from BangkokThe airport is about four hours away from the city. Most accommodation on the island offers private transfers from Trat Airport. The ferry from Trat to Koh Chang is also available.

How to Get Around

Koh Chang has only one main road and no private taxis or tuk-tuks. Instead, songthaews exist, which are modified pickup trucks with benches on the bed and a canopy structure to protect and store luggage. These are operated like buses and have fixed routes and schedules. They can also be flagged on the side.

It is, however, the cheapest and easiest way to get around. The cost is between 200-300 Thai baht, or roughly $6 to $9 per day. However, shops often offer discounts on longer rentals. Gas can be purchased in glass bottles for 40 THB or $1.22 at small shops around the island.