How do you get to Koh Chang?

From Bangkok, take a bus from Mo Chit or Ekkamai to Trat (5–6 hours, ฿200–฿350), then a shared minivan to the ferry pier (30 minutes), then a 30-minute ferry to the island. Direct minivan services from Bangkok to Koh Chang ferry run for ฿350–฿500. The journey takes 5–6 hours total.

Is Koh Chang good for diving and snorkelling?

Snorkelling is good around Koh Wai and Koh Kood (nearby smaller islands). The diving around Koh Chang itself is less impressive than Koh Tao or the Andaman, but there are a few decent sites for beginners. Dive trips from the island visit the HTMS Chang wreck, a decommissioned navy vessel.

Is Koh Chang busier or quieter than Koh Samui?

Much quieter. Koh Chang has no direct international flights, which keeps mass tourism lower than Koh Samui or Phuket. It attracts a mix of Bangkok weekenders, expats from Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard, and travellers on the Bangkok–Cambodia route.

Best Hotels in Koh Chang — Area Guide & Top Picks by Budget

Best Hotels in Koh Chang

Koh Chang ('Elephant Island') is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket, located in Trat province near the Cambodian border. Less developed than Phuket or Koh Samui, it has a more rugged character — 70% of the island is covered in protected national park jungle. The west coast has the main tourist infrastructure; the east coast is largely undeveloped. Best suited for travellers who want beaches combined with jungle trekking and waterfalls.

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Compare prices and book hotels, flights, and activities for Koh Chang.

Hotels

Hotels in Koh Chang

Flights

Flights to Thailand

Activities

Things to do in Koh Chang

Explore Koh Chang:Book Tours & ActivitiesVia GetYourGuide

Where to Stay in Koh Chang

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)

฿600–8,000/night

Best for: Nightlife, convenience, most facilities

The longest beach on the island and the most developed. A wide range of accommodation from budget bungalows to comfortable mid-range resorts. The busiest beach with the most restaurants and bars.

Klong Prao Beach

฿800–6,000/night

Best for: Families, quieter atmosphere, lagoon

A 2km stretch of beach with a tidal lagoon at the north end. Less busy than White Sand Beach. Good mid-range and boutique resorts. Tara Tara restaurant on the lagoon is one of the island's best dining experiences.

Kai Bae & Lonely Beach

฿350–2,500/night

Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, snorkelling

The south end of the tourist coast. Kai Bae has good snorkelling and a more local feel. Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam) is the budget and backpacker hub — bungalows from ฿350/night and a lively bar scene.

Recommended Hotels

Klong Prao Resort

฿2,000–4,500/night

Klong Prao

Beachfront resort with lagoon and pool. Popular for families. Great value for the level of facilities.

Centara Tropicana Resort Koh Chang

฿2,500–5,000/night

White Sand Beach

Good-quality chain resort on the main beach. Multiple pools, spa, and reliable service.

The Dewa Koh Chang

฿2,200–4,500/night

White Sand Beach

Boutique resort with contemporary Thai design and beachfront location. One of the best mid-range choices on the island.

Booking Tips for Koh Chang

1
Koh Chang is best visited between November and May. The island receives very heavy rain from June to October — some resorts close during the low season.
2
Rent a scooter (฿200–฿300/day) to explore the coast road — it's a beautiful 30km circuit of the main tourist side of the island.
3
The waterfalls (Klong Plu, Than Mayom) are best visited after heavy rain when they're most impressive — typically August to December.

Disclaimer

Hotel prices and availability change frequently. All prices shown are approximate rack rates and can vary by season, availability, and booking platform. Always verify current rates directly with the hotel or on your preferred booking site.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Koh Chang guides

Best Hotels in Koh Chang

Where to Stay in Koh Chang

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)

฿600–8,000/night

Best for: Nightlife, convenience, most facilities

The longest beach on the island and the most developed. A wide range of accommodation from budget bungalows to comfortable mid-range resorts. The busiest beach with the most restaurants and bars.

Klong Prao Beach

฿800–6,000/night

Best for: Families, quieter atmosphere, lagoon

Kai Bae & Lonely Beach

฿350–2,500/night

Best for: Budget travellers, backpackers, snorkelling

Recommended Hotels

Klong Prao Resort

฿2,000–4,500/night

Klong Prao

Beachfront resort with lagoon and pool. Popular for families. Great value for the level of facilities.

Centara Tropicana Resort Koh Chang

฿2,500–5,000/night

White Sand Beach

Good-quality chain resort on the main beach. Multiple pools, spa, and reliable service.

The Dewa Koh Chang

฿2,200–4,500/night

White Sand Beach

Boutique resort with contemporary Thai design and beachfront location. One of the best mid-range choices on the island.

Booking Tips for Koh Chang

Koh Chang is best visited between November and May. The island receives very heavy rain from June to October — some resorts close during the low season.

Rent a scooter (฿200–฿300/day) to explore the coast road — it's a beautiful 30km circuit of the main tourist side of the island.

The waterfalls (Klong Plu, Than Mayom) are best visited after heavy rain when they're most impressive — typically August to December.