By Kylian Dev
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Bang Bao fishing village
Wooden stilt piers and seafood restaurants at the tip of the peninsula.
Destination guide · East
Koh Chang: the best things to do, where to stay and budget
Thailand's third-largest island is protected as a national park, preserving its wild peaks and secret waterfalls. A pristine alternative to the southern islands.
- Best: November to April
- €25 - 50 / day
In short
Koh Chang (East) — Elephant Island: inland waterfalls and untouched jungle. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 29°C. Budget: about €25 - 50 / day. Weather: 29°C • Calm waters and mild tropical forest climate
RegionEast
TypeIsland
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature29°C
Budget / day€25 - 50 / day
Thai nameเกาะช้าง
Must-sees
Things to do in Koh Chang
Elephant Island: inland waterfalls and untouched jungle
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Klong Plu waterfall
A deep natural pool nestled in dense canopy inhabited by macaques.
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Lonely Beach's wild cove
A tropical tree-lined beach, colourful hammocks and a friendly vibe.
More things to do in Koh Chang
- 4
White Sand Beach
BeachHalf a day or moreThe island's longest and liveliest beach, with bars and restaurants on the sand. The best place to watch the sunset over the Gulf.
- 5
Kayaking in the Salak Khok mangrove
Nature2 to 3 hIn the east of the island, a community-run mangrove visited by kayak or boat. Calm and green, a different side of Koh Chang.
- 6
Snorkelling trips to the southern islands
Sea & islandsFull dayBoats from Bang Bao go to Koh Rang, Koh Wai and the small islands of the national marine park, where the water is clearest.
- 7
Kai Bae viewpoint
ViewpointAbout 1 hA viewpoint on the west coast road overlooking Kai Bae bay and its islets. Stop at the end of the day on the way back from the south.
- 8
Than Mayom waterfall
Nature2 to 3 hA multi-level waterfall on the east coast with royal inscriptions carved in the rock. Quieter than Klong Plu.
- 9
Trekking in the jungle
ActivityHalf dayThe interior is covered with rainforest. Guided walks cross the jungle to waterfalls, with wildlife such as monkeys and hornbills.
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Seafood in Salak Phet
FoodEveningThe fishing village of Salak Phet, in the south-east, has stilt restaurants serving very fresh seafood. Much quieter than the west coast.
Great forBeaches & RelaxingJungle & HikingDiving & Reefs
Weather
When to go to Koh Chang?
29°C • Calm waters and mild tropical forest climate. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Koh Chang: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €25 - 50 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Budget
25–50 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~15 €
Food
~9 €
Activities
~8 €
Local transport
~6 €
Transport
How to get to Koh Chang
Transport tip
45-minute fast ferry from the Ao Thammachat pier in Trat.
From Bangkok → Koh Chang
Road
~356 km · ~6.5 h by road
Nearest destinations
Koh Chang → Koh Mak
Road
~39 km · ~3.5 h by road
Koh Chang → Koh Kood
Boat
1h15–1h45
Koh Chang → Koh Samet
Road
~144 km · ~3.5 h by road
Times and tickets Bangkok → Koh ChangPartner link
Where is Koh Chang?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Koh Chang
The best-known areas to base yourself:
White Sand Beach
The liveliest beach, closest to the ferries.
Klong Prao / Kai Bae
Long, calmer beaches, good for families.
Lonely Beach
Backpacker vibe and bars at night.
Bang Bao
Stilt fishing village in the south, boats to the outer islands.
Food
What to eat in Koh Chang
Stir-fried prawns in tamarind sauce
Mangrove crab with black pepper
Fresh fruit picked from Trat's orchards
Can’t decide?
Koh Chang or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Combine with
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Health and safety
Healthcare and useful numbers in Koh Chang
The numbers to call, the hospitals and clinics on site and, when the nearest hospital is elsewhere, how long the transfer takes. Save this before you go.
Hospitals and clinics
- Koh Chang International HospitalPrivate hospitalDirections
- Koh Chang HospitalPublic hospitalDirections
Serious cases are transferred to Trat, about 1.5 h by boat and road.
Private hospitals ask for a payment guarantee on admission: keep your insurance certificate and assistance number on your phone.
Choose your travel insuranceFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Koh Chang
What are the best things to do in Koh Chang?
The must-sees are Bang Bao fishing village, Klong Plu waterfall, Lonely Beach's wild cove. Also worth your time: White Sand Beach, Kayaking in the Salak Khok mangrove, Snorkelling trips to the southern islands, Kai Bae viewpoint.
How many days should I spend in Koh Chang?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Koh Chang, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with Koh ChangWhat is the best time to visit Koh Chang?
The best season is November to April. 29°C • Calm waters and mild tropical forest climate. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Koh Chang?
Plan on roughly €25 - 50 / day per person (Budget), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for Koh ChangHow do I get to Koh Chang?
45-minute fast ferry from the Ao Thammachat pier in Trat. From Bangkok, Koh Chang is about 274 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to Koh ChangWhich area should I stay in, in Koh Chang?
The most popular areas are White Sand Beach, Klong Prao / Kai Bae, Lonely Beach, Bang Bao. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in Koh ChangPlan your trip
Tools to plan your stay in Koh Chang
Compare with the other destinations
Koh Chang is one of the 28 destinations covered in detail on the site. The destinations hub sorts them by traveler profile, by month of travel and by daily budget, to help you decide where to go and how many days to stay.