Koh Chang: the Wild Island Most Travelers Miss
The Second-Largest Island, the First in Wildness
Koh Chang is Thailand's second-largest island (after Phuket), but unlike Phuket, its center is still covered in dense, almost inaccessible jungle. Most tourist development is concentrated along the western coastal strip, while the east and interior remain almost wild.
Its location โ in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border โ also keeps it less served by direct international flight routes, which continues to contribute to it staying less known than other destinations.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
A village on stilts over the water in the island's southwest, with genuine seafood restaurants and fishing shops โ also a common departure point for diving and snorkeling trips to nearby islands within the marine park.
Waterfalls and Jungle Trails
Klong Plu Waterfall is the most accessible and well-known, inside a national park with an additional network of hiking trails covering a significant part of the island's center. Those who love real treks (not just a photo by a waterfall) will find here what most other Thailand islands no longer offer.
The Beaches โ Developed vs. Wild
White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) in the west is the developed, central one, with the largest hotel selection. In the southeast, Long Beach (Haad Wai Chek) is much quieter and wilder โ a difference felt almost like two different islands.
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท Agoda
Real data ยท AgodaDriving Tip on the Island
The island's center is mountainous and paved through jungle โ roads between beaches include steep, winding climbs and descents. Those renting a scooter need reasonable experience, not recommended for complete beginners. Rainy season here is also significant โ some businesses close between May and October.
How to Get There
An overland drive from eastern Bangkok (about 4-5 hours) and a short ferry โ there's no airport on the island. It's farther and less accessible than most southwestern islands, and that's exactly why it stays less developed and less known among Israeli travelers.
Usually, worth planning Koh Chang as a separate stop in your trip, not as part of an Andaman islands route โ the geography (eastern Gulf of Thailand, close to Cambodia) doesn't connect easily to southwestern routes.
Who It Suits
Nature and trekking lovers wanting something beyond beach and tanning, travelers who've already seen Phuket and Koh Samui and want something less known, and those who don't mind giving up developed infrastructure in exchange for a wilder atmosphere. Less suited to those wanting luxury hotels with a big selection, or those preferring not to drive on mountain roads themselves.
Recommended to plan at least 4-5 days to justify the relatively long trip from Bangkok โ less than that, and actual time on the beach/in nature will be short relative to the effort of getting there.
Where to stay: bays by style
On Koh Chang each bay has a different feel. White Sand Beach is known as the central and most developed, Klong Prao is quiet and suits couples and families, and Kai Bae has hotels at every level. Lonely Beach is known as a young backpacker beach with nightlife, and Bang Bao suits anyone who likes a fishing village atmosphere. Choose by the pace you want, and check recent reviews. More options are on the Koh Chang hotels page.
Real data ยท AgodaReal data ยท AgodaReal data ยท AgodaThe marine park and nearby islands
The island and its surroundings sit within a national marine park, and around it are smaller islands worth visiting. Snorkeling boat trips usually leave from the west coast and from Bang Bao, and sometimes include stops at islands such as Koh Wai and Koh Rang. Underwater visibility varies with the season and the weather, so do not count on perfect conditions. For rainy days see rainy day activities.
Arriving overland: Trat and the ferry
The usual way to get here is an overland trip from Bangkok to the Trat area, and from there a ferry connects the mainland to the island. There are sometimes flights to Trat as well, so check what is available on your dates. Leave a reasonable time buffer between reaching the pier and the ferry, because schedules vary. After the ferry expect another drive to your hotel, so do not plan anything urgent for arrival day. More on transport in the ferries and speedboats guide.
When to come and what to pack
The dry season is the most comfortable time for jungle walks and calm seas. In the rainy season the island is especially green, but rain is heavy and some businesses close. For treks bring real walking shoes, quick-drying clothes, and mosquito repellent. Pack a light rain jacket and a waterproof bag for your devices. You will find a full list in the packing list generator.
Fitting the island into your route
Koh Chang sits on the eastern side of the gulf, so it is easy to combine with destinations near Bangkok. You can pair it with Koh Samet or with a couple of days in the capital, and continue from there to the rest of your route. If you are building a long trip, note that this is a separate destination from the Andaman islands and that getting here takes time. Check the best islands guide to compare with other options.
If you are traveling with children or with someone who does not like the jungle, choose a bay with a comfortable beach and nearby services, and keep the treks to a single day. That way you enjoy the island without overexerting, and there is time left for rest.
Keep reading
Waterfalls in Thailand: four worth the trip and when they run dry.
Was this guide helpful?