Welcome to Koh Chang Island! A peaceful and laid back island just off the coast of the province of Trat. This Ultimate Koh Chang Travel Guide has everything you need to know, from the best beaches and waterfalls to local food spots and nightlife. Koh Chang, also known as Elephant Island, is the third largest island in Thailand and is home to the Mu Ko Chang National Park, which is a collection of waterfalls, mangrove forests, and hiking trails.

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand’s islands, Koh Chang is not to be missed, there are so many exciting things to do in Koh Chang, so in this guide, I’ll share tips from my own trip to help you make the most of your time on the island, including how to get around, where to stay, and the must-visit attractions that really show off the best of Koh Chang Island.

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Koh Chang Island at a Glance

Koh Chang Island Travel Guide — *Koh Chang is a big island so there are many points of interests*

Welcome to lush jungles, pristine beaches, and the rocky waterfalls of Koh Chang Island! Located off the coast of Trat, a province in the far eastern region of Thailand and bordering Cambodia, This quaint island getaway is the third largest island in Thailand coming in at 217 km², being beaten out Phuket and Koh Samui.

Much of the island is protected under the Mu Ko Chang National Park (I’ll talk more about this later) which spans 650km² and encompasses 52 islands, with Koh Chang being the largest of them and having 70% of the island being protected. That means you’ll have endless opportunities for jungle trekking, waterfall adventures, and spotting wildlife, there are plenty of things to do in Koh Chang Island if you enjoy exploring the wilderness.

The Districts of Koh Chang Island

I wanna point out that Koh Chang island is split into 2 distinct “sides”, East and West.

The east side is less developed in terms of tourism infrastructure, this is where a lot of the locals live and go about their day, you’ll find schools, police stations, hospitals, post offices, and so on in this area. The west side is where all the resorts, restaurants, bars, and beaches are. If you’re on vacation to Koh Chang then this is where you’re mainly be.

There is technically also a south side of Koh Chang island that is less developed overall and is home to many of the island’s local communities and natural reserves like the Mangrove Forests and the Salak Khok Fishing Village.

How Many Days to Spend in Koh Chang Island?

I highly recommend spending at least a good 4 days and 3 nights here, allow yourself at least 2 full days to explore Koh Chang Island. I spent 3 days here and it really wasn’t enough time to do all the things I wanted to do.

Especially since I am coming in from Bangkok and in total I spent about 16 hours (6 hour bus + 1 hour ferry + idle time waiting for transportation) just traveling to and from Koh Chang. I only got 1 full day and even then the winding roads of the Koh Chang island made traveling to and from different destinations time consuming, I’ll talk more about transportation in Koh Chang later…

Best Time to Visit Koh Chang Island?

The best time to visit Koh Chang is definitely from November - April during peak tourism season, the temperatures are comfortable (25-30°C), little to no chance of rainfall, restaurants and resorts are more lively with activities and shows, and the seas are calm, perfect for beaches activities, snorkeling, and island hopping. While yeah sure there are a lot of tourists and the prices, especially accommodations are jacked up, but it is the best time to experience Koh Chang at its fullest.

The off seasons of May - October is the monsoon season so expect heavy rainfall and rough waters. The temperature is cooler and more windy but outdoor activities and things like restaurant fire shows will be limited as I assume not a lot of people want to waste time and resources organizing those activities for little to no monetary return. On the bright side, there are little to no tourists and the prices for even the most luxurious resorts like the Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort is dirt cheap.

I went during August and while I had to endure a little bit of rainfall I still enjoyed my Koh Chang Island holiday mainly due to me preferring a quieter and laid back environment.

How to Get From Bangkok to Koh Chang?

Koh Chang Island Ferry — *Koh Chang Ferries allow you to bring your own car with you to the island*

Getting to Koh Chang Island from Bangkok is easier than you’d expect, though the hard part is enduring the long travel times especially if you are traveling by bus. Speaking of bus, you have a few transportation options depending on your schedule and budget:

Bus from Bangkok to Trat + Ferry to Koh Chang, I took the bus and it’s the most popular option
Plane from Bangkok to Trat + Taxi to pier + Ferry to Koh Chang
Private Car from Bangkok straight to Koh Chang because you can bring your car onto the Ferry.

I recommend planning your route in advance for a smooth and stress free trip. There are multiple daily buses and ferries, and Trat Airport flights are convenient if you’re short on time. I’ve put together a full guide with all the options, schedules, and tips in my detailed post on how to get From Bangkok to Koh Chang if you’d like more information, especially for busses as they can be a bit confusing.

Best Hotels on Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang Island Aana Hotel and Resort — *Koh Chang’s Aana Hotel and Resort, the place where I stayed at*

You’re spoiled for choice when decided where to stay in Koh Chang. With the island being large, there are of course large amounts of hotels and resorts. From luxury beachfront villas, to mid-range accommodations surrounded by jungles, or even a budget-friendly bungalow right by the sea.

Koh Chang’s hotels and resorts are spread across the western side of the island on different beaches like White Sand Beach, Kai Bae, and Klong Prao, so where you stay can shape your experience quite a bit. But below are my recommendations for the best hotels on Koh Chang Island, you can’t go wrong with any them.

AANA Resort & Villas Koh Chang - One of the most unique Koh Chang hotels, AANA offers riverside villas with private plunge pools and a peaceful setting surrounded by jungle. I might be biased though because I stayed here.
Klong Prao Resort - Located right on Klong Prao Beach, this resort is perfect if you want a mix of comfort, beachfront views, and easy access to restaurants.
Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa - A popular choice among Koh Chang resorts, this spot delivers beachfront bungalows, a great pool, and one of the nicest stretches of sand on the island.
GajaPuri Resort Koh Chang - A boutique-style resort in Kai Bae that feels cozy and private, with wooden villas set in lush tropical gardens just steps from the beach.

For a more detailed guide on Koh Chang hotels and resorts, then check out my blog post here for more information on beach areas and where to stay in Koh Chang, different hotels and resorts for different budgets, and comparisons between each of my recommended hotels.

Transportation in Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang Island Scooters and Motorobikes — *Motorbike rentals are available all over Koh Chang*

Koh Chang is a pretty big island compared to the say Koh Larn or Koh Samet so getting around is a bit more tedious especially when the roads don’t fully encircle the island… Yes, if you are staying in the lower west side then you’ll have to go all the way around the north of the island to reach the south… There are no roads connecting the bottom half of Koh Chang Island together…

Private Car

As I mentioned before if you are traveling from Bangkok to Koh Chang Island by your own private car then there is no problem with traversing the island as you can bring your own car onto the ferry to cross over. However there is an additional fee on top of the ferry ticket that you have to pay to bring your car on board, that fee is around 120-150 THB.

If you are looking to rent a car to travel around Thailand you can book a car rental via Klook and pick up the vehicle at Suvarnabhumi Airport when you land.

Rod Songthaew Taxi

If you don’t drive then the classic hop-on hop-off Rod Songthaews Taxis are always there for you, the fee is around 40-80 THB depending on where you wanna go. I would’t rely on these guys if you are traveling during low season, drivers usually won’t go unless the seats are filled, which is understandable as it’s not economical.

However, I did have a negative experience with one driver in particular. My girlfriend and I just got off the ferry and were trying to make our way to our hotel (Aana Resort, nice resort btw). The Rod Songthaew driver wouldn’t send us there as we were the only passengers, understandable. But what’s not is that he aggressively stopped us from joining another group of travelers who fully booked another Rod Songthaew, his reason was some bullsh*t about “that’s not allowed” despite the other group being okay with it, as we offered to pay them too for our troubles.

I know deep down his real reasoning was that he wanted us to book his truck outright making us having to pay him a big sum of money. We were told there was no other transport options around and the driver tried to take advantage of our desperation, despicable behavior, I hope his cheap steering wheel leather melts under scorching summer Koh Chang sun.

Motorbike Rental

By far the most popular and nimble way to get around Koh Chang Island is by motorbike and there are many rental shops throughout the island, the fee is usually around 300 THB per day, and you’ll have to fill up on gas yourself. There is also an upfront deposit of around 1000-2000 THB in case of any damages to the bike, you’ll get this back when you return the bike.

There is a motorbike rental shop owned by a lovely aunty and her family(?) about a hundred meters down from the Ferry pier where we had the altercation with the Rod Songthaew driver, that’s where we got our bikes. There are many bikes and scooters to choose from, and shops do usually provide helmets but I wouldn’t trust a lot of them to keep me safe, a lot of them the straps are literally falling apart.

Top Things to Do in Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang Island Salak Khok — *The humble Salak Khok Fishing Village*

Being one of the largest islands in Thailand, there is no shortage of things to do in Koh Chang, especially if you come during the peak tourism season when restaurants, bars, and beach activities are much more lively. Below are some must-do things while you are on Koh Chang Island.

Explore Mu Ko Chang National Park

Koh Chang Island Mu Ko Chang National Park — *Khlong Plu Waterfall, the largest in Koh Chang*

I’ve mentioned the Mu Ko Chang National Park before so of course, one of the absolute must do things to do in Koh Chang is to take time to explore the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Within the park itself, there are more than 25 official points of interest and a large portion of that is located on Koh Chang.

Among the highlights is Khlong Plu Waterfall, the most popular waterfall on Koh Chang. It’s just a short hike through the jungle, about 600 meters, but the terrain is a bit rough though so bring some good shoes and grease your knees. Once you arrive you’ll find a large freshwater pool perfect for swimming and cooling off. I found it to be a great mid-day escape from the heat, and because it’s easy to access, it’s a good option for families too. Though some days the torrential waters may be too rough for swimming.

Koh Chang Island Mangrove Forest — *Yes, this is a mangrove forest, or at least an open section of it*

Another alternative and if you want something a bit less crowded, Than Mayom Waterfall is on the eastern side of Koh Chan Island and it also has a royal history, several Thai kings once visited here.

The Salak Phet Mangrove Forest Walk at the near southern point of Koh Chang offers raised wooden walkways through a massive mangrove ecosystem. Also a good place to get in your daily steps and a great photo opportunity as well.

For more details and information check out my Exploring Mu Ko Chang National Park blog post.

Enjoy the View at Kai Bae Viewpoint and Mountain Viewpoint

Koh Chang Island Kai Bae Viewpoint and Mountain Viewpoint — *Koh Chang is gorgeous from up here at Kai Bae Viewpoint*

Koh Chang is quite a mountainous island so of course there are some viewpoints scattered around for you to admire the gorgeous vistas. One of my favorite things to do in Koh Chang during my trip was visiting the Kai Bae Viewpoint. Here is where you get a sweeping look over the ocean and the tiny islands scattered just offshore, as well as a gander at the town below. It’s especially beautiful at sunset (around 6:30 PM) when the sky lights up in shades of orange and pink. There is also a cafe up there, and you know I was sipping on a nice cup of caffe latte while enjoying the view and breeze.

Another viewpoint worth mentioning is the Mountain Viewpoint, which sits high on the northern part of Koh Chang along a long stretch of road. Here is where you can get a panoramic view of the island’s lush greenery and coastline. Getting up here is a bit of a hurdle though as you’ll need to drive up a steep mountain. Also beware of monkeys, there aer monkeys roaming about here, and you will be up close and personal with them.

Snorkeling and Island Hopping Tours

Snorkeling and island hopping hands-down is my favorite activity whenever I am on an island holiday and it’s one of the best things to do in Koh Chang. The waters around Koh Chang Island are crystal clear, home to vibrant coral reefs and schools of tropical fish begging to be rediscovered by you. If you’re a city person like me, then snorkeling in Koh Chang will definitely be the highlight of your trip.

If you want an easy and fully planned day out on the water, I highly recommend checking out the Koh Chang Snorkeling Adventure. This full-day tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a lunch buffet, included diving gear, and it’s perfect for all skill levels. We got to visit multiple snorkeling sites and iconic underwater landmarks like the HTMS Chang wreck (a 119 meter long wreck of a military transport vessel) as well as experiencing the joys of swimming with the fishes through gorgeous coral reefs.

Safety is number one priority and our small group activity was accompanied by an experience guide so we felt very safe.

Witness the Fire Dance Show by the Beach

Koh Chang Island Fire Dance Show — *Blazing embers spewing everywhere!*

Another exciting thing to do in Koh Chang is catching a fire show on the beach. These only happen in high tourism season though but it’s a show that you don’t wanna miss. Almost every night, especially around Lonely Beach and White Sand Beach, performers light up the night with fiery sticks, hoops, and chains, spinning and dancing to music as the flames reflect off the waves and burning embers spew everywhere.

You can be right there on the beach or sitting at one of the many beachside bars and restaurants while all of this is going on. The best part is that the performance is free and on display for anyone who just happens to walk by, so there is no excuse not to see it. Just don’t be dumb and disturb the performers like those idiots who disrupt public K-pop dances that you see on YouTube. Fire Shows are one of those unique Thai island experiences that will stick with you after you go back home and the ones at Koh Chang are a must-see.

Kayaking Around Koh Chang Island

Another fun thing to do in Koh Chang is kayaking around the island and even out to small islands. At various resorts and hotels along spots like Kai Bae Beach and Klong Prao Beach have kayaks you can rent for a few hours and paddle your way around the beaches.

The most popular trip is from Kai Bae Beach to the four nearby islands you can clearly see from the shore, which takes about 30-40 mins of paddling depending on your fitness and the current.

And If you go to the very south of Koh Chang Island there is a crossing area to Koh Ngam. You can either take a boat to cross over OR you can rent a Kayak to paddle over there. The kayaking takes around 15-20 mins so not too far.

Pack some water and sunscreen, and be careful if you visit Koh Chang during the monsoon season as the windy weather will make the waters quite rough. Actually, you should avoid it altogether if the weather doesn’t look too good, safety is number one priority.

Explore Ghost Ship Beach

Koh Chang Island Ghost Ship Beach — *it’s a shame that this Ghost ship was burned down…*

If you like urban exploration then one of the more unusual and Instagram-worthy things to do in Koh Chang is visiting Ghost Ship Beach, tucked away on the island’s south western coast. Originally a real cruise ship called “The Galaxy”, it was hauled ashore and transformed into a floating hotel as part of the Koh Chang Grand Lagoona Resort, complete with seven decks, around 70 guest rooms, and even an artificial beach. The resort closed in the early 2000s, and the ship was left abandoned, quickly earning its reputation as a ghostly landmark.

In late 2024, a massive fire gutted much of the structure, leaving behind only the ship’s hull and fragments of the surrounding resort, but the site remains one of the most unique attractions on the island which you can still visit today albeit a little more cautiously. You can still explore the grounds for a small fee of around 100 baht. There are also abandoned cottages and a quiet lagoon nearby, which makes it feel like stepping into a forgotten world. Despite the fire damage, it’s still worth the trip if you’re looking for something offbeat and photo-worthy beyond Koh Chang’s usual beaches and waterfalls.

Relax at Salak Khok Fishing Village

Koh Chang Salak Khok Fishing Village — *You can board one of these gondolas to cruise through Salak Khok Fishing Village*

On the eastern side of Koh Chang Island is a local fishing village known as the Salak Khok Fishing Village. This small, traditional community is built around mangrove forests and calm waters, giving you a glimpse into local island life that hasn’t changed much over the years. Walking through the village, you’ll find wooden houses on stilts, seafood restaurants serving freshly caught fish, and friendly locals going about their day. It’s quiet, laid-back, and a nice reminder that Koh Chang is more than just a touristy resort island, it’s also home to generations of fishermen and their families.

The highlight of visiting Salak Khok is having the option to go Kayaking through the village as the village is sitting along the banks of a mangrove river. You can also go on a traditional rowboat tour through the village and mangroves and drift along narrow waterways surrounded by dense green roots and branches, sort of like a South East Asian Venice gondola. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a totally different side of the island compared to the busy west coast. The rides are affordable and usually last about an hour, making it a great half-day trip.

Relax on the Beaches of Koh Chang

Of course you can’t go to an Island in Thailand without spending a few days enjoying the beaches. And on Koh Chang Island there is plenty of white sandy beaches for you to enjoy. Whether you prefer to spend your day swimming in the warm Gulf waters, sipping fresh coconut juice under a palm tree, or just catching up on a good book, the beaches of Koh Chang offer the perfect backdrop for slowing down and enjoying your life.

If you want a bit more activity, many beaches in Koh Chang also have water sports and fun activities to keep you busy. You can rent the previously mentioned kayak or paddleboard, join a beach volleyball game, or even try snorkeling just offshore where the reefs begin.

Speaking of beaches, the next section in this ultimate Koh Chang Island travel guide I am going to go over some of the beaches you can find on Koh Chang Island.

Best Koh Chang Beaches for Relaxation

When it comes to things to do in Koh Chang, nothing beats a day on the white sandy beaches of Koh Chang. The island is home to over 17 beaches, each with its own unique charm and characteristics. You’ve got lively spots with fresh Thai seafood restaurants and nightlife just steps away, and more relaxed shores where the vibe is slower and family-friendly. Here are some of the best beaches in Koh Chang for relaxation:

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) - The most popular and developed beach on Koh Chang, White Sand has soft golden sand, calm waters, and plenty of resorts, bars, and restaurants. Perfect if you want convenience, nightlife, and family-friendly resorts.

Klong Prao Beach - A long, peaceful stretch of sand divided by a river estuary, Klong Prao is great for swimming, sunset walks, and a slightly quieter atmosphere than White Sand. Many mid-range and luxury resorts are found here. I stayed here at the Aana Resort & Villas.

Kai Bae Beach - A beautiful palm-fringed beach with views of small offshore islands you can kayak to. Kai Bae is relaxed yet still has good restaurants, boutique resorts, and a lively but low-key nightlife scene, there is an occasional elephant and their keeper that roams here, but do not interact with them, the elephants are mistreated.

Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam) - Despite its name, Lonely Beach is one of the livelier backpacker hubs of Koh Chang. The beach itself is lovely, but the main draw is the laid-back vibe, fire shows, and budget-friendly hostels. Great for the younger travelers among us. Not sure why it’s called “Lonely Beach” though when the Thai name translates to “Water Pier Beach”

Bailan Beach - Just south of Lonely Beach, Bailan is much quieter, good for those who want peace without being too far from nightlife. The beach is rockier in parts but still has nice spots for swimming and watching sunsets.

Bang Bao Bay (Klong Kloi Beach) - Located near the fishing village of Bang Bao, this beach is calm, cozy, and perfect for swimming. It’s also a great base for snorkeling trips and boat tours.

Chai Chet Beach - Nestled between White Sand and Klong Prao, this hidden gem offers soft sand, shallow water, and fewer crowds. It’s a good choice if you want something quiet but still close to shops and restaurants.

Long Beach (Had Sai Yao) - On the Eastern side of Koh Chang, Long Beach lives up to its name with a secluded stretch of sand and very few visitors. If you’re looking for total peace and off-the-beaten-path vibes, this is the beach for you.

Best Restaurants in Koh Chang Island

As with any island in Thailand there is a plethora of foods to eat. From tasty international foods like burgers and pizza, to classic Thai dishes like Poo Pad Pong Karee (yellow crab curry) and Pad Cha Hoi Shell (sizzling scallops stir fry). Heck, I even saw a Greek restaurant at one point, in Koh Chang of all places!

While I was in Koh Chang Island I asked a few locals and hotels staff for what they recommend, so below are a few recommendations for some of the best restaurants in Koh Chang.

Also if you’d check out my YouTube video above and give it a like (and a subscribe if you wanna support me) I will be eternally grateful:)

Koh Chang Restaurants Recommendations for Thai Seafood

Jae Eiw Seafood - A beloved Koh Chang restaurant serving Thai seafood dishes, that was the most recommended by locals. Known for its fresh seafood and affordable prices. The garlic-fried soft shell crab is a standout dish as well as the Fish Pad Cha (sizzling stir fry).
Koh Chang Seafood - Serving freshly caught seafood, beautiful sweeping sea views and tasty grilled fish, the Tom Yum soup is also excellent, I’ve actually made a YouTube video about this place that you can check out here.
The U-Turn - A friendly and laid-back restaurant that serves a mix of Thai and international dishes. Don’t miss their creamy Tom Yum soup or hearty Mexican-style options like chicken burritos, all served with warm ambiance.
Khao Kwan Restaurant - A more fancy and gourmet restaurant in Koh Chang, where innovative Thai dishes like ceviche made from local spotted grouper deliver both stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor in every bite.

For more recommendations, I’ve actually put together a full guide on the best restaurants in Koh Chang for Thai seafood, so if you want to know exactly where to eat or you’re just a huge foodie who wants to try all the best foods that Koh Chang has to offer then you can check that out here.

Koh Chang Restaurants Recommendations for Western Food

El Barrio - Serves up authentic Mexican dishes like smoky queso fundido, fish tacos, and burritos crafted by a Mexican chef in a stylish, mezcal-friendly setting.
Mordi E Fuggi - The best Italian restaurant in Koh Chang. located in Kai Bae, serving wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas like duck ravioli and an absolutely delicious Cesarecce Norcia with Italian sausage.
Pizzeria Spaghetteria Toscana Koh Chang - A beloved Italian spot famed for its wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and fresh pasta.

Best Places for Nightlife in Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang Nightlife white sand beach — *Honestly, the nightlife at Koh Chang is a bit lackluster*

When the sun sets, the Koh Chang nightlife kicks in with a laid-back but lively island energy. Compared with cities like Bangkok, or even larger touristy islands like Phuket, you won’t find massive clubs or wild parties, Koh Chang’s nightlife is chill and more about drinking a few cocktails at beachside bars and dancing to reggae tunes. You’ll find live music, fire shows, and chilled lounges scattered along Lonely Beach, Kai Bae, and White Sand Beach.

If you’re planning your nights around things to do in Koh Chang, maybe bar hopping can be a fun activity for you. Here are a few bars I think are worth checking out:

Oodie’s Place (White Sand Beach) - Famous for its live rock and blues bands, it’s one of the best spots for live music on Koh Chang.
Mojito Lounge (Kai Bae) - A more chilled-out spot serving excellent cocktails in a cozy, stylish setting.

Additionally, off to the side of the main road at Kai Bae is the Kai Bae Walking Street, not to be confused with Pattaya’s Walking Street, at Koh Chang it’s much more relaxed and tame with a few bars and places to sip a beer while playing pool.

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