Thailand's second-largest island, off Trat on the far-eastern Gulf coast · mountainous, jungly and largely national park · west-coast beaches from buzzy White Sand Beach to backpacker Lonely Beach · Klong Plu Waterfall · the Bang Bao fishing pier · and snorkelling out to Koh Rang
Koh Chang is Thailand's second-largest island, sitting off the coast of Trat on the far-eastern Gulf, close to Cambodia. It's a mountainous, rainforest-covered island where roughly 70% of the land is protected as the Mu Ko Chang National Park. A single coast road links a string of west-facing beaches — from the busy White Sand Beach in the north down to central Klong Prao and Kai Bae, and on to backpacker-favourite Lonely Beach. Add a jungle waterfall, a stilt-house fishing village at Bang Bao, fine snorkelling around Koh Rang, and unforgettable sunsets, and you have one of Thailand's most easy-going island escapes.
On Koh Chang you don't pick a neighbourhood so much as a beach. One coast road links them down the west side — busy sands with bars and shops in the north, calmer family beaches in the middle, and a laid-back backpacker scene further south. Pick the stretch of sand that matches what you came for.
The island's main and busiest beach — a long stretch of sand backed by the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The natural first base for most visitors.
A long, central beach split by two lagoon mouths, with shallow water and a relaxed, spread-out feel. Home to some of Koh Chang's bigger family resorts — a calmer choice than the busy north.
A pretty beach with little offshore islands you can wade to at low tide, plus the famous Kai Bae viewpoint nearby. A mid-range mix of resorts, bars and great sunsets.
Koh Chang's backpacker and party beach — cheaper bungalows, beach bars and a young, social crowd. Lively after dark, but with a chilled daytime vibe and good value.
Selected across the island's best beaches — from a Thai-style luxury resort on Klong Prao to a family resort with big pools and a value pick on Lonely Beach. Compare prices across 3 booking platforms in one click.
A vast Thai-style luxury resort on Klong Prao Beach, with ornate teak architecture, a beachfront pool, a spa and lush gardens — Koh Chang's most upscale stay.
A stylish, modern beachfront resort in the heart of Kai Bae village, with two pools and a spa right on the sand — well placed for sunsets, bars and restaurants.
A large family-friendly resort on central Klong Prao Beach, with two big pools (one with a slide), a kids' club and a spa — easy value for families and groups.
One of the biggest, best-located resorts on White Sand Beach, with a long beachfront, several pools and a hilltop section — steps from the island's busiest strip.
A relaxed wooden-villa resort set in gardens right on Kai Bae Beach, with a beachfront pool and a quiet, low-key feel — a comfortable mid-range base near the viewpoint.
A small, well-kept resort by the sea on Lonely Beach, with surfer-styled rooms, a pool and a relaxed vibe — a comfortable, good-value base near the island's nightlife.
Found your ideal beach? Compare prices from three leading booking platforms — Koh Chang has great-value stays on every beach, from buzzy White Sand Beach to quiet southern coves.
Koh Chang eats straight from the Gulf — grilled fish on the sand, crab fresh off the boats at Bang Bao, and simple Thai street food along the west-coast road. Here is what you can't miss.
Koh Chang pairs a long string of west-coast beaches with a rainforest national park, a jungle waterfall and snorkelling islands offshore. Here are the sights you shouldn't miss.
Which beach to pick — White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Lonely.
BeachesThe main, busiest beach — Hat Sai Khao.
Main BeachThe long, laid-back central beach.
QuietThe beach and the island sunset viewpoint.
SunsetThe island's big waterfall in the national park.
WaterfallBoat trips to Koh Rang, Koh Wai and the southern isles.
SnorkelBang Bao, the mangroves and the neighbouring islands.
BeyondTwo days is a great first taste of Koh Chang — day one for the beaches, the waterfall and the Kai Bae viewpoint, day two out on the water snorkelling. Easy to slow down and stretch into a lazy island week.
The efficient 2D1N — beaches, viewpoint and a boat trip.
2D1NSlow it down — add snorkelling and the waterfall.
3 DaysNov–Apr is best — plus the honest monsoon-closure truth.
When to GoWhat a Koh Chang trip costs, backpacker to comfortable.
CostsEssential info and getting-around tips to help your Koh Chang trip run smoothly from the very first step.
There's no airport or train on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan (~5–6 hrs) to the Trat ferry piers near Laem Ngop, then a short car ferry (30–45 min) across. Or fly Bangkok (DMK) → Trat (TDX) in ~1 hr, then a van and ferry to the island.
Carry cash for beach shacks, markets and small bungalows. Cards and PromptPay QR work at bigger resorts and restaurants, and there are ATMs along the west-coast road (expect a per-withdrawal fee).
Shared songthaews (red taxis) run set fares along the west-coast road. Renting a scooter is popular, but be honest with yourself: the hills are steep — especially the Kai Bae–Lonely Beach hill — and accidents are common, so ride carefully. There's no public bus and Grab is essentially unavailable.
Pick up a tourist SIM (AIS, TrueMove or dtac) in Trat town or at the airport, or activate an eSIM before you travel. 4G is solid along the west coast, though it can thin out in the jungle interior and on the east side.
The ferry from Trat, plus bus, minivan or a flight.
ArrivalShared songthaew taxis and renting a scooter (carefully).
TransportPick your beach — White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae or quiet.
AreasEverything for a first Koh Chang trip — start here.
Start HereClick any pin for details — plan your route with ease
Koh Chang has great-value stays on every beach — from buzzy White Sand Beach to quiet southern coves. Pick your ideal beach and start comparing right now.
A good trip doesn't end at one island — 3 eastern-Gulf destinations easily reached from Koh Chang.