The third largest island in Thailand – Koh Chang is located in the southeast of the country. The island is also often referred to as the elephant island, because of its unique shape.

In addition to beautiful beaches, Koh Chang also has some fantastic waterfalls, mangrove forests and Natioal Park. The island is definitely more relaxed compared to other large islands in Thailand, but is just as beautiful and interesting.

If you want to know five reasons why you should visit this island, just keep on reading.

After an intense time in Bangkok, Koh Chang was an amazing break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Life on the island flows peacefully and slowly. Beautiful beaches, clear water, forest and lively monkeys, that’s how Koh Chang can be described in a nutshell.

We spent more than ten days on the island and it was the most relaxing, filled with sunbathing, swimming and good food ten days during our trip in Thailand.

#1 Lonely Beach

Relax on the amazing Lonely Beach. With its yellow, soft sand and clear water, it’s the perfect place to relax.

Along the entire length of the beach are scattered bars and restaurants, where you can not only buy refreshments, but also delicious dishes.

Lonely Beach is a very relaxed beach, there are no big parties here, but there are places where you can rent kayaks and snorkeling equipment. The beach is wide and sandy, encouraging you to relax.

#2 White Sand Beach

Have fun at White Sand Beach. This beach is loved by party lovers, throughout its length you will encounter a great number of bars and restaurants, very often with happy hour for drinks.

The sand here is clean and the water is inviting. In the evenings at low tide, many tables appear on the beach where you will eat dinner while soaking your feet in the sea.

#3 Khlong Phlu Waterfall

Take a swim at the waterfall. Khlong Phlu is one of the larger waterfalls on Koh Chang. It is hidden in the forest, but reaching it is quite easy and pleasant.

The trek takes only about 30 minutes. However, it is recommended to wear proper closed shoes because at some points the ground is rocky and slippery. The walk, however, rewards incredibly clean and refreshing water in the pool at the waterfall, full of fish that gently tickle your feet.

Entrance to the waterfall area is paid and costs 200 Baht per person, and you can buy your tickets at the entrance.

#4 Kai Bae View Point

Go to one of the viewpoints. You will encounter several viewpoints on Koh Chang, and Kai Bae is one of them.

Right from the parking lot, you will have an amazing view of the sea and the three small islands located near Koh Chang. At the viewpoint there is a restaurant worth popping into for a drink or a bite.

#5 Renting a Kayak

Rent a kayak at Lonely Beach and sail to one of the three islands.

They are great places to get away from the rest of the tourists. It will take you from about 30 minutes to an hour to reach them, depending on which island you decide to go to.

Don’t forget to rent or bring your snorkeling gear with you. A few meters from the island, in the underwater world you will meet small, colorful fish.

While Koh Chang does not have an airport, there is a small airport on the mainland in Trat province.

The best way to get from the airport to the ferry port is by taxi. But remember about taxi meter, so the price for your ride will be fair.
Also check before the Koh Chang Ferry Timetable and prices .

The other option to get to Koh Chang is by bus . The trip is comfortable, cheap, and the providers are trustworthy. Using this option you no longer have to worry about ferry tickets, you get on the minibus for example in Bangkok, and get off on the island.

There are no bus services on Koh Chang, so you have two options to get around. Taxi or rent a scooter.

As for taxis, you’ll find them everywhere. Just stand by the main road, and surely someone will show up soon. Taxi prices depend on the distance, time of day and… the mood of the driver. Sometimes for the same route you will pay 100 Baht, and sometimes 200 Baht. But remember that you can bargain.

Renting a motorcycle, costs about 100 Baht per day (plus fuel). This is a nice option because you can get anywhere you want, and you are not depending on taxis. Remember, however, that when it rains and the streets are slippery you should be extremely careful. You will also need an international driving licence. Also, don’t go on a trip without a helmet! Never!

The hotel base on Koh Chang is rich, you just need to think which beach you would like to be closer to.

White Sand Beach is located more in the center of town, so if you want to be in the center look for hotels and resorts near this beach.

Lonely Beach is located quite a distance from the center, but this does not mean that you will be completely cut off from the world. Surroundings of this beach are quieter and accommodation is cheaper.

We wanted total relaxation and delicious food, so we chose the bungalows at Paradise Cottage .

We highly recommend this place to you! The bungalows are quite nice, the common area encourages you to relax, the owner is extremely nice, and her brother who serves the meals is one of the best cooks on the island. To get to the beach takes you only 10 – 15 min by walk.

There are also other nice beach areas in between, but we would recommend in any way to book a hotel on the west coast of Koh Chang. Here you will have more restaurants, bars and better transport connections.

• Nature Rocks | Delicious salads and toasts
• Thale Lonely Beach | Great Pad Thai and Papaya salad
• Banpu | Tasty fruit shakes
• Paradise Cottage | amazing Thai food
• Knife and Fork | Delicious (vegetarian) burger

The best time to visit Koh Chang is form November to February. It is a „cool“ season but then the weather is the best. It is right after rainy season, and temperatures are not so crazy hot.

Currently the only visa you need is on arrival visa, and it’s free. It allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 45 days, but this may change as you travel to Bangkok, so it’s best to check Thailand visa requirements well in advance.

Koh Chang is a fantastic island and an ideal place to stay for at least a few days, plus if you are planning a trip to Cambodia, an ideal last stop in Thailand. There are daily minibuses leaving from Koh Chang to Cambodia, ask your resort about booking a trip with one of the shuttle companies.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and Taxi, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $18 / night

Restaurant: $5 – $8 / meal

Pleasure: $2 – $5 / event

Taxi: $3 – $8 / ride

Activity: $4 – $6 / event