Koh Chang
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Koh Chang Island, Thailand - Ferry Guide & Travel Information

Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island: a 212 km² mix of jungle-covered mountains, long beaches, and warm Gulf waters. Less polished than Phuket or Koh Samui, and far more dramatic in landscape, Koh Chang Thailand draws travellers who want real tropical scenery alongside good food, comfortable resorts, and easy access to quieter islands nearby.
The island is reached by a short ferry crossing from the mainland at Trat, making it one of the most accessible islands in the Gulf of Thailand. From Koh Chang, onward ferries connect to Koh Mak and Koh Kood, making it a natural base for island-hopping in the eastern Gulf.

How to Get to Koh Chang

Ferries to Koh Chang depart from Ao Thammachat Pier. The crossing takes 30–45 minutes and runs multiple times daily.

  • Bangkok to Koh Chang (Combined Tickets): The most convenient way to travel. You can book a single combined ticket that includes a bus or minivan from Bangkok (Khao San Road or Rama 9) directly to the ferry pier, including the crossing.

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Chang: Perfect for arrivals, combined tickets are available from Bangkok’s main airport. A shared van or bus will meet you at the terminal and take you straight to the ferry, ensuring a seamless connection to the island.

  • Ferry from Trat to Koh Chang: The standard route for travelers already in the Trat area. Ferries run multiple times a day in high season, arriving at Ao Sapparot Pier

  • Koh Chang to Trat (Return Journey): Return ferries depart Ao Sapparot Pier daily. We recommend booking your return combined ticket to Bangkok or the airport in advance to secure your preferred departure time.

  • Pattaya to Koh Chang (Combined Tickets): A popular route for travelers moving from the city to the islands. You can book a combined minivan and ferry ticket that includes a pickup from central Pattaya, the drive to the pier, and the ferry crossing.

Island-Hopping from Koh Chang

Koh Chang is the gateway to the eastern Gulf islands. Ferry connections run from the island's south coast to:

  • Koh Mak: quiet and flat, about 1 hour by ferry

  • Koh Kood: the largest nearby island, known for waterfalls and empty beaches

  • Koh Wai: tiny island, excellent snorkelling

Koh Chang Beach

Koh Chang Beaches

  • White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao): The longest and busiest beach. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and a reliable sunset. Most first-time visitors base themselves here.

  • Klong Prao Beach: The most scenic bay on the island. Quieter than White Sand, with calmer water, a palm-fringed lagoon, and the best mid-range resorts.

  • Kai Bae Beach: South of Klong Prao. Budget guesthouses, mixed sand and pebble, good snorkelling off the rocks.

  • Lonely Beach: The backpacker end of the island. Cheap bungalows, beach bars, young crowd.

Things to Do on Koh Chang

  • Waterfalls: Klong Plu Waterfall in the island's interior is the most visited natural attraction on Koh Chang. A short jungle walk leads to a multi-tiered cascade with a swimmable pool at the base. Best visited after the rains (October–November).

  • Snorkelling and diving: The waters around Koh Chang and the nearby islands offer solid snorkelling and recreational diving. Day trips run to Koh Wai and other small islands where coral is healthiest.

  • Kayaking: Paddling the mangrove channels on the east coast of Koh Chang is one of the quieter, more rewarding activities on the island.

  • Elephant sanctuary visits: Several ethical elephant sanctuaries operate on the island, offering observation and feeding experiences without riding.

  • Island hopping to Koh Mak and Koh Kood: The ferry connections from Koh Chang's south coast make multi-island itineraries straightforward. Many travellers spend one or two nights on each island before returning to the mainland via Trat.

Best Time to Visit Koh Chang

  • November to April is dry season: the best time to visit Koh Chang. Skies are clear, sea conditions are calm, and all ferry services run at full frequency. December to February is peak season with the most visitors and the highest prices.

  • October and early November can be excellent: the tail end of the rains, lush jungle, fewer tourists, and still-navigable seas.

  • May to September is monsoon season. Many resorts close or reduce services, and ferry schedules cut back. Some travellers visit in low season for low prices and solitude, but expect rain and rough water on some days.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from Trat to Koh Chang?

What is the best beach on Koh Chang?

What is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

How much does the Koh Chang ferry cost?

Is Koh Chang good for families?

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