Koh Chang is a beautiful island in the Trat district of Thailand. This lush green island is home to tranquil white sand beaches – and a party scene should you be looking for it. Compared Thailand’s southern beach destinations like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi; Koh Chang is relatively more accessible from Bangkok, and generally cheaper than tourist hot spots in the south. Getting to Phuket would require 12 hours of ground travel, or a flight, but getting to Koh Chang takes roughly half that time via ground travel, so can be a good option for those who prefer not to take a flight to get to Thailand’s Southern beaches. I decided to spend 1 week in Koh Chang after my 3 week trip in Vietnam as flights out to my next destination in the Middle East were cheaper out of Bangkok, so I took a cheap flight from Vietnam to Bangkok, and tacked on a 1 week break in beautiful Koh Chang as mini-break between two big trips.
Content:
- Getting to Koh Chang
- Best Beaches
- Where to Stay
- Things to do
- Trip costs for 1 week in Koh Chang
- Final Thoughts
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Getting to Koh Chang:
Koh Chang can be reached directly from via a bus + ferry transfer service that picks up from various points in Bangkok, including a transfer that runs directly from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport. Convenient transfers back into Bangkok make Koh Chang an easy stop-over trip for those looking for a quick foray to Thailands beaches.
Best Beaches in Koh Chang:
Lonely Beach:
Lonely Beach is Koh Chang’s party hub. There are lots of restaurant eateries and bars to choose from, and lovely guesthouses and beachside accommodations to make Lonely beach a convenient, central location on Koh Chang for a stay. Note that aside from its Northern end, Lonely beach is a rocky beach, so if you are looking for a white sand beach experience, you might want to consider White Sand Beach, or Klong Prao Beach.
White Sand Beach:
The 2.1KM length of fine sandy white beach appropriately named “White Sand Beach” is the premier beach on Koh Chang. There is a decidedly more upscale vibe here than on Lonely Beach. There is an abundance of more upscale beachfront accommodations – and a few budget gems as well. Behind the row of beachfront hotels, you’ll find shops, pharmacies, bars and restaurants in the busy, but not too busy town.
Spectacular nightly beachfront fireshows (free, gratuities appreciated), happen along the row of restaurants in the beachfront and are well worth grabbing a table at the beach to watch. Food and drink prices even at the beachfront are reasonable.
Klong Prao Beach:
Situated just south of White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach is a long tranquil beach that is a lot less busy than White Sand Beach. You can rent kayaks, SUPs, and just enjoy some quiet beach time here. At 3.3KM in length, this beautiful tranquil beach is the longest on Koh Chang. Between Lonely Beach and White Sand Beach – this is the quietest beach location of the three.
Other popular beaches:
Klong Koi Beach, Kae Bae Beach and Long Beach are other popular beaches that are worth visiting on Koh Chang. Be sure to check out the panoramic views from the Kae Bae Viewpoint near Kae Bae Beach if you’re in the area.
Where to Stay:
Lonely Beach:
Budget: Sea Flower Resort ($9-$20USD/night for a private bungalow). Property is situated on the seafront, and features very clean, air-conditioned bungalows. Non-seafront bungalows can run less than $10USD, while their stunning seafront bungalows typically $20USD a night – although you can occasionally get them for less on Agoda. Spring for the seafront bungalows if you can – they are well worth it! Bungalows feature private covered patios – very nice on rainy days.
Mid-range: Little Eden Bungalows ($15 – $20USD/night for a private fan bungalow). For those looking for a jungle escape, Little Eden Bungalows, offer a tranquil jungle-hut experience, just a small distance away from the ocean.
Luxury: Nest Sense Resort ($75 – 150USD/night for a range of private air-conditioned room options). This seaside hotel has everything from beautiful basic air-conditioned rooms, to luxurious private pool villas where private infinity pools look-out over the sea.
White Sand Beach:
Budget: Starbeach Bungalows. ($10 – $18USD/night for a private seafront bungalow). Amid the pricey upscale hotels that line the waterfront on White Sand Beach, Starbeach Bungalows is reminiscent of a simpler, cheaper Thailand. You’ll get million-dollar beachfront views, from your private balcony for as little as $10USD a night (for their smaller bungalows). The non-air conditioned fan rooms, feature private bathrooms with hot water. All rooms have a seafront balcony. The only catch is that they do not accept reservations – you’ll need to call in the day of your arrival (+66(0)895749486 ) to see if they have availability. Another catch is there is no direct road access to the property – you’ll need to walk 400m along the beach from the nearest street entry onto White Beach in order to reach the property – something to keep in mind if you’re carrying heavy suitcases.
Mid-range: Banpu Koh Chang Hotel ($25 – $40USD/night). Beautiful mid-range property right on the beach featuring air-conditioned seaview rooms, as well as beachfront bungalows. Property also has a small beachfront pool.
Luxury: KC Grande Resort Hotel ($50 – $80USD/night). This beachfront resort features beautiful air-conditioned rooms with several spectacular infinity pools for those who prefer to enjoy their ocean views in the lap of luxury.
Klong Prao Beach:
Budget: Mai Pen Rai Guesthouse ($12 – $15USD/night). Very few budget accommodations options are available in Klong Prao Beach, Mai Pen Rai Guesthouse is an exception to the rule. This property is located a less than 5 minute walk to the beach and has a pool. Rooms are air-conditioned, and feature balconies.
Mid-range: Klong Prao Resort ($30 – $75USD/night). The beachfront Klong Prao Resort offers a great seaside location along with air-conditioned rooms and a lovely pool area. This property is rated 4 stars and is one of the best-reviewed in the area.
Luxury: Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort ($80 – $150USD/night). Dreamy Balinese-styled rooms, with stunningly intricate carved wood details envelop those who choose this luxury option on the beachfront of Klong Prao beach. Spring for the stunning Pool Rooms which offer private pool balconies where you can walk from bed to your own private pool oasis with a view, from the privacy of your own room.
Things to do in Koh Chang:
Aside from being a stunning beach destination, where one can relax, drink and dine in a gorgeous location; Koh Chang is also a haven for different adventures – large and small.
If you are able to ride a motorbike – it is one of the best ways to explore the island. If not, consider this well-reviewed tour to take you around some major sights around the island including: White Sand Beach, Chao Por Koh Chang Shrine, the Koh Chang Mangrove forest in Salak Kok, the Wat Salak Phet Temple, Koh Chang Wittayakom, ending with the Shambhala Beach bar.
Snorkeling and Diving:
There are a number of reefs and shipwrecks around the island. If you’re a water-lover don’t miss the opportunity explore Koh Chang’s underwater destinations on a snorkeling tour. This well-reviewed tour will take you on a full day excursion taking you to a number of different snorkeling spots around the island.
If you are a diver, there also opportunities to explore both reefs and shipwrecks in more details on full-service 2-tank and even 3-tank dive trips – that include equipment rental and drinks, and lunch. Prices for these dives are some of the lowest in the world.
Klong Phlu Waterfall:
Nestled in the jungle, the Klong Phlu Waterfall is a celebrated destination for local and tourists alike. The pool at the foot of the waterfalls is a popular swimming spot to cool off after the trek to the waterfalls. Best way to get there is by motorbike. There is a 600 meter walk from the road via a jungle path to get to the falls. Entrance to the falls is 200 Baht for adults and 100 for children. If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike you may consider hiring a private car service that can take you (and 2 friends) to the waterfalls and a few other destinations of your choice for a day around the island.
Trip Costs for 1 Week on Koh Chang:
Accommodations: $78USD
Transportation: $48USD
Food & Dining: $84USD
Total: $210USD
Final Thoughts on Koh Chang:
My 1 week sojourn was a convenient stop-over between the end of my 3 week trip in Vietnam and my adventures further afield in the Middle East. I mostly spent my time enjoying the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying delicious Thai food before my adventures took me to destinations that required more active travel. Options from dirt-cheap seaside bungalows to unreal luxury (for a relatively small price all things considered) are available. If you’re in Bangkok, and have a bit of time to enjoy the beach – before you book a flight to Phuket or head down to Pattaya, consider Koh Chang as beautiful, cheaper, and more tranquil option to some of Thailand’s more infamous destinations.
