landmark
White Sand Beach
The widest stretch of sand on the island. Low tide exposes broad walking flats while evenings bring beachfront seafood tables.
Tanya ParleyThailand
Ko Chang
Steep rainforest ridges drop into a heavily indented coast.
introduction
Overview
Ko Chang is Thailand's third-largest island, defined by a dense mountainous jungle interior that forces almost all development onto a single western coastal road. Cars and shared songthaews navigate steep mountain passes between isolated beach settlements. The east coast remains quiet and heavily forested, while the west transitions from tourist hub to back-packer enclave as you head south. Expect rustic seafood dining, tidal beaches, and limited night life outside White Sand Beach.
Ao Thammachat ferry speed
Ao Thammachat pier runs car ferries every 45 minutes to Ao Sapparot. The crossing takes 30 minutes and avoids longer waits at Centrepoint pier.
Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park
Over 80 percent of the island belongs to Mu Ko Chang National Park. A single 200 THB ticket covers entrance to Khlong Phlu and Than Mayom waterfalls.
The open southern road gap
The coastal road does not circle the island. Reaching Salak Phet on the east coast from Bang Bao requires driving all the way back north.
Ko Chang
Khaosaming · CC BY-SA 3.0
White Sand Beach — Commercial hub with banks, night markets, resorts, and dense roadside traffic.
User:Mattes · Public domain
Whole steamed barramundi served with lime, garlic, and chili sauce at Bang Bao.
Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Bang Bao Pier
A long wooden pier built over the water with seafood restaurants and dive shops. Boat tours to outer islands depart from here.
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landmark
Ko Wai Reefs
Shallow coral reefs surrounding a quiet granite island. Day boats from Bang Bao anchor here for open-water snorkeling.
Tanya Parleyattractions
On the map
areas
Where life happens
White Sand Beach
Commercial hub with banks, night markets, resorts, and dense roadside traffic.
ConvenienceNight marketResorts
KompromiRoad noise is constant and parking along the main strip is difficult.
DekatAo Sapparot Ferry Pier
Tanya ParleyKlong Prao Beach
Sprawling, quiet beach split by river estuaries with upmarket resorts set back from the road.
ResortsQuiet waterKayaking
KompromiWalking between restaurants requires navigating pitch-black stretches of highway.
DekatKhlong Phlu Waterfall
Tanya ParleyKai Bae Beach
Balanced village feel with family bakeries, island views, and easy kayak rentals to offshore islets.
Islet viewsDiningFamilies
KompromiThe northern end of the beach narrows significantly during high tide.
DekatKai Bae Viewpoint
Tanya ParleyLonely Beach
Backpacker hub with budget wooden bungalows, reggae bars, and late-night party venues.
Budget staysNightlifeBackpackers
KompromiMusic bump-tracks run until 04:00 near the main village crossroads.
DekatBailan Bay
Tanya Parleyfood
Fresh catches and Southern Gulf curries
Dining on Ko Chang relies on live seafood tanks and open-air beachfront grilles. Stilt houses along Bang Bao pier cook fish caught directly from Gulf waters, while evening roadside markets cater to quick noodle orders.
Whole steamed barramundi served with lime, garlic, and chili sauce at Bang Bao.
Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0- Bang Bao stilt dining
Pick living groupers, mud crabs, or mantis shrimp from tanks outside pier restaurants. Prices go by weight in grams.
- Night market skewers
White Sand Beach evening market opens at 17:00. Order grilled squid and pork neck from vendors set up on the roadside.
history
A short history
Ko Chang remained an isolated timber and fishing community until the late twentieth century. Its remote border location near Cambodia and rugged interior preserved vast tracts of native jungle.
- 1941
Battle of Ko Chang
French naval forces engaged Royal Thai Navy warships near the island during the Franco-Thai War. Three Thai vessels were sunk in the channel.
- 1982
National Park Declaration
Thailand designated 85 percent of Ko Chang and 46 surrounding islets as Mu Ko Chang National Park to prevent unchecked deforestation.
- 1998
Ferry Expansion
Automobile ferry piers opened at Ao Thammachat and Centrepoint. Car access replaced longtail boat transfers from the Trat mainland.
- 2002
Infrastructure Drive
Government development initiatives paved the west coast road, connecting isolated fishing settlements to northern ferry terminals.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your base by how much transport independence you prefer. The northern west coast places you close to ferry piers and banks, while southern bays offer quieter beaches behind steep mountain roads.
- First-time visitorsWhite Sand Beach — Walkable access to ATMs, pharmacies, night markets, and songthaew transport.
Live rates, matched to the areas above.
Santhiya Koh Chang Resort
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KC Grande Resort Koh Chang
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Parama Koh Chang
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Baan Rim Nam
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Bhu Tarn Koh Chang Resort & Spa
Tanya Parleytransport
Getting around
The west coast is served by shared songthaews running between Ao Sapparot pier and Bang Bao village. There are no public buses, and taxis charge high private charter rates if flagged outside standard stops.
Dari Trat Airport (TDX) / Ao Thammachat Pier
- Airport shuttle30–40 min฿500–600
Includes van ride to pier, ferry ticket, and drop-off at west coast hotels.
- Ferry30 min฿80
Pedestrian fare. Vehicles cost ฿120 extra. Ferries run every 45 minutes.
Shared pickup trucks operate as public buses along the west coast. Prices jump after 20:00 when drivers charge charter rates.
Steep hairpin curves between Kai Bae and Lonely Beach cause frequent accidents. Check vehicle brakes before paying.
No public songthaews run down the east coast road to Salak Phet. You must hire a private charter or drive yourself.
cost
What things cost
Ko Chang is slightly cheaper than Phuket or Ko Samui, but transport and imported luxury goods carry mainland shipping markups.
- National park entrance: ฿200
Covers entry to Khlong Phlu and Than Mayom waterfalls. Ticket remains valid for the same calendar day.
- Island hopping day trip: ฿700–1,200
Includes wooden boat or speedboat transport from Bang Bao pier, snorkeling gear, and lunch.
- Scooter rental per day: ฿200–300
Passports or cash deposits are required. Fuel costs roughly ฿40 per litre from roadside glass bottles.
- Beachfront seafood meal: ฿300–600
Whole grilled fish with rice and beer at White Sand or Kai Bae restaurants.
seasonality
When to go
NOV – FEB
Calm seas, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures. Peak season prices apply across all west coast resorts.
Keramaian
Sea
MAR – MAY
Hot and humid conditions. Sea conditions remain calm for boat trips, but mid-day jungle treks get exhausting.
Keramaian
Sea
JUN – OCT
Heavy monsoon rains and rough seas. Ferry schedules reduce and swimming becomes unsafe on exposed west coast beaches.
Keramaian
Sea
practicalities
Good to know
- ATM availability
ATMs line the main road from White Sand Beach down to Lonely Beach. Bring cash for east coast villages and small boat operators.
- Jungle safety
Do not trek deep inland without a local guide. Trail markers are absent and mobile signal drops out in valley passes.
- West coast rip currents
Red flags indicate dangerous underwater currents during monsoon months. Avoid swimming off Kai Bae or Lonely Beach when posted.
- Monkey encounters
Macaques frequent the roadside between Kai Bae and Lonely Beach. Keep food hidden and do not feed them.
- Healthcare access
Bangkok Hospital operates a clinic on White Sand Beach for minor injuries. Serious emergencies require transfer to Trat.