Live Your Best Lives
Koh Chang, a hidden, untouched Thai island, offers a relaxing sunbathing experience. Relax on a beach chair and soak in a natural sunbathing spa. Take a thrilling motorbike tour around the island. Step into the world of elephants and enjoy an intimate beachside bath with them. Dive into the deep blue and experience the ocean's boundless charm.
Those who truly enjoy life will definitely choose Koh Chang, where you can enjoy endless sunshine and relaxation during the day, and a sea of revelry at night. With its endless sunshine, endless beaches, and vibrant corals, Koh Chang is undoubtedly your top choice for a vacation.
Diving is possible year-round, with the best season being from October to May. A variety of hard and soft coral reefs can be seen here, home to a variety of tropical marine life, including moray eels, tropical fish, sea bass, creeping bream, sea turtles, and whale sharks.
Koh Chang is a great place for a vacation. There aren't many tourist attractions on the island, and there are almost no tour groups. You can spend a day island hopping, then hike through the jungle and ride an elephant, leaving at least three days to relax and explore on your own motorbike.
Recommended travel time: 3-5 days
Koh Chang ( เกาะช้าง ) is one of the major islands in eastern Thailand, part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park. The park was established in 1982 and spans dozens of islands, protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The island’s name means “Elephant Island” in Thai. Historically, the local economy was based on fishing, coconut farming, and small-scale agriculture; as tourism developed, the island transformed into a beach and nature destination.
There are no strict “opening hours” for beaches or natural sites (they’re generally open daylight hours). For waterfalls and national park access, daytime hours (~8 AM to 5 PM, varying by season) are typical. The best time to visit is the cool / dry season from November to February, when rainfall is minimal and weather more comfortable. The rainy season (June to October) sees heavy rains; some trails or ferry services might be disrupted.
Mu Ko Chang National Park and associated entry to waterfalls / park sites often have entrance fees (for Thai and foreign visitors). For example, Klong Plu waterfall has a park fee. These are typically paid on site (offline) at park offices or checkpoints. Fees vary, and are modest (a few hundred baht) depending on the site. (Exact current rates should be checked locally or via official national park sources.)
Generally, no advance booking is needed for beach access, waterfalls, or standard tours. You can book snorkeling, diving, boat trips, cooking classes etc. either before arrival or locally. However, during high season or holidays, booking accommodation and major boat tours in advance is wise.
To soak in Koh Chang’s beaches, waterfalls, island hopping, and jungle interior, plan for 3 to 5 full days. If you only have limited time, 2–3 days will let you hit main beaches + a waterfall + a snorkel trip.
Guided tours (boat trips, jungle treks, snorkeling) are widely offered with English and Thai guides. There’s less evidence of formal audio guides, but guided services are common through local operators.
A possible plan: Day 1: arrive, relax on your nearest beach; sunset at a western beach. Day 2: visit Klong Plu waterfall + jungle walk, then beach in the afternoon. Day 3: boat / snorkeling / island hopping trip. Day 4: hike interior / viewpoint, visit Bang Bao in evening. Day 5 (if extra): quieter beaches east side, mangroves, or rest. You can adjust based on where you stay (north, mid, south) to minimize travel time.
While there are no formal nightly tours for natural sites, you can enjoy night markets, live music, bars, and nightlife especially in Lonely Beach. Some boat tours or night snorkeling may be possible with operators. Also, beach massages and evening walks are common.
The island sees its highest volume in the cool/dry season (Nov–Feb). If you go early in the morning or late afternoon, or stay in less developed beaches (east side, southern ends), you’ll avoid crowds. In the rainy season, visitor volume is lower, but weather risks increase.
Beach villages have restaurants, cafés, small shops, and basic toilets. Tour sites (waterfall entry points, marine park piers) usually have restrooms and small kiosks. Resorts often provide full amenities. In more remote locations, expect basic facilities only.
Many beaches and pier areas are fairly accessible for children and elderly with care. Some waterfall trails are moderate walks and may be difficult for those with mobility issues. The jungle interior / steep hikes are generally not fully accessible. No strong evidence of special disabled infrastructure in many natural spots. Use caution.
Cash (Thai baht) is widely used, especially for small vendors, park fees, local transport, markets. Many resort restaurants and tour operators accept cards. Mobile payments may work in more developed areas, but don’t rely solely on them in remote spots. Always carry some cash.
Koh Chang has a strong beach-village café and restaurant scene. In popular beach zones you’ll find seafood, Thai, western, cafés, beach bars. In Bang Bao there are seafood restaurants. Many resorts have their own restaurants. Also cooking class venues double as eateries.
Yes. Thai cuisine includes vegetarian dishes (e.g. stir-fried vegetables, tofu, rice / noodle dishes without meat). In tourist areas, you’ll find vegetarian and vegan options more readily. Halal restaurants may be fewer, but coastal seafood villages and larger eateries may accommodate or have Muslim / seafood-only options. It’s best to ask.
Koh Chang has a wide spectrum: from beach bungalows and guesthouses, mid-range resorts, boutique stays, up to higher end resorts. You’ll find accommodations along the main beaches (White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Lonely). Many resorts have direct beach access.
You can combine Koh Chang visits with boat trips to nearby islands (Ko Wai, Ko Mak, Ko Kood) for quieter beaches or snorkeling. Also local villages, mangrove areas, nature trails, and piers make good short side visits.
Yes, in beach villages and at Bang Bao pier you’ll find souvenir shops selling handicrafts, shell jewelry, textiles, beachwear, local artisan goods, small arts, carved wood items, postcards.
To leave toward other parts of Thailand, you can take the ferry back to Trat and then onward by bus, minibus, or plane (via Trat airport). For island hopping, boat transfers to Ko Mak, Ko Kood, etc. are common. Within the region, private transfers or minivans may connect to nearby provinces.
