What to expect when visiting Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a haven for travellers who enjoy both the jungle and the beach. The “sabai sabai” (relaxing) atmosphere of the island will allow you to kick back and take in all the stunning scenery.
Unlike Thailand’s bigger islands — Koh Samui and Phuket — Koh Chang is a lot less developed. It’s more rustic and authentic, but there’s still so much to do in Koh Chang: parties and fire shows on Lonely Beach, high-end resorts for sunbed lovers, an incredible underwater world for water babies and a rich jungle that is yet to be fully explored.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
There are three ways to travel the distance of 350 km (217 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Chang: by bus + ferry (5h45m), taxi (5 – 6 hours) and flight from trat (2 hours). The journey takes between 2-6 hours and the quickest way is by flight from trat. The lowest priced tickets start from 340 THB ($9.50) for the bus + ferry.Where to stay in Koh Chang?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Chang at the bottom of this page.
Bangkok to Koh Chang by Bus + Ferry
We recommend travelling by bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Chang. The bus will go from Bangkok To Trat and from there you have to transfer to a 45-minute ferry from Trat to Koh Chang.
You can book combined bus+ferry tickets online for 900 THB ($25.00) from Bangkok city centre or 800 THB ($22.50) when departing from Bangkok Airport (BKK).
When you book your tickets separately, you might be able to save some money, but it also comes with more hassle. With a combined ticket, you don’t need to worry about the transfer and also don’t need to buy separate tickets.
Below we will start with the combined options from Bangkok to Koh Chang. After the table, you will find the info on how to make the journey with two separate bookings.
Departure in Bangkok
The buses heading from Bangkok to Koh Chang depart from either Khao San Boonsiri or Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Khao San Boonsiri is conveniently located in Bangkok city centre. Suvarnabhumi Burapha Bus is more convenient if you come from the airport. However, as there is only one departure in the early morning, this usually doesn’t match any flight schedule.
Therefore we would recommend travelling with Boonsri. Not only do they leave from Bangkok city centre, but they also drop you off at your hotel in Koh Chang.
Bus + Ferry Schedules from Bangkok to Koh Chang
Arrival in Koh Chang
Burapha Bus drops off passengers at Koh Chang Bus Station. It’s located in the most popular area of Koh Chang, but likely still requires a taxi ride to your hotel. Also, does their trip take several hours longer.
Booking Tickets Separately
Another option when travelling via bus and ferry is to book your tickets separately. This option is cheaper, but it won’t give you the same level of comfort and ease when booking online.
The total cost of booking tickets separately starts 400 THB ($11.00).
See the step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Bangkok to Trat by Bus
The first step requires a bus from Bangkok to Trat.
Triple T is the most popular (mini) bus company on this route and offers 8 departures each from two different stations in Bangkok a day.
Another popular bus company is the Transport Co. which used to offer several bus trips throughout the day. But the last time we checked (April 2022), only one bus departs daily.
Departure stations in Bangkok
The buses either depart from Eastern Bus Terminal in Ekkamai or from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit).
If you want to travel by taxi from your hotel to the bus terminal, it’s best to depart from Mochit which is closest to Bangkok centre. The taxi drive to Mochit takes about 20-30 minutes while the drive to Ekkamai will take double the amount of time.
On the other hand, if you want to travel by public transport, go to the Eastern Bus Terminal. Ekkamai is conveniently connected with the Bangkok BTS metro line. Mochit bus terminal is only accessible by bus.
Bus + Ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Chang
Note that most buses won’t drive directly to the pier, but to Trat Bus Terminal.
From the bus terminal, you can take a blue Songthaew to the pier. This is a shared taxi bus that basically looks like a converted pick-up truck. This journey costs only about 60 THB ($1.60) per person but the driver might charge more if no other passengers are travelling.
Step 2: Trat to Koh Chang by Ferry
The two main ferry companies operating on this route are Ferry Koh Chang and Centrepoint Ferry.
Koh Chang Ferry leaves from Thammachat Pier and Centerpoint Pier from Centre Point Pier, which are about 10 km from each other.
While there also used to go a different speedboat ferry to Koh Chang, these two car ferry companies are the only choice for now. Luckily, they have both many departures per day.
Bus + Ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Chang
The ferries arrive at different ferry ports in Koh Chang. Ferry Koh Chang arrives closer to the tourist area, but the Centrepoint Ferry arrival port is only 3 km more east.
Ferry tickets only cost 80 THB ($2.20) if you buy your ticket at the terminal. You can also book the ticket online with BookAway, but for this route, they are more expensive at 180 THB ($4.90).
If you want to take your car on the ferry, expect to pay 100 THB ($2.70) extra. Taking the motorbike? Then it will cost about 30 THB ($0.80).
Bangkok to Koh Chang by Flight from Trat
Taking a plane from Bangkok to Trat and then continuing with the ferry is the fastest way.
Bangkok Airways is the only airline operating along this route. The airline used to have 4 flights daily but the last time we checked (April 2022), they have only 1 flight daily.
The flight to Trat from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) departs at 11:40. After a 1-hour flight, you will land at Trat Airport (TDX).
One-way airfare starts are normally between 1,300 THB ($36.50) and 2,000 THB ($56.00). Book early for the best fares.
Once you arrive at the airport, you will need to take a transfer to the pier to catch the ferry to Koh Chang.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Bangkok to Koh Chang by Taxi
If you are with a group, it’s worth it to consider taking private transportation from Bangkok to Koh Chang. The taxi will drive to Trat, then board the car ferry and from there continue to any hotel in Koh Chang.
When splitting the costs, it’s still a cheap option for the 5-6 hour journey. Note that this is the price when booking online. When you book a taxi via your hotel, it’s likely more expensive.
Included pick-up areas in Bangkok
Online booked taxis will bring you to any hotel in Koh Chang and pick you up from any location in Bangkok including:
- Khao San Boonsiri in Bangkok
- Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Don Mueang Airport
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Chang
Beach Jungle - Budget Friendly
Located in the popular Lonely Beach area, Beach Jungle is a great choice for those looking for some extra comfort yet still wanting a social atmosphere. Spend your days at the beach soaking up the sun and your evenings playing table tennis and billiards at the hostel or enjoying a drink at the onsite bar.
The cheapest private villas are great value for money and provide everything you could need. Adam and Jean, the owners are absolute gems.
- Clean & comfortable
- Onsite bar and activities
- Excellent location in Lonely Beach
- Amazing owners
Private rooms start at $22 per night.
Lazy Republique - Mid Range
Need to escape to nature? Lazy Republique is the perfect place to do that! It’s surrounded by mountains, endless nature and you can even see the sea! Go for a refreshing dip in their swimming pool and fully take in these spectacular views.
The rooms are uniquely shaped individual rooms that are scattered throughout the gardens, each with its own private balcony. They’re modern, clean and spacious. It sounds like it can’t get much better, but the owners take your stay to another level.
- Beautiful surroundings
- Sea view
- Unique and modern rooms
- Amazing hosts
Private rooms start from $36 per night.
Sea Escape - Treating Yourself
Who needs a pool when you’re seconds away from a private beach? Sea Escape can be found on Kai Bae Beach. The rooms boast floor-to-ceiling doors that open up straight onto the beach and your private balcony.
The villas are bright, modern and beautifully designed. It’s really hard to fault this place. The best part is that you feel like you’re in a remote part of the island, but it’s only a 10-minute walk to get back to the hustle and bustle of the island.
- Right on a private beach
- Beautiful villas
- Great location
- Amazing staff
Villas start from $72 per night.
Little Sunshine Boutique Beach Resort & Spa - Treating Yourself
With how luxurious and perfect Little Sunshine Boutique Beach Resort & Spa is, you’d expect the price to be at least double. This place is an absolute steal and somewhere you should definitely book if you want to treat yourself.
The resort has its own private beach and a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the sea. The rooms vary from standard double rooms to villas or wigwam-style houses. The staff are incredible and so is the complimentary breakfast.
- Private beach
- Beautiful rooms and villas
- Large swimming pool
- Exceptional free breakfast
Private room start from $84 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Koh Chang
What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Chang?
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Chang is 350 km (217 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang is by flight from trat and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang is by bus + ferry with ticket costs starting from 340 THB ($9.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
