Overview Compare Bus + Ferry Flight + Ferry Taxi To Stay
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a haven for travellers who enjoy both the jungle and beach. The “sabai sabai” (relaxing) atmosphere of the island will allow you to kick back and take in all the stunning scenery. If you’re into the party scene, the island offers plenty of that too, and even hosts festive Full Moon parties during peak season.
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Chang is 350 km (218 miles). In this post, we compare the three options to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang: by bus + ferry (6.5-8 hours), by flight + ferry (2 hours), or by taxi (5-6 hours). Ticket prices range from 800 THB ($23) to 3,950 THB ($110).
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
We recommend travelling from Bangkok to Koh Chang with a combined bus and ferry ride. First, you will take a 6-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Trat and then transfer to a ferry bound for Koh Chang. The entire journey takes at least 7 hours and combined tickets start from 800 THB ($23). If you book separately, you can make the trip for a slightly cheaper price at around 400 THB ($11.50).
Alternatively, you can also take a 1-hour flight from Bangkok to Trat and then continue by ferry to Koh Chang. The total cost for the combined journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang by flight including the transfer is around 1,800 THB ($52).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Travelling in a group? You can also take a taxi from Bangkok straight to your hotel in Koh Chang. Fares start at 3,950 THB ($110) and this includes boarding a ferry from Trat to Koh Chang. Quite a good option if you travel with a group!
Itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Chang
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 ($26) from Bangkok city centre or 800 THB ($23) 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 ($11.50).
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 schedules from Bangkok to Trat
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 ($1.70) 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.
Ferry Schedules from Trat 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 ($2.30) 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 ($5).
If you want to take your car on the ferry, expect to pay 100 THB ($2.80) 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 ($37.50) and 2,000 THB ($57). 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.
There is an airport minibus service that goes straight from the airport to Koh Chang. This costs 500 THB ($14) for a single journey and 900 THB ($26)) for a round-trip fare. The vehicle boards the ferry and takes you to the island.
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
Check Private Transfers on 12GoAsia
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Chang
Pajama’s Koh Chang
Pajama’s Koh Chang is the perfect place for solo travelers looking for a dorm room. The hostel is extremely social, fun and has an on-site bar, restaurant and swimming pool.
Just a short walk to the beach and nightlife in the area, this hostel is an excellent location. The staff is known to be extremely fun and happy to assist with tours and planning your future travels.
- Swimming pool
- Excellent location
- On-site bar
- Social atmosphere
Single bed in dorm room starts at $18 per night
Chill House Koh Chang
Located on the Bang Bao pier, built over the water, the Chill House Koh Chang offers a great experience. Wake up to the stunning sunrises and enjoy the views from the terrace overlooking the sea.
Excellent food and friendly staff make this guesthouse the perfect home away from home. Walking distance to beaches, shopping, bars, and restaurants.
- Stunning sea views from the terrace
- On-site restaurant
- Friendly staff
- Walking distance to sights and amenities
Private rooms start at $19 per night
Beach Jungle
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 on-site bar. Private rooms come with air-con, fridge, and your own bathroom.
- Clean & comfortable
- On-site bar and activities
- Excellent location in Lonely Beach
- Private bathroom & fridge in the room
Private rooms start at $25 per night
Harley Moon Hideaway
Located in quiet Bailan Bay and just a short distance to Lonely Beach and Kai Bae Beach, it’s the perfect getaway!
Harley Moon hideaway boasts a beautiful outdoor pool, bbq and terrace for your enjoyment as well as on-site bar and restaurant. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for relaxation and nature.
- Swimming pool
- On-site bar and restaurant
- Quiet and relaxing
- Surrounded by nature
Private rooms start at $45 per night
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About the author(s)
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.
