What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
3 ways to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok
There are three ways to travel the distance of 350 km (217 miles) from Koh Chang to Bangkok: by bus + ferry (45 minutes-5h45m), taxi (5-6 hours) and flight from trat (2 hours). The journey takes between 45 minutes - 6h and the quickest way is by bus + ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 400 THB ($11.00) for the bus + ferry.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Koh Chang to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
We recommend travelling by bus and ferry from Koh Chang to Bangkok. The first part of the journey is a 45-minute ferry from Koh Chang to Koh Trat. Then from Trat, you can take the bus to Bangkok.
You can book combined bus and ferry tickets online for 850 THB ($23.50), including pick up from your hotel in Koh Chang. If you want to go straight to Bangkok Airport, you can book your tickets for as low as 600 THB ($16.50).
Alternatively, you can also book your tickets separately. This might save you 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 present first the combined options from Koh Chang to Bangkok. After the table, you will find the info on how to make the trip with two separate bookings.
Departure and arrival station
There are two well-known companies operating on this route: Suvarnabhumi Burapha and Boonsiri High-Speed Ferries.
Suvarnabhumi Burapha bus departs from Koh Chang Bus Station. It’s close to the most popular areas to stay in Koh Chang.
Boonsiri High-Speed Ferries offers a pick-up service from any hotel along White Sand Beach to Bangbao Beach.
Both buses departing from these points will head to the pier. From there, a ferry transfer will take place to reach Trat in about 45 minutes. This ride is already included in the ticket cost.
Bus schedule Koh Chang to Bangkok
Booking Tickets Separately
Another option is to book your bus and very tickets from Koh Chang to Bangkok separately. This method is cheaper, but it won’t give you the same level of comfort and convenience when booking online. The total cost of booking tickets separately starts at 400 THB ($11.00).
See the step-by-step guide on how to book your tickets from Koh Chang to Bangkok below.
Step 1: Koh Chang to Trat by Ferry
From your hotel, you’ll first need to head to the pier in Koh Chang. You can catch a local songthaew or motorbike taxi along the main road for about 60 THB ($1.60).
The primary main ferry companies operating on this route are Ferry Koh Chang and Centerpoint Ferry. Both depart from different piers which are about 3 km (2 miles) from each other.
While there are different speedboat ferries that used to go 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 Koh Chang to Bangkok
Ferry tickets to Trat 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 160 THB ($5).
Bringing a vehicle? Binging a car costs 100 THB ($2.70) and a motorbike 30 THB ($0.80).
Note that ferries depart less frequently compared to the regular schedule during the low season (May-October).
Ferry Koh Chang Ferries arrive at Ao Thammachat Pier or Center Point Pier. These ports are about 10 km apart.
Step 2: Trat to Bangkok by Bus
From the piers, you can ride a songthaew (local taxi) to Trat Bus Terminal for about 60 THB ($1.60). The ride will take around 30-40 minutes.
Triple T is the most popular bus operator for the Trat to Bangkok route, offering several departures daily. Bus fares start from 320 THB ($8.50) on BookAway.
You can book a bus arriving at either Eastern Bus Terminal or Bangkok Bus Terminal.
Bus + Ferry options from Koh Chang to Bangkok
Koh Chang to Bangkok by Flight from Trat
If you want to travel by plane from Koh Chang to Bangkok, you’ll first have to take a ferry ride. Check the section above for the details on how to take the ferry.
Trat Airport is about a 20-30 minute drive away from the ports you will arrive at in Koh Chang. You can either go there by songthaew or by taxi.
If you buy a round-trip mini-bus transfer, they will take care of your transfer from Koh Chang to the airport. If you haven’t bought it yet, ask your hotel or a local travel agent for a shared shuttle from Koh Chang to the airport.
Bangkok Airways is the only airline operating along this route. The airline used to have four flights daily but the last time we checked (April 2022), they offer only one flight per day.
The flight to Bangkok departs from Trat Airport at 1:10. After a 1-hour flight, you will land at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
One-way airfares cost between 1,400 THB ($39.00) and 2,200 THB ($62.00). Book early for the best fares.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Koh Chang to Bangkok by Taxi
If you are travelling in a group, it will be more convenient to take private transportation from Koh Chang to Bangkok.
The best thing about booking a taxi is that it can pick up you from any hotel in Koh Chang, bring you to the pier, board the car ferry, and from there, continue to Bangkok.
When splitting the costs, it can even be cheaper than booking tickets on a shared transfer. Online, you can book as cheap as 3,950 THB ($110.00). This price excludes the fee for the ferry tickets for the passengers.
Also, note that this is the price when booking online. When you book a taxi with your hotel, it’s likely more expensive.
The cost of booking a taxi starts at 3,950 THB ($110.00) for the trip back to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Chang to Bangkok
What is the distance from Koh Chang to Bangkok?
The distance from Koh Chang to Bangkok is 350 km (217 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok is by bus + ferry and takes 45 minutes-5h45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok is by bus + ferry with ticket costs starting from 400 THB ($11.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Chang to Bangkok. 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.
