Exploring Koh Chang Where to stay How to get around How to get there

Is Koh Chang worth visiting?

The reason why Koh Chang doesn’t make it on to most itineraries, is most likely due to the fact that the island is situated in the east of Thailand, actually closer to Cambodia than Thailand itself.

Thanks to its proximity to Cambodia, many travellers also continue their journey from Thailand to Cambodia afterwards.

So why visit Koh Chang?

Koh Chang seems to have something for everyone; parties and fire shows on Lonely Beach for backpackers, high-end resorts for sunbed lovers, an incredible underwater world for water babies and rich jungle that is yet to be fully explored.

The island has maintained the back-to-nature feel that many of the popular islands in the south have sadly lost over the years. However, this is now quickly changing in Koh Chang too. Development is rapidly increasing across the island, so if a barely touched island is what you’re after we’d recommend not waiting too long to visit Koh Chang.

Frankly, we’re still a bit puzzled as to why Koh Chang is so underrated, but by the looks of it, it won’t stay that way for long.

Also check out the Top 10 Things to Do in Koh Chang

Where to stay in Koh Chang

Being one of Thailand’s largest islands, the choice of where to stay on Koh Chang becomes even more important. Unlike some of the smaller islands, visiting another beach or area requires you to exert more effort than a gentle stroll.

You’ll find that most accommodation on the island is dotted along the west coast, with the options on the east more remote and secluded.

To help, we’ve put together our favourite places to stay in Koh Chang. This way you can pick the right area to get the most out of your stay.

Location #1: White Sand Beach – the busiest beach on the island

White sand beach in Koh Chang — Soak in the sun at White Sand Beach

Located on the northern point of the island, you’ll find White Sand Beach. It’s conveniently close to the ferry port and if the name isn’t enough to entice you, it certainly has attracted a whole host of other tourists.

White Sand Beach is Koh Chang’s busiest beach, most likely due to the high number of amenities. There’s a huge variety of shops, restaurants, bars and hotels as well as places to arrange island tours, ATMS and motorbike rentals.

Here you’ll find a lot of medium to high-end resorts with lush swimming pools and crisp white sheets, but you’ll also still be able to find a few bungalows at very reasonable prices.

This area isn’t void of backpackers either, head to the northern end of the beach and you’ll find plenty making the most of the cheap hillside huts.

Location #2: Lonely Beach – backpacker central, 90s style

If you stay on Lonely Beach, it’s unlikely that your experience will live up to the name because this area is backpacker central. If you’re looking to create memories alongside other backpackers, then you’ll find plenty of like-minded people in the cheap accommodation on this southwestern part of the Island.

There’s plenty of bamboo bungalows dotted along the beach, hidden amongst the jungle and squeezed between reggae bars and other places offering cheap food and drink. The low prices certainly help the party to continue all night long, without the worry of blowing your daily budget on the first drink.

Depending on when you get the chance to visit Koh Chang, this scene might be completely different. As many travellers now have a larger disposable income, the island has begun to cater more for the ‘flashpacker’ crowd, introducing fancier accommodation with A/C, wifi and hot showers.

So if you want a more authentic, back-to-nature stay on Koh Chang, we’d recommend getting there pretty soon.

Location #3: Bangbao – a fishing village with amazing seafood

Bangbao Fishing Village in Koh Chang — Bangbao Fishing Village

For those who want deliciously fresh seafood on their doorstep every day, you should stay in Bangbao.

The quaint fishing village is located on the southern point of Koh Chang, making it the island’s gateway to Koh Chang Marine Park and the meeting point for many snorkelling trips.

So if snorkelling’s high up on your agenda of things to do, you can save yourself time and money being close to where a lot of the snorkelling trips meet.

A downside for some people is that there isn’t a beach at the centre of Bangbao. Instead, you’ll have to travel 2 km to the nearest one.

In this area of the island you’ll again find a range of accommodation choices, but predominantly mid-range resorts and a few backpacker style options.

How to get around in Koh Chang

If you plan on doing any exploring whilst on Koh Chang, you’ll have to take on the islands mountainous and jungle-laden landscape. In most cases, walking is out of the question so you’ll have to rely on proper transportation.

Songthaews

Songthaew at Thailand — One of the unique ways to get around Koh Chang – the iconic red Songthaew

If you’ve been to Thailand before you’ll be familiar with this strange word – songthaew. For those who don’t have a clue, they’re converted pickup trucks with benches in the back for passengers. Essentially they are Thailand’s form of public transport.

As soon as you arrive at the ferry port, you’ll be overwhelmed with the white vehicles and drivers trying to get you in their Songthaews. During peak season, these vehicles can be packed to the brim, with some people even having to hang off the back.

Prices and routes for songthaews are set, so there’s no point trying to haggle. To give you an idea, from the pier to anywhere on the island the fare will range between 50-200 baht.

To travel from place to place around the island a similar range can also be expected, however if you hitch a ride after 10pm, the price will be 50 baht higher.

If you stop a songthaew with no one in it and ask them to take you to a particular place on the island, this is considered to be privately hiring the vehicle. In most instances you’ll pay the same price (as long as it’s a minimum of two people), but some drivers will charge you more.

Motorbike

Nothing beats having the freedom to explore an island at your own convenience and at your own pace. That’s where hiring a motorbike is a great choice.

Koh Chang will put your motorbike skills to the test, though. The roads can be quite hard to traverse! If you do feel confident, you can also save yourself a bit of money. Hiring a motorbike will cost you around 250 baht per day.

Arranging transport at your hotel

If you don’t fancy either of the options above, you can always speak to your hotel to see if they can arrange transportation for you.

This is likely to be a more expensive option but probably the most comfortable. It’s also nice to have someone who knows the island driving you around.

How to get to Koh Chang

Leaving from	Duration	Prices from		See details
Bangkok	1-8 hours	from 800 THB ($24)		Bangkok to Koh Chang

Best 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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

About the author(s)

Kate

Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.

Maarten

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.