Ko Chang is the third largest island in Thailand. Although it is a well-established tourist destination, it doesn’t receive as many visitors as the other two largest islands, Phuket and Ko Samui. This makes Ko Chang an ideal choice for those looking for a quieter beach holiday, but not too quiet. Ko Chang also serves as the ideal base to explore other islands nearby. With its variety of inviting beaches and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, Ko Chang attracts visitors from all walks of life, from backpackers to families.
Relax on the beach
For many travellers, the appeal of a Thai island is the opportunity to relax on the beach. Ko Chang ticks all the right boxes for a beach holiday with a variety of beaches to choose from. No matter your travel style, you can find a beach that’s right for you on Ko Chang.
White Sand Beach is the most popular and developed beach on Ko Chang. This long stretch of sand is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying beachside restaurants and bars. You’ll find a wide choice of accommodation here and for a first-time visitor to the island, it can be a convenient choice.
If you prefer somewhere less developed, take a look at Klong Phrao or Kai Bae. A traditional favourite with backpackers and budget travellers, Lonely Beach is not as lonely as it once was, but still appeals to backpackers and travellers looking for a mix of relaxation and nightlife.
Island-hopping
For some travellers, Ko Chang may be a little too mainstream. If that sounds like you, then stay instead on one of the other quieter islands in the Ko Chang archipelago like Ko Kood, Ko Mak or Ko Wai.
There are also several islands where you can’t stay overnight but which are still worth visiting. Ko Kham and Ko Kradat are both just a short boat ride away from Ko Mak.
Ko Mak: The Thai island pioneering responsible tourism
Ko Kradat is a private island which is famous for the deer which live here. The deer are descendants of the original herd that was first introduced to the island by King Rama V in the late 1800s. Also near Ko Mak, The attractive island of Ko Kham is a quiet spot to unwind on the pristine beach.
Island-hopping in the Ko Chang archipelago
Snorkelling and diving
Take a boat trip to Ko Rang, a marine park with some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the area, featuring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
For experienced divers, the dive site at HTMS Chang is one of the most popular locations in the Ko Chang archipelago with reef sharks and whale sharks frequently seen.
Local life at Ban Salak Khok
Explore the quiet side of Ko Chang by kayaking through the mangrove forests on the southeast and east coasts of the island. Kayaks can be hired at the village of Ban Salak Khok. If you’d prefer someone else to do the work, you can opt to take a ‘ruea maad‘, a traditional rowing boat. Sometimes referred to as a Thai ‘gondola’, you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while someone else does the rowing.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
After time spent exploring the mangroves, return to Ban Salak Khok and enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants on Ko Chang. This is where locals come to eat freshly caught fish, shrimp and crab.
Responsible tourism in Ban Salak Khok, Ko Chang
Waterfalls and viewpoints
Join a guided trek through Ko Chang’s interior, where you can see wildlife, waterfalls, and impressive viewpoints. One of the island’s most famous waterfalls, Klong Plu offers a scenic jungle hike leading to a refreshing natural pool where you can swim. Over on the island’s east coast, Than Mayom Waterfall is another popular destination.
If you’re staying near Kai Bae, you can hike to Kai Bae waterfall or enjoy the scenic Kai Bae viewpoint with fine views of the coastline and nearby islands.
How to get to Ko Chang
The Ko Chang islands are located in Thailand’s eastern Trat province. Ferry tickets to Ko Chang and the other islands can be purchased on arrival in Trat.
The nearest airport is Trat Airport on the mainland. Trat Airport is owned by Bangkok Airways and they are the only airline that operates flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Trat. Onward transport to the islands can be arranged on arrival or in advance via your hotel.
Ko Chang weather
The best weather for a beach holiday on Ko Chang and the nearby islands is from mid-November to April. Peak season is December and January so you can expect to pay more for accommodation on the islands at this time. Temperatures remain warm all year averaging around 30 with March and April the hottest months.
The low season months are May to October. Although you do still see sunny days in the low season, it is not ideal for a beach holiday. Rainfall can be torrential from July to September, with August statistically the wettest month.
