Thailand’s eastern province of Trat is home to one of the country’s most rewarding island-hopping destinations. Just offshore lies the Ko Chang archipelago, a cluster of tropical islands known for jungle-covered mountains, quiet beaches and clear waters.
While Ko Chang is the largest and most developed island in the group, nearby islands such as Ko Kood, Ko Mak and Ko Wai offer a more peaceful atmosphere and excellent opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking and relaxation.
With ferries and speedboats connecting the islands, it’s easy to combine several destinations into a single itinerary. This guide explains how to reach Trat province and how to travel between the islands.
The main islands in the Ko Chang archipelago
Ko Chang
Ko Chang is the largest island in eastern Thailand and the main gateway to the archipelago. Despite the island’s growing tourism infrastructure, much of it remains protected within Mu Ko Chang National Park, giving it a rugged, wild feel.
Visitors will find a range of beaches along the island’s west coast. White Sand Beach is the busiest area with plenty of restaurants, hotels and nightlife. Further south, Klong Prao and Kai Bae offer a more relaxed atmosphere with scenic views of nearby islands.
Ko Chang is also known for its waterfalls, jungle hikes and viewpoints. Bang Bao village in the south is a popular departure point for snorkelling trips and inter-island boats. And over on the less-visited East Coast, you will find local communities like Ban Salak Khok, where you can experience local life away from the tourist centres.
Ko Kood
Ko Kood (also written Ko Kut) is the second-largest island in the archipelago, but it feels far quieter than Ko Chang. Its appeal lies in its pristine beaches, calm atmosphere and lush rainforest interior.
The island is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, with powdery sand and shallow turquoise water. Popular spots include Ao Tapao, Bang Bao Beach, and Klong Chao Beach.
Beyond the coastline, travellers can explore waterfalls, mangrove forests and small fishing villages. Ko Kood is ideal for travellers seeking a peaceful escape or a luxury beachfront resort experience.
Ko Mak
Ko Mak is a small island known for its sustainability initiatives and relaxed atmosphere. Development here is low-key, with boutique resorts and eco-friendly accommodation rather than large hotels.
The island’s flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling, and visitors can easily explore coconut plantations, rubber farms and quiet beaches.
Beaches such as Ao Suan Yai and Ao Kao offer beautiful views across the sea toward Ko Kood and other nearby islands. Ko Mak is a favourite among travellers looking for a slower pace and an environmentally conscious destination.
Ko Mak: The Thai island pioneering responsible tourism
Ko Wai
Ko Wai is the smallest inhabited island in the group and remains largely undeveloped. With only a handful of bungalow resorts and no roads, it feels wonderfully remote, making it an excellent option for travellers wanting to disconnect and enjoy nature.
The island is particularly popular with snorkellers thanks to coral reefs located just offshore. Most accommodation is simple but atmospheric, offering beachfront bungalows and quiet evenings under the stars.
How to get to Trat province
Your island-hopping trip begins on the mainland in Trat province, which borders Cambodia and sits about 300 kilometres southeast of Bangkok.
Flights to Trat
The closest airport to the islands is Trat Airport, located roughly 30 kilometres from the ferry piers.
Bangkok Airways operates direct flights between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and Trat, with a flight time of around one hour. Transfers to the ferry piers or island resorts can be arranged at the airport or booked in advance through hotels.
If you are travelling from destinations such as Phuket or Ko Samui, you can also fly to U-Tapao Airport near Pattaya and continue by road to Trat.
Travelling from Bangkok
For many travellers, buses are the most convenient and affordable way to reach Trat.
Regular departures run from Ekamai Bus Terminal, Bangkok’s main eastern bus station. The journey typically takes five to six hours, depending on traffic conditions. Buses also depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal, although the timetable is less frequent.
Some services offer combined bus-and-ferry tickets, allowing passengers to travel directly to Ko Chang without arranging separate transport.
Travellers arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport can take a direct minibus to Ko Chang. These services depart from Level 1 near Door 8. The bus travels on the vehicle ferry to Ko Chang and drops passengers off at main beach areas such as White Sand Beach and Kai Bae.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Travelling from Pattaya
Visitors staying in Pattaya can travel directly to Ko Chang by bus. Services run between Pattaya and the ferry piers and connect with the vehicle ferry to the island. The Suvarnabhumi Burapha company that operates buses from Bangkok Airport also runs services from Pattaya to Ko Chang.
Private Transfers
Private transfers are a convenient option if you prefer a door-to-door journey. Cars and minibuses can be booked from Bangkok, Pattaya or other cities and will take you directly to the ferry piers or your hotel on Ko Chang. Prices generally start from around 5,000 baht per vehicle from Bangkok, depending on vehicle type and service level.
Booking boats between the islands
Once you arrive in the archipelago, travelling between islands is straightforward. Most travellers book their boat tickets through their hotel or a local travel agency. Tickets often include a shared transfer to the departure pier, making the process convenient.
Although some routes can be booked online, local tour offices typically offer the widest range of options and the most up-to-date schedules.
Boat companies
Several operators run ferry and speedboat services between the mainland and islands. These include:
- Bang Bao Boat
- Boonsiri
- Kai Bae Hut Speedboat
- Koh Kood Express
- Leelawadee Speedboat (Ko Mak)
- Seudamgo
- Koh Kood Princess
Depending on the route, vessels may include vehicle ferries, high-speed catamarans, speedboats or traditional wooden boats.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Travel times
Travel times vary depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel used, but the following estimates provide a useful guide:
Mainland routes
- Trat mainland to Ko Chang: 25–40 minutes
- Trat mainland to Ko Wai: about 45 minutes
- Trat mainland to Ko Mak: about 45 minutes
- Trat mainland to Ko Kood: around 1 hour
Inter-island routes
- Ko Chang to Ko Wai: about 45 minutes (wooden boat)
- Ko Wai to Ko Mak: 30 minutes by speedboat or around 1 hour by wooden boat
- Ko Mak to Ko Kood: approximately 45–60 minutes
Ferries between the mainland and Ko Chang run frequently throughout the day. Inter-island services usually operate morning and afternoon departures.
Travel tips
Boat schedules vary depending on the season.
The best time for island hopping in the Ko Chang archipelago is between November and April, when seas are generally calm and ferry services run frequently.
During the rainy season from May to October, schedules become more limited. Ferries between the mainland and Ko Chang operate year-round, but many inter-island speedboats stop running by early May.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
In the low season, there are still occasional ferries from Laem Ngop pier on the mainland to Ko Mak and Ko Kood. Always check schedules close to your departure date.
If you plan to travel between islands by speedboat, it’s worth packing light. Speedboats have limited luggage space, and boarding sometimes takes place from smaller piers or directly from the beach. Using compact suitcases or backpacks will make transfers easier.
