Koh Chang is an exotic island in Trat Province, 200 km to the south of Pattaya. The island with an area of 215 sq.m. mostly has mountain relief and 90% of the territory is covered with jungles. The central and western parts of the island are mostly uninhabited - this is a national nature reserve Mu Koh Chang. Any building is forbidden there. On the sea coast from the west there are a few hotels, a hospital and a couple of fishing villages. The main infrastructure (hotels, shops, markets, fruit shops, pharmacies, cafes, restaurants) are situated along the eastern coast.
Koh Chang attracts tourists with its virgin nature, wild jungles and the Pacific coast with coral reefs. The first time you step on the island’s sand, you will feel the magic atmosphere of relaxation and peace. Koh Chang is definitely among the “must-visit” places in Thailand. We totally recommend to see this magnificent island!
How do you get to Koh Chang?
There is a ferry communication between the main land and the island. Cargo and passenger ferries leave every 45 minutes from Ao Thammachat Pier from 06:30 till 19:00. The travelling time is 30 minutes. The ticket costs 80 THB per 1 passenger and 120 THB per a vehicle. The first floor carries cargo, cars and motobikes. On the second floor there is a passenger zone.
How do you get to the Pier?
From Bangkong to Koh Chang:
From Pattaya to Koh Chang:
*Because of the mountain relief and narrow and steep roads, it is only possible to get to some hotels by motorbike or tuk tuk.
Transport in Koh Chang
The main type of transport on the island is songteo (tuk tuk) and motorbikes. Songteo is a pick up with two long benches in its backside - that’s where passengers seat. The price for a trip starts from 30 THB per 1 person (depends on the destination). Unlike motorbikes, this is an economical and safe type of transport.
There is no doubt that a motorbike is more convenient as you can go to any place any time whereas songteos follow a fixed route. If you rent a motorbike, you can go around all the main beaches in one day. However, the local police warn that a lot of road accidents happen every year due to the mountain relief and steep roads. Some people die in these acidents. So, unexperienced drivers are not recommended to drive motorbikes there. It is possible to take a motorbike or songteo taxi to get to the needed destination safe and sound.
Koh Chang beaches
The main beaches are situated along the western sea coast. All the beaches present picturesque views of an endless ocean and palms bended over the coast line.
Main beaches of Koh Chang:
White Sand Beach with a wide coast line and white sand is the nearest to the Pier. Nearby there are many hotels, fruit shops, Tesco Lotus, Makro, 7/11, a Chinese temple and Orthodox church, Thai bank offices, money exchange booths and a hospital. There is also a popular Sabai Bar where fire shows take place at night.
Further to the south lies Klong Prao Beach which also has a developed infrastructure. Besides, there is Tesco Lotus, 7/11, a hotel, a dentist cliniс, cafes and restaurants - in other words, everything that a modern person needs.
Over Klong Prao lies Kai Bae Beach and Lonely Beach - less populated and less crowded beaches. Here and there their sand coast line is broken with rocks forming rocky seashores with thick tropical bushes and trees. At Kai Bae Beach there is a viewpoint with magnificent view of the turquoise sea. The inhabited part of the western seaside is completed with Bailan Beach and Bang Bao fishing village. In Bang Bao tourists can buy fresh sea food. From the Bang Bao Pier it is possible to travel to the nearby islands.
What to do in Koh Chang
If you are sick and tired of a lazy holiday, it is high time to enjoy various activities in Koh Chang!
Waterfalls
The island has 8 waterfalls - the biggest ones are Klong Plu and Than Mayom. They are full-flowing during the rain season - from May till Septemeber. The road to the waterfalls lies through the jungles, so it is not recommended to go there without a guide. The admission tickets to the waterfalls cost from 50 to 200 THB.
Jungles and mangrove shrubs
It is enjoyable to take a walk in the jungles to learn more about the island’s nature. In the south-east of Koh Chang there is a mangrove area to explore. A walk through the mangrove trees and shrubs will be an unforgettable experience.
Elephant trekking
Koh Chang is a perfect place to try elephant trekking! Did you know that “chang” means “an elephant” in Thai? Your trekking route will go through the wild jungles with rocky ground and steep ascents and descents. In Koh Chang there are two elephant villages - Chang Chutiman near Klong Prao Beach and Ban Kwan Chang in the north of the island. The prices for elephant trekking start from 500 THB per a person (the prices depend on the route). The most interesting variant is elephant trekking + swimming in the river with elephants.
Tree Top
Near Bailan Beach there is Tree Top Adventure Park where tourists can enjoy cable rides above the trees’ tops and a journey over the hanging rope bridges.
Diving and Snorkeling
Koh Chang’s seaside is also a good place for diving and snorkeling. There divers will see beautiful coral reefs where bright colorful Nemo fish and other sea creatures live. The most exciting dive sites are Koh Man Nok, Hin Sam Sao and Hin Raap - the deepest one.
Trips to nearest islands
It is possible to take a tour to Koh Chang from Pattaya and go on a one-day sea cruise to the islands - Koh Wai, Koh Lao and Koh Klum. There you will absolutely enjoy “bounty’ landscapes with white sandy beaches, turquoise water and tropical trees - a perfect scenery for pictures! In addition to snorkeling and beach rest you will have an opportunity to go fishing and have Thai lunch on board a ship.
From Ban Boa Pier or Kai Bae Beach you can travel to Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Koh Wai by speed boat. In these islands there are hotels where you can stay for a night. The infrastructure is not well-developed, but you can always get fresh sea food and fruit there.
Sport
Doing sport at this beautiful island is an absolute pleasuere. In Koh Chang you will find a golf course which is situated in the territory of the Siam Royal View Resort. There you can rent golf equipment and enjoy a golf game, get a bicycle for rent, do yoga or just exercise in the gym.
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