Koh Chang is Thailand's second largest island and one of Thailand's most natural destinations. Because of its originality, the island is also one of our travel favorites. In Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park there are some untouched island worlds and Koh Chang is the perfect place to unwind. Some beaches are well developed with hotels and restaurants, the rest of the island being natural. Koh Chang is also a base for island hopping in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand and is located near the border with Cambodia. (Khlong Yai Border Checkpoint in Hat Lek is about 110 km away. [International border crossing]. No international border crossing is possible in Laem Khlat). Even trips to the neighboring mainland to Trat are very easy.

On Koh Chang, along the beaches, there are many small, cozy bungalow resorts and also a few guesthouses and luxury hotels. Especially at Klong Prao Beach and White Sand Beach (Haad Sai Kao) you will find accommodation of all price ranges. Here is the right thing for every travel budget. The evening and night life takes place in a dignified atmosphere. Mainly on the White Sand Beach there are some bars and pubs along the road and along the beach.

Koh Chang has no connection to an international airport, the nearest airport is in Trat. Often the journey is via Bangkok by plane or bus. From there you can travel by bus along the coast via Pattaya. From Trat by bus or taxi to the ferry "Tha-Center-Point" or the "Thammachat-Ferry" in Trat.

Transfer to the hotel on Koh Chang:
Taxis and mini buses are available at the ferry terminal, taking guests to the hotels and beaches.

You can also rent a car at the airport in Bangkok. Here are the usual lenders to choose from (Thai Rent a car, AVIS, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz). In Trat at the airport itself there are no rental cars. Depending on the season, the prices vary greatly and often smaller vehicles are fully booked in the main season. The best way is to book the car already in your homecountry.

Arrival from Trat:
The journey with all public buses takes place to the bus station in Trat (except the two buses of the line 999). From Trat Bus Station, take a private chartered taxi or one of the blue shared taxis (Songthaeos) to one of the piers in the port city of Laem Ngop. The harbor is about 17 km away and the ride takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. The shared taxis (Songthaeos) start only with a minimum of 10 passengers! The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• The arrival from Bangkok by plane to Trat is possible with either Bangkok Airways or another airline (PB Air, Thai AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways, etc.). In Bangkok there are 2 airports to choose from (Don Muang, where only domestic flights depart and land and Suvarnabhumi Intl.)
• The journey by land is e.g. Possible from Bangkok with the so-called "VIP Bus" or "Aircon Bus" and takes depending on the traffic between 6 and 8 hours. Due to the air conditioning, it gets really cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. Buses for Pattaya, Koh Chang & Hua Hin leave from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus Terminal in Samut Prakan (Bangkok):

1.         Mini buses with about 15 seats (about 340-650 THB), driving time between 5.5 and 7 hours
2.         Express bus number 392 goes direct (non stop) from Suvarnabhumi airport to Koh Chang, Klong             Son area (600 THB)

• Koh Chang is not connected to Thailand's rail network. But you can go by train to Bangkok, and from there by bus and ferry to Koh Chang.

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. With the mini bus we continue to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Surat Thani (or from Koh Tao to Chumphon). From the pier, VIP buses continue via Bangkok and Pattaya to Trat. From Trat, take the ferry to Koh Chang.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. With the mini bus it goes on to the next big bus station and from there with the VIP bus up to the "bus station" at the pier in Trat. From there, take the boat / ferry to Koh Chang. From the pier it goes by taxis or mini buses to the hotels and beaches.

Arrival from Phuket:
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. The mini bus continues to the "Bus Station" in Phuket Town and from there by VIP bus to the "Bus Station" at the pier in Trat. Vondort goes by boat / ferry to Koh Chang. From the pier it goes by taxis or mini buses to the hotels and beaches.

One of the most fascinating attractions of Koh Chang is the fishing village of Bang Bao. Here all buildings are on stilts and are connected with wooden bridges. Along the footbridges are some hotels (bungalow cottages on the water, restaurants and small souvenir stalls). Also located here is the temple Wat Bang Bao.

In the very south of the island is the village of Ao Salak Phet. It is the largest and oldest village of the island. In the village there is also an old temple built during the reign of King Rama V: Wat Salak Phet

In the village of Klong Phrao is also a temple: Wat Klong Phrao

Near Klong Son Beach (at Baan Klong Son intersection) is Wat Klong Son

The Wat Klong Nonsi in the northeast of the island is located in Baan Klong Nonsi near the Tha Dan Mai Piers.

Also in Klong Nonsi is the Klong Nonsi Waterfall. This can be reached via a trekking path in the national park.

From Baan Than Mayom you can reach the Than Mayom waterfall. The waterfall runs over 3 levels. Various kings (Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and his wife) have left their names on a stone here.

The Klong Phlu waterfall also runs over 3 levels. About the place Ao Klong Phrao you can reach the waterfall via a signposted footpath.

Near Salak Phet are 2 waterfalls. The small Klong Nueng waterfall and the Khiri Phet waterfall. Both can be reached via signposted trails from Salak Phet.

Around Koh Chang are some excellent diving and snorkeling areas. From Bang Bao Pier you can do unforgettable dive trips with BB Divers as well as trips to some special snorkeling spots.

BB Divers has been established on Koh Chang since 2003, making it the longest existing dive center on the island. The diving school is open year-round and offers PADI dive courses as well as freedive courses, fun dives and snorkelling trips. Also a training to PADI IDC (Dive Instructor / Instructor) is possible here.

Klong Son Bay is located in the northwest of the island. The beach is about 400 meters long and lined with palm trees. An offshore, colorful coral reef makes the beach attractive for snorkeling and diving trips. In addition to 2 more luxurious resorts, there are also cozy bungalow facilities.

One of the longest beaches on Koh Chang is Haad Sai Kao (White Sand Beach). This is where resorts and bungalow resorts of all price categories have settled. The beach is white and powdery and lined with coconut palms. In the area you will find orchards and forests.

Long Sand Beach is located in the northeast of Koh Chang, near Sa Lak Kok Bay. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms and deserted. In the area you will find orchards and forests. The beach section is located off the paved road. Only on a gravel road to get there. The ride on the scooter is only recommended for experienced drivers. There is a small bungalow resort with restaurant in perfect beach idyll.

Klong Prao Beach is located between Laem Chat Chet and Kai Bae Beach. Here you will find hotels and bungalow complexes of all price ranges. The beach is very good for swimming because the sand falls heavily into the sea. On the north side, Klong Prao Beach borders Chat Chet Bay. The scenery here is especially beautiful, but at this point the beach is not suitable for swimming.

The Kai Bae Beach is located south of Klong Phrao Beach and falls steeply into the sea. The beach is good for swimming and snorkeling. Upstream there are 6 islands (Koh Suwan, Koh Rom and Koh Man Nai and a little further away Koh Yuak, Koh Pli and Koh Man Nok). Diving and snorkelling trips are offered to the islands. In addition to more luxurious resorts, there are also cheap bungalow facilities.

The Lonely Beach (Haad Thanam) is an approximately 1 km long, narrow, palm-lined dream beach. It adjoins Ao Bai Lan to the south and Kai Bae Beach to the north. The beach is the focal point for individual travelers and backpackers. Along the beach there are a few pubs and beach bars, among others. with live music and DJs. There are also regular full and half-moon parties and other themed parties. The beach is great for swimming as the water gets deep quickly. In the evening you can enjoy the sunset.

In the southwest of the island lies the Bailan Beach. The beach is little visited and very small. There are some stones in the water, so it is less suitable for swimming. Access to the beach is available through the Bailan Beach Resort. In the evening you can enjoy the sunset.

The Wai Check Beach is located in the south of the island and can only be reached on foot via a trekking path from the village of Salak Phet or by boat from the fishing village of Bang Bao. There is no paved road leading to it. The boat trip is worthwhile, however, because the beach is deserted, lined with palm trees and very suitable for swimming. For the food but you have to worry, as there are no restaurants or shops here.

Also in the south of the island, about 1 km east of the fishing village Bang Bao is the Klong Koi Beach. Because of its proximity to Bang Bao, it is also often called Bang Bao Beach. A small wooden bridge leads to the beach. Here are some smaller bungalow resorts and idyllic beach bars. Also beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented here. Upstream there are 8 islands (Hin Run Taek, Koh Khlum, Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya, Koh Lao Klang, Koh Lao Nok, Hin Luk Wai Nai and Hin Luk Wai Nok) in the sea, to which boat and dive excursions offered become.