About Koh Chang
Koh Chang
Thailand's tropical paradise
Haven't you heard of Koh Chang?
Then it's high time to change that! Covered by lush jungle hills, Koh Chang – the Elephant Island – is a verdant jewel in the Gulf of Thailand.
Despite being the second largest island in Thailand, Koh Chang is still one of the best kept secrets and has retained its natural and authentic beauty. Whether you're just looking for the perfect hideaway or are more adventurous, Koh Chang has it all. From dream beaches like Lonely Beach to a wide selection of delicious restaurants to cultural highlights like the Wat Klong Son temple.
If you want to get a glimpse of the unspoilt side of Thailand, away from mass tourism, take a trip to one of the many neighboring islands. The Koh Chang archipelago consists of around 50 islands, most of which are uninhabited, making it the perfect paradise for lovers of untouched natural beauty above and below the water.
Immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled beauty, savor the rich flavors of Thai cuisine and experience the vibrant culture of this tropical paradise.
Must-See: Mu Ko Chang National Park
One of the highlights of Koh Chang is clearly the Mu Ko Chang National Park, which covers large parts of the island and its famous offshore coral reefs, which are among the healthiest in the country. Whether you are a beginner snorkeler or an experienced diver, the island's marine biodiversity will enchant you. With numerous dive sites, from shallow reefs to deep caves, Koh Chang offers something for all levels of divers. Discover unique maritime creatures such as moray eels, rays, barracudas or our frequent visitor, the whale shark - the largest fish in the world.
For a different perspective, you can try kayaking around the island. And even if you prefer land to water, take an adventurous hike through the dense jungle. Spot exotic birds or monkeys as you enjoy the lush landscape on the way to waterfalls or mountain peaks!
Do not worry,
dive happy
Where to stay on Koh Chang?
Accommodation on Koh Chang ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious beach resorts. The best areas to stay are on the west side of the island as it has beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets and good infrastructure.
White Sand Beach is the closest town to the ferry and offers many restaurants, shops, bars and accommodation near the beach.A little further south is Klong Prao Beach - the longest beach on the island, surrounded by beautiful palm trees and beach resorts. Kai Bae is an up-and-coming area with chic restaurants, bars and vegan options.
In addition to luxurious hotels, there are also more affordable bungalows where you can stay. The Lonely Beach offers numerous affordable accommodation options and hostels.
That's why the area is popular with backpackers and budget travelers who like a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to a secluded beach, you will find many bars and a lively nightlife here. At the southern end of the island is the Bang Bao fishing village, from where all of our diving trips depart.
Compared to the west coast, the east coast is much quieter and offers fewer guesthouses and tourist infrastructure, but is still worth a visit.
But note: It takes over an hour's drive from the East Coast to reach Bang Bao from the East Coast, so it is not advisable to stay overnight here if you want to join one of our diving trips. There is no road connection around the entire island as the road ends near Bang Bao Village on the west coast.
Bang Bao:
Hometown of our diving center
Bang Bao, a tranquil, former fishing village and location of our diving school, is located in a protected bay in the south of Koh Chang.
While it provides the perfect base for boat trips, there is much more to explore. Bang Bao is primarily known for its 700-meter-long pier, still partly surrounded by traditional wooden stilt houses and offering exceptional views of the island.
Despite its small size, Bang Bao offers an amazing variety of culinary delights, especially authentic Thai cuisine. Seafood is a local specialty and there is nothing better than enjoying freshly caught fish, crab or squid with a sea view.
Don't forget to try the exotic tropical fruits and famous street food.
How do you get there?
OPTION 1: Taxi & Car Ferry
Do you prefer the most convenient way? → Take a private taxi! The most convenient option to get to Koh Chang is to book a taxi to pick you up from the airport/hotel in Bangkok and take you to your accommodation on the island. The entire trip usually lasts 5-6 hours and costs around 4000 baht.
OPTION 2: By plane
Do you prefer the direct route? → Take a flight to Trat. If you're coming from abroad and can't wait to dive in the crystal clear waters around Koh Chang, the quickest option might be to take a connecting flight to Trat Airport. Trat Airport is served by Bangkok Airways from Bangkok as a domestic flight. From Trat, you can take a shared taxi to Ao Thammachat pier, where all ferries depart, for around 100 baht.
OPTION 3: By bus
Do you prefer slow travel? -> Enjoy the view on the way by bus. If you prefer to travel slowly or are on a budget, you can take a bus from Bangkok. The public bus from Ekkamai Station is a cheap and convenient option to get to Trat Bus Station. Then you just have to get to the ferry pier. There are also various minivan options that will take you directly to the island. The best way to book a minivan is through your hotel.
OPTION 4: Individual arrival
Individual travelers may prefer other options to get to Ao Thammachat Pier. From here the car ferry crossing takes 30 minutes and costs around 40 to 120 baht.
Let's discover hidden
places together
How to get there?
OPTION 1: Taxi & Car Ferry
Do you prefer the most convenient way? → Take a private taxi! The most convenient option to get to Koh Chang is to book a taxi to pick you up from the airport/hotel in Bangkok and take you to your accommodation on the island. The entire trip usually lasts 5-6 hours and costs around 4000 baht.
OPTION 2: By plane
Do you prefer the direct route? → Take a flight to Trat. If you're coming from abroad and can't wait to dive in the crystal clear waters around Koh Chang, the quickest option might be to take a connecting flight to Trat Airport. Trat Airport is served by Bangkok Airways from Bangkok as a domestic flight. From Trat, you can take a shared taxi to Ao Thammachat pier, where all ferries depart, for around 100 baht.
OPTION 3: By bus
Do you prefer slow travel? -> Enjoy the view on the way by bus. If you prefer to travel slowly or are on a budget, you can take a bus from Bangkok. The public bus from Ekkamai Station is a cheap and convenient option to get to Trat Bus Station. Then you just have to get to the ferry pier. There are also various minivan options that will take you directly to the island. The best way to book a minivan is through your hotel.
OPTION 4: Individual arrival
Individual travelers may prefer other options to get to Ao Thammachat Pier. From here the car ferry crossing takes 30 minutes and costs around 40 to 120 baht.
Best time to travel to Elephant Island
The best time to travel to Koh Chang is in the high season from December to April.
Although the chance of rain may be slightly higher during the off-season (particularly September), many still prefer to travel at this time of year as the island is less crowded but still beautiful and can find better deals on accommodation, food or scooter rentals are.
Our diving center is open all year round as the water temperature is always between 26 and 30 degrees. If that doesn't sound like paradise, we don't know what will!
Best time to travel to Elephant Island
The best time to travel to Koh Chang is in the high season from November to April.
Although the chance of rain may be slightly higher during the off-season (particularly September), many still prefer to travel at this time of year as the island is less crowded but still beautiful and can find better deals on accommodation, food or scooter rentals are.
Our diving center is open all year round as the water temperature is between 26 and 30 degrees all year round. If that doesn't sound like paradise, we don't know what will!
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