Koh Chang
เกาะช้าง · Trat Province
Population
8K
Budget / Month
$611
Internet
30 Mbps
Best Season
November to March (dry, calm seas)
About Koh Chang
Koh Chang is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket, but it feels like a different world. Where Phuket is glossy and international, Koh Chang is mountainous, jungled, and refreshingly rough around the edges. The island's interior is almost entirely covered in dense tropical rainforest, with waterfalls tumbling down steep hillsides.
The west coast has the main beaches — White Sand Beach is the most developed, while Lonely Beach and Bang Bao retain a backpacker soul despite increasing development. The east coast remains largely untouched, with fishing villages, mangroves, and barely any tourists.
Koh Chang is part of a marine national park and development has been slower and more controlled than Thailand's southern islands. Snorkeling, kayaking, jungle trekking, and simply doing nothing on quieter beaches are the main draws. It is what Koh Samui was 20 years ago — though that window is slowly closing.
Historical Note
Koh Chang (Elephant Island) gets its name from its shape resembling an elephant. The island is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park. Development has been slower than southern Thai islands due to more remote location and national park protections.
Best time to visit: November to March (dry, calm seas)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะช้าง
Province
Trat
Region
Eastern
Population
8,000
Area
429 km²
Elevation
10 m
Postal Code
23170
Local Language
Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month22,000 THB
~$611 USD
comfortable
/month48,000 THB
~$1,333 USD
luxury
/month100,000 THB
~$2,778 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 60 | 100 |
| Local restaurant meal | 80 | 180 |
| Beach restaurant meal | 150 | 400 |
| Coffee (cafe) | 70 | 130 |
| Beer (bottle) | 70 | 100 |
| Water 1.5L | 15 | 25 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Fan bungalow per night | 300 | 800 |
| Air-con room per night | 800 | 2,500 |
| Beachfront resort per night | 2,500 | 6,000 |
| Luxury resort per night | 6,000 | 20,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew ride | 50 | 100 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 250 | 400 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Snorkeling day trip | 800 | 1,500 |
| National park fee (foreigner) | 200 | 200 |
| Thai massage (1 hour) | 300 | 500 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
15% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
1
Weather & Climate
November to March for dry weather and calm seas. May to October brings heavy monsoon rain — some businesses on Lonely Beach and the south close entirely. White Sand Beach stays open year-round.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 23 | 15 | 68% |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 20 | 68% |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 40 | 70% |
| Apr | 34 | 26 | 100 | 75% |
| May | 33 | 26 | 300 | 82% |
| Jun | 32 | 25 | 350 | 85% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 380 | 86% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 400 | 87% |
| Sep | 31 | 25 | 380 | 87% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 280 | 84% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 100 | 75% |
| Dec | 31 | 23 | 30 | 68% |
Things to Do
White Sand Beach
หาดทรายขาว
The most developed beach with the widest sand strip, good swimming, restaurants, and nightlife by island standards.
Klong Plu Waterfall
น้ำตกคลองพลู
The island's most accessible and impressive waterfall with a pool perfect for swimming.
Lonely Beach
หาดท่าน้ำ
Backpacker hub with laid-back vibe, cheap bars, fire shows at night, and a beautiful stretch of sand.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
บางเบ้า
Atmospheric stilted village at the southern tip built on a wooden pier with restaurants and dive shops.
Koh Rang Snorkeling
Uninhabited island in the marine national park with some of the best snorkeling in eastern Thailand.
Than Mayom Waterfall
น้ำตกธารมะยม
East coast waterfall with royal inscriptions carved by King Rama V and Rama VII. Quieter than Klong Plu.
Food & Dining
อาหารทะเลเผาบางเบ้า
Seafood BBQ at Bang Bao
Walk the pier and choose from restaurants grilling the day's catch — whole fish, squid, prawns over charcoal.
150-400
Bang Bao pier restaurants
ต้มยำทะเล
Tom Yum Talay
Hot and sour soup loaded with local seafood.
100-200
Beach restaurants island-wide
หมูปิ้ง
Moo Ping
Grilled pork skewers with sticky rice — breakfast favorite at morning markets.
30-50
Morning markets
มะพร้าวสด
Fresh Coconut Everything
Coconut water, coconut ice cream, coconut curries — the island grows its own.
30-80
Everywhere on the island
Night Markets
- White Sand Beach night stalls
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
250 - 400
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
800 - 2,500
THB / night
Luxury
6,000 - 20,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
8,000 - 15,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
12,000 - 25,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Long-stay monthly rates available during low season with negotiation. Limited during peak season.
Getting There from Bangkok
Bus to Trat + ferry
7-8 hours total
400-600 THB
Flight to Trat + transfer + ferry
3-4 hours total
2,500-5,000 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
WidespreadShared pickup trucks run the west coast road
50-150
Motorbike rental
WidespreadMain way to explore — roads are steep with sharp curves
250-400
Car rental
LimitedAvailable on island, useful for families
1,000-2,000
Neighborhoods
White Sand Beach
Tourist-oriented beach townMost developed area with widest beach, restaurants, and closest thing to nightlife.
Best for: First-time visitors, convenience
Klong Prao / Kai Bae
Balanced convenience and calmMiddle coast with upscale resorts (Klong Prao) and family-friendly beach (Kai Bae).
Best for: Families, mid-range travelers
Lonely Beach
Laid-back and youthfulBackpacker and budget zone with cheap bungalows, reggae bars, and fire shows.
Best for: Budget travelers, social scene
Bang Bao
Fishing village on stiltsPier village at the southern tip with dive shops and boat departures.
Best for: Divers, unique atmosphere
Festivals & Events
Koh Chang Seafood Festival
Beach-side food festival showcasing island seafood with cooking competitions and live music.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Water fights on White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach.
Loy Krathong
ลอยกระทง
Floating krathong from the beaches, particularly beautiful at Bang Bao pier.
Practical Info
Hospital
Koh Chang Hospital (small)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Tourist English on the west coast. Minimal on the east coast.
Drinking Water
Do not drink tap water. Island water can be brackish.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Koh Rang Snorkeling
Uninhabited island with the best snorkeling in eastern Thailand.
Koh Wai
Tiny island with crystal-clear water and no cars.
Koh Mak
Quiet island with coconut plantations and empty beaches.
Koh Kood
The most pristine island in the Trat archipelago with waterfalls flowing into the sea.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Koh Chang compare to Phuket or Samui?
Much less developed. More jungle, fewer resorts, rougher infrastructure. Cheaper. More 'real island' feeling.
Is it safe to rent a motorbike?
Only if experienced. Roads are steep with blind curves and loose gravel. Accidents are the main cause of tourist injuries. Wear a helmet.
How long should I stay?
Three to five days is ideal. One day per major beach area plus a snorkeling trip and waterfall visit.
Is Koh Chang suitable for families?
Yes, especially Kai Bae and Klong Prao. Calm water, gentle beaches, and family resorts.