Koh Chang is Thailand's third-largest island, after Phuket and Koh Samui, in Trat Province near the Cambodian border. The island is about 30 km long and 14 km wide, and it is mountainous: Khao Salak Phet, at 744 m, is its highest peak. Most of it lies inside Mu Ko Chang National Park, which was declared in 1982 and covers around 650 square kilometres, about 70 per cent of it sea.
The island is little known before the Second World War. On 17 January 1941 it was the setting of the Battle of Koh Chang between the Royal Thai Navy and a Vichy French squadron, during the Franco-Thai War. Tourism came later, concentrated on the west coast, where the sandy beaches are. White Sand Beach is the busiest and Klong Prao and Kai Bae are calmer, while Lonely Beach is a backpacker area known for beach parties. The east coast is quieter and has no sandy beaches.
For an Indian family the main attraction is a slow beach stay with some jungle in it: a forest walk to Klong Plu waterfall, a pier walk at Bang Bao, a boat day to Koh Wai. It is not a shopping or sightseeing island, and it is more rustic than Phuket or Samui. Vegetarian and Indian food is limited, and we could not verify any fully vegetarian or Indian restaurant for this guide, so plan food with your hotel.
Timing matters more than anywhere else in this series. Rain is heavy from about May to September, island boats reduce or stop, and many guesthouses close. The window from November to February is the sensible one for most families.
Before you plan
Koh Chang at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the dryNovember to February is the dry, calm season. March to May is very hot; June to October is the rainy season, with heavy rain and fewer boats.
- Ideal trip length
- 3 to 5 nights3 to 5 nights; add one night if you want a boat day to Koh Wai
- Airport
- Trat AirportTrat Airport (TDX), owned by Bangkok Airways, about 17 km from the ferry piers; Bangkok Suvarnabhumi is the usual connection, so check any direct flights from your Indian city
- Railway station
- None on the islandNone on the island, and no useful railway on the mainland near Trat; most visitors come by flight or road from Bangkok
- Getting around
- Shared songthaews on the coast roadShared songthaews on the coast road, hotel transfers or a hired car with driver; avoid scooters if you are not experienced
- Daily budget
- Roughly ₹3,500-₹8,000 per person per…Roughly ₹3,500-₹8,000 per person per day excluding hotel, varying with transfers and boat trips
- Senior comfort
- Fair: beaches are flatFair: beaches are flat, but many resorts have steps and slopes, and waterfall and island trips involve uneven ground and boats
- Language
- ThaiThai; English is widely used in tourist areas
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Koh Chang: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Koh Chang itinerary
One good day
1 day in Koh Chang
Start early at Klong Plu waterfall, return to Klong Prao Beach for lunch and rest, then walk White Sand Beach for sunset.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Koh Chang
Waterfall in the morning, a beach afternoon at Klong Prao, sunset at White Sand Beach.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Koh Chang
Arrive, settle in at your hotel, walk White Sand Beach and watch sunset.
Day-by-day plan →
