Where to go after Koh Chang. What to see and do in Koh Chang - my guide

31.12.2023

WE'RE GOING FOR A VACATION:

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Weather in Koh Chang by month:

Month	Temperature		Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day
Month	During the day	At night	Cloudiness	Rainy days / Precipitation	Water temperature in the sea	Number of solar hours per day

January	30.5°C	24.8°C	22.9%	3 days (47.8 mm.)	28.2°C	11 o'clock 31m.

February	30.8°C	25.7°C	23.5%	3 days (43.3 mm.)	28.4°C	11 o'clock 45m.

March	31.5°C	26.9°C	28.7%	7 days (94.8 mm.)	29.4°C	12h. 4m.

April	32.5°C	28.0°C	27.3%	10 days (126.4 mm.)	30.4°C	12h. 24m.

May	32.9°C	28.7°C	36.3%	16 days (284.7 mm.)	30.7°C	12h. 40m.

June	32.0°C	27.8°C	47.1%	21 days (594.9 mm.)	29.7°C	12h. 49m.

July	31.3°C	27.2°C	51.6%	23 days (779.1 mm.)	29.0°C	12h. 45m.

August	31.3°C	27.1°C	49.7%	22 days (664.2 mm.)	28.9°C	12h. 30m.

September	30.9°C	27.2°C	46.5%	21 days (515.7 mm.)	28.7°C	12h. 11m.

October	31.8°C	26.9°C	36.6%	18 days (308.7 mm.)	29.6°C	11 o'clock 52m.

November	32.1°C	26.5°C	25.6%	8 days (93.3 mm.)	29.7°C	11 o'clock 35m.

December	30.9°C	25.0°C	20.6%	2 days (26.7 mm.)	28.9°C	11 o'clock 26m.

*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years

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Natural beauty of Koh Chang island

We vacationed on one of the most magnificent islands of Thailand, Koh Chang, in October this year. The vacation turned out to be unforgettable, mainly due to the nature of this wonderful corner of the globe. The island itself is located in a Thai nature reserve. The nature is simply amazing - mountains, air, varied vegetation, magnificent sea.

I’ll make a disclaimer right away: the sea in this part of the Kingdom of Thailand is called the Gulf of Thailand. The waters of the bay are clean, warm, occasionally with a light, leisurely wave.

The terrain on Koh Chang is mountainous. The road encircles the island in a circle, but, unfortunately, does not converge in the south of the island. The road often takes completely sharp turns, literally three hundred and sixty degrees, and not on level ground, but on a serious elevation or descent. You must drive on such roads skillfully and carefully. It’s good, at least the tropical climate does not imply snow and ice, otherwise traffic and life on the island would be simply paralyzed with such serpentine roads.

Basically, the island itself is a jungle with all the ensuing consequences. An absolutely normal situation is when you are driving along the road, and a flock of monkeys is sitting next to you on the side of the road. We must keep in mind that monkeys are mean and aggressive animals. Everyone wants to stop, pet and take a photo with the animal. But such a weakness of tourist nature can play a cruel joke on you. The monkey may turn out to be aggressive, tugging at you... read more

Total: 12660 THB for 3 nights for 2 adults + 1 child 3 years old.

For comparison: a group tour to Koh Chang, 3 nights in the same level of hotel, costs 7600 THB per adult, and 1200 THB per child.

We did not buy excursions. We had a car, so we visited all the attractions on our own and only paid for tickets.

Ticket to Klong Plu Waterfall: 200 THB = adult, 100 THB = child 90 - 140 cm.

We didn’t ride the elephants, the child was still small, she just enjoyed feeding them. Elephant food, large plate 100 THB.

Kayak for 1 hour =100 THB (on the territory of our hotel).

Observation deck with a beautiful view of the island = free.

Fire show = tip 50 THB + dinner at the restaurant where the show took place, 1500 THB on account.

Food and products

The cost in restaurants, even hotels, is average. You can order real pizza for 300 THB. Beer 90 - 120 THB. Glass of wine 250 THB. Pasta carbonara 190 THB.

There are many shops on the island. When we arrived, we stopped at Makro and Tesco and bought everything we needed. The cost is not much different from Pattaya. The difference is 5 - 10 THB.

However, the exchange rate in exchange offices differs significantly. It's better to change on the mainland.

Souvenirs and other goods

The only thing we had to buy in 4 days was an inflatable unicorn for the pool. Cost 250 THB. We didn't even bargain. I think for this size the price corresponded to the product.

Cost of services and entertainment

Lots of restaurants with live music. The entrance is free. The only thing you need to do is order a drink, beer or cocktail. On the island, prices for shops, restaurants, and goods are the same as on the mainland in Pattaya. The only thing that is overpriced is hotels. I saw a hotel for 3000 THB that cost 1500.

Total money spent on vacation

What to take with you on vacation?

On vacation, you will need a couple of T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops to be happy. No matter how much I tried to take sandals with me “for going out” and sundresses “in case I want to dress up,” I never had the desire to take them out of my suitcase. On Koh Chang you catch a wave of relaxation and forget about what you look like.

I advise you to stock up on sun protection creams and apply them liberally in the first days of rest - the sun very quickly leaves marks on unprotected skin. You will also need protection from mosquitoes; in the evening they begin to become active.

Where is the best place to stay?

Most hotels are located on the first line along the sea. Prices depend on the level of comfort, availability of air conditioning and breakfast included. Upon arrival, our family is divided into two camps - the older generation returns to the same hotel on Kai Bay beach year after year. Its advantages include a hotel beach with sun loungers and breakfast overlooking the sea. We, the younger generation, rent ordinary, unremarkable houses along the public beach not far from our parents’ hotel. When looking for a hotel, pay attention to the presence of air conditioning, everything else can be fixed - without disgust, we wash the house ourselves on the first day of arrival, so that it is pleasant to live in it throughout the entire time. Accommodation prices vary throughout the island, but if you find “your” place, the hotel owner will be interested in your future return and will definitely give you a discount on your next visit.

What to do at the resort?

Here everyone will find something to do. Active individuals can explore the island on a moped. By picking up a map, you can find the hidden corners of the island - waterfalls, mangroves, small fishing villages hidden in the depths of the forest. To relax your body, I advise you to treat yourself to a course of Thai oil massage, as well as yoga under the guidance of enthusiastic trainers who travel around the world and give free lessons to everyone on the seashore.

Kai Bay beach attracts us with its cleanliness and convenient entry into the sea. On the shore you can find cute restaurants with evening fire shows and barbecues. By eleven o'clock in the evening, all the main establishments slowly close and the island falls into a peaceful sleep.

Koh Chang is full of shops selling Thai souvenirs and bright summer clothes. However, prices here differ significantly from prices for the same goods in Bangkok. Therefore, if you are planning to spend a few days in Bangkok on your way home, I advise you to do some shopping there. On Koh Chang, I advise you to look into designer shops, whose owners create something with their own hands in front of you - leather goods, jewelry, clothes.

Where can I eat?

We alternated trips to cafes with buying already prepared dishes at markets and dinners on the veranda of our bungalow. The cafes on the island are not very different from each other, Thai cuisine is difficult to spoil, so wherever we were, we always found it tasty, satisfying and inexpensive. An impressive network of cafes where, having paid about 220 baht per person, you can cook any dishes yourself on a special brazier with coals.

How much does it cost to eat? About food prices.

Dinner for two in a regular cafe will cost about 800 baht. For the same food at the food market you can pay about 600 baht. Approximate cost: barracuda fish - 300 baht, rice with shrimp - 60 baht, Thai beer 40 baht.

Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand and the largest island in the eastern part of the country, administratively belonging to Trat province. Only 5,000 people live permanently on the island, but with the development of tourism, more and more people come here every year.

General information

Thanks to its long sandy beaches, Koh Chang is considered one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. It is also home to a variety of wildlife such as birds, snakes, a variety of deer and elephants. The island itself and its surrounding areas provide excellent swimming, diving and jungle hiking.

Since the island became a popular tourist destination in 2000, a lot has changed. Although life here is still much more relaxed than in Phuket or, the peace and quiet here during the high season can only be dreamed of. As for the prices for services intended for tourists, they are so inflated that they cannot be compared with the prices for the same services on other islands.

How to get there

Want to know how to get to Koh Chang? Below is a list of vehicles that can be used to do this.

By plane

Bangkok Airways operates 3 flights daily from New Suwannabhum International Airport (Bangkok) to Trat Province. Departure times: 08:30, 11:40 and 17:05. The flight takes 1 hour. Round-trip tickets cost between 3,200 and 3,800 baht. You can see how much tickets will cost for your dates.

Transfer from Trat Airport to Koh Chang, including ferry price, costs 500 baht per person. A round trip ticket costs 900 baht. Transfer minibuses are equipped with air conditioning.

If you take the free shuttle right outside the arrivals hall at Suwannabhum International Airport to the airport bus station, you can take a bus to Trat or Chanthaburi provinces from there.

Taxi rental

From the center of Bangkok to Suwannabhum International Airport can be reached by taxi or limousine in five to five and a half hours. Most taxi drivers will refuse to take you to the airport, because there is a high probability that they will go back without a passenger, and therefore without profit. Most limousines and minibuses waiting for passengers at the airport will take you to your hotel or resort in Koh Chang. They will certainly agree if they manage to return to the mainland on the same day.

By bus

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Laem Ngop, Trat Province, where ferries depart for Koh Chang, is to take bus number 999 from Bangkok's Ekamai East Station. It delivers passengers directly to the pier from which the ferry departs. A ticket costs 275 baht one way (520 baht round trip). The transfer takes only 5 hours. The buses are equipped with a high-quality ventilation system, and each tourist upon boarding receives a set of drinks and light snacks. Unfortunately, flights are limited to two morning departures. Departure times from Ekamai: 07:45, 09:45. The bus from Laem Ngop arrives at 14:00. Depending on availability, buses can be picked up at Suvannaphum Airport and Chanthaburi Province.

In December 2009, a new bus route No. 392 began operating from Suwannaphum Airport to Koh Chang. To get there you need to take a shuttle that goes to the bus station at the airport. The bus departs from there at 07:30 and the return flight from Koh Chang arrives at 12:30. Tickets can be booked on the Suvarnabhumi Burapha bus company website.

Since November 1, 2010, express buses and minibuses have been running on the route Suwannabum Airport - Lonely Beach, Koh Chang. A bus ticket costs 308 baht, and an express minibus ticket to Longli Beach costs 600 baht (800 baht round trip). The price includes the ferry crossing. However, traveling by minibus can be dangerous: they are often overcrowded, luggage cannot be secured securely, and drivers routinely break traffic rules. Moreover, there is no absolute certainty that it will also be possible to get back by minibus; perhaps, due to the lack of seats, you will have to transfer to a full-fledged bus, carrying people from other places and making long stops along the way.

An alternative option would be to take a first class bus (trip duration is about 5 hours, cost 250 baht) or second class, departing from both Ekamai East Bus Station and Mo Chit North Station and operating direct flights to the capital province of Trat. From there you can get to the Laem Ngop area by numerous songthaews (the trip takes about half an hour and costs 50 baht per person).

There are more buses leaving from Ekamai Station than from Mo Chit. Bus No. 511, equipped with air conditioning, can be a good choice for those who need to transfer from Bangkok's South Station (Sai Tai Mai) to the East (Ekamai).

Second class buses from Cherdchai Private Bus depart from Yekamai Station. The cost of travel to Trat province as of March 2015 is 255 baht. Buses depart every 2 hours, the carrier company promises to deliver its passengers to Trat in 4 hours.

Cherdchai Private Bus Company also offers travelers first class overnight buses equipped with good air conditioning. Departure time from Ekamai bus station is 23:30, and arrival time in Trat is 05:00. But it’s better not to use them, since they are most often overcrowded, their air conditioners don’t work, the toilet stinks, and the bus itself is, to put it mildly, dirty.

Also, if, when purchasing a bus ticket, you immediately pay for the ferry ride (prices for it are always very inflated) at the Cherdchai ticket office on Ekamai, then you should pay attention from which pier it will be carried out: from the Centrepoint pier, located 45 minutes away drive from the city or Ao Thammachart - 25.

A transfer in Trat will also be needed if you go to the island from Pattaya (by second class bus for 200 baht, the journey takes about 4 hours).

Minibuses depart from Pattaya (Ban Phe), from the central Khao San Street (Bangkok) and from the Victory Monument (located in front of Phayathai Hospital, Bangkok) to Laem Ngop. However, they are not as comfortable and spacious as those described above and, oddly enough, tickets here can be much more expensive. Such illogical phenomena are quite common in the tourism industry in Thailand.

There is another option, which, however, depends on many factors, including the time of year and day, and the help of locals: Laem Ngop can be reached by bus from the village of Hat Lek (), which is located on the border with the province Koh Kong(). You can get from here to the Trat bus station for 120 baht.

By ferry

Most ferries to Koh Chang depart from Laem Ngop Pier (or Tha Khrom Luang, or Tha Laern Ngop), which is located about 700 meters west of the center of Laem Ngop district. Centrepoint Pier is located 3.5 km from the center of Laem Ngop. Both passenger and car ferries depart from both of these piers.

The transport ferry to Koh Chang departs from the pier in Thammachat Bay - Ao Thammachat, located 15 km west of Laem Ngop.

All piers on Koh Chang island, including the largest of them - Tha Dan Kao and Tha Ferry Dan Kao, which receive the most transport and passengers, are located on the eastern coast of the island.

The ferry from Laem Ngop takes about 45 minutes to Dan Kao. The car ferry docks at Ferry Dan Kao, which is located 400 meters southwest of Dan Kao, the journey takes 1 hour.

The car ferry from Ao Thammachat docks at Tha Ferry Ko Chang, located in Ao Sapparot Bay, 3 km northwest of Dan Kao piers.

There are also 2 operators that offer ferry services from Koh Kood to Koh Chang. One of them has an office at Ban Bao Beach and the other at Kai Bae Beach, Ko Kood. Prices are approximately the same, but departure times may vary, it is better to book in advance.

On ferries, car ferries and piers, passengers are offered a variety of food, fruit and drinks.

Clue:

Ko Chang - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 4

Kazan − 4

Samara − 3

Ekaterinburg − 2

Novosibirsk 0

Vladivostok 3

How to get there

By plane

Clue:

Ko Chang - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow − 4

Kazan − 4

Samara − 3

Ekaterinburg − 2

Novosibirsk 0

Vladivostok 3

The climate here is the same as in Bangkok. In the city of Koh Chang, the season falls between November and February - a rather cool time. In March-May the weather on the island is sultry, and from June to October there is heavy rain: an average of 4,000 mm of precipitation falls per year. Many hotels close during this period, so it is difficult to find a place to stay during this time. You can find tours to Koh Chang from Russia, for example.

Geography

Koh Chang is the largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago. The name translates as “Elephant Island” due to the shape of the cape, which resembles an elephant. However, it is worth noting that the island is not the natural habitat of these animals.

Koh Chang's area is about 429 km2. The highest point of the island, Mount Salakphet, rises 744 meters above sea level. Its slopes are covered with moist, evergreen forests, which are the main source of fresh water on the island. In addition, there are many quite high mountains and cliffs.

70% of the island is made up of pristine rainforests, steep hills, high mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, beautiful beaches and coral reefs. It also has rich flora and fauna both on land and in the sea.

Most hotels are located in the western part of the island, because this is where the magnificent, comfortable, beautiful sandy beaches are located. There are none in the eastern part. However, it is also worth visiting the east to see several waterfalls and other beautiful places.

I prefer to look for hotels on, and you can check if there is a better price somewhere. If you prefer to rent housing from locals, you can look at the options.

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The Mu Ko Chang National Park

Which includes certain areas of Koh Chang and 46 other islands.

Monument to the victims of war

Located in the south of the island

Klong Plu Waterfall

The only waterfall on the west coast and the most visited waterfall on the island.

Khlongnonsi Waterfall

Waterfall on the east coast of the island

Khlong Nueng Waterfall

It is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.

Khiri Petch waterfall

A low waterfall located 3 km from the village of Salak-Petch.

Kongoi Falls

A cascade of five waterfalls near the village of Bang Bao.

The Than Mayom Waterfall

A waterfall located near Than Mayom Pier.

You have just read the list, which includes the most popular attractions on the island of Koh Chang. Which of them to visit is up to you, but rest assured, any of them is good and interesting in its own way.

Nearby Islands

The islands near Koh Chang amaze with their beauty - snow-white sand, clear water, sun and palm trees. What else is needed for true pleasure?

Main attractions. What to see

Food. What to try

The range of dishes offered in Koh Chang restaurants is approximately the same as in the rest of Thailand. True, the prices here are quite high - they are several times higher than in Bangkok or Pattaya. But the point here is not at all about the problems of delivering ingredients from the mainland (as they say), but about the fact that the island is a popular resort. And near each more or less popular beach or on it you can find many restaurants that are aimed only at tourists.

Restaurants feed tourists delicious seafood dishes during the day and evening. For couples, they can organize a romantic dinner. You should definitely try the local wine with its special flavors, including mangosteen, pineapple or grape.

All Koh Chang restaurants are based on certain beaches.

Things to do

Thai cooking lessons

Thai cooking classes at one of the cooking schools - Kati Culinary, Koh Chang Thai cooking school or Blue lagoon, located in the Klong Prao area can be very interesting. For 1,200 baht, everyone will be taught how to cook national dishes such as somtum (spicy salad), chicken curry (kang keaw wan), tom yum (spicy soup), pad thai (Thai rice noodles) and much more.

Thai massage lessons

At Master Ni's school of medical massage, Klong Prao (near the turn to the Blue Lagoon resort ☎ +668 1278 4590, +669 1817 4669) Tareetip Narapong (Ni) - an experienced massage therapist - teaches therapeutic , balanced massage and foot massage techniques. The basic course lasts 1.5 - 2 weeks. The prices are reasonable, considering that the master conducts individual lessons. In addition, you can ask Ni to do a traditional Thai massage or a back massage and get incredible pleasure.

Walking and sightseeing

There are many things to do on the island, but the most popular among them is sightseeing. For example, many tourists are interested in the famous Chinese temple, where you can not only pray, but also make a wish.

And you should definitely take photographs on Koh Chang - it’s as if it was specially created for this. Shots of streets and sunsets are especially successful.

Extreme Sports

Fishing and diving

The amazing coral reefs and various species of fish found there have made scuba diving and fishing the most favorite activities of tourists in Koh Chang.

Companies organizing scuba diving on the island:

Diving id Cool (near Bang Bao village) is the leading scuba diving company on Koh Chang.
Eco-Divers Koh Chang, ☎ (+66) 03 955 72 96 ( [email protected]). Opening hours: 09:00-18:00. Offices where you can make an order are located on White Sand Beach (next to the Kacha Hotel) and Kai Bay (opposite the Kaibae Resort Hotel, on the main street). The head office is located at the entrance to Klong Prao, opposite the 7/11 grocery store.
The Dive Adventure is a high-quality diving instructor school. The company organizes diving courses (a certificate is issued upon completion), scuba diving, snorkeling in the Koh Chang Marine National Park.
Scuba Zone (Scuba Koh Chang), 21/23 moo4 Whitesand, ☎ 0800 974 111 - buy quality diving and snorkeling equipment here. Prices are cheaper than in Western countries.
BB Divers, Bang Bao 16/2 (Koh Chang), ☎ 0861556212 – Belgian diving school, with offices located on the islands of Koh Chang (existing since 2003) and Koh Kood (opened in 2011). BBdivers is a top rated diving school, they train instructors from the ground up and also organize day trips to the best diving and snorkeling spots. They speak many languages.
Kon Tiki snorkeling cruise (Kon Tiki Island hooping), 98/7 Moo4 Kai Bae Beach, Koh Chang, is a company that organizes snorkeling trips in Koh Chang Marine National Park. During the trip you can see the islands of Koh Mak and Koh Rang, as well as Monkey Rock. The company provides masks and snorkels, free drinks. You can also rent fins.

Travel by sea

Koh Chang is a large island 350 km from Bangkok. Koh Chang Island is considered the third largest after Phuket and Koh Samui. Koh Chang is popular among Russian-speaking tourists. Many people come to the island on an excursion from Pattaya, some spend their entire vacation on Chang, and some even spend the entire winter.

Koh Chang island in Thailand. Photo of White Sand Beach

Overview of Koh Chang Island

Beaches of Koh Chang

On the island, all the main and most famous beaches suitable for swimming are located on the western side. There are no water activities on the beaches except kayaks. No scooters or parachutes. There are minimal traders. There is no white sand and turquoise water here either. Snorkeling is mediocre. Read an overview of all beaches. There are 5 best beaches where most tourists stop:

Video from Lonely Beach

Transport

Chang can be easily reached in half a day, both from Bangkok and. Here is the link to website for ordering a taxi. The easiest and most affordable way is a minibus transfer. The transfer price includes the ferry to the island. You can get around the island on your own bike or by minibus. The fare costs from 50 to 200 baht per person. Driving between neighboring beaches costs 50 baht. For 150-200 baht you can get from one end of the island to the other. As darkness falls, fares increase. .

Housing

There are no problems with holiday accommodation. On all the main beaches you can find a good hotel, or a simpler guesthouse, or some thatched bungalow at reasonable prices. There are many good hotels on the first line, both 3-4 stars and budget ones. The cheapest accommodation we heard about was a room for 350 baht ($10) on Longley Beach. Long-term housing with a kitchen is more difficult to find. There are no condos on Koh Chang. It is possible to rent houses or guest rooms for a month. You need to go on your own and find out. Book hotels on Booking.com

Hotels near Koh Chang

Bhumiyama Beach Resort
Siam Beach Resort
Kacha Resort
Chai Chet Resort
Pajamas Koh Chang
KB Resort

All Koh Chang hotels

Prices

Prices on Koh Chang are not inflated. Many products in stores cost the same as on the mainland. Some items at 7-Eleven have a surcharge of 3-5 baht.
A decent modern hotel on the second line with air conditioning, hot water, internet and breakfast can be rented for 800-1000 baht per day ($30). During the low season, prices are halved. All hotels with prices in Koh Chang >
Prices in the cafe are no higher than in Pattaya. You can eat for two on the seashore for an average of 400 baht. Dishes usually cost 100-150 baht. Water 20 baht, beer 100 baht, fresh juice 80-120 baht.
Fruits in the markets cost the same as anywhere else in Thailand. We didn't notice any significant difference. There are reviews from tourists that fruits are expensive. But in fact, fruit prices in Thailand are constantly changing depending on the ripening season of a particular fruit. A mango can cost 100 baht, or maybe 40 in different months.
Motorbike rental per day 250-300 baht. Gasoline 40 baht per liter. Regular prices in Thailand.

Photo of the restaurant menu on Klong Prao near the sea. The cafes on the road have lower prices.

Our reviews and impressions of Koh Chang

Video Koh Chang: swimming and snorkeling

It is worth noting that all the beaches are quite shallow. At high tide the entry is smooth and swimming is normal. And at low tide it becomes very shallow, you need to walk 50 meters to the depth.

Koh Chang is great for wintering. There are beaches where you can swim, with cheap prices, and many fruit markets. Each area is developed and there are no problems with shops, cafes, pharmacies, 7/11.

There are several small Tesco Lotus and even Macro supermarkets on the island. Public transport is well developed and is not as expensive as Phangan. Huge selection of cheap accommodation from 350 baht and above. You can live in a wooden house or bungalow right on the seashore for 500 baht per day, and this is in high season.

Houses on the first line on White sand beach

Sand flies or sandflies. They appear out of nowhere and disappear into nowhere. The seasonality of sand flies on Koh Chang cannot be determined. You can't guess whether they will be in April or December. But it is a fact that they bite on some beaches. The only places we didn't encounter them were on the beaches of White Sand, Longley Beach and Kai Bay. On the beaches of Chai Chet and Klong Prao they were biting. The only thing that is at least somewhat reassuring is that the Ko Chang midge bites go away quickly. The bitten areas of the skin itch and itch for 2-3 days, then they sharply subside and you already forget about them. For example, in Sri Lanka, after sand flies, I itched for about 10 days until I completely recovered. Buy coconut oil and apply it before the beach. ALSO get some Thai green ointment from 7/11 or any drug store and apply it on your pimples, it helps relieve the itching.

Where can I order a transfer from the airport?

We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online and paid by card. We were met at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You've already talked about your experience In this article.

There are few dogs compared to other islands and cities in Thailand. Although, before the trip, we read reviews from tourists that Koh Chang is simply teeming with dogs. This is wrong. For example, in Pattaya there are 10 times more dogs. On Chang, dogs often have collars in hotels or restaurants. At least that’s the case in resort areas.

Dogs on Koh Chang

Everyone loves Chang because there are long beaches, tens of times fewer people than in Pattaya, there are practically no merchants and there are places where you can retire and live cheaply, unlike Ko Kood and Ko Mak, where the price range for rental housing is completely different.

Observation deck at Chai Chet

We didn't go to Chang's waterfalls. I didn’t want to pay for an excursion and 200 baht extra for tickets to the national park to see a mountain stream. The waterfalls on Chang are about the same as those on Koh Samui. Still, for real waterfalls you need to go to the north of Thailand. But for those who have never seen waterfalls or have completely forgotten what they look like, it will do.

On Chang, sunsets are from the sea. The beach is lively in the evening. All cafes set up tables. The lamps are lit. They hold a fire show. We like it.

There is a bit of spirit on Koh Chang. Does the proximity of Cambodia have an effect? Sometimes you walk along the beach and the picture looks just like in Sihanoukville. And you often meet Khmers.

conclusions

Koh Chang is the case when you come to the island, but go to nearby islands to swim. Now I'll try to explain. On Koh Chang we swam every day. The water is clear, sandy bottom, no waves. Everything seems fine, but by the word island you still mean something like Ko Kuda, Ko Mak, Ko Kham. Those who have been to these islands, I think, will understand me. Koh Chang lacks exoticism, tall palm trees, crisp sand, a riot of colors, beaches with bright blue water, and not just a little clear sea.

So, if you want bounty beaches, then you are better off going to Koh Larn or, better yet, Koh Samet. Well, if you want wilder places than these tourist islands, go straight to Ko Kood or Ko Mak, bypassing Kochang.

Map of Koh Chang beaches

Koh Chang is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located in the southeastern part of Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. The distance from to is about 320 km. The dimensions of the island are 30x10 km (the second largest after), the total area is about 290 sq. km. It is part of the province. The name can be literally translated as “Elephant Island”.

Tourism on Koh Chang began to develop relatively recently, since the island is located far from popular destinations. In the recent past, only Italians, French, Germans, Spaniards and the Thais themselves, who came for the weekend with whole families, vacationed here. But in the last decade, more and more Russians have been coming to the island, especially on the beaches, and.

Koh Chang is perfect for a secluded holiday, away from civilization. There are no skyscraper hotels, nightclubs like in , Go Go bars like in , shopping centers, cultural and historical monuments, water parks, attractions, cinemas and even water activities.

But! All this is more than compensated by the cleanest sea with clear water, uncrowded beaches and amazingly beautiful nature, which is not found in or on.

Koh Chang island on the map of Thailand

Who should go to Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a great place for a leisurely holiday on the coast. People come here to swim, sunbathe and take a break from the fast pace of civilization, and not for entertainment (there are no water activities here at all, except for boating). There are no worthwhile attractions either; there are only a few small temples and waterfalls. And for shopping this is not the best option, since there are no large stores and, especially, shopping malls.

Pros of holidays on Koh Chang

1. Very clean sea.

The island is part of the National Marine Sanctuary and is under state protection. They seriously monitor the environment here; even such popular forms of entertainment as water skiing and motorcycling are absent, since motor sports pollute the sea. But you can be 100% sure that you and your child will not pick up any disease after swimming or accidentally drinking water (which is quite possible in a dirty sea).

Kayaking is very popular on Koh Chang; rental costs 100 baht per hour. Other activities include fishing, snorkeling and diving. If you have never tried scuba diving, then this is the perfect place to do it. Each beach has equipment rentals and dive schools, where experienced instructors will give all the necessary lessons.

2. Excellent air.

On Koh Chang, only the coast is actually inhabited, and the rest of the territory is occupied by impenetrable jungle. Naturally, they are a source of oxygen and can serve well in promoting health. After a 2-week vacation, you will feel full of energy and 20 years younger. There are very few cars, basically everyone uses motorbikes, so there is no need to talk about any gas pollution. There are also no harmful industries or enterprises that would disturb the environment. It's very easy to breathe on the island.

3. Magnificent landscapes.

The island has a mountainous structure - high hills covered with forests are simply pleasing to the eye. It is especially pleasant to see this beauty while swimming in the sea. And the sight of palm trees hanging over the water makes you think that you have found your own paradise!

4. Few tourists.

Reviews about Koh Chang say that there are very few vacationers here - we confirm. Here there is nothing like in and on, where the sun lounger stands on the sun lounger and you do not feel the elbow of your neighbor (and not always pleasant to you). Even on popular beaches, you can find “wild corners” where there will be no one at all within a radius of 100-200 meters.

3. Not enough entertainment.

The island is primarily suitable for those who are looking for contemplation in nature and doing nothing on the beach. But there are still some.

You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible using special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

A more budget option is to go from the 1st floor by bus. Travel time - 5 hours.

If you are in other resorts in Thailand, then the easiest way to get to Koh Chang is to buy a transfer from one of the local travel agencies or.

Transport

The island's perimeter is surrounded by a single road that runs close to the coast and connects populated areas. To be honest, many places have very steep slopes that are unsafe even for experienced drivers. There is a flat area only from to the observation deck on. On both sides of the main road there are hotels, massage parlors, shops, restaurants and bars.

Public transport (open pickup trucks, songthaews or tuk-tuks) runs along this road. Getting from the pier in the north of the island to the hotel (or back) costs from 50 to 120 baht, between beaches - 40-50 baht.

There are no air-conditioned taxis on Koh Chang, nor are there motorbike taxis. In principle, it is not necessary to rent a motorbike. It’s safer to travel on the steep slopes here by car, so it’s better to get to the beaches by tuk-tuk, and it’s inexpensive. You may need your own motorcycle if you want to go to the east coast, where a taxi costs at least 1,000 baht.

What to do and what to visit

1. Attractions

2. Nightlife, clubs, discos

On Koh Chang, nightlife is present only in a few beaches: , and (in its Rastafarian part).

If by nightlife we mean open-air discos, then there is no better place than this. Previously, there were parties there only during the full moon and on weekends, but for some time now nightly dances with drinks are held every night after about 7 pm. And all the fun continues until the morning. You can easily buy weed and mushroom cocktails there, but if you are caught doing this, you won’t get away with just a fine. However, this is the place where the police “sleep”, or rather, they are not there at all.

On other beaches there is a problem with discos. There is something on and that's it.

If by Koh Chang nightlife we mean bars with drinks and girls, then this is represented in large numbers on. In its southernmost part there is a large area with two dozen bars. As in all of Thailand, bar waitresses here are girls of easy virtue. The asking price is from 1200 baht per night, plus 300 baht for the bar (the so-called bar-fine).

There are also several bars in the northern part and in the south. In 2013, Volkin Street opened in the northern part. Like hers, there are a dozen bars with girls of both sexes and for some reason a lot of ladyboys. The rest of the area also has a dozen bars scattered along the main road. After, this is the second place where you can find a girl for the night. By the way, many bars have billiard tables to somehow diversify the rest of tipsy farangs.

By the way, if the male part of the population is accustomed to being offered sex services during a massage, then in Koh Chang this is not the case. And don’t even try to take off your panties during the Oil massage, as was the case in . Here they even read a prayer before doing a massage. You will not receive any additional services, unless some individual masseuse agrees to come to your hotel after work for a special massage.

Of course, those who are used to taking girls for the night in and will be disappointed - the choice is not so great, and there are not many young people (if the average age is 18-20 years old, then on Chang it is 23-25). Let us repeat once again that if you are traveling to Thailand as a sex tourist, it is better to choose another resort, for example, or the province of Isan (Korat, Ubon). Koh Chang island is for those who are not looking for nightlife, but want to be in harmony with nature and take a break from the fast pace of cities.

3. Shopping, shops and markets

Koh Chang is not the best place for shopping in Thailand. Despite the fact that there are enough shops with souvenirs, clothes and other things, the assortment is not as wide as in, or. And everything costs a little more. On the other hand, it doesn’t make sense to go specifically to the above-mentioned resorts for shopping, since the road there costs money and as a result you will spend the same amount as if you bought it all on Koh Chang.

There are no shopping centers here, but there are plenty of 1-2 storey stores where you can buy anything you want: fruits, groceries, clothes, shoes, jewelry, souvenirs, leather goods, glasses, watches, bags and much more.

The best shopping in Koh Chang at . In its southern part there is a large Macro hypermarket, opened on December 23, 2015. Basically, they sell products at low prices and ready-made food. A couple of kilometers away (near) there are two more large hypermarkets - Tesco Lotus and Big C (opened December 19, 2015). Large selection of vegetables, fruits, fresh baked goods, fish and other products at low prices. There is a section with household goods: rice cookers, kettles, etc.

Koh Chang's large souvenir shop is also located on it and is called Findig. In addition to gifts, you can buy clothes and shoes in the 2-story building. With some stretch it can be called a shopping center.

There is also a large selection of shops with food and souvenirs on, and. On other beaches there will be problems with shopping.

There are clothing, food and fruit markets on Koh Chang on almost every beach except. Most of them are on, and. The pier also has a large market where you can buy souvenirs, clothing and fresh seafood. Fruit markets can be found at every step along the main road. For example, I counted about a dozen of them.

Every beach has at least one 7/11 mini-market, and there are even several of them. Since 2012, mini-Tesco Lotus has opened everywhere except , and . They sell only groceries and small household goods such as toothbrushes, powder, and soap. The main difference from 7/11 is that in Lotus you can buy fresh vegetables and fruits.

4. Restaurants where to eat

Koh Chang has quite a few restaurants serving various cuisines from around the world. There are Thai places with very low prices (for example, rice with chicken for 40-50 baht). And there are specialized Italian or Mexican restaurants that serve only dishes from these countries.

All hotels on the first line have their own restaurant, which is located right on the shore. The prices there are slightly higher than those along the main road, but for “dessert” they offer beautiful views of the sea and islands in the distance. Dinners are especially popular, when many hotels put tables and chairs right next to the water and all this is illuminated with lights.

There are many bakeries on Koh Chang where you can buy fresh baked goods: baguettes, croissants, cakes and other baked goods. One baguette costs 25-35 baht in various places. The cheapest prices are in Tesco Lotus and Big C hypermarkets.

Beaches

Koh Chang has a long coastline, in the western part of which the most popular holiday destinations are located. Here everyone can choose something according to their taste. However, the beaches are slightly different from each other. If you want a large number of restaurants and bars, then it is better to stay at. It is divided into northern and southern parts, which are connected by a road. This is where the most vacationers are. A few kilometers from it is located. Its distinctive feature is privacy, a large amount of greenery and a rocky coastline.

Banks, ATMs, currency exchange

On popular beaches, withdrawing money from ATMs or exchanging currency is not difficult. There are a lot of exchangers and ATMs everywhere, except on the west coast. There is even electricity only in the evenings. On and to the south of it, currency can only be changed at hotels or travel agencies, naturally at a very bad rate.

Klong Prao Beach is a tranquil place located at the mouth of the river of the same name. The Klong Prao River divides the coast into two zones of fine white sand. The beach stretches for 4 kilometers.

On the beach there are hotels of various price categories that offer tourists to relax and admire stunning views of Koh Chang Island. There are also numerous bungalows under palm trees, cafes and open-air restaurants. Nightclubs are not close, so silence on the beach is guaranteed.

The beach is quite clean, so sunbathing and swimming here is absolutely safe. On the beach you can sometimes find crabs and hermit crabs, small mollusk shells, and small fish swimming in the water. The only drawback of the beach is the small number of sunbeds.

Klong Prao Beach

Klong Prao is one of the largest and most unique beaches on Koh Chang, divided by a canal in the south and partly by a river mouth.

Klong Prao Beach begins where the famous Laem Chai Chet cape ends and is considered a secluded place suitable for those who prefer mountainous scenery and a calm atmosphere. There aren't many amenities on site, but most public areas can be found along the main Khlong Prao road, not too far from the beach.

Visitors can borrow umbrellas and sun loungers for free at the hotel where they are staying, as well as rent them for a small fee. The southern part of the beach is home to some of the most popular restaurants on Khlong Prao Beach, serving delicious and inexpensive traditional cuisine. There is also a fishing village near Klong Prao that sells fresh seafood and fish.

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Koh Wai Island

Koh Wai is a small hilly islet south of the larger island of Koh Chang in the eastern Gulf of Thailand and can be reached in about an hour by leisurely ferry.

Koh Wai is not suitable for lovers of noisy parties or special comfort - there are no bars, clubs or restaurants, no paved roads, villages, shops or ATMs. Only five small hotels formed by detached bungalows.

But Koh Wai is literally created for lovers of secluded relaxation. Ko Wai has many sandy beaches to offer, mostly along the northern tip of the island, stunning tropical scenery and clear waters. Many coral reefs make Koh Wai a very attractive place for snorkeling.

Klong Prao is the second largest beach on Koh Chang island, the main feature of which is a comfortable and relaxing beach holiday.

Klong Prao beach is less noisy compared to the popular White Sand beach in Thailand. Klong Prao has many shops, restaurants, luxury hotels and villas. The beach itself is not famous for its amenities: most showers, toilets and bistro cafes are not located near the coastline. Traditional dishes in beach establishments are seafood and salads.

Vacationers can rent umbrellas and sun loungers at the hotel; on the shore itself you can only count on the shade from the trees scattered throughout Klong Prao. The sand on the shore is clean and yellow in color, and the entrance to the water is smooth and comfortable.

Klong Plu Waterfall

After a walk through the jungle, you get to the ticket sales point for Khlong Plu, and you get to the waterfall, where you can not only enjoy its beauty, but also swim to your heart’s content, since the depth of the waterfall bowl is conducive to both regular swimming at shallow depths and diving - the deepest point of the bowl reaches seven meters.

Tickets can be purchased from 8.00 to 16.30. Not far from the waterfall there is a campsite, several cafes and toilets.

The height of Klong Plu reaches ten meters, and it is the largest waterfall on the island.

It is especially beautiful during the rainy season, which lasts from May to September.

Klong Plu Waterfall

Klong Plu Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and highest waterfalls on Klong Prao Island.

Klong Plu Waterfall is located three kilometers from the island's main highway and the road to it is open from 08:00 to 16:30. Klong Plu is considered the most convenient waterfall for swimming: one of its pools is seven meters at its deepest point, and the other has a shallow entrance suitable for children. Entrance fee for adults is 200 baht, for children under 14 years old – 100 baht.

Near the sales office, two kilometers from the waterfall, there are cafes, camping areas and rest rooms. The rainy season runs from May to September in this area, and at this time Klong Plu is especially picturesque.

Koh Kood Island (Koh Kut)

Paradise on earth, Ko Kood, Coconut Lagoon, is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It is the second largest island in the Koh Chang archipelago and part of the Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park. The island is famous for its untouched nature, indescribable flora and fauna.

First on the list to visit should be the amazingly beautiful Klong Chao Waterfall, where fish live. Among the local jungles and mountains covered with dense green forests, it is easy to forget that somewhere on earth cars still drive, and people rush to work in the morning. Wild nature, beautiful, real.

Ko Kood is an excellent diving spot, as is common on most islands. There are excellent sandy beaches and amazingly gentle sea. On the island there is a Buddhist temple of the Golden Bell, where monkeys, beloved by tourists who come here, live.

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Chao Po Shrine

Chao Po is an iconic place not only for tourists but also for religious people on the island of Koh Chang in Thailand. This is the main shrine of the island.

The name of this shrine can be translated as “Holy Father Koh Chang”, who is considered the patron saint of the island’s inhabitants. Since ancient times, people turned to him in prayers for help when it was necessary to protect themselves from strong monsoon winds, when going fishing in the sea, to ask for favorable weather for the ripening of crops and protection from diseases.

Local residents claim that the Holy Father Koh Chang always helped those praying in difficult times, and you can hear many interesting stories about this from guides. When praying to your patron, it is customary to light candles and look towards the temple. The exquisite oriental architecture, the beauty of the surrounding nature and the mystical past of this shrine attract tourists from all over the world.

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