Koh Chang travel blog: Pristine, peaceful beauty & colorful experiences

Although not as flashy as Phuket and not as familiar to tourists as Krabi, Koh Chang attracts with its quietness, pristineness and peace. In particular, this island is famous for activities such as diving, trekking in the rainforest, and exploring pristine beaches. In this Koh Chang travel blog, let’s explore the journey to Koh Chang island with interesting experiences with Living Nomads!

Koh Chang, also known as Elephant Island, is an impressive discovery and resort destination in Thailand with mountain peaks covered with dense forests and large bays. There are many things waiting for you to discover here.

Koh Chang travel blog: A few words about Koh Chang island

Koh Chang is often known as the largest urban area in Thailand. With a length of about 40 km and a width of 16 km. This is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket. This place is a large forest, with roads built on steep hills. The wild nature, quiet atmosphere and beautiful beaches have made Koh Chang a popular destination for tourists when traveling independently in Thailand. However, due to the large number of visitors, some hotels and travel companies have also started building tours to this island. And invisibly, the ecological environment here is affected by the tourism industry.

Koh Chang, also known as Chang Island, is located in Trat province in Eastern Thailand. If you depart from Cambodia, you can still go to Koh Chang. Because this place is located on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. When viewed from afar, this Koh Chang island looks like an Elephant. From the shape of that Elephant, people call this place Koh Chang with the meaning that Koh is an island and Chang is an elephant.

Koh Chang is also known as “Elephant Island” because the southern tip of the island looks like an elephant stretching out to sea. As the third largest island in Thailand, after Koh Samui and Phuket, Koh Chang covers an area of ​​over 212 km² and impresses with its wild, majestic and tropical beauty.

About 70% of the island is covered by lush green forests, interspersed with overlapping mountain ranges and long beaches with clear water. . Not only possessing a beautiful landscape, the island is also “home” to many wild animals such as local birds, snakes, deer, and especially a few elephants, the symbol associated with the island’s name.

In Koh Chang, you will be awakened by the chirping of birds in the old forest and end the day with a moment of red sunset on the sea horizon. Koh Chang will bring visitors a sense of peace, as if escaping the current bustling world.

Elephant Island consists of 50 large and small islands far from shore. Previously, this place used to be a military base. But because of its attractiveness as well as the advantages that nature has bestowed on Koh Chang. This place has gradually become an attractive tourist destination that no one can refuse.

Although not too splendid or bustling with many entertainment areas like Patong beach in Pattaya. But Koh Chang has a magical, shimmering beauty and makes tourists reluctant to leave because of its rusticity. If you are looking for a destination with wild, poetic and quiet scenery. Come to this Elephant Island Koh Chang to enjoy your vacation!

The best time to visit Koh Chang

Koh Chang has three main seasons in a year and the ideal time to visit the island is from November to the end of February. At that time, the weather in Koh Chang is quite stable with beautiful sunshine, clear blue skies and calm seas, suitable for outdoor activities.

There are occasional light showers here, enough to cool the air, bringing a pleasant feeling of relaxation. However, this is also the time when Koh Chang is most crowded with tourists in the year, so you will need to plan carefully to ensure you have the accommodation and experience you want.

After the cool season will be the hot season lasting from March to April with temperatures that can exceed 33°C and high humidity. Therefore, sometimes making you feel hot, tired and uncomfortable. However, this is also Thailand’s biggest festival season with the highlight being Songkran (April 13-15). Therefore, if you come to Koh Chang at this time, you will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant and bustling atmosphere on the island.

Peak tourist season in Koh Chang

For the peak season, it will fall from November to May every year. That is because at this time the weather in Koh Chang will be sunny, no rain and the climate is mild. That is why tourists flock to Koh Chang more bustling than usual. At the same time, tourism services such as sleeping, resting, eating, … will also increase in price. Therefore, if you choose to go during the peak season. You should book services 1 to 2 months in advance to avoid the situation of “sold out” tickets.

Koh Chang travel blog: Low season in Koh Chang

For the low season, although tourism services will be cheaper and less crowded. But because this is the rainy season (from May to October), it will be quite troublesome for you if you go during this season. Sudden rains and humid air will make your trip not very enjoyable. In addition, services such as restaurants and hotels will also close in some places because of the lack of guests. If you want to go during this time, you need to research carefully and prepare all the necessary luggage for the trip.

The best time to make a trip to explore Koh Chang is from September to October. Because this is when the rainy season gradually ends and it is not yet the peak season. When the rains pass, the air will gradually become cool. At the same time, the number of visitors during this time is not too crowded and the services have just opened so the cost will be low. This is a good opportunity for you to have fun and spend freely because the service prices are not high anymore!

How to get from Bangkok center to Koh Chang island?

Koh Chang is located about 300km from Bangkok, in Trat province, close to the Cambodian border. To get to the island, you will need to combine air and water travel.

From Tha Thammachat and Tha Centrepoint, you can travel to Koh Chang in 30 to 45 minutes by boat. In addition, from Bangkok, you can also take a bus to the piers with a route of about 6 hours, or take a boat from Koh Kood (about 5 hours) or Koh Mak (1 hour). The fastest but also most expensive option is to fly from Bangkok to Trat.

From Bangkok, you need to fly to Trat airport – about 20km from Koh Chang island. After landing, you can take a taxi to the ferry terminal and then continue the journey across the sea to Koh Chang.

In addition, to save costs, you can take bus route 999 departing from Ekkamai bus station in Bangkok to the ferry terminal at Laem Ngop. Then, you will take a ferry to move to Ko Chang island.

If you are planning to travel to Koh Chang, you can book your flight to Bangkok in advance on Traveloka as well as book an airport transfer service in advance to make your journey to the island more complete and easier.

Getting around Koh Chang

Getting around the island is quite easy and simple. The main mode of transportation is songthaew (passenger taxi) running from the ferry terminal, stopping at all the beaches along the West Coast of the island. You can take songthaew all day but note that the price will increase after about 22:00. Another option is to rent a motorbike, there are hundreds of places to rent scooters and all have very reasonable prices, around 150 – 250 Baht/24h. You will need to show your driving license and passport when renting a motorbike.

What to do and where to go in Koh Chang: Discover the full range of interesting experiences when traveling to Koh Chang Island

Koh Chang not only has a wild and idyllic beauty but also makes people remember forever with interesting experiences and sightseeing activities, close to nature.

Swim and chill at the most beautiful beaches in Koh Chang

If you come to Koh Chang but have never immersed yourself in the cool water or lay down to enjoy the golden sunshine on the fine sand, you have definitely missed half of the beauty of this island. Koh Chang has a series of beautiful beaches scattered around the island, suitable for all travel tastes – from romantic, relaxing to vibrant and bustling.

White Sand Beach

White Sand Beach is the most famous and crowded beach in Koh Chang. The beach has fine white sand, clear blue water, suitable for soaking in the sun, walking along the coast or chilling with a cocktail. This is also where many resorts, restaurants, and cafes are concentrated, helping you relax while providing full amenities.

Lovely Beach

If you are looking for a place with a more youthful, vibrant vibe, Lovely Beach is the choice not to be missed. This is a paradise for night parties, with music and interesting exchange activities.

In addition to the two famous beaches above, Koh Chang also has many small beaches around the island, each with its own beauty. From deserted beaches for those who love privacy, to ideal places to watch the sunset and participate in water sports.

Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae Beach is the perfect destination for those who love the wild and peaceful beauty of the ocean. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, Kai Bae is also famous for its quiet atmosphere, suitable for family or couple vacations. In addition, along Kai Bae Beach, there are also many other restaurants and entertainment venues.

Klong Prao Beach

Klong Prao Beach is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on Koh Chang. The interesting thing is that Klong Prao Beach is a small creek flowing into the sea, bringing a beauty that is both pristine and poetic. One of the memorable experiences at Klong Prao is watching the sunset. When the sun slowly sets into the sea. Visitors will witness a beautiful scene with a brilliant sky, creating a romantic scene, attracting many tourists and photographers.

Hat Tha Nam

One of the most famous beaches in Koh Chang. Hat Tha Nam has smooth white sand and clear blue sea water. Hat Tha Nam is truly a vibrant entertainment center for young people, especially backpackers. Every night, Hat Tha Nam becomes bustling with beach parties, music and bright lights. Bringing a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

Bang Bao Pier

Bang Bao is a traditional fishing village centered around a narrow wooden pier on the southwestern edge of Koh Chang. Here you can see stilt houses, boats moored at the pier and an old lighthouse, which offers a beautiful view of the ocean.

Famous for its beautiful scenery and vibrant atmosphere, Bang Bao Pier is an ideal place for tourists to experience diving or take a boat to visit the surrounding small islands.
Along the pier is a beautiful scene of clear blue water, traditional wooden stilt houses, souvenir shops and fresh seafood restaurants, all creating a vibrant atmosphere but still very local.

Salakkok Fishing Village

Salakkok Fishing Village is a traditional community on the east coast of Koh Chang. Located on a secluded bay, the locals here are extremely friendly and welcoming to visitors, with several restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine at affordable prices. You can wander around the mangrove forest surrounding the fishing village of Salakkok to explore the lives of the local people.

Experience diving

Diving is one of the activities that many tourists love when coming to Koh Chang. The diving season typically runs from November to May, when the seas are calm and visibility is better, making it ideal for exploring the depths of the ocean.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Koh Chang has a range of diving tours to suit you. With just a basic lesson, you can immerse yourself in the clear blue waters, swim among the colorful coral reefs and even have the chance to encounter whales or other unique marine life if you are lucky.

HTMS Chang Shipwreck

The HTMS Chang Shipwreck is one of the largest shipwrecks in Thailand, located southwest of Koh Chang. The LST-542 was originally built by the US Navy in 1944 and served in World War II and the Korean War as USS LST-898, then renamed USS Lincoln County in 1955 before being sold to the Royal Thai Navy in 1962, named HTMS Chang. It was decommissioned and sunk in November 2012.

Since then, HTMS Chang has been transformed into a wonderful artificial reef. The ship’s bottom is located at a depth of 30 meters, the mast almost touches the water surface and is a top diving site in Koh Chang.

Trekking through the primeval forest

If you are a nature lover, trekking through the forest in Koh Chang will definitely excite you. The journey takes you through dense forests, climbing mountains, crossing streams to reach waterfalls hidden in wild nature.

Since there are not many clear trails on the island, trekking trips are organized in tours with local guides to ensure safety and help you better understand the ecosystem here.

Along the way, you can also encounter wild animals such as forest birds, deer, snakes or monkeys. This will definitely be a physically challenging experience, while also bringing a wonderful feeling of closeness to nature.

Kayaking to explore Ko Chang Island

Kayaking on the sea is a great experience to help you fully explore the beauty of Koh Chang Elephant Island. On the clear blue water, you can weave through small bays or head further to visit offshore islands. This is a relaxing and interesting activity, suitable for an afternoon on Koh Chang Island.

Elephant Trekking on Koh Chang

It is no coincidence that Koh Chang is known as Elephant Island. Currently, there are about 6 elephant camps scattered among the jungle and fruit farms on the island. Coming here, you can experience trekking with elephants in their natural habitat, feeding elephants, bathing elephants or simply watching elephants leisurely in the vast nature.

This experience will give you a closer and more humane perspective on Thailand’s iconic animal, not just stopping at riding elephants but also connecting and understanding more.
This experience will give you a closer and more humane perspective on Thailand’s iconic animal, helping you connect and understand more deeply about elephants.

Admiring the waterfalls in Koh Chang

Besides the blue sea and dense forests, Koh Chang also has a rich waterfall system, hidden between tropical forests and mountains. The rainy season from June to October is the ideal time to explore the waterfalls, when the water falls strongly and the natural scenery becomes more vivid.

Klong Plu Waterfall

Klong Plu is the main waterfall on the island, with an ideal natural pool for you to soak in the cool water. Besides, Than Mayom waterfall is also famous for its beautiful waterfalls and was visited by King Rama V. In addition, there are many other waterfalls, each with its own beauty.

Klong Plu Waterfall is one of the natural tourist attractions not to be missed when traveling to Koh Chang. Surrounded by a lush green forest, the waterfall falls down to form a clear natural lake. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and relax in the cool water. With just a short and easy trekking route, visitors will admire the wild beauty of the mountains and forests and diverse ecosystems.

Salak Phet Peak

Salak Phet Peak is the highest mountain on Koh Chang Island and is a great destination for those who love exploring nature and climbing. Climbing to the top of Salak Phet is a journey that requires endurance and patience for Koh Chang tourists. From the top, visitors can admire Salak Phet Bay and many small islands in the distance. The climbing route takes you through dense primeval forests, home to many rare species of flora and fauna.

Immerse yourself in local life at Bang Bao Fishing Village

Located on the southern tip of the island, Bang Bao Fishing Village is an ideal destination for you to clearly feel the slow and authentic pace of life on Koh Chang. The village is notable for its wooden stilt houses connected by a long jetty, fishing boats parked close together and an old lighthouse, where you can look out over the vast ocean.

Walking on the wooden bridge, listening to the sound of the waves or enjoying fresh seafood and chatting with the locals will be simple but typical Koh Chang experiences.

Join a cooking class

To escape the scorching sun on the island, you can join a cooking class. These classes are often held regularly on the island, where you can prepare typical Thai dishes yourself. Learning to cook, learning about local ingredients and culinary culture will be ideal and suitable experiences for days when you don’t go to the beach.

In addition to the above unique experiences, Koh Chang also has its own unique destinations that you should definitely visit to fully experience the beauty and culture here.

Mu Ko Chang National Park

Mu Ko Chang National Park is one of the most prominent destinations on Koh Chang Island, attracting tourists thanks to the harmonious combination of mountains, forests, seas and biodiversity. Coming here, you can trek through the tropical rainforest, conquer the peak of Khao Salak Phet, or relax by the majestic waterfalls.

With its pristine beauty and diverse experiences, Mu Ko Chang is the ideal stop for those who want to immerse themselves in nature to the fullest in Koh Chang.

Kai Bae Viewpoint

Kai Bae Viewpoint is one of the most impressive sightseeing spots in Koh Chang. This is where you can admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding small islands. In particular, the sunset at Kai Bae is known as the most memorable moment on the island, when the sky is dyed in brilliant orange, yellow, and purple.

Whether you come alone, with your lover or with your family, Kai Bae Viewpoint always brings a peaceful, relaxing space, and is an ideal place to capture unforgettable memories.

Special festivals in Koh Chang

As a province with many temples and large religious sites, Koh Chang holds many special festivals every year with the participation of thousands of tourists. Some of the most famous festivals in Koh Chang include:

Songkran

The word “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “transition” or “change”, referring to the transition from the old year to the new year. Songkran is an occasion for Thai people to express their gratitude to the gods and ancestors and pray for a lucky and peaceful new year. Songkran is also a time for family reunions. Family members return to their hometowns, clean their houses and perform traditional rituals to pray for blessings for the new year.

Koh Chang Food Festival

The Koh Chang Food Festival is usually held in September every year, when the tourist season on Koh Chang Island begins to become bustling again. The main events of the festival usually take place in areas with many tourists such as Klong Prao Beach and the central areas of the island. The Koh Chang Food Festival is not only an opportunity to explore local specialties but also offers a unique cultural experience.

Boat Racing Festival

The traditional boat racing festival is an opportunity for the people of Koh Chang to honor the fishing profession and maritime traditions of the coastal people. The boat racing festival is also an event to demonstrate the spirit of solidarity, competition and love for the sea of ​​the local community. Boat racing is not only a sport but also a way for people to demonstrate their skills and ingenuity with traditional boats.

What to eat?

Attractive cuisine in Koh Chang

What are the attractive specialties to enjoy when coming to Koh Chang? This is certainly the question asked by most tourists. If you have come to the pristine and beautiful island of Koh Chang. The dish that you should not miss the most is the attractive fresh seafood dishes. The seafood dishes in Koh Chang are all processed very specially. Both maintaining freshness and still harmonizing the aromatic and spicy spices to make the dish more delicious.

So where to enjoy these specialties? On Chang Island, there are hundreds of restaurants serving dishes from all over the world. But if you have come to Koh Chang. You should not miss Ciao Koh Chang restaurant, Blue Lagoon, Q Etery, Ido Ido White Restaurant Chillout or the Kitchen. All of the above restaurants have affordable prices with the most delicious seafood dishes.

Or, if you want to eat while watching the vast ocean. You can go to the central area of ​​White sand beach. Here, there are often grilled game restaurants located close to the sea. The grilled dishes at the restaurant are all dipped in a special sauce that makes diners unforgettable. Although a bit spicy, when served with seafood and the scent of the sea breeze, it is extremely attractive. Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh air and admire the poetic beach on Koh Chang island during your meal!

The best foods in Koh Chang

As mentioned, Koh Chang not only has many beautiful tourist destinations but also many delicious specialties that are hard to resist. Some of the best dishes in Koh Chang that we have tried include:

• Grilled skewers (Moo Ping): Pork is marinated and grilled over charcoal, often served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
• Mango sticky rice: Made from sticky rice, ripe mango and coconut milk. The sticky rice and the sweetness of the mango create a very attractive dish.
• Tom Yum Goong: Tom Yum Goong has a characteristic sour and spicy flavor and is an indispensable dish in Thai meals.
• Thai curry: Famous for its rich flavor and many spices. Thai curry has many different variations with extremely diverse flavors.
• Som Tam: Thai papaya salad has a full range of sour, sweet, spicy and salty flavors. Made from green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts and fish sauce.

What to buy as souvenirs when traveling to Koh Chang

There are many souvenirs that you can give to relatives and friends when traveling to Koh Chang. Here are some suggestions from us for you:

• Thai tea and coffee: Thai tea and coffee are great gifts to bring back. Thanks to their rich and delicious flavors.
• Handicrafts: Koh Chang has many unique handicrafts, which are highly applicable gifts.
• Dried seafood: If you love seafood, don’t forget to buy dried seafood such as dried squid, dried shrimp to bring back as gifts.
• Health care products: Thai creams and cosmetics are definitely very famous among women. Thanks to their natural ingredients and great effects.
•  T-shirts: Shops on the island often sell T-shirts and costumes printed with images typical of Koh Chang.

Tips and notes that you should note when traveling to Koh Chang

You should choose a reasonable time to travel to Koh Chang. Based on the time that we mentioned above. You can arrange 1 to 2 months in advance for convenient travel.

• If you go during the rainy season when tourism is low. You should prepare the necessary luggage to support you anytime, anywhere.
• Whether it is raining or sunny, you should still bring sunscreen to limit ultraviolet rays, UV to the lowest level.
• Hats and umbrellas are two equipment suitable for both the rainy and sunny seasons.
• You should also check the ferry time to the island to book tickets in advance. You should book tickets 1 to 2 hours before departure in case the previous journeys are delayed.
• If you go and return in the same day, you should note the ferry time to avoid having to stay overnight on the island.
• If you stay on the island, remember to ask the receptionist where you are staying in advance if there is a shuttle service from the pier. Usually hotels or resorts will have this service. If they do, you will save some travel costs.
• You can rent a motorbike or bicycle at the facilities where you are staying. If they do not have this service, you should ask them in advance about places that can rent so you can prepare in advance.
• Because Koh Chang has a very rich and diverse ecosystem. So if you participate in the journey to explore here, you should also contribute to protecting the environment.
• Do not pick or break coral reefs. Also, do not catch sea creatures such as starfish on the shore. Because they will die.
• If you participate in exploring the jungle, you should not eat strange plants, grass or fruits. Also, do not break trees or catch animals.
• Do not forget to wear high socks to avoid insect bites when exploring the jungle.
• If you participate in diving, trekking, forest exploration, boating, etc., you should contact travel agencies for help from professional guides.
• You should follow the regulations of Koh Chang island to avoid making any mistakes that the local people do not like.
• Exchange money before coming to Koh Chang. Because there are not many ATMs on the island. At the same time, the exchange rate on the island will also be much higher if you exchange in advance.
• Register and buy a 4G sim card before coming to the island. This is so you can conveniently contact your relatives as well as post “virtual life” information on social networks.

Where to stay in Koh Chang Island?

Most of the resorts, hotels and motels are built on White Sand Beach – the beach located in the northernmost part of Koh Chang. Besides, the west coast of the island also has many resorts. However, according to many independent tourists, Lonely Beach is considered the best place.

Finding an ideal place to rest is important, it will help your travel journey become more complete. Here are some hotels in Koh Chang that you can refer to:

Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort

• Address: 8/15 Klong Prao Beach Klong Prao, Ko Chang
• Reference price: $109.26/night

Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort is located on the peaceful Klong Prao beach, an ideal choice for tourists who want to enjoy absolute relaxation. The rooms here are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, sophisticated design and handcrafted wooden furniture, bringing a close-to-nature experience to visitors staying here. (agoda, booking)

SYLVAN Koh Chang

• Address: 79 Moo 4 Koh Chang, Trat
• Reference price: $62.48/night

SYLVAN Koh Chang is a 5-star resort located next to Kai Bae beach, featuring a cool green space amidst the tropical forest and spectacular sunset views. With a private beach, two luxurious swimming pools, a high-class spa and a diverse system of rooms from luxury villas to comfortable rooms suitable for families, SYLVAN Koh Chang offers a complete and relaxing vacation in a majestic natural space. (agoda, booking)

Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort

• Address: 26/3 Moo 4 Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang, Trat
• Reference price: $70.56/night

Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort is a 4-star resort located right on Klong Prao beach, standing out with its cool green space and bold Thai design. The resort has 157 spacious rooms and suites, arranged in two blocks amidst a meticulously cared for tropical garden, in harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. (agoda, booking)

• KC Grande Resort Koh Chang (agoda, booking)
• Parama Koh Chang (agoda, booking)
• AWA Koh Chang (agoda, booking)
• Kacha Resort & Spa, Koh Chang (agoda, booking)
• Koh Chang Cliff Beach Resort (agoda, booking)
• Marina Sands Resort (agoda, booking)
• White Sand Beach Resort (agoda, booking)
• Coconut Beach Resort (agoda, booking)

Check out more best hotels in Koh Chang on Agoda or Booking

Koh Chang not only attracts visitors with its wild natural beauty but also with the diversity and excitement of its experiential activities. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous nature journey, this island has it all.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Koh Chang you can refer to

• Ferry & Bus to Koh Kood/ Koh Chang and Cambodia By Boonsiri
• Plunge into Koh Chang: Full-Day Adventure with PADI 5* Dive Center
• Snorkeling Paradise: Discover Koh Chang’s Waters with PADI 5* Center
• Thai Gondola Cruise Experience at Koh Chang
• Mangrove Forest SUP (Paddle Board) experience
• Koh Chang: Mangrove Forest Gondola Tour
• Koh Chang First-Time Dive with PADI 5 Star center
• Mangrove Forest Kayaking at Koh Chang Salak Kok Seafood
• Koh Chang: 4 Islands Snorkel & Beach Tour by Big Boat with Lunch

Read more Thailand guide here.