Koh Chang is one of our favorite islands in Thailand, in part because it’s so close to Kat’s family in Chanthaburi. We first went there together in 2018, and absolutely loved it, but chose to explore its smaller neighboring islands such as Koh Kood and Koh Mak on more recent trips. In March, 2026, we decided it was finally time to return to Koh Chang and see how the island has changed over the years.

As we hopped off the ferry and took a minivan to our hotel, memories started flooding back of just how wild and lively the island is. From taking steep, hairpin turns up jungle mountain roads to cruising past bustling beach areas - we suddenly realised how much we missed Koh Chang and couldn’t wait to get on scooters and explore the island in more depth this time around.

Joining us on this trip were Kat’s two nieces, and her sister (Nahm) and boyfriend (Mint). Koh Chang is a very family-friendly island with something for everyone - from adults, to teenagers, to young kids. We were based at Aana Resort, a short scooter ride away from Klong Prao Beach. While the resort was a bit run down, the Balinese/jungle design was pretty cool and we managed to score a massive discount on Booking.com, so we certainly weren't complaining!

We enjoyed a nice variety of activities everyday: whether it was scooter adventures, beach-hopping, fire shows or eating ridiculously spicy seafood at local restaurants. To our surprise, we both ended up falling in love with Koh Chang all over again. Yes, some of the beaches aren’t as pristine as Koh Kood and the vibe isn’t as “off-beat” as Koh Mak - but we really enjoyed the island’s energy and having so many amenities at our fingertips (including a 7-Eleven around every corner)!

Koh Chang is actually the third largest island in Thailand and with that size comes plenty of things to do. You can lounge all day in luxe beach clubs, wander through mangrove forests on the east coast, catch a stunning sunset from a roadside viewpoint, or visit completely untouched islands on a boat trip. Whatever you’re into, Koh Chang has a way of luring you in and leaving you wanting more.

Koh Chang - Boarding the Ferry — *Kat and her niece boarding the ferry*

Koh Chang - Aana Resort Cart — *Kat, Nahm and Mint arriving at the hotel*

Oasis Koh Chang — *Cam with Kat’s niece at Oasis Restaurant*

20 Best Things To Do in Koh Chang

1. Discover Koh Chang by Scooter

Riding scooters is by far the easiest and most fun way to get around Koh Chang. But just remember to be cautious on the hills, especially after rain, and especially when approaching those infamous hairpin turns. There are two areas in particular that get a bit gnarly: the big hill by the main ferry terminal before you reach White Sand Beach, and the big hill between Lonely Beach and Kai Bae Viewpoint.

Cam was riding down the hill back to Lonely Beach one morning (after a short downpour) and his back wheel slid out to one side, almost causing an accident. Luckily, he rebalanced the scooter and slammed on both brakes in the nick of time. It’s important to use both brakes (front and back) when going downhill in Koh Chang - the island is known for its car accidents and the last thing you want is to end up in hospital!

That being said, you should still be fine as long as you ride carefully and have the right scooter - renting a 150cc bike gives you that extra grunt when heading uphill. The most challenging sections are found on the west coast, where all of the action is, but venture along the tranquil east coast if you want flatter roads and an arguably more scenic experience.

Koh Chang - Scooter Rides — *Kat and her niece riding scooters*

Scooter Rides Koh Chang — *Scooter rides*

Mountainous Roads - Koh Chang — *Scooter rides*

2. Visit Klong Koi Beach (“Bang Bao Beach”)

In our opinion, the most beautiful beach in Koh Chang is Klong Koi Beach, otherwise known as “Bang Bao Beach” due to its proximity to Bang Bao Pier. What struck us most was how clean it was - boasting soft white sand and crystal-clear waters without the “trash washup” that appears on some of the other beaches. Klong Koi is lined with beachfront villas, massage huts and cute little bars inviting you in for a fresh coconut or cocktail. We spent the day here sipping mojitos, floating in the sea, and working on nothing more than our tan!

Koh Chang - Klong Kloi Beach — *Klong Koi Beach*

Klong Kloi Beach - Thailand - Koh Chang — *Klong Koi Beach*

Klong Kloi Beach - Bang Bao Beach - Koh Chang — *Klong Koi Beach*

Mojitos at Klong Kloi Beach — *Klong Koi Beach*

3. Spend the Afternoon at Sol Beach Club

Sol Beach Club is located on the spectacular Klong Prao Beach and offers everything from beachfront bungalows and an all-day eatery, to wellness activities and private boat trips. We grabbed a few couches in the restaurant, ordered some food and drinks, and just relaxed while Kat’s nieces swam in the sea and played in the sand. The girls also got a massage at the wellness centre, which capped off the perfect afternoon.

Sol Beach with Family - Koh Chang — *Cam with Kat’s niece at Sol Beach Club*

Sol Beach Sunset - Koh Chang — *Sunset at Sol Beach Club*

4. Admire the Sunset at Klong Prao Beach

Aana Resort is nestled on a river estuary that connects with Klong Prao Beach, so this was the first place we visited when we arrived in Koh Chang. This is a large, open beach famous for its beautiful sunsets. We witnessed a magical golden hour from Sol Beach Club. But if you want a more “natural” experience, you can just wander down any section of the beach and find your own spot in the sand to admire the views, without anyone else around.

Klong Prao Beach Sunset in Koh Chang — *Klong Prao Beach*

Koh Chang - Sunset at Klong Prao Beach — *Kat & Cam at Klong Prao Beach*

5. Relax at the Oasis Koh Chang Restaurant

The restaurant area at Oasis, situated by Lonely Beach, is a fantastic spot to relax and unwind for a few hours. You can sit on beanbags, order a few drinks and snacks, and take in the jungle vibe of the resort. They even have a treehouse you can climb up to watch the sunset, which was the first thing we did when we arrived. Cats lounge around the restaurant, ambient music fills the air and a glitzy disco ball shines down from the ceiling, creating a super chilled atmosphere.

Koh Chang - Oasis Restaurant — *Nahm and Mint at Oasis*

Oasis - Koh Chang - Restaurant — *Oasis Restaurant*

Sunset - Oasis Koh Chang — *Sunset from the treehouse at Oasis*

6. Take a Longtail or Kayak to Wai Chaek Beach

Wai Chaek Beach was at the top of our Koh Chang bucket-list after we heard some amazing stories about it from other travelers. We imagined a “castaway” beach with golden sand and coconut trees spilling out over the water, but this scene never materialized for us because we completely underestimated how difficult the beach would be to reach via scooter.

For starters, you have to ride around the east coast of the island to get to the southern entry point, which takes one-hour alone. The Google Maps route eventually leads you to an unmanned hut with a warning sign that says: “Road Damage, Proceed with Caution”. The start of the gravel road didn’t look too bad to be honest, so we decided to give it a shot.

However, this turned out to be a mistake: loose rocks, massive potholes and crazy steep inclines greeted us around every corner, making the entire journey fraught with danger. After battling through it for a kilometer or two, we decided to stop and head back. Upon leaving, we saw another couple who were facing similar difficulties to us (even walking their bike up the steep parts), so we advised them to “abort mission”.

We had such high hopes for Wai Chaek Beach, and hope to visit it on our next trip to Koh Chang, but there’s absolutely no way a scooter should be attempting this type of terrain. Even dirt bikes would struggle! If you do want to visit Wai Chaek Beach, the best option is to take a longtail boat from Bang Bao Pier or kayak from Klong Koi Beach.

Koh Chang - Road to Wai Chaek Beach - Dangerous — *Road to Wai Chaek Beach*

Road to Wai Chaek Beach - Koh Chang — *Road to Wai Chaek Beach*

7. Watch a Fire Show on the Beach

We managed to find a fire show at Flora | Talay Resort and enjoyed front row seats of the small show over dinner. Although it only lasted 30 minutes or so, some of the acrobatics were impressive - especially the human pyramid and spiral effects lighting up the beach. This is a popular activity for families in Koh Chang, as kids are often encouraged to come up and try spinning fire under the supervision of the performers.

Fire Show in Koh Chang Beach — *Fire show*

8. Have Lunch at Siam Kitchen

There are two different Siam Kitchen restaurants in Koh Chang: one by Klong Kloi Beach and another by Klong Prao Beach. We stumbled upon the one by our hotel, near Klong Prao, after first arriving on the island. It was safe to say at this point everyone was “hangry” and needed some spice to kick us into gear. As Thais typically do, Kat and Nahm ordered a banquet of different seafood dishes and salads. Everyone loved the food: it was authentic enough for Thais but also had some Westernised options for tourists.

Koh Chang - Siam Kitchen — *Siam Kitchen*

9. Check Out the Viewpoints of Koh Chang

The most popular viewpoint in Koh Chang is called Kai Bae Viewpoint, situated five minutes from Lonely Beach, with views of four little offshore islands. Although, to be brutally honest, we found it to be a little boring and preferred the White Sand Beach Viewpoint - a rugged, roadside pull-off offering an incredible bird’s eye view of White Sand Beach stretching all the way to Klong Prao.

Koh Chang - Kai Bae Viewpoint — *Kai Bae Viewpoint*

Koh Chang - White Sand Beach Viewpoint — *White Sand Beach Viewpoint*

10. Explore the White Sand Beach Area

White Sand Beach is the first major developed area you encounter when arriving in Koh Chang. As the name suggests, the beach is blessed with fine white sand but from our experience it’s not as clean or pristine as Klong Koi Beach. The area has everything you need for an action-packed island stay: beachfront resorts, restaurants and bars, 7-Elevens, boat tour agencies, fire shows, Muay Thai gyms, street food, night markets and more. We found other areas of the island to have more character, so would only recommend visiting White Sand Beach rather than staying overnight.

Koh Chang - White Sand Beach — *White Sand Beach*

11. Party the Night Away at Lonely Beach

We stayed at Lonely Beach on our first trip to Koh Chang back in 2018 and have fond (somewhat blurry) memories of partying in the village. It looks like most of the “bucket” cocktail bars and live music venues are still intact, which is great news for backpackers and partygoers, but it’s not somewhere that we gravitate towards these days. Unfortunately, we’re no longer in our early 20s and prefer the more relaxed, bohemian vibe of Klong Prao and Klong Kloi beaches.

Koh Chang - Lonely Beach — *Lonely Beach*

12. Ride Along the East Coast of Koh Chang

We ventured down the east coast to tick a couple of experiences off our “to-do list”, namely: Salak Phet Mangrove Forest and Wai Chaek Beach. However, on the way, we discovered that the ride there was the highlight in itself. Much of the road was flat with beautiful, unobstructed views of the sea - and every now and then we cruised past groves of coconut trees, fruit orchards and quaint, local farms. The atmosphere was serene, providing us with a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of the west coast.

If you enjoy motorbike rides, lush landscapes and cultural attractions - like the temple at Wat Salak Phet - then you’ll absolutely love the east coast of Koh Chang. Give yourself the full day to explore the area. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the ride and stop off at the roadside coffee shops and local restaurants along the way. Although we didn’t have any luck reaching Wai Chaek Beach, there’s meant to be another stunner nearby called Long Beach with a paved road all the way.

Koh Chang - East Coast Roads — *East Coast of Koh Chang*

Koh Chang - Wat Salak Phet — *Wat Salak Phet*

13. Walk the Red Walkway at Salak Phet Mangrove Forest

Salak Phet Mangrove Forest lies just outside the little village of Salak Phet on the east coast, so if you’re in the area it’s a no-brainer to visit. The mangrove forest is home to a red wooden walkway that loops through the trees, offering wonderful views along the way. Although the walkway is a bit worn down, and you have to be careful where you step, the photo opportunities are really unique.

Koh Chang - Salak Phet Mangrove Forest — *Salak Phet Mangrove Forest*

14. Stop by the Only 7-Eleven on the East Coast

On the outskirts of Salak Phet Village, you won’t be able to miss the only 7-Eleven on the east coast. It’s a new, stand-alone building surrounded by palm trees and has been called the “coolest 7-Eleven in Thailand” by a few social media influencers! Koh Chang has a ridiculous amount of 7-Elevens on the west coast but this one takes the cake in terms of character.

7-Eleven - East Coast - Koh Chang — *7-Eleven on the East Coast*

Iconic 7-Eleven - Koh Chang - East Coast — *7-Eleven on the East Coast*

15. Wander Around Bang Bao Pier

Before visiting Klong Kloi Beach, be sure to swing by Bang Bao Pier to check out the unique fishing community built on wooden stilts. Wandering through the narrow walkway takes you to all sorts of hidden gems: local houses, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops and boat agencies organizing snorkeling, diving and ferry trips throughout the national park. It’s a charming, local experience that shows you another side to Koh Chang.

Bang Bao Pier - Koh Chang — *Bang Bao Pier*

16. Soak Up the Good Vibes of Rasta View

Rasta View is a quintessential reggae bar located a 5-minute ride from Bang Bao Pier. It offers incredible, panoramic views overlooking the pier, bay and fishing village. Consider coming at around 6:00 PM to catch the sunset from their open-air wooden deck - the perfect way to end the day after relaxing at Klong Kloi Beach or coming back from a boat trip.

Koh Chang - Rasta View Bang Bao Bay — *Rasta View*

17. Enjoy a Wood-Fired Pizza at Lisca Beach

When we first came to Koh Chang back in 2018, we were staying at the Mercure Hideaway. As we walked along the left-hand side of the resort’s beach, we stumbled upon a pizzeria run by a really friendly Italian-Thai couple. They served up delicious, wood-fired pizzas directly on the beach. We had a really memorable evening there and would recommend it to anyone visiting Koh Chang. There’s a road called “Soi Lisca Beach” that you can take, which has signs for the pizzeria and parking for your scooter.

Lisca Beach - Pizzeria - Koh Chang — *Lisca Beach*

18. See the “Phi Phi of the East” - Koh Ngam

Koh Ngam has become a viral sensation on social media, with drone shots dramatically depicting the double-sided beach joined together by a small sandbar, hence the nickname the “Phi Phi of the East”. The island has mixed reviews though: some find it to be paradise on earth, while others complain about the rubbish and entry fees. We didn’t have time to go here, but we’ll definitely consider visiting on our next trip to Koh Chang.

19. Book a Private Boat Trip with Sol Beach Club

Sol Beach Club runs private, small group boat tours to the surrounding islands and secret beaches of Koh Chang - such as their Snorkel Escape to Koh Yuak and Koh Suwan or their Secret Beach Speed Yacht to Wai Chaek and Koh Ngam. Judging by the quality of their beachfront bungalows and wellness centre, we would feel very comfortable booking a boat trip with them and would recommend you give them a try!

Koh Chang - Sol Beach Boat Trips — *Sol Beach Club*

20. Island-Hop to Koh Kood or Koh Mak

The great thing about Koh Chang is that it’s the largest island in the Trat archipelago, and so onward travel to Koh Kood or Koh Mak is a breeze. We booked our trip to Koh Kood with Boonsiri high speed ferries and the 90-minute journey was super comfortable, thanks in large part to the air-conditioning. Both Koh Kood and Koh Mak are awesome places to visit, each offering their own unique charm. You can read all about them below:

Where to Stay in Koh Chang

From our experiences in Koh Chang over the years, the two best areas of the island to stay in are Klong Prao Beach and Klong Kloi Beach. This is especially true if you’re in the 30-40 age bracket (like us) or are traveling with family. There’s still a handful of other great places to stay throughout the island, but we just find these areas to have the best mix of beaches, facilities and vibes. Here are some of our top accommodation picks:

Budget

Pajamas Koh Chang (Klong Prao)
Oasis Koh Chang (Lonely Beach)

Mid-Range

Luxury

FAQs About Visiting Koh Chang

What’s the best time of year to visit Koh Chang?

Like most of Thailand, the best time to visit Koh Chang is in the dry season between November and February. This is when you get pretty much guaranteed clear blue skies, calm water and comfortable temperatures. In March and April, the temperatures start climbing to 32°C+ but it can still be a nice time of year to go. From May to October, the island goes into quiet mode with many businesses (like the Lisca Pizzeria) often shutting up shop.

One thing many travelers don’t know about Koh Chang is that it’s a lot wetter than both Phuket and Koh Samui in the monsoon season (June to September). The average monthly rainfall for Koh Chang in this period is 500-700mm, compared to a measly 100mm for Koh Samui. If you’re serious about island travel in Thailand’s rainy season, consider the Gulf Islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao - they’re shielded by the mainland and stay relatively dry in the European summer months.

Koh Chang - Klong Prao Beach — *Koh Chang in early March*

What’s the best way to get to Koh Chang?

The ferry from Trat leaves from Ao Thammachat Pier and costs 80 THB per person. Contrast that with the 900 THB per person fare from Koh Chang to Koh Kood! You can also bring your own car at 120 THB each, which is very common for both locals and tourists. The crossing only takes 30-40 minutes, making it one of the most accessible islands in Thailand.

Koh Chang - Ferry from Trat — *Ferry to Koh Chang*

Is Koh Chang better than Koh Kood?

This is a controversial question to ask and for many the answer is personal: some will prefer Koh Chang’s energy (7-Eleven’s, gyms, bars, etc.) and find Koh Kood “boring”, while others will think the opposite. We can’t say that either island is better - they just have different qualities.

One advantage of Koh Chang, though, is its range of affordable hotels and resorts. Koh Kood is quickly becoming one of the most expensive places in Thailand, especially without booking months in advance, while Koh Chang remains great value for money. If you’ve got the time, spend 4 days having fun in Koh Chang followed by 3 days of tranquility in Koh Kood - it’ll be the ultimate island getaway!

Koh Chang - Aana Resort — *Aana Resort, Koh Chang*

20 Best Things To Do in Koh Chang: The Wild & Lively Island