It is worth to know about Koh Chang
Introduction
Koh Chang is a tropical island in the best way. The island has not been as exploited as other areas in Thailand and things like disruptive street vendors are extremely limited. You come here to find peace and for beautiful white beaches in privacy.

This island is a destination that appeals to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to unwind on beautiful beaches away from the crowds. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities make it a hidden gem in Thailand.
Visitors who come to Koh Chang Island do not have a hard time for finding different things to do. The beaches are perfect for swimming, relaxing, kayaking and fishing. However, the most popular thing to do on Koh Chang is diving and snorkeling. The island is fantastic for that and the nicest is between November and April when it is generally best to travel to Koh Chang.
Otherwise, a nice thing might be to hike to the waterfalls Nam Tok Mayom and Nam Tok Klong Phu. Make sure you do not miss a cooling dip in the base of the cases afterwards if you go there.
Koh Chang’s Attractions
White Sand Beach

One of the most popular beaches on Koh Chang, known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
Klong Plu Waterfall

A stunning waterfall located in a lush jungle setting within a national park. It’s a great spot for hiking, swimming, and picnicking.
Bang Bao Fishing Village

A picturesque village built on stilts over the water, offering seafood restaurants, shops selling local crafts, and boat tours to nearby islands.
Koh Chang National Park
Encompassing most of the island, the national park is home to diverse flora and fauna, hiking trails, viewpoints, and pristine beaches.
Klong Jao Waterfall
Located in the northern part of the island, this waterfall is known for its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere. A short hike leads to the waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pools.
Ban Kwan Chang Elephant Camp
For those interested in ethical elephant interactions, this camp offers elephant bathing and feeding experiences in a natural environment, promoting conservation efforts.
War Memorial
Located near White Sand Beach, this memorial commemorates Thai naval forces who fought against French colonial forces in 1941. It offers historical insights into Koh Chang’s past.
Namtok Khiri Phet
A lesser-known waterfall surrounded by dense jungle. It’s a peaceful spot for nature lovers and offers a refreshing break from the heat.
The Temples of the Island
Wat Salak Phet
A small Buddhist temple located near Salak Phet Bay. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sea views.
Wat Khlong Son
Situated near the ferry pier, this temple is one of the oldest on the island and offers insight into local Buddhist culture and architecture.
Wat Klong Prao
Located in the Klong Prao area, this temple features traditional Thai design and hosts cultural events and ceremonies throughout the year.
Wat Bang Bao
Situated in Bang Bao Fishing Village, this temple features a large golden Buddha statue and offers panoramic views of the village and the sea. It’s a cultural highlight of Bang Bao.
Wat Klong Prao
Known for its serene setting amidst coconut groves, this temple hosts traditional ceremonies and events, offering visitors a glimpse into local Buddhist practices.
Wat Khlong Son
An ancient temple near the northern ferry terminal, known for its intricate architecture and tranquil ambiance. It’s a peaceful retreat away from the bustling tourist areas.
Excursions & Sights in the Area
Snorkeling and Diving
Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life around Koh Chang and nearby islands. Popular snorkeling spots include Koh Rang, Koh Wai, and Koh Kood.
Boat Tours
Take a boat tour to explore the smaller islands surrounding Koh Chang, such as Koh Mak and Koh Kood, known for their secluded beaches and clear waters.
Elephant Trekking
Although controversial, some tour operators offer elephant trekking experiences in the jungle. Choose ethical operators that prioritize animal welfare.
Mu Ko Chang National Park
Explore the diverse landscapes of the national park, including rain forests, waterfalls, viewpoints, and pristine beaches accessible by hiking trails.
Klong Plu Elephant Trekking
For those interested in exploring the jungle on elephant back, this trekking experience offers a unique perspective of Koh Chang’s natural beauty.
Koh Chang Adventure Park
Located in the jungle near Klong Son, this park offers thrilling zip-lining adventures with platforms set high in the trees, providing panoramic views of the island.
Bang Bao Nature Trail
A scenic hiking trail that winds through Bang Bao Fishing Village and into the surrounding jungle. It’s ideal for birdwatching and experiencing Koh Chang’s biodiversity.
Koh Chang Naval Battle Memorial
Located on a hilltop overlooking Salak Phet Bay, this memorial commemorates a naval battle between the Thai and French navies in the 1940s, offering historical insights and panoramic views.
Koh Rang
The absolute best diving opportunities are found around this beautiful island called Koh Rang which is in the southwestern part of the Ko Chang. The island is protected from fishing due to its status as a marine park and has among the most pristine coastline in all of Thailand. Here you can also see further in the water than on Koh Chang and can see as far as 10-20 meters underwater.
Koh Yak and Koh Laun
For the slightly less experienced divers, there are also the islands of Koh Yak and Koh Laun. Both are a little smaller and have shallower water, but at the same time have plenty of coral reefs, shoals of fish and various exotic fish species.
A good tip is to take one of the slightly smaller boats as it will be easier to go to one of the smaller islands if there happen to be a little too many people on Koh Rang. All three islands offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, but all three also take approx. an hour to get to, so this type of excursion is best suited as a half- or full-day excursion.
Ban Kwan Elephant Camp
Here you will find one of the few places in the region where you can ride an elephant and go on a short hike with one. The camp is mainly for elephants that have become a little older and no longer have as good work ability. Here they can live in peace and quiet closer to their pleasant nature.
Treetop Adventure Park
Fun and pleasant jungle activities where you can go between the treetops in cable cars, various suspension bridges, nets and everything similar. Everyone gets safety ropes, gloves, etc. and it all always starts with a good safety briefing before embarking on the two different adventure paths. Both courses take around two hours to get through, although of course you can redo them and stay a little longer if you wish.
Hin Lap
The underwater mountains off the southern tip of Koh Chang extend over 32 km out to Koh Kut and offer extremely good diving opportunities. The place is rocky, coral-covered, has a depth of 18-20 m and acts as a sanctuary for shoals of fish.
Markets in Koh Chang
Klong Prao Night Market
Held every evening, this market offers a variety of street food, fresh seafood, local snacks, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience local flavors.
Chai Chet Market
A small market with stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and household items. It’s less touristy than other markets, providing a glimpse into local life.
Bang Bao Walking Street
Located in Bang Bao Fishing Village, this market offers seafood restaurants, shops selling handicrafts, and boat tours. It’s a lively spot in the evenings.
Klong Son Market
A local market where villagers sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and household goods. It’s a good place to buy ingredients for a picnic or sample local snacks.
Klong Prao Walking Street
A weekly market held in Klong Prao Village, offering a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s a lively evening market popular among locals and tourists alike.
Khlong Son Market
A local market near the northern ferry terminal, where villagers sell fresh produce, seafood, and household goods. It’s a great place to shop for ingredients or sample local snacks.
Bang Bao Market
Located in Bang Bao Fishing Village, this market offers fresh seafood, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. It’s a cultural hub in the village, especially during the evening.
Kai Bae Beach Night Market
Held near Kai Bae Beach, this market features a variety of food stalls, live music, and entertainment. It’s a popular spot for sampling Thai street food and enjoying a casual evening.
Shopping
Shopping on Koh Chang is a bit limited as most goods are produced in other places than on the island, so it is best to go to the mainland if you are looking to shop or are just a little price conscious or simply want to shop a lot of things.
If you are interested in knowing more about what the daily life of the locals on Koh Chang looks like, then visit the traditional markets where you can have a good cultural experience. Trat, the province to which Koh Chang belongs, is otherwise known for fruits, staples and seafood.
Nightlife and Entertainment
While Koh Chang is more laid-back compared to some Thai islands like Phuket and Koh Samui, it still nightlife options including beach bars, live music venues, and occasional beach parties, especially in Lonely Beach.
Koh Chang is not quite like Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket. When it comes to nightlife, the island offers a more easy-going and friendly one.
White Sand Beach
Most people who are looking for a little more partying often go to White Sand Beach where there are most bars and pubs.
Klong Prao Beach
There are plenty of more sports-oriented bars with large screens, etc.
Kai Bea Beach
This was the place where the first backpacker travelers went to Koh Chang, but nowadays the beach is also known as a place where those who like to party in the wee hours go.
Lonely Beach
This beach has a reputation for being a place for backpackers on the island, although that trend has quickly gone downhill as the place begins to become more commercially oriented. Plenty of nightlife is still found, however, and the visitors still consist mostly of the same more relaxed people as before.
Local Culture and Traditions
Fishermen’s Culture
Experience the traditional lifestyle of fishermen in Bang Bao Fishing Village, where you can observe daily activities such as boat repairs and fish drying.
Thai Cooking Classes
Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine with cooking classes offered by local restaurants and resorts. Classes often include a visit to a local market to purchase ingredients.
Thai Massage, Spa and Wellness
Indulge in traditional Thai massages and spa treatments offered by resorts and spas on the island. Thai massage is renowned for its therapeutic benefits and relaxation.
Relax and rejuvenate with spa treatments, yoga sessions, and meditation retreats offered by resorts and wellness centers on the island.
Food and restaurants
There is almost similar menus at both restaurants and street stalls as the the rest of Thailand, but a small extra cost for higher transport costs to the island is almost to be expected. Most beaches on Koh Chang have a fairly large selection of simple restaurants where delicious seafood dishes are offered as well as you can find a little more romantic restaurants.
Do not forget to try the local wine made on the island and which comes in all sorts of exotic varieties as with blends of mango, pineapple and grapefruit.
Hotels and accommodation
Most hotels are located on the west side of the island with many of the resorts and hostels along the road going down the coast. In general, the prices are lower the further away from the port you get. Finding a place to stay is not so difficult, although the cheaper options are usually fully booked on weekends.
If you enjoy exploring various places and prefer not to spend too much time in hotels, residing a bit farther from everything is not a significant concern. After all, Koh Chang is an island, and reaching the western coast doesn’t require much time.
Go forward
During the day, it is easy to find a songtaew (a pick-up that acts as a taxi) on any road or along any main road. The cost is different, depending on how far you want to go.
You have the option to rent a moped or a car (inquire at your hotel), but driving yourself can be quite risky, especially in Thailand where most accidents involve small motorcycles and mopeds. Therefore, it’s advisable to think twice before choosing this mode of transportation. Alternatively, taking a taxi is usually a simpler and safer choice.
Conclusion
Koh Chang’s blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic and enriching experience in Thailand.
The charm of Koh Chang lies in its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities for adventure and cultural exploration. Whether you’re hiking through rain forests, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoying sunset views from a beachfront restaurant, Koh Chang promises a memorable and enriching travel experience in Thailand.