Ko Chang

Ko Chang is reached via ferry to Dan Kao (Tha Dan Kao) pier on the island's east coast, then songtaew to various beaches. Ferry services connect from mainland Thailand, and speedboats depart from Bang Bao pier on the west coast to neighboring islands. At Dan Kao Pier, songtaews wait (50 baht/person to White Sand Beach, 100 baht/person to Lonely Beach). No taxis are available at the ferry terminal itself—walk 400 m to the pier if arriving without your own vehicle. Private transfers from Bangkok can be arranged through companies like Koh Chang Private Transfers (operating since 2004) or Koh Chang Minibus with fixed prices for many routes.

Songtaews are the only public transport on Ko Chang—about 90 licensed vehicles operating through a driver co-op roster system. Daytime shared rides cost 50-200 baht/person (Nov 2022) depending on distance along the main ring road. After 17:00, drivers often charge "taxi" rates as high as 500 baht from Lonely Beach to the Dan Kao pier. No service runs between 01:00 and 07:00. For groups of 2+, hiring an entire songtaew may cost the same or less than per-person shares—always bargain if prices seem excessive. Car rental is available through most hotels; 4WD is helpful during rainy season on certain roads near Lonely Beach. Hitchhiking is common—locals often pick up travelers; offering a cold drink at journey's end is appreciated.

The cool season from November through February offers the best weather—temperatures range 20-31°C with minimal rainfall (39-54 mm monthly). March to May are roasting hot. June through October brings heavy monsoon rains with 4,000 mm annual rainfall—July through October average 418-502 mm per month. Many guesthouses close during rainy season, reducing accommodation options. Those willing to risk wet weather find lower prices and fewer tourists. High season runs 1 November to 30 April when speedboat services to nearby islands operate daily.

White Sand Beach (Had Sai Khao) is the busiest beach and first arrival point for most visitors, crowded with tourist venues and restaurants. Klong Prao (Khlong Phrao) Beach offers a middle ground with good restaurants and less congestion. Kai Bae Beach provides a quieter alternative with walking street and beer bars. Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam, Ao Bai Lan) in the south has evolved into the backpacker party hub with bucket parties, full moon imitations, and disco bars—rubbish cleanup after parties can be inconsistent. Bang Bao pier area serves as the boat departure point with more local atmosphere. Budget bungalows range 300-500 baht at Lonely Beach, while beachfront resorts on White Sand Beach cost 800-5,600 baht/night.

Restaurant menus match the rest of Thailand, but prices run higher due to strong demand rather than transportation costs. Every beach hosts seafood restaurants with evening sunset views. White Sand Beach concentrations include Nong Bua Seafood (family-owned 30+ years, open 09:30-21:30) and Rock Sand Restaurant (Thai and Western, 07:00-22:00). Apple on White Sand Beach offers the cheapest options with Thai and Italian dishes plus 21 wooden bungalows at 800-4,000 baht/night. Thai beer brands Chang and Tiger dominate, with local fruit wines (mangosteen, pineapple) starting at 200 baht in shops. Upscale sunset dining is available at Top Resort's cliff-top terrace on south White Sand Beach.

Waterfalls are major attractions: Klong Plu (most popular, west side only, 3 km from Ao Khlong Phrao), Klong Nueng (said most breathtaking), Klong Nonsi (east side, 6 km from Klong Plu by foot), Khiri Petch (medium-sized, 3 km from Salak Phet), Thanmayom (near Thanmayom Pier), and Kongoi (five waterfalls near Bang Bao). A cross-island trek from Than Mayom to Klong Plu waterfalls takes 8-10 hours and costs 500 baht/person with a park ranger. Guided jungle treks with Tan (+66 89 6452019, +66 89 8322531, 10+ years experience, excellent English). Thai cooking classes available at Kati Culinary, Ko Chang Thai Cooking, and Blue Lagoon around Klong Prao. Snorkeling and diving trips go to Mu Ko Chang National Park with operators like Dive Adventure (PADI 5-star IDC), Diving School Ko Chang (Bang Bao), and Eco-Divers (White Sand Beach, Kaibae, Klong Prao, 09:00-20:00). Tree Top Adventure Park offers rope and harness climbing (half-day 950 baht, 09:00-17:00). Retired elephants can be visited at White Sand Beach's north end. S.E.A. Kayaking runs single and multi-day sea kayaking expeditions with British guides.

Ko Chang is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables on beaches, be cautious with motorbike rental given hilly terrain and wet season road conditions. Party areas at Lonely Beach can get loud and crowded—expect late-night noise if staying near bucket party venues. Hitchhiking is common and accepted, though use judgment about vehicle and driver. During rainy season (Jun-Oct), some roads become difficult—4WD vehicles are recommended for rental cars during this period. Marine safety applies to snorkeling and diving trips—ensure operators provide proper equipment and briefings.

Most resorts and guesthouses offer WiFi, though speeds vary. Free WiFi is common in restaurants and bars across tourist areas. Mobile data available via Thai carriers (AIS, TrueMove, dtac) with SIM cards purchasable at convenience stores and mobile shops island-wide. Power plugs follow Thai standard (Type A/B, 230V). Check individual accommodation listings for specific connectivity details—many budget bungalows report weak WiFi signals in individual huts but reliable coverage in restaurant/common areas.

Daily backpacker budget on Ko Chang runs 800-1,500 THB. Budget bungalows (fan, shared bath) start at 300 baht; air-conditioned rooms 400-500 baht; beachfront bungalows 500-1,000 baht. Mid-range resorts with pools and beachfront locations cost 2,000-5,000 baht. Meals at local restaurants 100-200 baht; tourist restaurant dinners 200-400 baht. Songtaew rides 50-200 baht (daytime); boat trips to nearby islands 300-900 baht. Activities: waterfall treks 500 baht, cooking classes ~1,000 baht, diving courses 2,500-5,000 baht, Tree Top Adventure half-day 950 baht. Beer 50-100 baht at bars; local fruit wine from 200 baht.

Boats depart daily from Bang Bao pier to neighboring islands. Slow boats depart 09:00; speedboats at 09:30 and 12:00. Ko Wai (1-2 hours, 300-400 baht) offers snorkeling and beaches. Ko Mak (1-2 hours, 400-600 baht) is quieter with coconut plantations. Ko Kut (2-3 hours, 700-900 baht) is the most remote, Thailand's easternmost point with nature and waterfalls. Kai Bae Hut (on Kai Bae Beach) operates speedboats (Nov-Apr only) to Ko Wai, Ko Mak, Ko Kham, Ko Rayang, and Ko Kut at similar prices. Mu Ko Chang National Park encompasses 46 islands for day-long snorkeling and diving excursions. These islands require separate park entry fees.

From Ko Chang, continue to Trat Province mainland for the border crossing to Cambodia at Ban Phak Chant (near Hat Lek), or take ferries to smaller neighboring islands. Ko Mak offers quieter beaches and coconut groves. Ko Kut provides the most secluded experience with waterfalls and nature. Speedboats operate only during high season (Nov-Apr)—plan accordingly for rainy season visits. Mainland Trat town has markets and serves as the gateway for those continuing overland to Cambodia.