About Koh Chang

Koh Chang the second largest island of Thailand, after Phuket, and is located within a group of 47 islands. These have the status of “National Park” because of the large surface of tropical rainforest and the highly developed life under water. In spite of the fact that it is only some 300 km away from Bangkok, the region is still relatively little developed compared with many other highly commercialized beach destinations in Thailand. The resorts and hotels are cleverly laid out. Even in high seasons you will never feel that it is busy. Booking in advance is highly recommended both for weekend days as well as Thailand's public holidays (Kings birthday, Queens birthday, Chinese new year, Songkran, Loy Kratong, various Buddhist celebration days, Christmas, New year etcetera).

Beaches on Koh Chang, Thailand
The main beaches at Koh Chang are all on the west coast. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao in Thai) is the most developed in evening entertainment, restaurants, theme bars (there is for instance a blues bar and a movie bar) and shops and there are plenty opportunities to enjoy evening life after the sun sets. Klong Prao and Kai Bae are less developed in evening entertainment but the resorts and restaurants are generally newer and better. These 2 beaches are perfect for couples and families. Lonely beach (Hat Ta Nam) in the southwest has cheap guesthouses but hardly any bars or restaurants. Sea venturers can look forward to exciting boating, scuba diving, snorkeling or deep-sea fishing. Sightseeing trips to the various waterfalls, forest, local villages can also be arranged. Many resorts provide van or motorcycles for rent, a good way to know the island and its people.

Transport to Koh Chang, Thailand
From Bangkok there are several buses per day to Trat, both from the eastern bus terminal Eekamai on Sukhumvit near soi 36. Upon arrival in Trat, take a bus or songtaew to Laem Ngop and the ferry to Koh Chang. Take care to be at the ferry in Laem Ngop before 17:00 hr or at Ao Thammachat (8 km down the road from Laem Ngop) before 19:00 hr as these are the last daily passages to Koh Chang. At Koh Chang there are plenty songtaew pickup taxis with roof and benches to sit on that will take you to your hotel.

Transporton Koh Chang, Thailand
The public transport on Koh Chang is not yet fully developed. There are no taxis or tuktuks, just songtaew (pickup truck) taxis between 06:00 and 18:00 hr who depart per hour (or about) and you have to wait for them to show up. Plan well ahead if you want to catch a ferry using the taxi service. The songtaew taxis service all beaches between the ferry arrival points and Lonely beach. They will stop anywhere you will ask them to. You can rent cars, motor bikes and bicycles at many of the resorts. The roads are reasonable to good, sometimes there are steep hills but most of the  danger comes from local cars and motor cyclists driving too fast. So again be careful and drive defensive. After 18:00 hr the taxi services cease so if you want to go somewhere you have to arrange your own transfer (you can for instance rent a motorbike).

Activities on Koh Chang, Thailand
Activities include scuba diving, island hopping, water sport, snorkeling, mountain trekkings, elephant rides, kayaking and exploring the island by motorbike or mountain bike. There are a number of beautiful waterfalls where you can swim: the (rain) water is often pleasantly cool and not salty. There are also many boattours to the other islands such as Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Koh Wai. In the evening there are bars and a few discos.

Communication on Koh Chang, Thailand
Koh Chang is not yet fully covered with a fixed phone net although things progress swiftly. Koh Chang is fully covered by the major GSM providers. Internet cafes are sufficiently available at rates around 2 Baht per minute. Fax is by default not available, check your hotel.

Banks on Koh Chang, Thailand
There are several banks on Koh Chang yet we recommend to take cash money in THB with you, at least as much as you think you will need. Traveler cheques or strange cash can be changed at some hotels or offices along the road. Exchange rates are less good than bank rates though. There are plenty of ATM machines at Koh Chang at all major beaches.