Ko Chang Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Ko Chang with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to see, and experiences to have in Thailand's hidden paradise.


Introduction to Ko Chang

Ko Chang, also known as Elephant Island, is a small island located in Trat Province in Eastern Thailand. It is one of the most picturesque and unspoiled islands in the country, offering a perfect getaway from the bustling cities and tourist crowds. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear seas, lush forests, and tall cliffs, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

List of Places to Visit in Ko Chang

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ko Chang has a rich history and culture, visible in its monuments and places of significance. Here are some must-visit culturally important attractions for anyone visiting the island:

  • Wat Salak Phet: A beautiful temple with traditional Thai architecture, located on the east coast of Ko Chang.

  • Ao Salat Fishing Village: A quaint fishing village famous for its wooden houses built on stilts and traditional fishing practices.

  • Klong Son Temple: A highly revered Buddhist temple located at the northern tip of the island.

Natural Attractions of Ko Chang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The island is renowned for its natural beauty, with pristine beaches, waterfalls, and dense forests that offer breathtaking views. Here are some of the must-visit natural attractions in Ko Chang:

  • Klong Plu Waterfall: One of the most famous waterfalls on the island, with a height of 30 meters. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a perfect spot for a picnic or a refreshing swim.

  • Bang Bao Fisherman’s Village: A charming village built on stilts over the sea, with traditional Thai wooden houses, restaurants, and small shops.

  • Kai Bae Viewpoint: A hilltop viewpoint offering a stunning panoramic view of the island and nearby sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ko Chang

The island has several hiking and biking routes through its dense forests and hills. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • Khlong Nueng Waterfall Trail: A relatively easy four-kilometer trail through thick jungle, leading to a beautiful waterfall.

  • Klong Prao Nature Trail: A short but steep trail leading to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the island and surrounding sea.

  • Ko Chang Mountain Ride: A challenging biking route covering 34 kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the island’s rugged terrain.

Best Things to Do in Ko Chang: Activities and Tours

  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Ko Chang is home to many coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.

  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the calm waters around the island, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

  • Elephant Trekking: Enjoy a unique experience with the majestic elephants, trekking through the jungle and admiring the island’s natural beauty.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ko Chang

Day 1: Relax on the white sandy beaches of Klong Prao.

Day 2: Visit Khlong Plu waterfall and hike through the dense jungle.

Day 3: Rent a kayak and explore the island’s coastline, stopping at Bang Bao Fishing Village for lunch.

Day 4: Take a scuba diving or snorkeling trip to explore the beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life around Ko Chang.

Day 5: Enjoy a day trip to one of the nearby islands, such as Koh Mak or Koh Kood.

Day 6: Take an elephant trek in the jungle, followed by a trip to the nearby Klong Son Temple.

Day 7: Enjoy some leisure time, exploring the island’s unique food and shopping scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Ko Chang

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood: As an island, Ko Chang is renowned for its fresh seafood, with many excellent restaurants serving up dishes such as steamed fish with lime and chili sauce, grilled squid, and fried prawn cakes.

  • Som Tam: A traditional Thai salad made with shredded papaya, peanuts, cherry tomatoes, and green beans, with a spicy lime dressing.

  • Tom Yum Soup: A famous Thai soup made with shrimp or chicken, chili, lemongrass, and other herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Thai Iced Tea: A sweet and creamy tea made with condensed milk and served over ice.

  • Fresh Coconut Juice: A refreshing and hydrating drink, served fresh from the coconut.

  • Singha Beer: A popular Thai beer, perfect for enjoying on the beach.

Where to Stay in Ko Chang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ko Chang offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, guesthouses, and backpacker hostels. Here are some of the best options:

  • KC Grande Resort & Spa: A luxurious beachfront resort offering spacious rooms, a large pool, and excellent dining options.

  • The Dewa Koh Chang: A stylish resort with modern amenities and a beautiful infinity pool.

  • The Habitat Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel offering air-conditioned dorms and private rooms, located near Klong Prao Beach.

What to Buy in Ko Chang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Soap: Ko Chang is known for its natural and organic handmade soaps made with coconut oil and other ingredients.

  • Honey: The island’s bees produce high-quality honey, which is available for purchase at local shops and markets.

  • Cotton Clothing: Many local shops sell eco-friendly cotton clothing, including t-shirts, pants, and dresses.

Local Culture and Customs of Ko Chang

Ko Chang has a unique culture and customs, heavily influenced by the traditional Thai way of life. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, such as dressing appropriately when visiting religious sites and removing shoes when entering someone’s home.

Best Time to Visit Ko Chang

The best time to visit Ko Chang is from November to February, when the weather is dry and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. May to October is the rainy season, with high humidity and frequent thunderstorms.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ko Chang

Do:

  • Respect local customs and culture.

  • Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

  • Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Touch or feed wild animals.

  • Litter on the island or in the sea.

  • Wear revealing clothing at religious sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ko Chang

Ko Chang is a relatively safe island, with low levels of crime and violence. However, visitors are advised to exercise caution when swimming or snorkeling, as there have been reports of jellyfish and strong currents.

Health in Ko Chang

Visitors to Ko Chang are advised to drink only bottled water, as tap water can be contaminated. Mosquitoes are common on the island, so it is recommended to wear insect repellent and use mosquito nets when sleeping.

Getting to Ko Chang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ko Chang

The nearest airports to Ko Chang are:

  • Trat Airport: Located about 20 kilometers from the island, with flights from Bangkok and other Thai cities.

  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport: Located in Bangkok, with flights to and from major cities around the world.

Bus Stations Near Ko Chang

Buses from Bangkok to Trat leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai). From Trat, daily minibusses and ferries operate from the pier to Ko Chang.

Other Options

One can also hire a taxi or book a private transfer from Bangkok to the island, or rent a car or motorbike.

How to Get Around in Ko Chang

Getting around Ko Chang is relatively easy, with several options available, including:

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available on the island, with set prices for different destinations.

  • Motorbike: Scooter rentals are available on the island for those looking to explore on their own.

  • Songthaew: Shared taxis or minibusses that run along the island’s main road, connecting the major beaches and destinations.

Where to Go Next from Ko Chang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time on your trip, there are several nearby destinations and day trips that you can take from Ko Chang:

  • Koh Mak: A small, picturesque island located about 20 kilometers from Ko Chang, with beautiful beaches and coral reefs.

  • Koh Kood: A larger, less developed island located about 30 kilometers from Ko Chang, with pristine beaches, waterfalls, and natural hot springs.

  • Trat: A charming town located on the mainland, about 70 kilometers from Ko Chang, known for its traditional handicrafts and seafood.

Conclusion

With its stunning natural beauty, serene beaches, and unique culture, Ko Chang is a hidden gem of Thailand and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia.

White Sand Beach on Ko Chang White Sand Beach on Ko Chang The harbour at Bang Bao, on the southern side of the island The harbour at Bang Bao, on the southern side of the island Boarding the ferry to Ko Chang Boarding the ferry to Ko Chang Ko Chang's West Coast Ko Chang's West Coast Even new roads, like this one near Long Beach, are potentially hazardous on a scooter Even new roads, like this one near Long Beach, are potentially hazardous on a scooter Country road in the southeast Country road in the southeast Tourists with elephants on Kai Bae beach Tourists with elephants on Kai Bae beach Kayaking Ko Chang Kayaking Ko Chang Typical resort Typical resort Bang Bao Bang Bao Boats at the Bang Bao pier Boats at the Bang Bao pier