10 Best Things to Do in Koh Chang, Thailand | Travel Guide

Explore Koh Chang and enjoy a wide range of activities, from relaxing on sandy beaches and kayaking through mangrove forests to heading out to sea for snorkeling adventures. The west coast is home to popular beaches, Khlong Plu Waterfall, and plenty of restaurants to stop by along the way. Meanwhile, the east coast is perfect for a slower-paced day, with visits to Than Mayom Waterfall and Salak Khok fishing village. This guide brings together 10 must-visit spots, how to get there, a 3-day, 2-night itinerary, and travel options from Bangkok, whether you prefer driving yourself or booking a combined transfer and ferry service.

Choose the Best Area of Koh Chang Based on Your Travel Style

Before planning your route: The road between Bang Bao and Klong Kloi does not connect directly to Salak Phet on the east coast. To travel between the two sides of the island, you need to head back north and take the road around the island. Grouping nearby attractions on the same day will help you save travel time and enjoy more of Koh Chang.

10 Recommended Places to Visit on Koh Chang

1. White Sand Beach | Beach Walks and Easy Access to Restaurants

White Sand Beach is an ideal first stop after arriving on Koh Chang, especially if you reach the island in the afternoon and want to make the most of the remaining daylight by the sea. Enjoy an evening stroll along the beach, then head to the nearby main road to find something delicious to eat, all within the same area. If you're staying here without a car, check the actual walking distance from your accommodation to the beach access point before booking.

Getting There: From Ao Sapparot Pier, head towards the west coast via Klong Son. You can take a local songthaew (shared pickup truck taxi) or arrange a transfer through your accommodation.

2. Koh Ngam Beach | Relax by the Sea and Explore the Underwater World

Escape the crowds and discover the natural beauty of Koh Ngam, a small island off the southern coast of Koh Chang. Known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal spot to unwind by the sea. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or capturing beautiful photos surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Getting There: Take a boat from the Salak Phet Bay area or a local tour pier offering trips to Koh Ngam. It is recommended to check boat schedules and access permissions in advance before visiting.

3. Khlong Plu Waterfall | An Easy Nature Walk Near Klong Prao Beach

Change the scenery from the beach to a shaded nature trail. The walking path from the national park entrance leads to a natural pool at the foot of the waterfall. Khlong Plu Waterfall is perfect to combine with Klong Prao Beach for a half-day trip. If swimming is permitted by park officials, make sure to stay within designated areas, especially after rainfall.

Getting There: Turn off the main road in the Klong Prao area and follow the signs to Khlong Plu Waterfall National Park Ranger Station. Continue on foot from the parking area to reach the waterfall. Check the park's opening hours and entrance fees before your visit.

4. Kai Bae Viewpoint | Enjoy Views of Nearby Islands and Sunset

From the viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of several small islands scattered across the bay, including Koh Man Nai and Koh Man Nok. If you're short on time, stop by in the late afternoon to enjoy the scenery before heading to Kai Bae for dinner. If you're continuing to Lonely Beach, allow extra travel time for the winding roads and steep uphill and downhill sections.

Getting There: Kai Bae Viewpoint is located along the main road south of Kai Bae Beach, just before reaching Lonely Beach.

5. Thanam Beach (Lonely Beach) | Beach Walks and Sunset Dining at Local Restaurants

Lonely Beach is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy both the seaside and laid-back restaurants or bars in the evening. Keep in mind that the main restaurant and bar area is separate from the main sandy beach access point. If you're traveling by songthaew, let the driver know whether you want to get off at the beach entrance or the restaurant area.

Getting There: Follow the west coast road south from Kai Bae Beach and look for the Lonely Beach signs. Allow extra travel time for the steep sections of the road.

6. Bang Bao Village | Walk Along the Community Pier, Enjoy Seafood, and Join Boat Trips

Walk along the village pier extending into the bay, passing local restaurants and shops before reaching the end of the pier. Bang Bao is a great place to visit while exploring the southern part of Koh Chang or as a starting point for an island-hopping tour. If you have booked a boat trip, always follow the meeting point stated on your booking confirmation, as check-in locations and boarding times vary by operator.

Getting There: From Lonely Beach, continue south through Bai Lan and turn towards Bang Bao Village. Allow extra time to walk from the drop-off point to your designated meeting point.

7. Salak Phet Mangrove Forest | Walk Along Wooden Bridges and Discover Local Nature and Community Life

Discover the natural beauty of Salak Phet Mangrove Forest, an eco-tourism destination on the eastern side of Koh Chang. Explore the rich mangrove ecosystem along wooden walkways stretching through lush mangrove trees, while learning about the traditional fishing lifestyle of the local community and the important role mangrove forests play as natural nurseries for marine life.

Getting There: From White Sand Beach or Klong Prao Beach, drive towards the eastern side of Koh Chang and follow the signs to Ban Salak Phet Community. The route takes you through scenic natural landscapes and local villages.

8. Than Mayom Waterfall | A Nature Stop Along the East Coast of Koh Chang

Than Mayom Waterfall is a great option for travelers exploring Koh Chang's east coast who want to enjoy a short nature walk. You can easily combine a visit here with Ban Salak Khok in the same day. Allow enough time to walk from the parking area, and check the trail conditions after rainfall before setting off.

Getting There: From Ao Sapparot Pier, follow the east coast road through Dan Mai towards Than Mayom Waterfall National Park Ranger Station.

9. Ban Salak Khok Fishing Village | Explore the Mangrove Forest by Boat

Ban Salak Khok is a traditional fishing village nestled around a bay surrounded by mangrove forests. One of its highlights is a traditional rowing boat ride, often known as the Koh Chang Gondola, offering a peaceful way to explore the local community and discover a different side of the island. This experience is ideal for travelers interested in local culture and nature. Check boat schedules with the community in advance, as water levels and weather conditions may affect availability.

Getting There: Follow the east coast road towards southern Koh Chang, then turn according to the signs for Ban Salak Khok. If you're not driving, it is recommended to arrange round-trip transportation in advance.

10. Koh Wai Paradise | Relax by the Sea and Snorkel Among Coral Reefs

Koh Wai Paradise is a popular destination for travelers who love the sea and nature. The island is known for its powdery white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and unspoiled natural landscapes. It is an ideal place to relax on the beach, swim, snorkel among coral reefs and colorful tropical fish, or simply enjoy a slow-paced island getaway.

Getting There: Take a boat from Bang Bao Pier on Koh Chang. You can choose between regular passenger boats and organized island tour services to Koh Wai. Check boat schedules and weather conditions in advance, especially during the monsoon season.

Popular Activities on Koh Chang

Kai Bae Elephant Camp, Koh Chang | Bathe, Feed, and Take Photos with Elephants

Kai Bae Meechai Elephant Camp is located in a small lane within Kai Bae Village, making it easy to combine a visit with Kai Bae Viewpoint on the same day. Listed activities include elephant riding, elephant shows, and swimming with baby elephants, depending on the selected program. Before booking, check the available activities and ask the operator about their elephant care practices. If you prefer observing elephants from a distance, ask whether observation-only sessions are available.

Getting There: From the main road in the Kai Bae area, follow the map pin for Kai Bae Meechai Elephant Camp or give the full name to your driver.

Explore the Kai Bae Elephant Camp programs or discover more activities on the Koh Chang activities page.

Koh Chang: Elephant Trekking and Swimming Experience at Kai Bae Elephant Camp

Tree Top Adventure Park Koh Chang | Ziplining Through the Bai Lan Forest

If you're looking for a break from beach activities, try ziplining through the forest in the Bai Lan Bay area. Enjoy an outdoor adventure featuring zipline rides, rope bridges, and climbing challenges. The 23-platform package takes approximately 1 hour and can easily be combined with a visit to Lonely Beach or Bang Bao.

According to the booking page, participants must be at least 8 years old, at least 140 cm tall, weigh no more than 100 kg, and have a waist circumference of no more than 45 inches. Check the requirements for your selected session before booking.

Getting There: Follow the west coast road past Lonely Beach towards Bai Lan.

Explore the Tree Top Adventure Park Koh Chang tickets.

Tree Top Adventure Park Koh Chang

5-Island Snorkeling and Kayaking Tour | An Affordable Full-Day Group Adventure

Depart from Bang Bao Pier aboard a large boat and enjoy snorkeling at several spots, including Koh Yak Lek and Koh Yak Yai. The tour includes lunch on board. If you plan to go kayaking, confirm that this activity is included in your selected package and available under the sea conditions on the day. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy two different activities in one day, with prices starting from THB 750. Check whether national park fees and hotel transfers are included for your selected travel date.

Getting There: Check in at Bang Bao Pier or use the hotel transfer service available for designated areas.

Explore the Koh Chang 5-Island Snorkeling and Kayaking Tour

Koh Chang Full Day Snorkeling Trip to 5 Islands

Private Yacht Charter in Koh Chang | Enjoy a Sunset Cruise at Sea

Charter a private yacht for couples, families, or groups of friends looking to enjoy a relaxing and exclusive evening at sea. The sunset cruise operates from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, offering beautiful sunset views around Koh Suwan, along with snacks and drinks. The package also lists stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) equipment and fishing activities. Confirm which activities are available during the evening session, as they may depend on sea conditions.

Getting There: Confirm the departure pier, meeting time, and number of passengers with the operator before arranging transportation to the pier.

Explore the Private Yacht Sunset Cruise in Koh Chang

Koh Chang Private Yacht Snorkeling and Sunset

How to Get to Koh Chang from Bangkok - Trat

Bus or Minivan with Ferry Transfer

Choose a combined ticket from Bangkok and check the pickup point, arrival pier on Koh Chang, and final drop-off location. Some packages end at the pier, while others include a transfer directly to your hotel. The arrival pier for combined bus and ferry services may differ from the car ferry terminal, depending on your selected service. For example, some services arrive at Bang Bao Pier or Ao Sapparot Pier.

Explore the Bangkok to Koh Chang Bus and Ferry Options.

Travel Tips

• Choose a combined bus and ferry ticket to make your journey easier and avoid the hassle of arranging separate transfers.
• If you choose to get off in Trat Town, allow extra time and budget for transportation to the ferry pier.
• Consider an early morning departure to give yourself enough time for the journey and ferry connection.

Fly to Trat Airport

From Bangkok, you can fly to Trat Airport (TDX) and continue by transfer to Ao Thammachat Pier, or book a direct transfer to your hotel on Koh Chang. Allow enough time for baggage collection, the journey to the pier, ferry waiting time, and onward transportation on the island when planning around your flight's arrival time.

Getting Around Koh Chang

Songthaews (shared pickup truck taxis) are a convenient way to travel between the ferry piers and the main beach areas along the west coast. If you're visiting Salak Khok, Than Mayom Waterfall, or returning from Klong Kloi Beach in the evening, arrange your return pickup and fare in advance. If you're driving yourself, allow extra travel time for the winding roads and steep slopes between Kai Bae and Lonely Beach.