Ko Chang

Sun‑kissed beaches and lush jungle retreats

Koh Chang is a large island in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand, known for its long stretches of untouched beaches and clear waters. The island has fewer high-rise hotels than other Thai destinations, keeping the landscape mostly natural with small fishing villages along the shore. Visitors can explore dense forests, spot wildlife like monkeys and birds or relax on quiet sands where the water stays calm most of the year. Local markets sell fresh seafood and tropical fruits, giving a glimpse into daily island life without crowds or heavy tourism infrastructure.

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Island in Thailand

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.0

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	6
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	5

Read details

3/5

In Ko Chang most locals speak limited English, especially outside main towns. Tourists will find basic phrases understood by many service workers, but learning a few Thai greetings and using translation apps helps smooth communication.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Ko Chang Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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Excellent for jungle islands and beaches. Swim in clear bays, hike rainforest trails, visit waterfalls and enjoy relaxed seaside villages.

Place score

8.3

Best at:

Cosy towns

Islands

Sea

Beaches

Street food

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

👩 9

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Thailand – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Thai Baht (THB) £1 ≈ THB 44.95
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Thailand, especially in major cities. Mobile payments such as Line Pay, GrabPay, and Apple Pay are common. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving 10% is common. Taxi fares are rounded up, and small tips for hotel staff are encouraged.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in Thailand, though alcohol is available in licensed venues like bars and restaurants. Laws around drinking in public can be strictly enforced in some areas.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including shopping centres and restaurants, but designated smoking areas are common.

Songkran (13–15 April)	Thai New Year celebrated with water fights
Father's Day (King Bhumibol Memorial Day) (5 December)	Honours the late King Bhumibol, with ceremonies across the country

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 191 (Police), 1155 (Tourist Police), 1669 (Ambulance), 199 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	Grab, Bolt
Other:	Thailand is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Popular activities include visiting temples, experiencing the vibrant nightlife, and enjoying the country’s diverse cuisine.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Ko Chang, Thailand

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Jul

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Sep

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	Jan. - Feb., Dec.
Shoulder season:	March - April, Nov.
Crowdedness:	5 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Ko Chang is one of Thailand's wettest islands; many resorts, restaurants and boat trips close May to October, especially September and October

Island-hopping and snorkelling trips to the smaller islands mostly run November to April, when seas are calm

Don't miss

🌅 Watch sunrise over Klong Prao Beach
🏞️ Hike to Kai Bua waterfall and swim
🛶 Kayak through limestone cliffs and lagoons
🍤 Savor fresh seafood at Bang Bao night market
🏖️ Relax on pristine Bang Bao beach

You've been here?

Why travel to Ko Chang?

Ko Chang, Thailand’s second‑largest island, offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences and relaxed hospitality that appeals to travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. The island’s coastline is framed by limestone cliffs and lush mangrove forests, creating dramatic scenery for kayaking, snorkeling or simply strolling along quiet beaches such as Klong Prao and Bang Bao. Marine life around the coral reefs attracts divers of all levels, while the quieter coves provide a peaceful setting for sun‑bathing. Beyond its natural allure, Ko Chang preserves traditional Thai village life. Visiting local markets in Trat town or the fishing villages on the island gives insight into everyday routines, fresh seafood and handmade crafts. The island’s cultural heritage is also reflected in Buddhist temples like Wat Khao Phra Wihan, where visitors can observe daily rituals and learn about regional religious practices. For those interested in wellness, several resorts offer yoga classes, spa treatments and organic dining options that emphasize locally sourced ingredients. Cycling or motorbike tours around the island allow travelers to explore hidden waterfalls, hill‑top viewpoints such as Khao Tai Yai and small villages at their own pace. Overall, Ko Chang provides a well-rounded experience: pristine nature, authentic culture and comfortable amenities, making it an appealing destination for travelers who want to unwind while staying connected to Thailand’s diverse heritage.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Mu Ko Chang National Park

🎡Places for activities

1 Mu Ko Chang National Park

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Mu Ko Chang National Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Night market

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing for tropical humidity.
Use local transport like songthaews; confirm fare before boarding to avoid overcharging.
Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially during island tours and beach activities.
Explore the hidden coves early morning to enjoy quieter beaches and better snorkeling conditions.

How to travel to Ko Chang

Ko Chang, an island in Thailand’s Gulf of Thailand, is accessible via ferry from the mainland and major cities like Bangkok. The primary entry point is through the port city of Ban Phrao on the mainland, which connects to Ko Chang by speedboat or long‑tail boat. From Ban Phrao, ferries depart regularly to Ko Chang’s two main piers: Mae Nam and Sai Mai. International travelers may fly into U‑Tapao Airport (near Pattaya) and take a ferry from there, though this route is less frequent. Private boats can also dock at Ko Chang’s marbors. The island’s compact size allows easy movement via motorbike rentals or tuk‑tuks once onshore.

Access summary

From Trat Airport (TRT): 30‑min taxi to ferry terminal, 45‑min ferry.
From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi: 3‑h bus to Trat, then 45‑min ferry.
Direct speedboat from Koh Samui takes about 2 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Ko Chang

Ko Chang offers a mix of beachfront bungalows, mid‑range resorts and boutique eco‑lodges that cater to all budgets. The island’s main strip near Bang Bao hosts budget-friendly guesthouses with basic amenities, while the quieter northern coast features upscale villas with private pools and panoramic sea views. Many accommodations emphasize sustainability, offering organic food, solar power and waste‑recycling programs. Prices range from about THB 1,000 (£22.24) per night for a simple bungalow to THB 10,000 – 15,000 (£222.41 – 333.61) for luxury suites. The island is renowned for its overwater bungalows and cliffside villas that provide uninterrupted sunsets, making it a popular choice for honeymooners and wellness retreats alike.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

KC Grande Resort Koh Chang

AANA Resort & Villas Koh Chang

8.5

Kacha Resort & Spa Koh Chang

Santhiya Koh Chang Resort

9.0

Annika Koh Chang (Formerly Ramayana Koh Chang Resort & Spa)

8.6

Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway

8.3

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Ko Chang

Ko Chang, located in Thailand’s eastern Gulf, is best explored using local transportation options suited to its coastal and rural terrain. The most common way to get around is by renting a scooter or motorbike, which offers flexibility for navigating narrow roads and accessing remote beaches and villages. Tuk-tuks are also available in larger towns like Mae Ramat and Ao Phrao for short trips. For longer distances between islands or mainland ports, ferries and long-tail boats provide regular services to nearby destinations such as Koh Wai and Koh Rang. Buses connect major hubs with the ferry terminal, though schedules can be irregular. Walking is practical in compact areas, but renting a bike or scooter remains the most efficient method for exploring Ko Chang’s scenic coastline and hidden gems.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-61 %

Daily expenses in Ko Chang are around 61% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to THB) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£30	£68	£207
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£14	£38	£113
🍝 Food per day	£14	£25	£78
🚕 Transportation per day	£3	£5	£16

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£10
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£2.60
🍟 Fast food combo	£5
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.80
☕ Cappuccino	£1.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£1.80

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.50
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£10
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£5.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£22
🤧 Cold medication	£2.50
💇 Basic haircut	£4.10

Safety information overview

General safety

Ko Chang remains relatively safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a friendly local community. Visitors should stay vigilant in crowded markets, avoid unlicensed taxis, secure valuables and respect local customs to ensure a smooth, incident‑free trip.

Health & Medical

Thailand’s Ko Chang offers reliable medical facilities with well‑equipped hospitals and experienced staff. Travelers enjoy clean beaches, low pollution, but should watch for mosquito‑borne illnesses like dengue. Keep hydrated, use sunscreen and have travel insurance covering healthcare.

Accessibility

Ko Chang offers mixed accessibility: many beaches have paved walkways and some resorts provide wheelchair ramps, yet narrow paths and uneven stairs remain common. Public transport is limited, so renting a scooter or hiring a driver is advisable for mobility‑constrained visitors.

Tap water

In Ko Chang, tap water is generally safe for locals but many visitors prefer bottled or filtered options due to occasional taste issues. Public fountains are scarce; most hotels provide filtered tap water and portable filters work well for day‑trippers.