Where to stay on Koh Chang

Koh Chang, the 'elephant island', is one of Thailand's largest islands and most of it is protected as the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Steep, jungle-covered mountains drop to a west coast lined with beaches, while the east is a quieter world of mangroves and fishing villages. It's close to Bangkok yet feels far wilder than the Gulf or Andaman islands.

Most visitors stay on the west coast, where a single road links the beaches from White Sand in the north to Bailan and Bang Bao in the south. The places we list are concentrated around White Sand Beach, with others at Klong Son, Klong Prao, Bailan and the east coast.

Arriving
Car ferries from the piers near Laem Ngop, Trat, take around 30 to 45 minutes
Nearest airport
Trat, with flights from Bangkok; about 5 hours by road from Bangkok
Getting around
Shared songthaew taxis along the west coast road, or scooter hire
Rainy season
Roughly June to October

Places to stay in Koh Chang

13 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Chang, area by area

The west coast runs north to south: Klong Son, White Sand, Chai Chet and Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Lonely Beach, Bailan and Bang Bao. The east coast is undeveloped by comparison.

White Sand Beach

Best for first visits and evenings out

White Sand Beach is Koh Chang's busiest and most developed stretch, with a long sandy beach, a road full of restaurants, bars, massage shops and minimarkets, and the most choice of places to stay. It's the closest main beach to the ferry piers, about 15 to 20 minutes away.

Klong Son and the north

Best for local life and quiet beaches

North of White Sand, Klong Son is a quiet village with a bay, mangroves and a temple. It's peaceful and local, and the national park's inland trails and waterfalls are close by.

Chai Chet, Klong Prao and Kai Bae

Best for families and long beach walks

South of White Sand, Chai Chet, Klong Prao and Kai Bae form a long run of calmer beaches with lagoons, mangroves and some of the island's family resorts. Klong Plu waterfall is just inland.

Lonely Beach, Bailan and Bang Bao

Best for backpackers and slow days

The south-west has a more laid-back, bohemian feel: Lonely Beach's bars, small coves at Bailan and the stilt fishing village of Bang Bao, where boats leave for snorkelling trips to the southern islands.

The east coast: Salak Kok and Salak Phet

Best for mangroves, kayaking and seclusion

The east coast faces the mainland and has few beaches but plenty of character: mangrove forests at Salak Kok, where you can kayak, and the fishing community of Salak Phet. Staying here is for seclusion; the west coast beaches are a 30 to 45 minute drive.

Questions about staying in Koh Chang

Where should I stay on Koh Chang?

White Sand Beach for convenience and nightlife, Klong Prao or Kai Bae for families, Lonely Beach and Bailan for a relaxed backpacker vibe, and the east coast for seclusion.

How do I get to Koh Chang from Bangkok?

Fly to Trat or take a bus or minivan to the piers near Laem Ngop (around 5 hours), then the car ferry, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Is Koh Chang good for families?

Yes. Klong Prao and Kai Bae have calm beaches and family resorts, and there are waterfalls, elephant camps and boat trips for older children.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

The dry season, from about November to May. From June to October the island is greener and quieter, but rain and rough seas are common.

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