Bangkok to Koh Chang

Since Koh Chang is an island, all routes require a ferry crossing from the mainland. Ferries depart from piers near Laem Ngop, approximately 20 km from Trat town. Most transfer services include ferry tickets in the price, making your journey seamless from Bangkok to your Koh Chang hotel.

Bangkok to Koh Chang by Private Taxi

Best for: Families, groups, travelers with luggage, door-to-door convenience

Private taxi transfers offer the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang. Andaman Taxis specializes in private long-distance transfers from Bangkok hotels or airports directly to Koh Chang. With modern vehicles, professional drivers, and flexible departure times, this service offers maximum comfort and a fully private door-to-door experience.

Enjoy these benefits:

• Door-to-door service – pickup from any Bangkok hotel or airport
• Flexible departure times – leave when you want, not on a fixed schedule
• No transfers – same vehicle takes you directly to the ferry pier
• Ferry tickets included in the price
• Extra luggage space compared to shared vans
• Pit stops available on request during the journey

Travel time: Approximately 5-6 hours including ferry crossing

Bangkok to Koh Chang by Minivan

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, solo travelers, small groups

Shared minivan services are the most popular choice for reaching Koh Chang from Bangkok. Combined van+ferry tickets provide excellent value with convenient pickup points. Boonsiri High Speed Ferries operates popular combined transfers from Bangkok to Koh Chang, including bus or minivan transport, ferry crossing, and hotel drop-off on the island. The service is well-known for its coordinated schedules and convenience for island-bound travelers.

Departure Points:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport – Direct vans available
• Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) – Multiple daily departures
• Khao San Road – Popular backpacker pickup point

Important: We recommend departing before noon to ensure you arrive before dark, especially if you haven't pre-booked accommodation.

Bangkok to Koh Chang by Bus

Best for: Budget travelers with flexible schedules

For the most affordable option, take a public bus from Ekkamai or Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Trat, then continue by songthaew (shared taxi) to the ferry pier. Transport Co., Ltd. (BKS) provides scheduled bus services from Bangkok to Trat, connecting travelers to ferry piers for onward travel to Koh Chang. As Thailand's main state-run bus operator, BKS offers reliable timetables and consistent service quality. This option requires more coordination but offers significant savings.

Route breakdown:

1. Bangkok to Trat – 5-6 hours by bus
2. Trat to Ferry Pier – 30-40 minutes by songthaew
3. Ferry to Koh Chang – 30-40 minutes

Tip: Combined bus+ferry services eliminate the hassle of arranging connections yourself.

Bangkok Airport to Koh Chang Direct Transfer

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport? Skip the trip into Bangkok and head straight to Koh Chang. Direct transfers from the airport save time and eliminate the stress of navigating Bangkok traffic.

Pro Tip: For late-arriving flights, book a private taxi with flexible departure times rather than missing the last shared van.

Koh Chang is Thailand's second-largest island – even bigger than Koh Samui – yet it maintains a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere compared to other popular beach destinations. Located in Trat Province near the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park and offers pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests, and charming fishing villages.

Unlike the crowded beaches of Phuket or Pattaya, Koh Chang provides the perfect balance between resort-style comfort and natural beauty. The island features diverse landscapes including:

• White-sand beaches along the west coast ideal for swimming and sunbathing
• Dense jungle interior with scenic waterfalls and hiking trails
• Traditional fishing villages like Ban Bang Bao with fresh seafood restaurants
• Elephant camps and wildlife encounters in natural settings

All ground transfers terminate at one of two piers near Laem Ngop:

• Ao Thammachat Pier (Center Point Ferry)
• Ferry Koh Chang (Thammachat Pier)

The ferry crossing takes approximately 30-40 minutes. These are large car ferries with open decks, toilets, and small snack shops. Most travelers – even those prone to seasickness – find the crossing comfortable.

Ferry Operating Hours: First ferry ~06:30, last ferry ~19:00 (schedules may vary seasonally)

Important: All our transfer packages include ferry tickets – no additional purchase necessary.

Once you arrive on the island, here are your transportation options:

Songthaews (Shared Pickup Trucks)

• Main public transport on the island
• ฿80 from pier to White Sand Beach or Kai Bae
• ฿50 for trips between neighboring beaches
• Limited availability for return trips to the pier

Motorbike Rental

• Widely available at ฿200-300 per day
• Caution: Koh Chang's roads are steep and winding – only recommended for experienced riders

Private Taxi

• Available through hotels or local operators
• Best option for airport/pier transfers with luggage

Choose your base based on your travel style:

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the closest beach to the pier, just 20 minutes away. This is the best choice for first-time visitors, offering the widest stretch of sand on the island with plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodation options.

Klong Prao Beach is about 25 minutes from the pier and ideal for budget travelers seeking good value. Despite the presence of large resorts, you can still find great deals on affordable bungalows here.

Kai Bae Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere approximately 35 minutes from the pier. This area suits mid-range travelers looking for a balance between convenience and tranquility.

Lonely Beach is around 40 minutes from the pier and remains the top choice for backpackers. You'll find the best nightlife on the island here, along with some of the cheapest old-school beach huts.

Bang Bao is a picturesque fishing village about 50 minutes from the pier. It's perfect for seafood lovers and those interested in diving, though you may feel isolated without your own transport.

Tip: Book accommodation in advance during high season (November-April) and Thai holidays.

Koh Chang serves as an excellent base for exploring the Mu Koh Chang National Park. Popular day trips include:

Koh Kood (Koh Kut)

• Thailand's fourth-largest island
• Crystal-clear waters, less developed
• 1-2 hours by speedboat
• Direct transfers available from Bangkok to Koh Kood (฿850)

Koh Mak

• Small, peaceful island
• Excellent for relaxation
• 45 min by speedboat from Koh Chang
• Direct transfers available from Bangkok to Koh Mak (฿750)

Koh Rang Marine Park

• Best snorkeling in the area
• Protected coral reefs
• Full-day boat trips from Koh Chang

Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most popular island destinations, offering a wide range of activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and travelers looking to relax. From pristine beaches and tropical rainforests to snorkeling spots and cultural attractions, Koh Chang has something for every type of traveler.

Snorkeling and Island Hopping in Koh Chang

Snorkeling is one of the top things to do in Koh Chang, with clear waters and rich marine life around nearby islands such as Koh Rang and Koh Wai. Many island hopping tours depart directly from Koh Chang, making it easy to explore coral reefs, small beaches, and secluded lagoons in a single day. These tours are ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Waterfalls and Jungle Trekking

Koh Chang is home to lush rainforests and several scenic waterfalls, making jungle trekking a popular activity on the island. Klong Plu Waterfall is the most famous and easily accessible, while Than Mayom Waterfall offers a quieter experience. Guided jungle tours allow travelers to explore nature trails, viewpoints, and wildlife while learning about Koh Chang’s national park ecosystem.

Beaches and Relaxation Activities

Relaxing on the beach is a must when visiting Koh Chang. Popular beaches such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, and Lonely Beach offer calm waters, beachfront resorts, restaurants, and sunset views. Beach activities include swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and enjoying traditional Thai massages by the sea.

Diving and Water Sports in Koh Chang

For travelers seeking adventure, scuba diving and water sports are popular activities in Koh Chang. Dive sites around the island cater to both beginners and certified divers, with visibility improving during the dry season. Kayaking, jet skiing, and boat tours are also widely available along the west coast of the island.

Cultural and Local Experiences

Exploring local culture is another rewarding thing to do in Koh Chang. Visitors can explore fishing villages such as Bang Bao, visit temples like Wat Salak Phet, and enjoy fresh seafood at local markets. These experiences offer insight into traditional island life and complement Koh Chang’s natural attractions.

Family-Friendly Activities in Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a family-friendly destination with activities suitable for all ages. Beach days, short jungle walks, waterfall visits, and boat trips are easy to combine into a relaxed itinerary. Many tours and attractions are accessible year-round, making Koh Chang a convenient island destination for families traveling in Thailand.

Before You Go:

• Book transfers at least 1-2 days in advance during high season
• Depart early (before noon) to ensure ferry connections
• Bring cash – ATMs are available on Koh Chang but may charge fees
• Download offline maps – mobile signal can be weak in some areas

Best Time to Visit:

• High Season (Nov-Feb): Best weather, higher prices
• Shoulder Season (Mar-May): Hot but dry, good deals
• Low Season (Jun-Oct): Occasional rain, lowest prices, some services reduced

What to Pack:

• Insect repellent (jungle island!)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Waterproof bag for beach days
• Comfortable shoes for waterfall hikes