Not going to lie, Koh Chang was not our first choice of islands during our visit to Thailand. Unfortunately due to very bad storms, the southwest islands were in a state of emergency, and we decided to visit an island on the other side of the country. It turned out to be the perfect and relaxing week we needed after spending the past 3 weeks travelling through South East Asia. Also known as Elephant Island due to it’s shape, it is the third largest of the Thai Islands with plenty of activities to offer. Here is an ultimate guide to Koh Chang.
Things to do:
1. Rent a scooter
The best way to get around Koh Chang is to rent a scooter. The island’s roads are fairly safe, well paved, and there isn’t much traffic like there is in the cities. If you want to explore all the island has to offer, this shouldn’t be skipped! While the taxis (songthaew – the pick up truck converted taxis you’ll see) on the island aren’t expensive, a scooter gives you further freedom – there’s plenty to see! Prices are around 200 THB ($7 USD) for the day. Make sure you have a driver’s license, travel insurance, and always wear a helmet!
2. Relax on the beach
There are SO many beaches to choose from on the island. There are the more popular touristy ones in the centre of town like White Sand Beach, as well as quiet ones, some a further drive away. One of our favourite beaches during our time there was Long Beach. Since it’s on the other side of the island, way less people visit it making it the perfect beach to relax at and avoid the crowds from town.
3. Go snorkeling/diving!
One of our favourite pass times, the tropical waters have many different colourful species of fish, there was never a shortage of things to see underwater. Due to cost, we avoided paying for any tours and just snorkeled from the beaches or islands.
4. Kayak to an island
Speaking of islands, there a few that are reachable by kayak from Koh Chang. We rented a kayak from Long Beach and paddled out to a great little island where we had the entire beach to ourselves. We also paddled out from Kai Bae beach in town, to a busier island that boat tours also took people to. The snorkeling here was great once you pass over all the dead coral and head a bit deeper! There are 46 other islands in the Koh Chang archipelago, so you will have no shortage of ones to visit!
5. Explore some waterfalls
The island is FILLED with waterfalls, most being only a short hike through the jungle. Since we went in the driest season, most of the waterfalls were barely more than a trickle. The sights were still beautiful, and the pools at the bottom a great place for a swim. A couple we checked out include Kai Bae and Khiri Phet Waterfall, but don’t stop there!
6. Go for a jungle trek
There are many hikes on the island through the dense jungle. You can either book a tour with a guide, taking you to some places pretty far off the beaten path – or just go on some of the easier ones on your own. It was pretty hot when we were there to hike, so we limited ourselves to shorter ones that usually led to a waterfall to cool off at. The jungles are humid, but an incredibly lush and vivid green and worth exploring.
7. Kayak through mangrove forests
If you’re looking for a more relaxed kayak than through the ocean, consider renting one in one of the fishing villages and explore the mangrove forests.
8. Visit a temple
There are a few beautiful Buddhist temples (or “Wat”) and shrines you can visit on Koh Chang. The intricate art detailing and colours are always mesmerizing. If you do decide to visit and go inside, please show respect to the monks and their religion, and cover yourself accordingly.
Wat Salak Phet 
South east side of the island
9. Eat Pad Thai
Eat all the delicious Thai food! For the most authentic meals, grab a meal at a street vendor that is busy with locals or ask the staff where you’re staying. We were recommended some great place by the locals, including restaurants right on the beach. Such a cool feeling to be sitting at a table eating dinner right on the sand. There are often fires shows after as well which were incredible and blew our minds! There are also Thai Cooking Classes offered around the island as well.
10. Catch a sunset
The beaches along the east side of the island boast beautiful sunsets and it’s worth catching one every evening, or even going for a sunset swim.
What NOT to do on Koh Chang:
Please please please do not ride or support the elephant camps on the island. The elephants are treated with cruelty and it is heartbreaking to see them carry tourists along the streets. Instead, support one of the elephant sanctuaries on the mainland. You get to spend the day with the elephants, getting to know the history behind this cruel tourist attraction and have a chance to feed and interact with them.
Where to stay:
Koh Chang offers a wide variety of accommodation options including many budget friendly ones. There’s everything from hostels to resorts, try booking.com to help you in your search. We decided to book an Airbnb during our time there with our own private bungalow. The bungalow included a deck with seating, spacious bedroom and bathroom. It wasn’t located right on the beach, instead surrounded by jungle and only a short scooter ride away from Kai Bae beach. If you’re looking for a lively part of town with other backpackers, then the Lonely Beach area is for you.
When to visit:
The driest months are Nov-Feb, we went in January and had amazing weather. It’s best to avoid Koh Chang from Sept-Oct during monsoon season.
How to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok:
We caught the bus/minivan from Bangkok to Trat which took about 4 hours. From there the bus took us onto the 40min ferry ride to the island of Koh Chang, and even dropped us off at our accommodation. Total travel time was about 5 hours. We paid about 600 Baht each (about $18 USD). Alternative (and more expensive) way to get there is to fly from Bangkok to Trat, but there is no airport on Koh Chang so you will still have to catch the ferry.
What is your favourite island in Thailand? If your travels in South East Asia are continuing, check out my Vietnam posts for exploring Cat Ba Island, or the famous cave destination of Phong Nha.
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