Hereโs a complete 2026 Koh Chang travel plan with everything you need:
โ best places to stay
โ best restaurants
โ must-see attractions
โ transportation + ferry details
โ booking tips + best time to visit
Koh Chang Travel Guide (2026)
๐ด Why Visit Koh Chang
- Less crowded than Phuket or Koh Samui
- Jungle + waterfalls + beaches
- Relaxed, nature-focused island
๐ Known for waterfalls, beaches, and snorkeling trips
๐ Best Time to Visit Koh Chang
- โ๏ธ Best: November โ April (dry season, calm sea)
- ๐ง๏ธ May โ October = rainy season (cheaper, fewer tourists)
๐ Peak season: DecโFeb (book early)
๐ How to Get to Koh Chang (2026)
โ๏ธ Option 1: Fastest
- Fly Bangkok โ Trat Airport
- Taxi โ ferry pier (30 min)
- Ferry โ Koh Chang
๐ Option 2: Cheapest (Most Popular)
- Bus/minivan from Bangkok or Pattaya
- Includes ferry
๐ Travel time: 5โ7 hours total
โด๏ธ Ferry Information (Important)
- ๐ Depart from: Laem Ngop (Trat mainland)
- โฑ Travel time: 25โ35 minutes
- ๐ Times: ~06:30 โ 18:30 (runs frequently)
- ๐ฐ Cost:
- Walk-on: ~เธฟ80โ120 ($2โ4)
- Car: ~เธฟ200โ300
๐ Ferries may wait until full during some periods
๐๏ธ Best Areas to Stay
1. White Sand Beach (Most Popular)
- Restaurants, nightlife, shops
- Closest to ferry
๐ Best for first-time visitors
2. Klong Prao Beach (Quiet + Scenic)
- Relaxing, less crowded
๐ Best for couples
3. Kai Bae Beach (Balanced)
- Sunset views + restaurants
4. Lonely Beach (Budget + Backpackers)
๐ Cheap bungalows, social vibe
๐จ Best Places to Stay (2026)
๐ฐ Budget ($20โ50)
- Lonely Beach Resort
- Cafe del Sunshine
๐ Backpacker-friendly, great value
๐ฐ Mid-Range ($50โ100)
- KC Grande Resort & Spa
- Kacha Resort & Spa
๐ Beachfront + pools + best value
๐ Luxury ($100+)
- SYLVAN Koh Chang
- GajaPuri Resort & Spa
๐ Quiet, scenic, high-end experience
๐ Best Places to Eat (2026)
๐ค Local Thai + Seafood
- Barrio Bonito
- The White Elephant
๐ Western & International
- El Barrio
- Marco Ristorante Italiano
๐ Fresh seafood + beachfront dining is a highlight
๐ Must-See Things to Do
๐๏ธ Beaches
- White Sand Beach
- Klong Prao Beach
- Lonely Beach
๐ฆ Nature
- Klong Plu Waterfall
- Jungle trekking
๐ Views
- Kai Bae Viewpoint
๐ค Activities
- Snorkeling trips (Koh Wai, Koh Mak)
- Mangrove kayaking
- Island hopping tours
๐ Getting Around Koh Chang
Main Options:
- Songthaew (shared taxi)
- Scooter rental
- Private taxi
Costs:
- Songthaew: เธฟ50โ150
- Scooter rental: เธฟ150โ250/day
- Taxi: เธฟ200โ500
๐ Roads are steep โ be careful driving
๐ Suggested 4โ5 Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive + ferry
- Check in + beach
Day 2
- Waterfall + jungle
- Sunset viewpoint
Day 3
- Snorkeling island tour
Day 4
- Beach hopping + relax
Day 5
- Cafรฉ + departure
๐ 3โ5 days is ideal stay length
๐ฐ Estimated Daily Budget (2026)
| Category | Budget | Mid |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | $20โ50 | $50โ100 |
| Food | $10โ20 | $20โ40 |
| Transport | $5โ10 | $10โ20 |
| Activities | $10โ25 | $25โ50 |
| Total | $45โ90/day | $90โ180/day |
๐ก Booking Tips
- Use Booking.com / Agoda for hotels
- Book ferry + transport combo via 12Go
- Book snorkeling tours locally (cheaper)
๐ง Key Travel Tips
- Bring cash (limited ATMs)
- Stay on west coast (best beaches + hotels)
- Avoid scooter if inexperienced (steep roads)
๐ Final Recommendation
๐ Best overall setup:
- Stay: White Sand Beach or Klong Prao
- Transport: Songthaew + occasional scooter
- Trip length: 4โ5 days