Ko Chang Travel Guide
Ko Chang is an island paradise with jungle-covered mountains, sparkling blue bays, vibrant coral reefs, and cascading waterfalls. It’s the second-largest island in Thailand so there is a lot of space to move around and get away from the crowds that flock here.
Like much of Thailand, the island has seen a rise in tourism over the last few years and, while it’s still a relative “secret” to most tourists, more and more people visit each year.
Because of this, you’ll find plenty of luxury accommodation options intermingled with affordable budget options. There’s something for every budget here.
Fortunately, prices on the island are much cheaper compared to other popular islands like Ko Phi Phi. And its relative size and location mean that even when the island is busy, it doesn’t feel that busy.
Despite its recent increase in tourism, Ko Chang still offers a lot of peace and quiet.
This travel guide to Ko Chang can help you save money and make the most of your time in this stunning tropical paradise!
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ko Chang
1. Go diving
Ko Chang is part of a marine park, meaning there are a lot of outdoor activities to do here. For divers, there are a lot of intact (and not overfished) reefs nearby as Ko Chang is still “off the grid.” Go with Scuba Dawgs, which offers two dives.
2. Learn Muay Thai
Ko Chang has a handful of Muay Thai gyms for experienced fighters to train, but some offer beginner-friendly classes as well. The Ko Chang Thai Boxing Camp is one of the best places to learn, offering group classes for a two-hour session. Check to see if there are any matches happening during your visit.
3. Eat at the White Sand Beach Night Market
Every evening from 5:30pm-11pm there is a night food market at the center of White Sand Beach. Vendors set up on the beach side of the road, selling everything from BBQ meats to fruit to other tasty Thai dishes. It’s cheap to eat here and you can easily fill up on kebabs and sticky rice. The grilled fish is delicious too.
4. Escape to other islands
If Ko Chang is too touristy for you, you can head to the other islands of Ko Kood, Ko Maak, Ko Khlum, or Ko Rang. Most of these islands are undeveloped if you’re looking to really get away from everything, escape the crowds, and disconnect.
5. Take a cooking class
Kati Culinary is one of the most popular restaurants on the island (for tourists and locals) and you can also learn how to cook traditional Thai food here under the guidance of the restaurant’s head chef. You’ll spend about five hours with the chef.
Other Things to See and Do in Ko Chang
1. See the waterfalls
There are seven main waterfalls to visit on Ko Chang, the most popular being Klong Plu. It is easily accessible and has a large swimming area. Kai Bae, Klong Jao Leuam, Than Mayom, and Klong Nonsi are other noteworthy waterfalls. For Than Mayom and Klong Plu, you’ll have to pay the national park entrance fee. Keep in mind that the park is closed from June 1-August 31.
2. Have fun on Hat Sai Khao Beach (White Sand Beach)
White Sand Beach is where most of the resorts and high-end accommodations are, as well as the expensive restaurants. It’s definitely the most developed part of Ko Chang, but you can’t deny that it’s a really beautiful beach. The town itself is lively and full of shops, restaurants, and nightlife, including nightly live music at Oodie’s Place. If your aim is to avoid the touristy areas, this isn’t the place for you. If you just want to have fun and meet people, come here.
3. Visit the Bang Bao floating village
Ko Chang has a floating village at Bang Bao pier (it’s a bunch of buildings on stilts over the water). It’s here where many of the snorkeling and diving tours depart. The village hasn’t retained much of its original fishing village charm — it’s now essentially a souvenir shopping hub for tourists. Many of the buildings have been turned into restaurants, shops, or guesthouses, although a few locals do still fish here. But if you’re coming here anyway, look around and take some photos. While it’s touristy, it’s nevertheless very beautiful, especially the views from the lighthouse at the end of the pier.
4. Hike Salak Phet
Ko Chang is big and heavily forested, with quite a few mountains. If you just want to explore the scenic landscapes, there are a few official hiking trails (and a few unofficial ones, though I recommend getting a local guide to go with you). Salek Phet is the highest mountain on the island, and offers incredible panoramic views from the top, though it can be difficult to get to. Ask your hostel about tours or if they have suggestions on the best route to the top.
5. Go snorkeling
If you’re not interested in diving, snorkeling is another way to enjoy Ko Chang’s underwater playground. The coral reefs here are full of fish and it’s easy to find snorkeling tours all over the island. You can find half-day or full-day tours. Day tours usually include a full lunch on the boat as well.
6. See the Mu Ko Chang National Park Viewpoint
The Mu Ko Chang National Park Viewpoint offers a clear view overlooking Ko Chang’s forests, the surrounding ocean, and the islands off in the distance. It’s easy to get to — the route from the main road is well marked. Plus, it’s free! Keep an eye out for wildlife here — there are 100 bird species as well as all kinds of animals (including boars and macaques). There’s a nice beach nearby with food kiosks and swings hanging from palm trees, and other hiking trails will take you to waterfalls and mountains. I recommend going to the viewpoint at sunset.
7. Take a sailing trip
If you want to splash out, there are a few companies around Ko Chang that offer a leisurely catamaran day trip around the island to enjoy the sun, swimming, snorkeling, and sometimes even fishing. It’s a nice way to spend your day simply hanging out and soaking up the weather. Sea Adventures is a great company to tour with, offering a full barbecue lunch as well as snorkeling and fishing equipment.
8. Check out the Treetop Adventure Park
One of the best ways to see Ko Chang’s tropical rainforest up close is by visiting the Treetop Adventure Park. You can explore the forest canopy with swinging bridges, rope walks, Tarzan swings, slides, and a zip line. It’s probably not a place to visit if you’re afraid of heights, but the guides are excellent and well trained, and the bird’s-eye views are amazing. If you’re traveling with children, they will love this place. Tickets are for a two-hour visit.
9. Kayak to Koh Suwan and Koh Rom islands
If you’re spending time on the south end of Klong Prao beach or Kai Bae beach, you’ll notice some islands off the coast. Koh Suwan and Koh Rom are the closest islands, and in a kayak, you can paddle there in about 20-30 minutes. They’re a whole lot quieter than Ko Chang, so pull up your kayak, go for a swim, and enjoy the peace and quiet. If your hostel or hostel doesn’t rent kayaks, you can find rentals on the south end of Klong Prao for a half-day or a full day. Some places also have stand-up paddleboards.
10. Hang out at Lonely Beach
Many backpackers end up at Lonely Beach, where most of the guesthouses, bars, clubs, and parties are. You’ll find cheap accommodation, decent shops, and a relatively nice beach here. This place is where you come to recharge after weeks/months of backpacking. Hang out on the beach by day, party at night!
11. Go jungle trekking
If you feel like doing more than just one hike, there are several tour companies offering half-day or full-day trekking tours on the island. While you can hike by yourself, it’s much better to go with an experienced guide once you get deeper into the jungle. You’ll get to see the many gorgeous waterfalls, vibrant green trees, rare reptiles, and more. Just make sure to bring lots of water! You can find half-day tours and full-day tours.
(Hey there! Wait one second! Did you know I also wrote an entire guidebook to Bangkok filled with – not only even more detailed information on the things included on this page but also itineraries, practical information (i.e. hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, prices, etc), cultural insights, and so much more? It has everything you want in a guidebook – but with a focus on budget and cultural travel! If you want to go into more depth and have something to take on your trip, click here for more about the book!)
How to Stay Safe in Ko Chang
Ko Chang is a safe place to visit Violent attacks against tourists here are uncommon. Petty theft can occur, however, so always keep your eye on your belongings, especially in the more crowded areas. Don’t leave any valuables unattended on the beach. But that said even petty theft is rare too.
Solo female travelers will generally feel safe here too. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and follow standard safety precautions like never leaving your drink unattended at the bar, walking in unlit places alone at night, etc. If you want specific information about Thailand, there are some incredible solo female travel blogs that can provide tips that I can’t.
The travelers that tend to get in trouble are usually involved with drugs or sex tourism. Avoid those and you should be fine.
For tips on scams, read this post on common travel scams. There are some scams here (though not many).
Remember to always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.
If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. The widget below can help you pick the right policy for your trip:
Where to Stay in Ko Chang
Looking for budget-friendly accommodation? There are a few hostels and plenty of affordable guesthouses on the island. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Ko Chang.
Ko Chang Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 275-550 THB per night
- Hostel private rooms – 1,035-2,070 THB per night
- Guesthouses – 415-1,200 THB per night
- Luxury Hotels – 2,500+ THB per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 200-600 THB per night
- Airbnb apartments – 1,380-2,750 THB per night
Food
- Street food – 70-130 THB per dish
- Casual restaurants – 100-230 THB per dish
- Western food – 175-455 THB per dish
- Sushi – 1,030-1,560 THB
- Beer – 60-155 THB
- Glass of wine – 180-235 THB
- Cocktails – 300-585 THB
- Groceries for a week – 600-1,00 THB
Some suggested places to eat are Friend Seafood just north of Took Kata, or Apple, which serves better-than-average Thai and Italian dishes. For some fresh and delicious Thai food, check out Kati Culinary (in Klong Prao). Service is slow because everything is made from scratch, but the food here is incredible. For a fancier cafe experience, check out Fig Café, which serves great coffee and breakfast snacks like pancakes and croissants.
Ko Chang Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 1,750 THB Per Day
This budget covers a hostel dorm, street food for all your meals, beers from 7-Eleven, a few temple visits, and public transportation to get around. If you want to have more fun, eat some nicer meals, or drink more, add about 300 THB more per day.
Midrange – 3,100 THB Per Day
On a midrange budget, you can get a budget hotel/guesthouse, eat at more sit-down restaurants, splurge on a few taxis, and do more paid activities like snorkeling. You aren’t going to be living the high life, but you won’t want for anything either.
Upscale – 5,000+ THB Per Day
This is just the ground floor for luxury. Thailand does luxury really well and if you want fancy hotels, meals, tours, or cocktails, you can get it here. The sky is the limit if you have the money to spend!
Ko Chang Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
The Thai islands are generally a lot more expensive than the mainland and, though Ko Chang, is one of the cheaper islands in the country, it can still get pricey. If you’re on a really tight budget (or just want to cut costs), here’s how to save money in Ko Chang:
Stick to Lonely Beach – Lonely Beach is where most backpackers hang out, and you’ll find the cheapest dining and accommodation options here. It’s not as developed as the resort areas!
Go local – The easiest way to save money in Ko Chang is to simply live like a local. Take songthaews, eat street food, drink local beer. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.
Eat street food – You’ll find the best Thai food on the street, costing a fraction of what you pay at a restaurant. Stick to street food if you’re going to eat out.
Take advantage of happy hour – Ko Chang’s many happy hours have half-priced drinks and 2-for-1 specials, usually from 4pm-6pm. If you want to drink at the bar, this is the time to do it.
Buy beer at 7-11 – Buying beer at Thailand’s ubiquitous 7-Elevens and drinking outside will save you quite a bit on your bar tab. Beer from 7-Eleven costs half the price compared to beer from the bar.
Don’t book any tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get here to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. You’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, but you’ll pay a lot more!
Get a sightseeing pass – The TAGTHAi pass is available for multiple cities in Thailand. It bundles together many of the most popular attractions for a price that’s lower than paying for each entrance separately. These can be purchased in one-day or three-day options, depending on the city.
Reedeem hotel points – Get a hotel credit card and use the points to pay for accommodations on your trip. You’ll get 1-2 nights free with most cards just for signing up, which can greatly lower your costs. Here’s a post that will help you get started so you earn points right away and have plenty by the time you leave.
Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice with you. It’s the best way to save money on accommodation and pick up insider tips.
Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers – Unlike taxis, the tuk-tuk drivers do not have meters, so be sure to set the fixed price before you take off. They are very friendly, but if you act like a naive tourist, you will get taken advantage of!
Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices will be. So shop in packs for the best deals.
Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink tap water here, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Instead, pick up a LifeStraw, which has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)
How to Get Around in Ko Chang
Songthaew – There are no metered taxis on Ko Chang, and the only public transportation available are the songthaews (converted pick-up trucks that act as shared taxis). Fares are usually listed inside the songthaew, and most drivers are good about charging you the proper prices (you’ll sometimes get a shady driver, but it’s rare). Rates from the Ao Sapporot or Centrepoint ferry pier to your accommodation will be between 50-150 THB.
You should be able to get anywhere on the island for 200 THB, usually less. Kai Bae to Lonely Beach is 50 THB, and White Sand Beach to Lonely Beach is 100 THB. Klong Prao to Bang Bao is 150 THB.
Motorbike/Scooter – Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular way to get around Ko Chang, but you should feel comfortable driving one before you rent. Accidents are common on the island, especially when roads become slippery right after a rainstorm. However, scooters and motorbikes do offer greater flexibility and cheaper rates than songthaews. You can rent a motorbike or scooter for about 250-400 THB per day, though the price tends to decrease the longer you book.
Car Rentals – Car rentals are only necessary if you want to do lots of day-tripping or maximize your time on Ko Chang. For example, driving from Salak Phet to Lonely Beach is a 31-mile (50-kilometer) journey one-way, which isn’t very comfortable on a two-person scooter. Rentals start around 1,300 THB per day for a smaller vehicle, while a pick-up truck or jeep starts at about 1,900 THB.
When to Go to Ko Chang
Ko Chang’s “cool” season is from November to the end of February, and this is when the island is busiest. Each day has plenty of sunshine and blue skies. The average daily temperature hovers between 27-30°C (80-85°F). So, it’s not exactly “cool” but it’s not scorching hot either. If you don’t mind the crowds, this is a good time to visit.
The hottest days occur between March and April, when temperatures soar above 33°C (91°F). The humidity is also high during this time. A lot of Thais choose to vacation during these months, so the island will still be very busy — especially during Songkran, Thailand’s water festival (which occurs in April).
The rainy season happens from the end of May until the end of October. Ko Chang is much quieter during these months, and prices are also a lot lower. Rainy season doesn’t mean there’s a constant downpour, however. Most likely you’ll experience rain each day for a brief amount of time. If you want to just hang out and relax, this is a good time to visit.
Ko Chang Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
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Ko Chang Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:
