Koh Chang
Jungle mountains, waterfalls and beaches on one island, but the roads will test you.
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Tours that include Koh Chang
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Chang.
Why go, and how to do it well
The hills are the thing people underestimate here. Thailand's third-largest island rises steeply from the coast into dense jungle, which means waterfalls, viewpoints and hiking trails, and it also means winding roads with tight hairpin turns. Scooter hire is cheap and gives you the run of the place, but reviewers have come off their bikes on those bends, often because oncoming cars drift wide. If you're not a confident rider, take taxis and enjoy the view instead.
Get past that and it's a proper island rather than just a beach. White Sand Beach in the north is where most of the action is. The southern beaches are quieter, and plenty of people prefer them. Kai Bae sits somewhere in the middle and is handy for Bang Bao pier, where the dive boats and island-hopping trips leave from. Coral reefs and clear water make diving and snorkeling worth planning around, though wind and cloud can shut both down. There are cooking classes, a good spread of restaurants, and rooms at every price from guesthouses to resorts.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Koh Chang
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Chang.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Koh Chang, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Koh Chang is an absolutely stunning island and easily one of the best destinations in Thailand. The moment you arrive, you’re met with lush jungle-covered mountains, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed island atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. The beaches are beautiful — from the lively White Sand Beach to the quieter, more peaceful spots down south — and the sunsets are genuinely breathtaking. The island has the perfect balance of nature, adventure, and comfort: waterfalls to explore, great snorkelling and diving, friendly locals, and plenty of fantastic food. What really makes Koh Chang special is its laid-back vibe. It never feels overcrowded, and you can still find that authentic Thai charm everywhere you go. Whether you want to relax, explore, or enjoy some nightlife, Koh Chang delivers it all.
Big island with so many things to do. The beaches are great. We had Thai cooking school, great restaurants. Various types of hotels with all prices. Diving shops. Waterfalls and day trips to see beautiful locations. View points in many different spots. We preferred the southern beaches more but it's a matter of taste. We stayed at the Kai bae area and felt its central and close to the bang bai pier for divings and boat tours and cool beaches. I recommend getting a scooter for flexibility. Also I recommend going to Koh ngam and the most southern beaches which require a day tour by a scooter to the edge of the island. Worth it.
Filled with steep hills, monkeys, hairpin turns, and Europeans. Very commercial and touristy. Credit cards, if taken, 3%+. Fell 3X on my motorbike- gentle falls but cars in opposite lane always over on my side. Rentals are cheap ($10/day). Overcast and windy when I was there, so snorkeling and scuba out. Can drive around island in one day. Two days seems enough for me. Beaches are clean, but narrow (like the roads). Island ringed with small tourist towns- White Sands beach has the most happening (in a positive sense). Not a party island compared to others. Every other shop offers massage. All sorts of food options.Resaonably priced. Dont book a room ahead of time. A zillion rooms and low rates not listed by consolidators. Beware of Agoda bargains- usually somethings up- like construction in my case. Waterfalls are meh at best. Poor signage, and almost exclusively in Thai.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,448 reviews on Google.
Koh Chang
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Islands
Check Island Closures
Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Koh Tachai close mid-May to mid-October. Some smaller islands reduce ferry service in monsoon season. Always verify schedules before planning your route.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Bring Cash to Smaller Islands
ATMs on smaller islands like Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Koh Yao charge high fees and sometimes run out of cash. Withdraw enough on the mainland before heading over.
Koh Chang: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Chang worth visiting?
Koh Chang holds a 4.6★ rating from 1,448 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated islands in Koh Chang.
When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?
The best months to visit Koh Chang are November – March, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas, many closures).
Where is Koh Chang located?
Koh Chang is at Koh Chang, in Koh Chang. Getting around Koh Chang: Shared songthaews along the west-coast road; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully).
Also popular in Koh Chang
Kai Bae Beach
A relaxed beach on Koh Chang's west coast, offering calm waters and a quieter alternative to busier island spots.
Kai Bae Viewpoint
Sunset over the Gulf, free to visit, with bold monkeys working the parking lot.
Baan kaibae sea food
Budget-friendly seafood spot on Koh Chang, open daily with fresh local dishes and solid reviews.
Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort
A calm beachfront base on Klong Prao, built for couples who plan to barely leave the grounds.
Similar Islands across Thailand
Koh Sak
A mostly uninhabited island next to Koh Larn, 20 to 25 minutes by speedboat from Pattaya, visited on island-hopping tours for its east-side reef.
Mu Ko Similan National Park
World-class diving and white sand, but day-trip boats can crowd the beaches, so go by liveaboard if you can.
Koh Phangan
Two islands in one, the Full Moon madness at Haad Rin, and everywhere else, which is nothing like it.
