The U-Turn
Tucked along Thanon Rural in Tambon Ko Chang, The U-Turn is a mid-range restaurant serving as a convenient and well-regarded dining option for both island visitors and locals. Its consistent popularity is reflected in a strong volume of reviews, suggesting it has established itself as a reliable stop on an island where quality dining choices can be hit or miss. Guests can expect a casual, unfussy atmosphere suited to the relaxed pace of Koh Chang. The mid-range pricing makes it accessible without sacrificing quality, positioning it comfortably between beachside street food stalls and more upscale resort dining. The broad daily operating hours, running from 10:00 in the morning until 22:00 every day of the week, make it a practical choice for lunch, a late afternoon meal, or dinner without needing to plan around restricted schedules. Good to know: The U-Turn operates seven days a week with no listed closures, which is genuinely useful on an island where some smaller establishments keep inconsistent hours or shut down during quieter periods. There is no website listed, so walk-ins appear to be the standard approach. Those staying in accommodation near the Ko Chang interior or travelling between the island's main roads will find the Thanon Rural address conveniently positioned. Arriving slightly before or after peak meal times is likely to offer a more relaxed experience.
Taste more of Koh Chang
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near The U-Turn — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The U-Turn, round out your day in Koh Chang with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Koh Chang

Koh Chang
A large, jungle-covered island in eastern Thailand offering beaches, waterfalls, diving, and hiking trails.

Koh Kood
Koh Kood (Ko Kut) is Thailand's fourth-largest island and arguably its most unspoiled — empty white beaches like Klong Chao and Ao Noi, water clear enough to shame the Andaman, waterfall swims in the jungle interior, and mangrove canals made for kayaking.

Ko Mak
A quiet Thai island escape with clear waters, long beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere near Koh Chang.

Mu Ko Chang National Park
A protected marine and jungle park spanning Koh Chang and surrounding islands, open daily.
The U-Turn: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The U-Turn worth visiting?
The U-Turn holds a 4.4★ rating from 1,539 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Koh Chang.
What are the opening hours of The U-Turn?
The U-Turn is typically open 10:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
How expensive is The U-Turn?
The U-Turn is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Koh Chang.
When is the best time to visit The U-Turn?
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 The U-Turn located?
The U-Turn is at 19/8 Thanon Rural, Tambon Ko Chang, Amphoe Ko Chang, Chang Wat Trat 23170, Thailand, 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).
Location Info
19/8 Thanon Rural, Tambon Ko Chang, Amphoe Ko Chang, Chang Wat Trat 23170, Thailand+66 39 510 279Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – March
Avoid: June – September (rough seas, many closures)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
No airport on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Trat (5–6 hrs) or fly Bangkok Airways to Trat (TDX, ~1 hr), then the car ferry from Ao Thammachat pier (~30–45 min). Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are sold from Ekkamai.
Getting around
- •Shared songthaews along the west-coast road
- •Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully)
- •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry pier
- •Longtail and speedboat trips from Bang Bao pier for island hopping
Where to stay near The U-Turn
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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
Learn the Spice Scale
Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.
Follow the Crowds
The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.
Ice Is Safe
Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.
Nearby Places

Yummy Thai restaurant on Koh chang
Affordable Thai restaurant on Koh Chang open daily, serving home-style dishes with a strong local following.

Happy Dog Café
A well-loved budget café on Koh Chang serving food and drinks daily from 9:30am to 9pm.

Koh Chang Seafood
Fresh seafood restaurant on Koh Chang serving mid-range Thai and seafood dishes daily from 11am.

Zong Zi Pad Pad Rustic Cuisine • Lounge
Rustic Thai cuisine with a relaxed lounge vibe on Koh Chang, open daily until 8pm.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
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Central Pattaya
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Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Hugely popular Bangkok seafood buffet with live tanks, tableside grilling, and strong value at 499 baht.
Where to stay near The U-Turn
Find hotels in Koh Chang on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – March
Avoid: June – September (rough seas, many closures)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
No airport on the island. From Bangkok, take a bus or minivan to Trat (5–6 hrs) or fly Bangkok Airways to Trat (TDX, ~1 hr), then the car ferry from Ao Thammachat pier (~30–45 min). Combined bus-and-ferry tickets are sold from Ekkamai.
Getting around
- •Shared songthaews along the west-coast road
- •Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day — the hills between beaches are steep, ride carefully)
- •Taxis and hotel transfers from the ferry pier
- •Longtail and speedboat trips from Bang Bao pier for island hopping