Wat Bangbao
Tucked away in the southern part of Koh Chang near the Ban Bang Bao area, this Buddhist temple offers a quiet contrast to the island's beaches and busier tourist areas. It serves the local community as a working place of worship, giving visitors a genuine glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of the island rather than a purely tourist-oriented experience. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, typical of smaller Thai temples that remain active centres of local religious practice. Visitors can expect traditional temple architecture, shrine areas, and the kind of serene surroundings that invite a slower pace. Because it functions as a real community temple rather than a major landmark, it tends to be uncrowded, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in authentic cultural encounters beyond the resort strips. Open every day from 07:00 to 18:00, the temple is accessible throughout the week without the need to plan around closures. As with all Buddhist temples in Thailand, visitors should dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — and remove footwear before entering any indoor shrine areas. Behaving quietly and respectfully is appreciated. The temple maintains a Facebook presence for any updates on local events or ceremonies that may affect visiting conditions.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Chang
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Bangbao — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Bangbao, 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.
Wat Bangbao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Bangbao worth visiting?
Wat Bangbao holds a 4.3★ rating from 37 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Koh Chang.
What are the opening hours of Wat Bangbao?
Wat Bangbao is typically open 07:00-18:00 — 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.
When is the best time to visit Wat Bangbao?
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 Wat Bangbao located?
Wat Bangbao is at X8F7+X7H, DPT., Tambon Koh Chang Tai, 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
X8F7+X7H, DPT., Tambon Koh Chang Tai, Amphoe Ko Chang, Chang Wat Trat 23170, Thailand+66 89 407 0424www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063564732987Visitor 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 Wat Bangbao
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A towering all-wood monument in Pattaya, hand-carved without nails and still under construction after decades.
Where to stay near Wat Bangbao
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