Wat Pa Rongtharn
Tucked away in the southern part of Koh Chang, Wat Pa Rongtharn is a forest monastery that stands apart from the island's beach-focused attractions. Rooted in the Thai Buddhist tradition, the temple provides a quiet, contemplative environment where visitors can observe monastic life and connect with the spiritual culture that underpins everyday life in Thailand. The forested setting adds to its sense of calm, making it a meaningful contrast to the busier coastal areas nearby. Visitors can expect a serene atmosphere with traditional temple structures set among natural surroundings. The grounds invite slow, respectful exploration, and the temple's active monastic community gives it an authentic character that more tourist-oriented temples can sometimes lack. It is the kind of place that rewards those who take their time rather than rush through. As with all Thai temples, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees before entering the grounds. The temple appears to be accessible throughout the day, offering flexibility for those wishing to visit at quieter hours such as early morning, when the atmosphere is particularly still. The temple maintains a Facebook page for those wishing to check for any events or ceremonies before visiting. There is no specified entrance fee, though small donations are customary and appreciated as a gesture of respect toward the resident monks and the upkeep of the site.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Pa Rongtharn, 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 Pa Rongtharn: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Pa Rongtharn worth visiting?
Wat Pa Rongtharn holds a 4.7★ rating from 30 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Koh Chang.
What are the opening hours of Wat Pa Rongtharn?
Wat Pa Rongtharn is typically open 00:00-23:59 — 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 Pa Rongtharn?
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 Pa Rongtharn located?
Wat Pa Rongtharn is at 44, 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
44, Tambon Koh Chang Tai, Amphoe Ko Chang, Chang Wat Trat 23170, Thailand+66 81 178 4501www.facebook.com/prawatparongtharn/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
Where to stay near Wat Pa Rongtharn
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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.
Nearby Places

Wat Salak Phet
Historic Buddhist temple on Koh Chang with royal connections dating back over a century.

Wat Watchakam Kotchataweep
A peaceful Buddhist temple in southern Koh Chang, offering a glimpse into local spiritual life.
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 Pa Rongtharn
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