Koh Chang Island Guide 2025
Discover Koh Chang, Thailand's 'Elephant Island' with pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and world-class diving. A perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
About Koh Chang
Koh Chang, Thailand's second-largest island, is a tropical paradise in Trat province near the Cambodian border. Known as "Elephant Island" for its elephant-head shape, this 429 km² island offers pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and excellent diving opportunities.
Part of the Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park, the island maintains much of its natural beauty while offering modern amenities. With a permanent population of around 5,000 locals, it attracts digital nomads, retirees, and adventure seekers looking for a slower island lifestyle.
Best Areas to Live
White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)
Best for: First-time residents, amenities, nightlife
Most developed area with resorts, restaurants, bars, and shops. Best infrastructure with reliable internet. Good for those wanting conveniences while maintaining beach access.
Klong Prao Beach
Best for: Families, peaceful living, mid-range options
Long stretch of beach with mix of resorts and local accommodation. Quieter than White Sand Beach but still has good amenities. Great for long-term stays.
Kai Bae Beach
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers, younger crowd
More affordable area with hostels, budget resorts, and local eateries. Great sunset views and relaxed atmosphere. Popular with digital nomads.
Lonely Beach (Hat Ta Nam)
Best for: Budget living, party scene, bohemian lifestyle
Famous backpacker destination with cheap accommodation and active nightlife. Beach bars, fire shows, and reggae bars. Less developed but very social.
Bang Bao Fishing Village
Best for: Cultural immersion, authentic experience, fishing enthusiasts
Traditional stilted fishing village with local seafood restaurants. Departure point for diving trips. Authentic Thai island life experience.
Climate & Weather
Hot Season
Mar - May
28-32°C, humid. Peak season ends, fewer crowds, occasional rain.
Rainy Season
Jun - Oct
26-30°C, heavy rains. Many businesses close, rough seas, limited transport.
Cool Season
Nov - Feb
24-28°C, dry. Perfect weather, peak tourist season, highest prices.
Things to Do & Activities
- •Diving & Snorkeling: Koh Rang, Koh Wai, HTMS Chang wreck dive
- •Waterfalls: Klong Plu, Than Mayom, Klong Nonsi waterfalls
- •Elephant Sanctuary: Ethical elephant experiences and jungle trekking
- •Island Hopping: Day trips to Koh Wai, Koh Mak, Koh Kood
- •Kayaking: Mangrove tours and coastal exploration
- •Fishing: Deep sea fishing trips and night fishing
- •Hiking: Jungle trails to viewpoints and hidden beaches
- •Cooking Classes: Learn Thai cuisine with local ingredients
Cost of Living
Budget Living
฿15,000-25,000/month
- • Basic bungalow: ฿5,000-8,000
- • Local food: ฿120-200/day
- • Motorbike rental: ฿2,500-3,500
- • Utilities: ฿1,000-2,000
Comfortable Living
฿30,000-50,000/month
- • Resort/villa: ฿12,000-25,000
- • Mixed dining: ฿250-400/day
- • Car rental: ฿8,000-12,000
- • Full utilities + activities: ฿3,000-5,000
Transportation
Getting to Koh Chang
Ferry from Laem Ngop pier (45-60 minutes). Buses from Bangkok (5-6 hours total including transfers). Private transfers available from airports.
Motorbike
Most popular transport on island. Rental ฿150-250/day. Main ring road connects all beaches. Be cautious on steep hills and during rain.
Songthaews
Pickup trucks with benches. Fixed routes between beaches. ฿50-150 depending on distance. Main public transport option for non-drivers.
Car Rental
Useful for exploring entire island comfortably. ฿800-1,500/day. 4WD recommended for some areas. International driving license required.
Dining & Food Scene
Koh Chang offers diverse dining options from street food to fine dining, with excellent seafood and international cuisine catering to all tastes and budgets.
🏆 Best Sunday Roast: 15 Palms Beach Bar & Restaurant
Location: White Sand Beach | Price: From 450 THB
Legendary beachfront Sunday roast featuring melt-in-your-mouth roast sirloin, crispy Yorkshire puddings, and all traditional accompaniments. Book in advance - they prepare limited portions and when they run out, that's it! Established in 1999, 15 Palms has perfected this British tradition over two decades. Sunday lunch only.
Local Thai Food
Price Range: 50-150 THB per meal
Excellent local restaurants throughout the island. Try seafood at Bang Bao fishing village, street food in Klong Son, and beachfront Thai restaurants. Fresh catches daily with grilled fish, tom yum, and seafood curries as specialties.
International Cuisine
Price Range: 200-500 THB per meal
Wide range including Italian, German, Indian, and Scandinavian restaurants. White Sand Beach and Klong Prao have the most options. Many beachfront restaurants offer sunset dining. Oodie's Place in Kai Bae popular for British pub food.
Night Markets & Street Food
Price Range: 30-80 THB per dish
White Sand Beach night market (Tuesday/Friday), Kai Bae walking street (Monday/Thursday). Fresh seafood BBQ, pad thai, mango sticky rice, and tropical fruits. Great for budget dining and local atmosphere.
💡 Dining Tips:
- • Book Sunday roast at 15 Palms 2-3 days ahead in high season
- • Island prices 20-30% higher than mainland
- • Many restaurants close during low season (June-October)
- • Fresh seafood best at Bang Bao fishing village
- • Happy hours common 4-7 PM at beach bars
Internet & Digital Nomad Life
Internet connectivity has improved significantly in recent years:
- •Fiber Internet: Available in main areas, 50-100 Mbps typical speeds
- •Co-working Spaces: Several options in White Sand Beach and Klong Prao
- •Cafes with WiFi: Many beachfront cafes offer reliable internet
- •Mobile Internet: 4G coverage good, 5G limited to main areas
💡 Living in Koh Chang Tips:
- • Avoid rainy season (June-October) for best experience
- • Stock up on supplies during mainland trips - island prices higher
- • Learn basic Thai for better local interactions
- • Respect marine park rules and coral reefs when diving/snorkeling
- • Have backup internet options for remote work
- • Budget for seasonal price fluctuations
- • Join expat Facebook groups for community and advice
- • Consider health insurance - nearest major hospital in Trat
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