Koh Chang (Chang Island)

Koh Chang is the largest and busiest island in Trat and the second largest island in the country after Phuket. Mountainous Koh Chang is the largest of the 50 or so islands that form the Koh Chang Nation Marine Park. Koh Chang covers an area of 650 sq km (250 sq miles), two-thirds of which is ocean. Despite their crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect beaches, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, the islands’ tourist industry is, surprisingly, still in its infancy. In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island.

One drawback is that several of the islands in the group consist solely of expensive, privately owned resorts.

Best Beaches on Koh Chang

Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)

Hat Sai Khao is one of the longest on Koh Chang. An information center on the beach arranges boat trips, fishing and snorkeling. Most guesthouses also offer fishing, snorkeling and motorcycle rental.

Hat Klong Prao (Klong Prao Beach)

This white sand beach is more attractive and quieter. Klong Prao has a long stretch of sand, plenty of beach front real estate still up for grabs and land behind the beach where a small town is beginning to grow; then things will gradually snowball and before you know it they'll be resorts the length of the beach and the road will be a clutter of restaurants, workers' housing, karaoke bars, motorbike rental shops and beauty salons.

Hat Kai Bae (Kai Bae Beach)


This beach has a great viewing point for sunsets. There are also some small islands, so close that you can get there by kayak that can be rented by most of the resorts on Kai Bae Beach. The islands are dotted around in front of the beach enhance that sunset and during low tide it is possible to walk to the island Koh Man Nai from the South end of the beach. Koh Yuak has a small beachfront and clear shallow waters which are a good snorkeling point.

Accommodations and food options are offered in abundance. Most resorts have pleasant beachside bungalows, swimming pools and finely manicured tropical gardens. Some resorts offer terraced beach side restaurants which is of course a good spot for dining.

Hat Tha Nam (Tha Nam Beach or Lonely Beach)


Lonely Beach is the top destination for backpackers who like quiet and relaxing beach time, has wonderful views and has developed a perfect balance of peaceful harmonic beach front with just enough development on the costal area to keep people entertained without losing unique relaxing ability. Activities offered on the beach range from kayaking, snorkeling and diving.

Islands on Koh Chang

Koh Chang Noi (Chang Noi Island)
Koh Chang Noi and Leam Chang Noi lie in the north of Koh Chang. The sea between Koh Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi is abundant with corals and reefs.

Koh Klum (Klum Island)
This island has historical significance as it was the battleground for the Thai and French during the French colonization of Indochina. This island is a good dive site and there are coral reefs 10 to 20 meters deep. It is also an excellent fishing spot with larger fish in abundance.

Koh Wai (Wai Island)


This big island, which a part of Koh Chang National Park and is situated next to Koh Laoya, has stone laden beaches. However, Koh Wai is famous for its coral and is also the best place for fishing and swimming. As for accommodations, Koh Wai Pakarung Resort is ready to serve tourists.

Koh Kradat (Kradat Island)
This island is situated to the northeast away from Koh Mak. Koh Kradat is famous for its white long sandy beach and wonderful coral reefs.

Koh Phrao Nai and Nok (Phrao Nai and Nok Island)


These islands were originally named because of the long lines of coconut trees on the island. Both islands have beautiful white sand.

Koh Lao Ya (Lao Ya Island)


This wonderful island is a group with Koh Lao Ya Klang and Koh Lao Ya Nok and is connected to Koh Lao Ya Klang by a wooden bridge. These beaches are well known for their long white beaches, turquoise waters, green forests in the interior and lovely coral at shallow depths.

Koh Ngam (Ngam Island)
This island is situated southeast of Koh Chang and is comprised of twin mountains linked by huge rocks with a huge sand knoll at the middle. The little bay formed by the lines of the mountain stretching into the sea makes the island a splendid and serene site worth visiting. There is also good fishing and dolphin are occasionally seen in the area.

Koh Kood (Kood Island)

The Beach Natural and Siam Beach Resorts, Koh Kood


Khlong Chao Waterfall
The second largest island in the Koh Chang national park and the fourth largest island in Thailand. Its natural features include mountains and plains where many streams originate and become waterfalls. One famous waterfall is Namtok Khlong Chao, which flows throughout the year and is an ideal place for swimming as it is comprised of 3 tiers; of which the upper two tiers are running streams and the lower one is a large pond. In addition; there are beaches with crystal-clear seas which are popular among visitors such as Taphao Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Khlong Hin Beach, etc. Accommodations with a private atmosphere is available for visitors at the inner sea of Koh Kood, and the other two islands, Koh Rat and Koh Mai Si, opposite to Koh Kood.

Koh Maak (Maak Island)


Between Koh Chang and Koh Kohod, about 40 kilometres from the main land is Koh Maak. This is a largely flat island covered in both rubber and coconut plantations with lovely long beaches. The best time to visit is from November until late April. There are a number of accommodations and tourist facilities available.

Koh Kham (Kham Island)


This island is located near Koh Maak and is endowed with natural wonders such as crystal clear seas, chie sandy beaches, coral reefs and most importantly, tranquility and privacy.

Waterfalls on Koh Chang

Namtok Than Mayom (Than Mayom Waterfall)


A 3-tiered medium-sized waterfall located behind the parks office. There is a trail situated 500 meters from a durian orchard that leads to the site where King Rama V and VI had visited and signed their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.

Namtok Kiri Phet (Kiri Phet Waterfall)
Located to the south of Koh Chang, approximately 3 kilometres from Ban Salak Petch.

Namtok Khlong Nonsi (Khlong Nonsi Waterfall)


This is a little waterfall in the northeast zone of the island. The path to the area lies 3 kilometres from Baan Daan Mai or 3 kilometres from the national park office.

Namtok Khlong Nueng (Waterfall Khlong Nueng)
This is a small 120 meter high waterfall situated in a remote area from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall is an ideal place for relaxation.

Namtok Tri Petch (Tri Petch Waterfall)
This single level waterfall is situated 3 kilometres from Salak Petch Community along an orchard of rubber trees.

Namtok Khlong Plu (Khlong Plu Waterfall)


A large 3-tiered waterfall situated 3 kilometres or a walking distance of approximately 20 minutes away from Khlong Prao Bay that is a rewarding experience.

Getting to Koh Chang
Passenger busses depart the Ekamai bus terminal for Trat province every day. From downtown Tak, travelers can take local buses to Laem Ngop to catch a ferry to Koh Chang. There are many ferry piers and you can choose the one with the soonest departure time. Landing on the island, you can take local buses to your resorts. You should start at Hat Sai Khao beach where there are so many choices of accommodations. You can Charter a vehicle or rent a bike to tour the island. If you drive, you must exercise great care because roads on the island are narrow and steep and traffic is heavy.