Koh Chang

Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Lorraine Aust, Somchai Boonmee
13/08/2025
Small sailboat on a serene beach at Koh Chang, Thailand, perfect for a tropical getaway.
Oleg Prachuk, Pexels

Koh Chang is a Thai island offering a blend of serene natural beauty and active pursuits, attracting visitors who prefer a less crowded atmosphere compared to other major Thai islands. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and clear waters perfect for exploration.

Lonely Beach is a well-known hub for backpackers and younger travelers, featuring a lively party scene with beach bars and affordable accommodations. White Sand Beach also offers a vibrant nightlife with various resorts, restaurants, and fire shows. Kai Bae Beach presents a more relaxed social environment with a younger, quieter crowd, while Klong Kloi Beach provides a chilled atmosphere with laid-back beach bars.

Top 6 Things to do in Koh Chang

Koh Chang provides an array of experiences, from exploring vibrant underwater worlds and tranquil rainforest waterfalls to engaging with local culture through cooking and village life, all set against breathtaking island vistas.

1. Island Snorkeling or Diving Trip

Embark on a full-day snorkeling or diving adventure to the nearby islands of the Koh Rang National Park, such as Koh Yak Lek, Koh Yak Yai, Koh Rang, and Koh Wai. These clear waters are home to pristine coral reefs and an abundance of tropical fish, offering exceptional underwater exploration. Many tours include multiple snorkeling stops and provide lunch on board. Opting for a wooden boat offers a classic experience, while speedboats allow for more time at diverse sites. To make the most of the experience, consider booking a trip on a weekday to avoid larger crowds. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen for a comfortable day on the water.

Cost: Full-day snorkeling tours typically range from 700 THB for a wooden boat to 900-1,200 THB for a speedboat per person, with children often paying half price. This usually includes lunch and snorkeling equipment. An additional Koh Rang National Park entrance fee of 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child is generally collected separately at the pier and is not included in the tour price.

Transport: Most snorkeling tours offer complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off services for accommodations located on the west coast, including White Sand Beach, Chai Chet, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Bai Lan, and Bang Bao. Boats typically depart from Bang Bao Pier. For those arranging their own transport to Bang Bao Pier, a songthaew (shared taxi) from White Sand Beach costs approximately 150 THB per person.

2. Visit Klong Plu Waterfall

Discover Klong Plu Waterfall, the most popular and easily accessible waterfall on the island's west coast. A short 600-meter walk along a well-maintained riverside path leads to a three-tiered cascade and a large, refreshing pool at its base. The pool is known for its 'doctor fish,' offering a unique natural pedicure experience as they nibble at your feet. For a more tranquil visit, arriving early in the morning is recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid larger tour groups.

Cost: The entrance fee to Klong Plu Waterfall, which is part of the National Park, is 200 THB for foreign adults and 100 THB for children. This ticket also grants same-day access to Than Mayom Waterfall on the east coast, should you choose to visit both.

Transport: Klong Plu Waterfall is well-signposted from the main road in the Klong Prao area. You can reach it by scooter, songthaew, or private car. Parking is available, with a free option at the National Park office, or private parking for a small fee (around 10-20 THB). Songthaew fares vary by distance, for example, a short ride from Klong Prao to the waterfall entrance would be a nominal fee.

3. Kayaking through Mangroves at Salak Khok Village

Experience the peaceful side of Koh Chang by kayaking through the serene mangrove forests and canals of Salak Khok Village on the island's less-developed east coast. This allows for an intimate encounter with nature and a glimpse into the traditional fishing village life. For a more relaxed experience, you can opt for a traditional 'reua maad' (gondola-style) boat ride, where a local oarsman guides you through the waterways. The area provides a tranquil escape and a different perspective of island living.

Cost: Kayak rentals at Salak Khok Kayak Station are approximately 100 THB per person per hour. A traditional 'reua maad' boat trip with an oarsman costs around 200 THB per person for a 40-minute tour, with boats typically accommodating up to four people.

Transport: Salak Khok Village is located on the east coast, which has less public transport. While some songthaews operate on the east coast (around 100 THB from the ferry piers to Salak Phet Seafood, which is near Salak Khok), renting a scooter (approximately 250-400 THB per day) or arranging a private taxi is often the most convenient way to reach this area, providing flexibility to explore the remote charm of the east side.

4. Thai Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in Thai culinary traditions by taking a cooking class. These interactive sessions teach you to prepare authentic Thai dishes, from grinding fresh curry pastes to perfecting classic soups and stir-fries. Classes are typically small, ensuring personalized instruction at your own workstation. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for Thai ingredients and cooking methods, culminating in enjoying the delicious meal you've prepared.

Cost: Prices for Thai cooking classes typically range from 1,000 to 2,000 THB per person. Some schools include hotel transfers and a recipe book in the price.

Transport: Many cooking schools on Koh Chang, particularly those in the Klong Prao and Chai Chet areas, offer complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off services from major west coast beach locations. Confirm this with the cooking school when booking.

5. Visit Kai Bae Viewpoint

Journey to the Kai Bae Viewpoint, perched on a hillside on the west coast, offering expansive panoramic vistas. From this vantage point, you can admire the stunning stretch of the Gulf of Thailand, dotted with small offshore islands such as Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Nok, Koh Pli, and Koh Yuak. It is particularly enchanting during sunset, providing an ideal setting for photography and peaceful reflection. A coffee shop is also available on-site.

Cost: Visiting Kai Bae Viewpoint is free of charge.

Transport: The viewpoint is easily accessible by scooter or songthaew, located on the main road just south of Kai Bae Beach. Songthaew fares will vary depending on your starting location; for instance, a ride from nearby Kai Bae Beach would be a short, inexpensive fare (around 50 THB), while from White Sand Beach it might be around 100 THB.

6. Explore Bang Bao Pier

Stroll along Bang Bao Pier, a distinctive village built on stilts extending into the sea at Koh Chang's southern tip. Once a traditional fishing community, it has evolved into a vibrant hub, though it still retains some authentic charm. The pier is lined with an array of souvenir shops, guesthouses, and seafood restaurants offering fresh local catches. It serves as the primary departure point for many snorkeling and diving tours, and the lighthouse at its end provides picturesque views of the bay.

Cost: There is no entrance fee to explore Bang Bao Pier itself. Costs will be for any purchases, meals, or tours you decide to take from the pier.

Transport: Bang Bao Pier is well-connected by songthaews (shared taxis) from various points on the island's west coast. A songthaew ride from White Sand Beach typically costs around 150 THB per person.

Check out our other pages on Koh Chang

Getting There icon Getting There Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays

Discover destinations in Thailand

Central Thailand
Eastern Thailand
Northeastern Thailand
Northern Thailand
Southern Thailand - Andaman Coast
Southern Thailand - Gulf Coast