Thailand's second-largest island has white sand beaches, coral reefs, and rainforest-covered mountains. Local fishing villages and waterfalls dot the coastline of this quiet Gulf of Thailand destination.
Ko Chang rises from the Gulf of Thailand as the country's third-largest island. Mountains covered in rainforest drop down to white sand beaches. You can trek to waterfalls like Than Mayom with its four-tiered cascades, swim at Klong Prao's 3-kilometer beach, or kayak through the mangrove forests near Bang Bao. The island's 5,000 permanent residents live mainly in fishing villages, while the western coast has developed from quiet coves into beach towns with restaurants and guesthouses.
Geography and Climate of Ko Chang
Ko Chang spans 212 square kilometers in Thailand's eastern Gulf, about 300 kilometers from Bangkok near the Cambodian border. Mountains and rainforest cover 70% of the land, with streams creating waterfalls throughout the island. Klong Neung waterfall drops 120 meters in the southeast region. The weather varies through three seasons: a cool period from November to February with temperatures around 27-30°C, a hot season from March to April exceeding 33°C, and a rainy season from May to October.
Getting to Ko Chang
You can reach Ko Chang through several routes from Bangkok. Bangkok Airways operates daily flights to Trat Airport on the mainland, followed by a ferry crossing. For a more economical option, take regular buses from Bangkok's Ekkamai Bus Station to the mainland piers at Laem Ngop. Two ferry companies run boats from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.
Beaches and Coastal Areas
The western coast contains the main beach areas. White Sand Beach in the north has restaurants and shops along its 2.5-kilometer shoreline. A river estuary splits Klong Prao Beach, creating mangrove channels perfect for kayaking. At Kai Bae Beach, the shallow waters make swimming safe, and you can watch the sun set behind nearby islands. Lonely Beach draws younger travelers with its small bars and casual restaurants.
Wildlife and Nature
The Mu Ko Chang National Park includes the island and surrounding waters. In the forests, you might spot some of the 29 mammal species, including long-tailed macaques in the trees and small-toothed palm civets at night. Birdwatchers can identify 61 different species. While snorkeling around Ko Chang's coral reefs, you'll see angelfish, parrotfish, and sometimes reef sharks.
Activities and Exploration
Ko Chang has many ways to fill your days. Walk 20 minutes through the jungle to reach Klong Plu waterfall, where you can swim in the pool beneath the cascade. Book snorkeling trips from Bang Bao pier to visit three or four different reef locations. Hike mountain trails to viewpoints over the Gulf of Thailand. Paddle a kayak around the quiet eastern coast, or learn to cook Thai dishes using local ingredients and traditional methods.
