เกาะช้างThailand's elephant island: rainforest mountains, waterfalls and sunset beaches.
Koh Chang, "Elephant Island", is Thailand's third-largest island and the centrepiece of Mu Ko Chang National Park, a cluster of around 50 islands in the Gulf near the Cambodian border. Rainforest-clad mountains rise straight from the sea, dropping to a string of beaches on the west coast, while the wild east coast is fringed with mangroves and fishing villages. A single coast road connects the villages, with steep climbs and sharp bends.
The west coast has the tourist beaches: busy White Sand Beach, quieter Klong Prao and Kai Bae, and the backpacker-friendly Lonely Beach. Beyond these, the fishing villages of Bang Bao and Salak Phet, waterfalls such as Klong Plu and Than Mayom, kayaking in the mangroves and snorkelling around Koh Wai and Koh Rang offer plenty of variety.
Koh Chang sits on the wetter side of the Gulf. The dry season runs from November to April; from May to October heavy monsoon rain and rough seas make many businesses close, but the forest and waterfalls are at their best.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿ · THB)
- From Bangkok
- About 5–6 hours by bus or minivan to Laem Ngop pier, plus a 30-minute ferry
- Ferry
- Car ferries from Laem Ngop (Ao Thammachat) to the island, about 30 minutes
- Best season
- November to April
- Wet season
- May to October: very heavy rain; many places close
- National park
- Mu Ko Chang National Park covers 52 islands and the island's interior
Top things to do in Koh Chang.
24 places we chose and described by hand. Open any of them, with photos, hours and directions, in the catalogue below or in the app.
Places to visit
- Klong Plu Waterfall Klong Prao
A tiered waterfall with a swimming pool, after a short jungle walk.
- Than Mayom Waterfall East coast
A royal waterfall with three levels, visited by kings in the 19th century.
- Bang Bao Fishing Village Bang Bao
A village on stilts along a long wooden pier, with seafood, shops and boat trips.
- Salak Phet & the East Coast Salak Phet
A quiet fishing village beside mangroves, for a slice of local life.
Beaches & islands
- White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) White Sand Beach
The island's longest and busiest beach, with restaurants, bars and sunsets.
- Kai Bae Beach Kai Bae
A relaxed, mid-range beach with a village feel and good swimming.
- Lonely Beach Lonely Beach
A small, rocky bay with bars, bungalows and a backpacker scene.
- Klong Prao Beach Klong Prao
A long, quiet beach with a river mouth, resorts and a night market.
- Koh Wai South of Koh Chang
A small island south of Koh Chang with clear water, coral and simple bungalows.
- Ao Salak Kok East coast
A calm mangrove bay on the east coast, used for kayaking and boat trips.
Restaurants
- Seafood on the Bang Bao Pier Bang Bao
Fresh fish, crab and prawns, cooked on the pier above the sea.
- Klong Prao Night Market Klong Prao
Street food, grills and desserts at a friendly evening market.
- White Sand Beach Restaurants White Sand Beach
Thai and international restaurants along the sand, many with sunset views.
Activities
- Island-Hopping & Snorkelling Tour Bang Bao
A speedboat day trip to Koh Rang, Koh Wai and Koh Mak.
- Kayaking in the Mangroves Ao Salak Kok
Paddle the calm bay at Salak Kok, past mangrove forest and small islands.
- Tree Top Adventure Park Lonely Beach area
Ziplines and canopy courses through the forest on the south-west coast.
- Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit Klong Prao
Meet elephants in a natural setting, with no riding or shows.
Entertainment
- Lonely Beach Bars & Live Music Lonely Beach
Barefoot bars with bonfires, DJs and live music above the sea.
- Muay Thai Nights White Sand Beach
Local Muay Thai bouts at open-air rings on the west coast.
Hotels & stays
- Beachfront Resorts at Klong Prao & Kai Bae Klong Prao
Comfortable resorts with pools, gardens and beach access on the west coast.
- Bungalows on Lonely & Kai Bae Lonely Beach
Wooden bungalows among the palms, a few steps from the sea.
- Hotels & Hostels at White Sand Beach White Sand Beach
A wide choice of rooms close to restaurants, bars and dive shops.
Shopping
- White Sand Beach Shops & Markets White Sand Beach
Beachwear, souvenirs, art and supplies along the main road.
- Kai Bae Market Kai Bae
A small local market for fruit, snacks and everyday goods.
Explore all 526 places in Koh Chang.
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From the Thailand Guide app’s catalogue: OpenStreetMap places with traveller notes from Wikivoyage and photos from Wikimedia Commons. Photos marked “Representative” show the same kind of place, not this exact one. Neighbouring islands and day-trip areas may be included. “Open now” uses listed hours in Thailand time; confirm hours and access before travelling.
Best time to visit Koh Chang.
The best time to visit Koh Chang is December to March. Koh Chang is one of the wettest places in Thailand. From November to April it's dry, hot and sunny with calm seas, the best time for beaches and island trips. From May to October the monsoon brings heavy rain almost daily, rough seas and closures, though the waterfalls and forest are spectacular.
Approximate long-term monthly averages in °C and millimetres of rain. These are planning notes, not a weather forecast.
Koh Chang travel tips.
Protect the reefs
Don't touch or stand on coral, don't feed fish and use reef-safe sunscreen on boat trips.
Elephant ethics
The island's name comes from its elephant-shaped coastline, but the elephants in camps are working animals. Avoid riding, and choose sanctuaries that let elephants roam without chains or shows.
National park rules
Stick to trails, take rubbish out and avoid feeding wildlife. The waterfalls charge a park fee.
Scooter caution
Koh Chang's hills are steep and winding, and accidents are frequent. Only ride if experienced.
Keep your cool (jai yen)
Staying calm and smiling solves most problems in Thailand; raised voices lose face for everyone.
Plan Koh Chang on your phone.
Save places, see what is open now, check the weather and air quality, and browse all twenty guides in the free Thailand Guide app. Works offline.