BEACH
Ao Daddaeng on Ko Chang NA is known for its natural beauty, with soft sandy shores, calm waters, and a backdrop of lush greenery. The beach provides a peaceful and serene environment for relaxation and immersion in the island’s pristine surroundings.
It is a small intimate bay south of Ao Yai, Ko Chang’s main beach, with a beautiful beach of its own that is a a pleasant place to enjoy the sunset. The sand is fine and has a special mysterious gray-black color that is remarkable to see. The generally calm water at Ao Daddaeng makes it a great swimming spot.
WHERE TO STAY
There are 3 budget places to stay in Ao Daddaeng. We prefer the characteristic wooden bungalows of Mama’s Bungalows. The bungalows are built on the hill near the beach and the owners are very friendly, which really made us feel at home. Our personal favorite are the bungalows on the beach on concrete stilts!
Suanpor Bungalows and Lae Tawan Bungalows are the alternative, more basic places to stay. All stays have a restaurant.
ISLAND
Ko Chang is a small and secluded island located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Ranong Province. Ko Chang offers a more serene and less touristy experience compared to some of the more popular Thai islands. This destination is perfect for travelers looking to connect with nature, explore the outdoors, and enjoy a quieter coastal environment. Whether you are interested in hiking, beachcombing, water sports, or simply relaxing, Ko Chang provides a peaceful and unspoiled island experience.
WHAT TO DO
Ko Chang is a beautiful island with narrow concrete and dirt roads that lead through fields of rubber trees and cashew orchards. There are no cars and almost no scooters on the island, making the island overall quiet and peaceful. The island is green and pristine and all you can hear are the sounds of the forests and the sea: truly the definition of ‘old-fashioned Thai beach life’.
It is best to explore the island via motorcycle taxis or by foot. Wi-Fi is sometimes available, while electricity is usually available in the evenings. Yoga and Tai Chi classes are taught at Om Tao (www.omtao.net). On Ko Chang there are no ATMs, so make sure to bring cash.
TRANSPORT
Ranong is a good starting point to reach Ko Chang. Nok Air and Airasia operate daily flights between Bangkok and Ranong. Bus services between Chumphon and Phuket stop in Ranong. From the bus station, a minibus or taxi will take you to the pier in an approximate 15-minute ride.
From Ranong Pier a 60-minute slow boat or several 20-minute speedboat services take you to Ko Chang (200-350 baht). For the exact timetables, please check the internet! During the high season, there is at least one daily speedboat connection from Ko Phayam to Ko Chang (300 baht). At the pier, motorcycle cabs will take you to the other side of the island (100 baht).
An alternative way to get to this beach, is to take the boat to Ko Phayam at the pier in Ranong to drop you off at Ao Lek. A private boat from the hotel will be waiting on the open water to take you to the beach. Do not forget to inform the boat crew and your hotel to pick you up again!
It is not possible rent scooters on the island.
