BEACH
Ao Lek is the place to be if you are looking for silence. The beach is rugged and surrounded by impressive nature. You can combine a relaxing time on the beach with an active nature experience. This place is ideal for visitors who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of a less crowded island.
Here it truly feels like you are in an undiscovered place, occasionally watching a fishing boat or the ferry to Ko Phayam passing by. At high tide most of the beach is gone so you will have to relax in the grass. However, you will definitely enjoy this hidden paradise.
WHERE TO STAY
The hotels are all budget options. We recommend spending your days at Tommy’s Garden Bungalow, where the bungalows are set in a beautiful garden and all have ocean view. This stay offers a small private beach, although it is only a 5-minute walk to the main beach. Electricity is available from 6 PM until 11 PM. The other 3 lodgings are simpler, but if you like a basic experience, we recommend booking your stay at Green Banana.
Tommy’s Garden Bungalow’s restaurant offers a good variety of dishes, but it is also possible to walk to one of the other stays to enjoy your meal in their 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.
