BEACH
Ao Yai is the main beach of Ko Chang NA and has a long, impressive bay. The north side of this beach is the best part: at high tide there is still enough sand to lay down a beach towel and relax, while at low tide you can swim well! On some parts of the beach, the sand turns a black color.
It is a good 30-minute walk from the northern to the southern end of Ao Yai. In the southern part the sand disappears at high tide and at low tide the sea recedes, making the entire beach meters wide and you have to walk quite a bit before you can swim.
WHERE TO STAY
On this beach you will find mostly budget stays. Long Beach and Sunset Bungalows, both budget options, are located at the northern end of the beach. Long Beach has wooden bungalows in a garden, while Sunset Bungalows offers bamboo bungalows in a rubber tree plantation. Further south we found Cashew Resort, a good alternative on this part of the beach.
Chang Thong Bungalow and the bungalows of Ko Chang Resort are located in the middle/ south part of the bay and both have Internet access. Most of Ko Chang Resort’s bungalows are on stilts over the sea: a great experience. At the back, they have cheaper, less attractive bungalows. Good to know; it is a 100-meter walk from Ko Chang Resort to the nearest stretch of sand to lay down your towel.
All stays have their own kitchen.
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.
