BEACH
Klong Son is a spectacular bay that is close to Ko Chang’s main pier and is one of our favorites when we are in a more ‘luxurious, western mood’. This beach is a great option for travelers looking for a more relaxing and tranquil beach experience while still wanting access to a range of amenities and activities. For instance, there is a golf course next to the beach.
The bay features a long stretch of golden sand, surrounded by palm trees along the shoreline. The gentle slope of the beach into the sea makes it suitable for swimming, even for those who are not experienced swimmers. The overall peaceful conditions make this beach a good spot for families and children to spend time here.
The atmosphere on this part of the island is relaxed compared to the overcrowded beaches on the west coast. If you’re looking to stay in an upper range resort at an amazing, social beach, this is your place.
WHERE TO STAY
In this area, you will often find stays in the higher segment. There are private villas along the beach, which you can book through the internet. Another option would be to book a room at Thai Villa Koh Chang, Little Sunshine Resort or Peninsula Beach Resort. These hotels have their own restaurants, and besides that, the main road – which is a good 15-minute walk or a short scooter ride – offers a wide range of simple restaurants.
ISLAND
Ko Chang (Eastern Seaboard) is one of Thailand’s larger islands, with jungle-covered hills and mostly crowded beaches. Its natural beauty includes waterfalls and a variety of flora and fauna. The interior of the island is hilly and offers opportunities for further exploration of the area. There are several trails and guided jungle trekking tours available.
The west side of Ko Chang has become very touristy and not the kind of place we like to spend our time. Although in the north, south and even west of the island we found 3 good relaxed beaches with a few pleasant places to stay. The east side of the island is laid back, but the overall lack of good beaches caused us to not include this area on our list.
WHAT TO DO
There are many possibilities for planning day trips in the area, from scuba diving and Thai boxing workshops to feeding elephants. On the island, it is also possible to take cooking lessons or yoga courses.
Salak Phet, in the southeastern corner of Ko Chang, is an enjoyable day trip destination, located about 25 km from the main pier. In Salak Phet there are several waterfalls you can visit, although the best-known activity is the mangrove trail: a very surprising walk above the mangroves, with breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills. In addition to the presence of a local fishing community, we recommend enjoying the rubber tree plantations and orchards.
A visit to Bang Bao, a fishing village located in the south of Ko Chang, is also a fun excursion to do. Here you will find a cozy pier with numerous shops and eateries, providing the opportunity to enjoy food in one of the excellent restaurants, where the fish come straight out of the sea.
TRANSPORT
Ko Chang is one of the few islands that is easily accessible by car. Go to the car ferry located at the Thammachat Pier on the mainland.
From Bangkok, there are several good (mini)bus connections to Trat, which take about 5 hours. From Trat, a 20-minute taxi or minibus will take you to Ao Thammachat Pier, where you can take a boat to Ko Chang. The boat departs to Ko Chang every hour, starting from 6:45 AM. The last boat leaves at 6:30 PM (instead of 6:45 PM). On Ko Chang a pick-up or taxi will take you to the beach. It is also possible to book a flight from Bangkok to Trat.
There are boat connections to Ko Kut, Ko Mak and Ko Wai, which depart from Bang Bao Pier in the southern part of the island. You can easily rent scooters on the island.
Please note there is no road between the southwest and southeast of Ko Chang. If you want to visit the eastern part, keep in mind that this can be a long drive in the end.
