Koh Chang Beaches Compared: Which Side of the Island to Stay On

Koh Chang beaches line almost the whole west coast of Thailand's second-largest island, and choosing the right one makes a big difference to your stay. Koh Chang is in Trat province near the Cambodian border, a half-day trip from Bangkok, and its dry season runs from about November to April. The island is hilly and covered in forest, so there is one main road around most of it, and getting from one beach to another takes time. This guide compares the main beaches, explains how the west and east coasts differ, and covers ferries and a simple 3-day plan.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

How the island is laid out

Koh Chang is long and mountainous. A road runs down the west coast from the ferry piers in the north-east to Bang Bao in the south, and down the east coast to Salak Phet. The two roads do not meet in the south, so you cannot drive a full loop.

• The west coast has almost all the sandy beaches, hotels and restaurants.
• The east coast is quieter, with mangroves, fishing villages and few beaches.
• The interior is national park forest, with waterfalls and trails.

Shared songthaew taxis run along the main road between the pier and the west coast beaches. Roads in the south-west have steep hills and sharp bends, so be careful if you rent a motorbike.

Koh Chang beaches from north to south

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)

The first big beach after the ferry and the busiest. It has the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, and a long stretch of sand. The northern end is more upscale, while the southern end has budget places and nightlife.

Good for: first-time visitors, short stays, people who want everything close.

Klong Prao

Further south, a long wide beach with large resorts and a more relaxed feel. A river mouth divides the beach, and Klong Plu waterfall is a short drive inland.

Good for: families, couples and anyone who wants a resort stay.

Kai Bae

A smaller bay with views to small islands offshore. The beach is narrower and parts are rocky at low tide, but the area has a good mix of mid-range hotels and restaurants.

Good for: couples, and a base for island-hopping trips that leave from the south.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Lonely Beach (Hat Tha Nam)

Once the island's backpacker beach, now a mix of budget rooms, bars and a few nicer hotels. The beach is small and the sea can have currents, so take care when swimming in rough weather.

Good for: younger travellers and people on a budget who want a social atmosphere.

Bai Lan and Bang Bao

In the south-west, quieter areas with small resorts. Bang Bao is a fishing village built on a long wooden pier, now filled with seafood restaurants and shops. It is the starting point for many boat trips to the southern islands.

Good for: quiet stays, seafood dinners and boat trips.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Long Beach (Hat Yao)

At the far south-east, at the end of a rough road. It is one of the quietest beaches on the island, with few places to stay.

Good for: people who want to switch off and do not mind being far from everything.

Quick comparison

| Beach | Feel | Swimming | Food and nightlife | |---|---|---|---| | White Sand Beach | Busy, central | Good in dry season | Most choice | | Klong Prao | Relaxed, resorts | Good, wide beach | Mostly hotel restaurants | | Kai Bae | Small bay | Rocky at low tide | Mid-range | | Lonely Beach | Social, budget | Watch for currents | Bars and cheap eats | | Bang Bao | Quiet, village | Limited | Seafood on the pier | | Long Beach | Remote | Calm on good days | Very little |

If you cannot decide, split your stay: two nights on White Sand Beach or Klong Prao, then two nights further south.

West or east coast?

Stay on the west coast if you want a beach on your doorstep, sunsets over the sea and choice of food. Almost every visitor does this.

Consider the east coast if you want a quiet, local feel, kayaking in the mangroves at Salak Kok, or a homestay in a fishing village such as Salak Phet. You will need your own transport, and the swimming is limited.

When to visit

• November to April: the dry season, with calmer seas on the west coast. December to February is the most popular time.
• May to October: the rainy season. Many island-hopping trips stop, the sea is rougher and some places close. Prices are lower, and waterfalls are at their fullest.

If you are comparing Koh Chang with other cool-season options, our guide to Thailand in December covers each region.

Getting there

From Bangkok. Drive or take a bus or van to Trat, then continue to the ferry piers at Laem Ngop. Some vans and buses go all the way to the pier. You can also fly to Trat airport and transfer to the ferry.

Ferries. Ferry Koh Chang runs car ferries from Ao Thammachat pier to Ao Sapparot on the island, roughly every hour during the day. Recent prices are 90 baht per passenger, paid in cash. The crossing takes about half an hour. Another ferry company, Centrepoint, suspended its service in 2024. Check current times before you go.

From the island pier, shared songthaews take you to your beach. Agree on the price before you get in.

A simple 3-day plan

Day 1: arrival and White Sand Beach

Take the morning ferry, check in and spend the afternoon on the beach. Watch the sunset and have dinner along the main road.

Day 2: islands

Join a snorkelling trip to the southern islands, such as Koh Rang, from Bang Bao or Kai Bae. Back on the island, have a seafood dinner at Bang Bao pier.

Day 3: waterfall and a slow afternoon

Visit Klong Plu waterfall in the morning, then relax at Klong Prao. Leave in the afternoon if you are going back to Bangkok, or stay another night.

Our 3 days in Koh Chang sample trip lays out this route, and you can change beaches and days in RoamerPlanner. Start or finish with our 3 days in Bangkok itinerary.

Practical tips

• Cash: there are ATMs on the west coast, but bring cash for the ferry and songthaews.
• Motorbikes: only rent one if you are an experienced rider. The hills south of Kai Bae are steep.
• National park fees: waterfalls and some trails are inside the national park and charge entry.
• Boat trips: check that your operator includes park fees and safety equipment.

Quick FAQ

Which is the best beach on Koh Chang? It depends on your style. White Sand Beach for convenience, Klong Prao for families and resorts, Lonely Beach for a budget social scene, and Bang Bao or Long Beach for quiet.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Chang? By bus, van or car to Trat and the ferry pier at Laem Ngop, or a flight to Trat. The car ferry takes about half an hour.

Is Koh Chang good in the rainy season? It is quieter and greener, but the sea is rougher and many boat trips stop. November to April is the better time.

Sources, checked 4 November 2026: Ferry Koh Chang company information on routes and fares; Tourism Authority of Thailand information on Koh Chang. The Centrepoint ferry suspension and current fare were confirmed only through recent visitor and news reports.

Cover photo: Nick Steemans / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0