Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Chang? I’ve got you covered
Koh Chang island forms part of the Trat archipelago in the far east of Thailand. It’s the largest, and most popular of a group of islands neighboring with Koh Kood and Koh Mak. While it is the most developed island out of the trio, it is by no means urbanized or crowded. You’ll still fall in love with its charm and laid back vibe. After all, the vast majority of Koh Chang is untouched lush jungle.
Going from Bangkok to Koh Chang involves a combination of transport. It’s an island that sits a few kilometers off the coast of the Trat province. There is no airport on the island so any option of getting there involves traveling to Tart before taking a ferry from the mainland.

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang involves two or three stages of transportation. First, you’ll need to travel from Bangkok to Trat, where the ferries to Koh Chang depart. Once in Trat, you’ll need to get to the piers, and finally, take a ferry to Koh Chang.
Bangkok to Trat
There’s several options to travel from Bangkok to Trat. Buses are the cheapest while flights are the fastest. A taxi is also an option that may be more expensive than flying.

By Bus
Frequent bus departures are available from both Mochit Bus Terminal and the Ekkamai Bus Station in Bangkok. Additionally, there’s a 7:00 AM bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport and an 8:00 AM bus from Khaosan Road. The total travel time ranges from 5 to 8 hours, with journeys terminating at either Saen Tung or the Trat Bus Terminal. → view bus schedules here
Both Saen Tung and the Trat Bus Terminal are quite far from Ao Thammachat, the pier for ferries to Koh Chang. From these bus terminals, it’s about a one-hour drive to the piers, which can be an expensive taxi or songthaew ride.
Therefore, the best option is to take one of the few buses that go directly to the ferry pier for Koh Chang. These buses are less frequent and tickets are more expensive, but this option is ultimately more cost-effective. It’s advisable to reserve seats for these buses in advance, as the number of departures is limited. → Check availability here.
By Air
Flying from Bangkok to Trat is the fastest option, with a flight time of just one hour. Bangkok Airways, which owns Trat Airport (TDX), operates these flights. Due to their monopoly on this route, fares are typically quite expensive, especially during peak months. → view flights
Trat airport is a 1 hour drive from the piers. You can take a taxi or songtaew from the airport to the ferry pier. Before accepting the ride make sure to negotiate a reasonable price.
An alternative is to book a transfer from the airport to the piers. This way you’ll have everything organized and know in advance the price. Airport transfers also include a transfer from to your hotel in Koh Chang. → view options here
Best way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
When it comes to traveling from Bangkok to Koh Chang my option of choice is the bus and ferry joint tickets. Basically it’s a bus ride from Bangkok followed by the ferry to Koh Chang. The advantage is the bus goes directly to the pier and drops passengers off for the ferry. While it may be slower than flying, this option is a lot cheaper. →check availability here
Ferries to Koh Chang
Most ferries to Koh Chang depart from Ao Thammachat Pier, operating on an hourly schedule with additional departures during busy periods and peak season. The Trat Ferry (formerly Centrepoint Ferry) also offers four scheduled departures daily. The ferry travel time from the mainland to Koh Chang is approximately 30 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the pier on the day of travel, as they typically don’t sell out.
Arriving in Koh Chang
Koh Chang has two main piers where ferries dock: the Koh Chang Ferry Pier in the northeast and the Trat Ferry Pier (Centrepoint), a few kilometers to the east.
Regardless of which pier you arrive at, you will need transportation to reach your hotel, as these areas are not ideal for tourists to stay.
At the piers, you’ll find songthaews, which are pickup trucks fitted with benches in the back. These serve as public transport, shared transport, or taxis. Be sure to negotiate a reasonable price before getting in.
Where to Stay in Koh Chang
Most hotels, restaurants, tour shops, and amenities in Koh Chang are located along the island’s west coast. This area features a scenic 16 km road that runs parallel to the coast on one side and lush jungle landscapes on the other, making it the best place to stay on the island.
Given the length of this road, choosing a hotel in a suitable area is important unless you plan to rent a scooter for easy mobility.
→ View hotels in Koh Chang with the best rates
White Sand Beach
White Sand Beach, located on the northeastern part of Koh Chang, is a popular destination. The area around the beach and the 2 km stretch south of it offers the largest concentration of accommodations, including budget options. The beach is stunning but also the busiest. Despite its popularity, it remains a laid-back spot.
Klong Prao Beach
Approximately 3 km south of White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach is an equally beautiful bay that is more centrally located. This area has a higher concentration of mid-range properties, many of which are beachfront or directly on the beach. It also features numerous restaurants and a somewhat lively nightlife scene.
Kai Bae Beach
Further south, Kai Bae Beach is more secluded and quieter, with a handful of dining options. After sunset, the area lacks a vibrant nightlife scene aside from the restaurants.
Things to Do in Koh Chang
Koh Chang is a stunning island, and its surrounding waters are equally beautiful. Some of the best activities in Koh Chang are water-based, including snorkeling tours and open water diving courses.
You can take a look at few tours on offer in Koh Chang. This will give you an idea of you can be up during your trip. →view tours on Viator here
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