Koh Chang – Beaches

On Koh Chang there are several beautiful beaches. Most beaches have hotels/bungalows/resorts  infront,  but some of them are still untouched, as in many other places if you just know where to look.

The 4 main beaches of the island’s White Sand Beach, Khlong Prao Beach, Kai Bae Beach, Lonely Beach, all located on the west coast. Even Wai Chek Beach in the southwest and southeast of Long Beach is worth a visit on your trip to Koh Chang.

There are few accommodation possibilities at Wai Chek Beach and Long Beach, so those who choose to access them will not have to share these amazing beaches with many others. It is not only the charming beaches but also the well preserved villages on the island that make this Island a must visit on your Thailand trip.

Koh Chang’s beaches are divided into two groups, the beaches on the west and east side. The most attractive are located on the west side such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Klong Plu Waterfall, Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach and Bangbao Beach are more fishing communities. Unlike the east side where toursism is barely noticed. Here you also find the less popular but equally attractive places such as Than Mayom Waterfall, Klong Nonsi waterfall, Wai Chek Beach Salakphet Bay Long Beach, Salakkok Bay, fruit and rubber plantations and a few fishing villages.

Lonely Beach

Although the beach is surrounded by rocky landscape, there is still a very decent sandy beach with a few laid back resort. Where guests can participate in all kinds of beach activities on their Thailand trip. Along the beach you will see hanging palm trees combined with a magnificent backdropp of the mountains that create stunning views and atmosphere . The beach is wide, clean and safe, making it perfect for couples and families. Lonely Beach can be visited all year round, but the most beautiful time with beautiful weather is at the end of the year, from October to April / May.

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)

If you want to sunbathe, swim or play volleyball then White Sand Beach is the place to go with  enough space for all of these things, especially when the tide is low. Avoid the southern part of the beach as it is quite rocky. The most recommended areas in the middle and at the northern end of the beach. But do not expect paragliding, banana boats and jet skis. This is forbidden because the parts of the island is a national park and protected area with strong regulations to protect the marina life and national park areas. White Sand Beach is beautiful towards the end of the year, from October to April / May.

Klong Prao Beach

From the northern end to the southern end is over 2.5 km long. At the north end you will find the senic cliffs  called Laem Chai Chet. The southern part is known as Klong Makok Beach that also ends with cliffs that separates this beach from Kai Bae Beach.

The beach is quite flat as most other beaches on the west coast but is still suitable for swimming. Two small islands, Koh Suwan and Ko Rome are located in front of the southern end of Khlong Prao Beach, wich create a very senic setting. 

See our favourite resorts on the islands: CLICK HERE

Koh Chang – Things to Do

Koh Chang National Park is an excellent piece of natural heritage surrounded by dazzling azure coast. The untamed beauty of the island means that even when walking or sunbathing you find yourself in the middle of a constant untouched nature. As soon as you open your eyes and step out of the door begins a new exciting chapter on your holiday. 

The island is best known for its forests and waterfalls than for artificial structures. However, this is inevitable, as the country becomes more and more urbanized with commercial businesses and properties that are growing up around the island. There is however today still not a road that connects the island around. So driving around the island is still impossible. Instead you need to drive back the same way you came from. 

East Coast is home to some enchanting waterfalls, while the Mu Koh Chang National Park which covers parts of Koh Chang. Other islands inte the Koh Chang Archipelago can be easily reached by boat. 

Waterfalls

The many beautiful waterfalls on Koh Chang has many visitors during the months of October and November – the end of the rainy season. Mayom, Klong Neung (the island’s highest waterfall) Khlong Phlu, King Rama and the 12-storey Ke Rhepet can be reached quite easily. Visitors need to walk to  reach the waterfall, and we strongly recommend to take a a cooling dip in the natural pool. Less impressive but still entertaining waterfalls can be found  in areas of Khlong Son, White Sand Beach and Kai Bae.

Temples

An absolute must on your Thailand trip is to visit one of many Buddhist temples. The impressive structures reflect the religious background that is so dominant in the culture of Thailand. The island is home to five impressive temples, where the foundation of Thai culture and spirituality worshiped. These include: Wat Khlong Nonsi, Wat Bang Bao, Wat Khlong Prao, Wat Khlong Son and a Chinese temple which is just before Dan-May-Pier Baan Khlong Nonsi. Tourists should be aware that appropriate clothing should be worn. Covered shoulders are mandatory at all times in areas where there is Buddhist worship. This applies to all parts of your Thailand holiday.

Scuba Diving

Some of the world’s most exquisite coral and exotic marine life is found in the Koh Chang Archipelago. Visibility reach up to 65 meters on a calm day. Bang Bao is the most popular harbor to depart from when you go diving. ( Transfers from your hotel are included in the diving packages)  It takes on average between 60-90 minutes to reach the best dive sites such as Hin Luk Bat, Hin Rap, Koh Wai, Koh Gra and Hin Kadung.

Boat

Both private and group boat tours can be easily arranged on the island. Whether you go on your own or participate in a joined trip, all visitors venture out to the surrounding islands and enjoy the surrounding sights seen from the open sea. Night and day tours include various islands and snorkeling stops. Often served at dinner or lunch on the boat or on a secluded island for a night sky filled with stars. The tours range from five star catamarans to the equally charming motorboats.

Spa

The ancient art of aromatherapy and massage has become synonymous with Thai lifestyle, especially for visitors who are keen on healing and joyful expereince. Koh Chang offers many good massage parlours with low prices and excellent therapists. 

These techniques can also be experienced in most tourist areas and cities around Thailand. Try a body scrub before you turn your nose down at the beach, or a traditional Thai massage after a day of hiking around the island. This will certainly be refreshing for your mood & bodyand ready for the next morning!

See our Excursions on Koh Chang: CLICK HERE

Koh Chang – Shopping

Shopping in Koh Chang is more impulse shopping and souvenir shopping than in mega-malls and the many other markets in Bangkok. Although there are plenty of day and night markets and souvenir shops, they are fake classics probably best to buy on the mainland. (They can also be found on the island.)

Picturesque markets with stalls around the area selling local crafts and furniture that is unique, eye-catching and at very reasonable prices. Clothing , sunglasses, t-shirts can be purchased in small shops on the streets and on the beach.

Koh Chang – Restaurants

Since the island has evolved so has the restuarants where you can find anthing from Indaian to Italian cuisine to meet the international needs of travelers on their visit

Despite this, the Thai cuisine on the island still popular and very tasty. As often the case, it is the food on the street this often is among the most delicious and always with reasonable prices.

International cuisine is available at most beaches, just take s stroll along the beach and you will find a reasturant that suites you. Why not enjoy some BBQ on the beach with freshly cuaght seafood?

Places to eat in Kai Bae Beach

Because the main road thru Kai Bea is quite narrow and everything is close together has never been easier to find a place to eat at. Take a walk along the road and you will see a large selection of local restaurants serving everything from Thai to popular Western dishes.

Mordi e Fuggi

Best Italian restuarant on the island. With amazing pizzas and delicouse bolgense, its not a wonder why this place has become one of the most popular restuarants on the whole Island.

Papa’s Deli

Opposite Kai Bae Marina is a sweet little bakery called Papa’s Deli. With air-conditioned seating and a tempting selection of freshly baked pastries, delicious baguettes and croissants. This location also offers a wide selection of coffee drinks.

Places to eat in Klong Prao Beach

There are plenty of eateries in Klong Prao Beach. Some hotels and resorts have restaurants and cafes. Quality and tasty meals are available along the roads and especially in the area around Klong Plu Waterfall, where there are some great food stalls with a variety of food from northeastern Thai cuisine. For example, a little spicy papaya salad and spicy minced pork can be enjoyed.

Blue Lagoon

Is located in a small lagoon opening next to Centara Resort on  Klong Prao Beach. Blue Lagoon is the home of imaginative recipes that prawns in a packet of noodles and topped with fried sesame seeds with sweet chili sauce and “Som Tam polamai” (spicy fruit salad).

Kati Culinary

A good place to taste a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes such as Tom Yum Kung (hot and sour shrimp soup) and Pad Thai (fried noodles with dried shrimp). Kati Culinary also offers Thai cooking classes for those who want to learn to master the art of Thai cooking.

Orn Kai Moon

Orn Kai Moon serves authentic “Isan” (northeastern) food, with special “kai Moon” (rotating grilled chicken) and an impressive selection of spicy salad. This small and beautiful restaurant located before the entrance to Klong Plu waterfall and one of the most popular attractions on Koh Chang.

Places to eat in Lonely Beach

On the main road and the beach there is a swarm of small and large restaurants with a selection of local and international dishes. The beach offers a mix of local and resort restaurants and banana pancakes (roti) and “der Tam” (Thai spicy papaya salad) booths. The majority of restaurants are a combination of bar and restaurant, which makes it very convenient to both dine and drink their drinks in one place.

Joy Cottages

This river bar / restaurant specializes in delicious seafood and offers a wide selection of Thai and Western dishes. From the famous hot and sour räksoppan to a variety of pizza and pasta.

BB Divers Pool & Lounge

This dive shop is a combination of bar and restaurant all in one with a private pool. It serves a variety of pizzas and a mix of Thai and Western cuisine. This place also has regular pool parties.

Places to eat at the White Sand Beach

It takes no effort to find a place to eat on the White Sand Beach because the most hotels and resorts offer a wide variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Tasty and cheap, try the delicious local favorites such as the “Tam” (spicy papaya salad), “Tom Yum Goong” (hot and sour shrimp soup) and “Pad Thai” (fried noodles with various ingredients such as dried shrimp and tofu) in the bustling food stalls and restaurants can be found along the main road and the beach.

15 Palms

15 Palms is a beach bar and restaurant that has a wide selection of Thai and Western dishes, English breakfast and a great children’s menus. 

Ba Mee Nong Bua

If you want a quick meal so visit Ba Mee Mong Bua offering delicious egg noodles with BBQ pork. The restaurant also serves seafood noodles, “Khao Mun Kai” (rice and chicken), “Khao Moo-dong” (BBQ pork and rice) and a selection of Thai food topped with steamed rice.

Ban Thai

With a great location on the beach at the southern end of White Sand Beach serves Ban Thai a delicious selection of traditional Thai dishes and Western favorites. Enjoy your meal at either Western table or in a comfortable Thai-style seating on the floor.

Koh Chang – Nearby

Bang Bao is the pier at the southern tip of Koh Chang end where most boats depart to other Islands.

See our Island Hopping program with English Speaking Guide: CLICK HERE

Ko Wai

Ko Wai is beautiful and primitive, located about 6 km south of the lower tip of Ko Chang. White sandy beaches, few people and rich marine life makes the island a favorite hiding place for travelers on their Thailand trip who want to escape screaming motorcycles and loud nights on the larger islands nearby.

There are only a few bungalows for rent on the island – all on the north side of Ko Wai. From this coast there are great views of the nearby islands.

If you can, try to decide where you want to stay before arriving at Koh Wai – so the captain can drop you off at the nearest pier. If you cannot decide, you do not excite you – Ko Wai is a small place and all the bungalows are within walking distance through a wide road running along the island’s north coast. Bungalows run on power generators, beating only the power of the huts between the hours of 18:00 to 23:00 each evening. Some of the bungalows have gas lamps to rent if you would like to stay up later. If you’re late, do not forget to take a flashlight with you because the paths between the bungalows are quite rocky.

Ko Mak

Koh Mak Island, where less is more.

Thailands preserved “treasure” Koh Mak is a natural and tropical island is an ideal destination for your Thailand trip to enjoy a peaceful environment that is not spoiled by mass tourism.

Amongst 10,000 palm trees, there is a temple, three fishing villages, rubber plantations, two uninhabited beaches, a primary school, a market, a wellness center, three diving schools, few shops and a few small modest resorts.

Koh Mak is the perfect place to relax, explore, calm and soothe your senses.

See some of the nicest resort on the island here: CLICK HERE

Ko Kut (Koh Kood)

Although it is a beautiful mountainous island with white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters Ko Kut is a difficult destination to explore for the independent traveler. The resorts on the island caters specifically to charter tourists, and although they are mostly for charter guests so there are a few restaurants, shops and travel services available for those who have not booked a package. Ko Kut is the southernmost and second largest island of Ko Chang’s archipelago and the closest to Cambodia. 

For the explorers there is a temple to be found in the middle of the island in a small valley, and also in the southern part of the island is a giant lighthouse that is worth a visit. If you can figure out how to get there, it is probably possible to climb up to the top, where you can get a good picture of both Thailand and Cambodia. 

See some of the nicest resort on the island here: CLICK HERE

Koh Chang – Article

Koh Chang: Diving in Koh Chang

There are some excellent snorkeling opportunities and great diving opportunities in Koh Chang National Park. Koh Chang is developing into a great diving destination. Koh Chang Marine National Park has many diving opportunities, from coral peaks, deep wrecks, shallow reefs. Visibility is often up to 30 or 40 meters during the high season. The best time to dive is between October and May. Even during the rainy season, there are many quiet days where diving is still going well.

If you are considering diving, then BB DIVERS it is the first choice. They have the most superior equipment and boats with relaxed environment and can be found in White Sands, Kae Bai and Lonely Beach. It is worth calling one of the stores and have a chat with one of their instructors to hear about the latest offers, weather, course offerings and diving.

Around Koh Rang which is located in the south of the small islands can you find some of the most pristine coral reefs in Thailand, with large table corals. These reefs have a wide variety of marine life with fish, moray eels, stingrays and turtles. Large barracudas and mackerel also hunt around the reefs. Whale sharks are regular guests on the reef to the north and can be found throughout the season.

Koh Chang is a perfect place to learn to dive with ease. The courses are conducted in much smaller groups than some of the more advanced dive sites in Thailand. For the more experienced divers are many deeper dive sites like Hin Rap and Hin Luk Bat. For advanced and technical divers run some schools different trips to some of the newly discovered wrecks.

A one-day dive course costs about 4500 baht and PADI Open Water course costs around 14,500 baht. For qualified divers, the price for a day dives between 2700 and 3000 baht depending on the school and diving.

Some stores close during off season and the small islands around (Koh Wai) close completely.