Transportation

Koh Chang

To reach us on this magical island requires a small effort but well worth the wait!

Much of the charm of Koh Chang is that it is not as easily accessible as other well known islands. The result is a unique type of tourism filled with travelers who like to take the alternative path. An ideal destination for travelers seeking good energy and vibereitions!

Koh Chang is easily accessible from Bangkok and Trat (the closest city), making it a convenient getaway from city life. If you are considering to visit, fly into either city and then reach the island via car pick up to the ferry.

CHECK LIST...

Before booking your flight please check with us first to ensure your flight matches the ferry time. You need to allow yourself half a day travel to get here from Bangkok. To get the most out of your trip we recommend arriving on a morning flight (no later then 12.30pm!) and leaving on a late afternoon (after 3pm) or evening flight so you can leave directly to the airport in the morning.

If you wish to have more time we recommend to take a midnight or early morning flight that arrives in BKK at around 3am. As there is little traffic at this time the journey is a lot faster (you can sleep in the car!) and you will get to the first ferry at 6.30am. You will arrive to us at around 9am on the island and have a full extra day of relaxation!

Travel time will vary depending on private car and public buses.

THE ISLAND: GETTING HERE

OPTION 1: PRIVATE CAR

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK): Best option. Your driver will pick you up directly at the airport and straight to the door of your resort. Easy and relatively affordable (฿3200 | 80€ | 650 RMB. One way- set fee). Car fits 1-3 people (options for upto 10 passengers available). Additional ferry ticket on top (฿80 | 2€ | 15RMB per person) You maybe asked to first pay the ticket when you arrive at the ferry. Ideal if you want to just sit back and enjoy your ride hassle free. Trip takes 5-6 hours with refreshment/ breaks in between. Pay the driver directly in cash. Ask us and we can help you book a reliable private driver or contact directly below. (Rates may fluctuate during peak periods.)

IMPORTANT

If you are traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport ensure your flight arrives no later then 12.30pm and you are in the car by 2pm to make the last ferry (6.30pm.) If you are delayed and leave after 2pm the driver maybe able to get you on time (we have done it in 3.5 hrs but this is not guaranteed!) but they will not stop for breaks and likely speed! If you are arriving in Don Muaeng Airport (DMK) please allow for extra timing as this airport is slightly further.

RECOMMENDATION

We use this company regularly and they offer small-med size cars, mini vans and also shared options (up to 10 passengers). They are the cheapest and most reliable option we have found so far.

*Additional 80 THB per person for ferry ticket.

OPTION 2: TRAT FLIGHT

BANGKOK-TRAT AIRPORT: Fastest route is to fly from BKK-Trat (1 hr.) From Trat airport it takes around 20 minutes to reach the ferry, 30 minutes for the ferry ride and depending where you are staying another 30 minutes or so to reach your final destination. You can easily get a local taxi or shared minibus when you arrive. (Get from the main desk outside, it is generally cheaper than the independent drivers). It is a small airport with limited daily flights so local taxis/pick up cars will be waiting. Around ฿280 to the pier (inc Ferry ticket). If your transport only takes you to the pier you will need to pay your ferry ticket (฿80 per person) and grab another taxi (they will be waiting) on the other side (around ฿100-150 depending on where you are staying.) Again this will fluctuate during low/high season.

All flights to/from Trat Airport fly only to Suvarnabhumi Airport. ETA from Trat airport to the island: 1 hour+.

BKK-Trat flight tickets: Approx (One Way)

Low Season: ฿1,200/30€/240 RMB

High Season: ฿2800/70€/560 RMB

Peak Season: ฿3500 /90€ /700 RMB

BANGKOK- TRAT FLIGHT TIMES

Bangkok- Trat: 12:40 PM | 16:15 PM

Trat- Bangkok: 14:10 PM | 17:45 PM

Currently there are only 2 flights in each direction per day. **Please bear this in mind when booking.**

The last flight arrives at 5:15pm and more than enough time to reach the last ferry. The ferry will wait for the last flight if it is delayed. If you happen to miss it, no worries- there are plenty of nice hotels to spend the night in Trat before catching the ferry the next morning :-)

OPTION 3: BUS

BUS FROM AIRPORT: Much cheaper then a private car and easier then public buses. Please note these take much longer (7hrs+) and times are much less flexible. Ideal for those who may be arriving in a group or on budget. You will be switched to a smaller mini bus at some point of the journey before the ferry, and then taken direct to your hotel.

SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK): There is a direct bus from the airport leaving at 7am & 11am everyday. Go downstairs to first floor B1 close to GATE 8, you will see a board/stand for KOH CHANG. DMK Airport is slightly different, so times may vary. On the way back it is very easy to buy the return ticket on the island.

Cost: ฿650 one way | 1200 return

You can check more info for schedule, prices and booking here

Additional Info on Transport from Trat Airport click here

OPTION 4: RENT A CAR

RENT A CAR: Rent a car from BKK Airport. Specially indicated for families with kids, and if you want to move easily around the island. (*Note it is right wheel and UK side driving!)

IMPORTANT

Ferry's from Trat to Koh Chang only operate from 6:30am - 6.30pm (Every hour.) Please take that into consideration when booking your ticket to Bangkok. Getting in to your car well before 2pm should be enough time, but double check with us if you are not sure. Otherwise a night or so in Bangkok can be a nice option before you head over to Koh Chang for the rest of your relaxing trip :)

(All prices are a rough approximation and may vary depending on the period you arrive.)

Other options: There are also good public bus services direct from the ferry point (300-500THB), or shared minibus options on the island (600-1200THB) that are substantially cheaper, but will take longer (7-10hrs) Prices include ferry ticket. Great alternative if you have time to explore or on a budget. Times are less flexible and follow a set schedule. This can be a good option on the way back.

For more info:

Ferry time table

Bangkok-Trat Airport Schedule

How to get here

Train, bus, ferry Bookings

THE ISLAND: WHERE TO STAY

The best thing about Koh Chang is the simplicity. The main road makes a circle on the periphery, and you will mostly be using the West side. Ferry arrival is on the North tip, then heading South along the West road, you'll find these main areas:

Klong Prao: That's where we are located (South side!) A village with many good restaurants, bakery, shops and nice beaches nearby. It is the longest stretch of beach on Koh Chang and divided into two parts, Klong Prao North (also called Chai Chet), and Klong Prao South. More low key and quiet compared to other areas of the island. Lots of accommodation options to suit all budgets are available here.
Kai Bae Beach: Located next to Klong Prao, it is also a convenient option and easy to get to us (10mins via scooter!) It is a good in between option as it has more life than Klong Prao with a nice strip of restaurants, shops and bar options, yet not as touristy as White Sand Beach. Ideal for those who prefer boutique resorts or beach bungalows rather than large hotel resorts. The beach however is much nicer further North!
White Sand Beach: The most popular, developed and touristy area of the island. Filled with hotels, restaurants, massage parlours, souvenirs shops, and a local night food market along the main road. Ideal for those who like everything at their fingertips. (20mins scooter ride from us.)
Lonely Beach: Ideal destination for those looking for night life. Mainly a younger crowd, digital nomads and backpackers. There are many budget accommodation options in this area- ideal for those on a limited budget but still wanting to enjoy a more livelier area. Most accommodations are slightly away from the beach. (15 min scooter ride from us.)
South West Coast: Probably the wilder and nicest of the areas of the West coast. Bangbao fishing village is a cute local area and ideal for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling as it is the main set off point for trips. This is slightly further from our place so not as convenient to get to, unless you dont mind driving for quite some time each day.

If you have time, a trip to the East Coast is worth a visit to experience a completely different side of Koh Chang. Upon reaching Salak Pet and Long Beach, you will be transported to a much more quieter and serene atmosphere. These are great options to explore before or after your seminar!

Center of the Island: Several peaks and mountain roads, waterfalls, View spots...a lot to enjoy!

THE ISLAND: MOVING AROUND

Moving around the island is easy, and in Klong Prao you will also have almost anything within walking distance. However, to visit places and the surrounding beaches some means of transportation is highly recommended: