We’ve visited Koh Chang numerous times, and it’s truly one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It’s the only paradise-like island within reasonable driving distance from Bangkok, making it an ideal getaway. Located on the Eastern Seaboard, in the Gulf of Thailand and not far from Cambodia, Koh Chang is easy to reach. While you also have Koh Samet along the way, it’s a much smaller island. Koh Larn from Pattaya and Koh Sichang from Sriracha are also options, but they’re much tinier in comparison.
Koh Chang is a large island, full of activities, stunning beaches, excellent restaurants, and endless opportunities to venture out to sea—whether you’re into fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby smaller islands. Just south of Koh Chang, you’ll find Koh Mak and Koh Kood, which are wilder, more secluded islands only accessible by speedboat or traditional wooden ferries, making them perfect for those seeking a more remote experience.
Driving to Koh Chang is by far the most practical option, especially when you’re traveling with kids and all the gear that entails. The island is conveniently close to the mainland, with a short 15-minute ferry crossing. From Bangkok, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive to the pier. Depending on the season, you might have to wait for the next ferry, as they can fill up quickly, or you might get lucky and board right away.
One thing to note about Koh Chang is that once you arrive on the north side, you have to choose whether to head west or east, as the roads don’t connect to the southern tip. Personally, we’ve only ever explored the west coast, which is the more developed side, featuring sandy beaches, while the east coast is more rugged and cliff-lined.
One minor downside to Koh Chang is that the main roads are usually set back from the coastline, and views of the beach are often blocked by buildings or resort walls. This means you often have to pass through resorts to access the beach. That means the choice of the hotel is crucial and it’s of course better to choose one directly on the beach.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy. White Sand Beach is the largest and most popular, but we prefer the central to southern area around Klong Prao Beach and Kai Bae Beach, where you’ll find upscale resorts and most of the island’s best restaurants. Lonely Beach is known for its laid-back, hippie vibe, with affordable accommodations and a vibrant party scene along its walking street. At the southernmost point, Bang Bao is a charming fishing village with a pier lined with shops and cafes built on stilts over the water.
Recently, I captured a series of photos on Koh Chang Island, mainly focusing on the pristine beaches and the luxurious Emerald Cove 5-star hotel. The images showcase the natural beauty of the island’s shores, with golden sands meeting the turquoise sea. The Emerald Cove Tropicana Hotel has elegance and comfort. The photos offer glimpses of the hotel’s stunning architecture, inviting pools, and lush surroundings. It’s a visual journey that captures the essence of relaxation and tropical allure found on Koh Chang’s sun-kissed beaches.
On the shores of Koh Chang, Emerald Cove is a 5-star hotel that gracefully sits by the beach, offering stunning views of the sea, with coconut trees and a large rectangular pool. The beach and the garden do all the job, it’s one of the good luxury hotels in Koh Chang, though it’s not fabulous, just pleasant. It’s also on the right location, centrally located with good restaurants around.
Another nice hotel is the Seaview (now Sylvan), it’s a bit secluded though so requires to have a car, or to rent scooters, which anyway is recommended on any island in Thailand.
Formerly known as Sea View Resort Koh Chang, this luxury beachfront resort has been rebranded as Sylvan Koh Chang. Situated just south of Kai Bae Beach, it boasts its own private stretch of sand, offering a serene escape amidst nature. The resort is expansive and lush, with a vibrant mix of tropical vegetation, cascading down a steep hillside. A cable car conveniently connects the beach to the upper part of the resort, where breakfast is served with breathtaking panoramic views.
Sylvan offers a variety of room types, with the most sought-after being those closest to the beach. Recent renovations have modernized some of the older rooms, reflecting a rise in pricing, but enhancing the overall experience. One of the resort’s standout features is its stunning outdoor spa, complete with bubble baths overlooking the jungle, where playful monkeys can often be seen. The sauna, too, offers a unique experience with its glass wall revealing the lush forest beyond, blending relaxation with the beauty of nature.
Boat trips from Bang Bao are highly recommended for anyone visiting Koh Chang. These excursions typically take you around the small islands just south of Koh Chang, offering an unforgettable experience on the clear, turquoise waters. Most boat tours provide masks and snorkels, giving you the chance to explore the vibrant marine life up close.
I once joined a free diving expedition from Bang Bao, and while I wasn’t great at holding my breath long enough to reach the bottom, it was incredible to watch my friends dive deep into the water, with some even trying their hand at spearfishing. The highlight of the trip was savoring freshly caught barracuda sashimi right on board—an unforgettable experience.
One stop you shouldn’t miss is the small island of Koh Wai. It’s the perfect vision of a secluded, tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere that feels straight out of a dream. This little gem is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true island escape.
