The Most Idyllic Beaches in Koh Chang
Planning a trip to Thailand? The beaches in Koh Chang are some of the finest Thailand has to offer. Less developed + more nature = paradise.
Are you looking for a relaxing holiday sitting on a tropical beach? Or a mix between basking in the sun and dancing all night long? Or maybe you want to visit less developed beaches in Thailand? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the island of Koh Chang is calling your name. Some of the beaches in Koh Chang are the finest Thailand offers.
Located off the eastern gulf coast, Koh Chang is sometimes forgotten when planning a Thailand itinerary. Perhaps it’s not as well known as busy Phuket, or maybe because it is less developed. But isn’t that a good thing?
Whatever the reason, it should not be overlooked.
Easily accessible from Bangkok, the island is the second largest in Thailand. With several white sandy beaches, laid-back cafes and restaurants, waterfalls, rainforests and amazing coral offshore, it’s a true gem.
Best Beaches in Koh Chang
What’s incredible about Koh Chang beaches is there is an option for everyone, whether you’re a partygoer, visiting with young children, or a couple looking to escape the crowds.
The island’s western coast is primarily more developed (with hotels, restaurants, and shops), so the beaches are also busier. Some are harder to access, making them quieter and more remote, while others are conveniently located near a vibrant town.
The eastern side is where you will find more deserted beaches.
In this post, we will focus on the west coast beaches, heading from north to south.
White Sand Beach
Best for beach lovers who want it all.
Located on the northwestern end of the island, White Sand Beach is by far the liveliest beach. In saying that, it also happens to be the most convenient in terms of amenities, with a range of hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars.
Nonetheless, it is actually one of the best beaches in Koh Chang.
The white sand stretches for 3 kilometers, and the crystal-clear water makes the swimming conditions perfect. Another plus is that it’s the widest beach, so there is plenty of space to lay your towel.
There are a few things to note about spending a day at White Sand Beach. Many of the best hotels in Koh Chang are in the south and central portion of this beach, so they are the busiest areas.
However, if you enjoy peace and quiet, head to the north end of the beach, where there are a few bungalows and a more carefree ambiance.
Klong Prao Beach
Best for sunset chasers.
Do you prefer a quieter, less touristy beach area?
Home to some of the high-end resorts on the island, Klong Prao Beach is a quieter alternative to the touristy White Sand Beach. This is the ideal place to stay as a family or a couple.
With stretches of white sandy areas to sit, clear waters and palm trees running along the edge of the beachfront, it’s a slice of paradise. It’s the largest beach on the island and is also known to be the most picturesque in Koh Chang. Splitting the beach in two is an estuary that runs into the sea from a coconut plantation.
If you are skipping the Koh Chang nightlife, come here for the sunsets. One word: insane!
Kai Bae Beach
Best for view chasers
Kai Bae beach is a brilliant choice for families, couples or solo travelers, with restaurants, shops and bars nearby. In other words, it’s an all-rounder beach.
The beach area is not as developed as White Sand Beach and has less party vibes than Lonely Beach.
What makes Kai Bae so unique is the views of the neighboring islands. If you are looking for a fun activity, rent a kayak and paddle around. You may even be able to reach one of the other islands nearby.
Private island all to yourself? That sounds pretty good, hey!
Lonely Beach
Best for beach lovers who like a good party
No longer is Lonely Beach a quiet area. So, if you are coming to Koh Chang to tan and party, look no further than Lonely Beach. Koh Chang’s nightlife is predominantly around this area, as are most of the hostels.
While the beach area isn’t as large as White Sand Beach, it is still stunning. The area also holds a unique charm about it.
For those looking to partake in the party scene, grab a few beers, find a spot on the beach, and visit Ting Tong Bar or Himmel—both play the latest dance tunes or reggae music. Then, order a few buckets to ramp up the party, and you’ll be dancing all night long.
It’s a pretty great way to enjoy your time in Koh Chang!
Unlike the name, this is not a beach where you will feel lonely!
Klong Kloi Beach
Best for remote beach lovers
Also known as Bangbao beach, Klong Kloi is the island’s southernmost beach. Until recently, this beach area wasn’t developed, but a few restaurants, bars and small resorts have popped up. However, it still feels more remote than other beaches around the island.
The lack of development does not reflect the beach’s beauty. Powdery-white sand, crystal-clear water and an abundance of palm trees are what you can expect. If you choose to visit Klong Kloi, you are coming to bask in the sun for hours and take in the relaxing surroundings of the crescent-shaped bay.
What else is there to do in Koh Chang?
If you are wondering what to do in Koh Chang besides beach hopping, then below are some great suggestions:
- Koh Chang waterfalls: One of the best waterfalls on the island is Klong Plu waterfall, near the village of Klong Plu up a riverside road. It’s a great place to cool off and enjoy the natural pool, and it’s the most popular.
- Go snorkeling: Whether you do a guided tour or snorkel off the beach, you will find many colorful fish, bright coral and other marine life. If you go on a guided tour, it’s a fun day trip, and you’ll also get a good look at the neighboring islands.
- Hike to the top of Koh Chang: Kikes in Koh Chang include Khao Laem, Khao Chang Yai and Khao Salak, each with varying difficulty levels. The views from above offer unbeatable panoramic views of the island and beyond.
- Enjoy happy hour at sunset: Grab a beer or cocktail and head to any of the beaches on the west coast to enjoy marvelous views at sunset. Kai Bae (particularly the viewpoint), Klong Prao and Bang Bao offer some of the best sunsets in Koh Chang.
Tips for visiting Koh Chang
How to get to Koh Chang: The fastest way to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok is to fly into Trat (1 hour travel time).
However, it’s also the most expensive option.
To get from Trat to Koh Chang, you must transfer to the ferry terminal, a 30-minute drive. Minibusses are timed perfectly, so when your flight lands, there will be a minibus to connect you to the ferry.
Alternatively, catch the bus+ferry from Bangkok to Koh Chang (about $21). It’s the most cost-effective option, but it’s a slow one. Departing at 5 or 6 am, the bus and ferry take between 7-8 hours.
How to get around: The best way to explore the area and the beaches in Koh Chang is by songthaew, a converted pick-up truck. Most routes now have set prices around 50-150 baht ($1.50-$4.50).
For trips to the other side of the island, travelers can rent a scooter or car. The roads pretty much circle the entire island, with only a few tricky parts to navigate. This option gives you a lot more flexibility.
Weather in Koh Chang?
Koh Chang’s weather is beautiful year-round, making it an epic holiday spot.
Like any place in Thailand, it experiences a rainy season (May to October), although it is rare for the rain to stick around all day long.
Nothing beats a holiday where you can spend your mornings at the beaches in Koh Chang. Then, go on afternoon hikes or waterfall adventures and back to the beach for sunset beers.
Who’s ready?
FAQ
The local currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht.
Pad Thai is obviously a well-known dish. Other dishes to try include tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), som tam (spicy green papaya salad) and khao soi (creamy coconut curry noodle soup).
If you enjoy island hopping, check out Ko Mak or Ko Kut, which are close to Koh Chang. Both are beautiful islands that are even less developed than Koh Chang. Otherwise, check out Bookaway’s other routes in Thailand.