Bangkok to Koh Chang tickets

About the ride from Bangkok to Koh Chang

When the chaos of Bangkok overwhelms you, retreat to the serene shores of Koh Chang.

Traversing the 348-kilometer (216-mile) distance between the two takes anywhere from one hour to ten, depending on your method of transportation.

To reach Koh Chang from Bangkok, choose between taking a flight, a private transfer in a minivan or car, or a combination of a bus or van and a ferry.

What is Koh Chang like?

Koh Chang is an ideal destination to avoid the crowds of popular beachside areas like Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Phangan.

Backpackers and budget travelers love the many free activities and affordable hostels, while luxury or mid-range budget travelers adore the gorgeous resorts and watersport adventures.

Translating to "elephant island," Koh Chang is Thailand's third-largest island and offers pristine views, wild landscapes, and thriving nightlife.

With a more low-key tourist infrastructure than its more popular sisters, Koh Chang retains its untouched charm, and visitors won't fight to find a spot on the beach.

Fall in love exploring Koh Chang's numerous waterfalls, diving into its wild jungle, swimming in the underwater seascapes surrounding its shores, and catching rays on its beaches.

Six thrilling activities in Koh Chang

There is no shortage of thrilling activities to fill your time in Koh Chang, but keep these top attractions in mind when planning your days:

1. Relax on the glorious beaches. For a luxurious and relaxing beach day, head to Kai Bae or Klong Prao for a quieter day. These beaches don't center around parties, so people can peacefully sunbathe.

2. Explore the rich eco-diversity of Mu Koh Chang National Park. The park includes almost the entire island, making it a literally unmissable attraction. Hire a local guide to take you around the best gems.

3. Hike to Kai Bae viewpoint. Load up on the water and conquer this hike to see magnificent island vistas. Start early to avoid getting stuck at the peak when the sun reaches scorching levels.

4. Swim in Klong Plu Waterfall. After accessing it from Klong Pra Beach, visitors take a 600-meter walk that leads to the bottom of the 20-meter-high fall. There is a refreshing pool to swim in or hike to the top for an epic view. 

5. Go scuba diving or snorkeling. With dozens of incredible sites, Koh Chang is a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is also the center of Mu Koh Chang National Park's marine reserve, which covers 40 islands. See colorful reefs, fish, and white-tailed sharks up close.

6. Island hop to Koh Mak. Take a 45-minute speedboat drive south of Koh Chang to this smaller island, circumnavigated in an hour and a half by bike. This slice of paradise is home to fishing villages and marvelous beaches. You can rent kayaks on the beach to enjoy the scenery on the water.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

There are a few options to reach Bangkok from Koh Chang.

You can hop on a short flight or book a private transfer in a minivan or a car as the most direct method of transportation. For these options, you'll still need to take a ferry from the mainland to reach Koh Chang.

Alternatively, book a combination van + ferry ticket or a bus + ferry ticket to reach the paradisaical island.

Below are the details of each:

By flight: The quickest option to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang 

The fastest way to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok is to hop on a flight.

This one-hour flight departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport and arrives at Trat Airport in the Khao Saming District. Tickets start at $51.

Taking a flight is often the preferred option for travelers with a higher budget and those with limited time to explore Thailand.

Amenities onboard include:

Air conditioning 

WC

Reclining seats

20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage allowed

From Trat Airport, you can take a minivan or taxi transfer to reach Ao Thammachat Pier or Center Point Pier. From there, the ferry will take 30 minutes to reach Koh Chang.

The combination option: The most streamlined way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang

Booking a van + ferry or bus + ferry combination is the easiest option to travel between Bangkok and Koh Chang.

Tickets for this option start at around $20 per passenger. Depending on the company you choose, the vehicle may or may not board the ferry with you. If it doesn't, you'll meet a new vehicle at the other end. 

Traveling this way takes all the thinking out of the experience because you'll get dropped off at the ferry, and the drivers will manage the whole trip.

By van and ferry

The minivan option picks travelers up from a specific pick-up point — check your booking details to confirm the location — and drops passengers off at their hotel in Koh Chang. 

After arriving at the pier, the driver will transfer the passengers and hand out ferry tickets. Travelers can expect to pay around $25 per passenger.

Crossing the Gulf of Thailand will take 30 minutes. Passengers deboard at Ao Sapparot Pier or the Trat Ferry Pier on the north side of Koh Chang.

The total journey time is 4.5-7 hours.

Possible amenities include:

Air conditioning

Rest stops

Reclining seats

A luggage allowance of up to 23 kg (50 lbs)

By bus and ferry

The bus option takes six to ten hours to reach Koh Chang from Bangkok. 

Travelers will leave from different bus stations, according to the operator. Double-check your ticket before departure and arrive at least 30 minutes early to find the correct bus in time.

While there is no hotel pick-up option, some services offer airport pick-up. There is an option to get dropped off directly at your hotel.

Possible amenities include:

Air conditioning

WC on board

Rest stops

Reclining seats

A luggage allowance of up to 30 kg (66 lbs)

Snacks and drinks provided

TV, subject to availability

By private transfer: The easiest way to get between Bangkok and Koh Chang

Travelers with a higher budget may prefer a private minivan or car transfer. Private cars start at $130 per vehicle. Minivans start at around $160.

This option will take approximately 6 to 6.5 hours.

You must pay the ferry ticket directly to the ferry operator; it is not included in the ticket price. Tickets cost approximately $3-10 for the short trip.

After being picked up from either Bangkok's airports or your chosen hotel, you'll be transported to the ferry crossing.

From there, travelers will board a ferry with their transport before being dropped off at their chosen hotel in Koh Chang. Some services may drop you off to cross on a passenger-only ferry before picking you up on the other side.

Always confirm the details of your journey directly with the operator before departure.

Possible minivan amenities include:

Up to nine passengers, depending on the operator

Air conditioning

Reclining seats

Rest stops 

A luggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lbs) bag and one 7 kg (15 lbs) piece of hand luggage

Possible car amenities include:

It can take 3-4 passengers

Air conditioning

Reclining seats

Rest stops 

A luggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lbs) bag and one 7 kg (15 lbs) piece of hand luggage

The best things about the journey from Bangkok to Koh Chang

When you're ready to tear yourself away from Bangkok's maze of wonders, the journey to Koh Chang will introduce you to Thailand's surreal natural beauty.

Watch carefully as the city of Bangkok melts away into luscious green forests and sprawling fields before seeping into a seemingly endless shoreline ending in sapphire blue water stretching into the horizon.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

The best time to visit Koh Chang is during Thailand's dry season, which starts around November and ends in April or mid-May. However, the best weather months in Koh Chang are between November and February.

During these months, the islands experience glorious sunny days with minimal humidity. Temperatures range from 79-82.4°F (26-28°C) during the day to 66-68°F (19-20°C) at night.

How long should I spend in Koh Chang?

Spend at least three days in Koh Chang for the beautiful views, to lounge on the beach, and to learn to drive a moped.

If getting your scuba diving certification is on your priority list, consider booking at least two weeks on Koh Chang, allowing enough time to complete the qualification and explore more island wonders.

Where to after Koh Chang?

If the island life is feeling sleepy, head to Pattaya to get your party fix. It'll take about six hours, but if nightlife is what you want, this is the place to go.