Koh Chang, also known as “Elephant Island” due to its elephant-shaped headland, is Thailand's third-largest island but remains blissfully less crowded than Phuket or Koh Samui. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, near the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is a tropical paradise featuring lush rainforests, stunning white-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for travelers looking to escape the hustle.
In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know before visiting Koh Chang Island in 2025, including how to get there, top beaches, where to stay, best things to do, local cuisine, nightlife, and insider travel tips.
Best Time to Visit Koh Chang
Thailand has four distinct seasons, which are:
- Dry season: Lasts from January to February.
- Hot season: Starts from March to May.
- Rainy season: From June to October.
- Cool season: From November to the end of December.
Based on the 4 seasons above, you can easily choose the perfect time frame to travel to Koh Chang Island. However, you should also consider the high and low seasons in Thailand.
Peak tourist season in Koh Chang
For the peak season, it will fall from November to May every year. That is because during this time the weather in Koh Chang will be sunny, no rain and the climate is mild. That is why tourists flock to Koh Chang more bustling than usual. At the same time, tourism services such as sleeping, resting, eating, ... will also increase in price. Therefore, if you choose to go during the peak season. You should book services 1 to 2 months in advance to avoid the situation of "sold out" tickets.
Low tourist season in Koh Chang
For the low season, although the tourist services will be cheaper and less crowded. But because this is the rainy season (from May to October), it will be quite troublesome for you if you go during this season. Sudden rains and humid air will make your journey not very enjoyable. In addition, services such as restaurants and hotels will also close some places because of the lack of customers. If you want to go during this time, you need to research carefully and prepare all the necessary luggage for the trip.
Based on Phuot's travel experience on Koh Chang Island. The best time to take a trip to explore Koh Chang is from September to October. Because this is when the rainy season gradually ends and it is not yet the peak season. When the rains pass, the air will gradually become cooler. At the same time, the number of visitors during this time is not too crowded and the services have just opened so the cost will be low. This is a good opportunity for you to have fun and spend freely because the service prices are not high anymore!
How to get to Koh Chang?
You can take a boat from Tha Thammachat and Tha Centrepoint to Koh Chang, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. From Bangkok, you can take a bus to the piers, which takes about 6 hours. You can also catch a boat from Koh Kood (about 5 hours) or Koh Mak (1 hour).
See more: Self-sufficient travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Thailand by bus to equip yourself with more knowledge for your upcoming trip
The most famous tourist attractions in Koh Chang
Koh Chang has a variety of different tourist destinations for visitors to explore. Let's explore some of the most famous tourist destinations in Koh Chang with Phuot Vi Vu:
Klong Plu Waterfall
Klong Plu Waterfall is one of the natural tourist attractions that cannot be missed when traveling to Koh Chang. Surrounded by a lush green forest, the waterfall falls down to form a clear natural lake. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and relax in the cool water. With just a short and easy trekking route, visitors will admire the wild beauty of the mountains and forests and diverse ecosystems.
Kai Bae Beach
Kai Bae Beach is the perfect destination for those who love the wild and peaceful beauty of the ocean. According to Phuot Vi Vu's Koh Chang travel experience. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, Kai Bae is also famous for its quiet atmosphere, suitable for family or couple vacations. In addition, along Kai Bae beach there are also many restaurants and other entertainment venues.
Klong Prao Beach
Klong Prao Beach is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on Koh Chang Island. The interesting thing about Klong Prao Beach is that it has small creeks flowing into the sea, creating a beauty that is both pristine and poetic. One of the memorable experiences in Klong Prao is watching the sunset. When the sun slowly sets into the sea. Visitors will witness a beautiful scene with a brilliant sky, creating a romantic scene, attracting many tourists and photographers.
Hat Tha Nam
One of the most famous beaches in Koh Chang. Hat Tha Nam has smooth white sand and clear blue water. Hat Tha Nam is truly a vibrant entertainment center for young people, especially backpackers. Every night, Hat Tha Nam becomes bustling with beach parties, music and bright lights. Bringing a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
Salak Phet Peak
Salak Phet Mountain is the highest mountain on Koh Chang and is a great destination for those who love exploring nature and climbing. Climbing to the top of Salak Phet is a journey that requires endurance and patience for Koh Chang tourists. From the top, visitors can admire Salak Phet Bay and many small islands in the distance. The climbing route takes you through dense primeval forests, home to many rare species of flora and fauna.
Special festivals in Koh Chang
As a province with many temples and large religious sites, Koh Chang hosts many unique festivals every year with the participation of thousands of tourists. Some of the most famous festivals in Koh Chang include:
Songkran
The word “Songkran” comes from Sanskrit, meaning “transition” or “change,” referring to the transition from the old year to the new year. Songkran is an occasion for Thai people to express their gratitude to the gods and ancestors and pray for a lucky and peaceful new year. Songkran is also a time for family reunions. Family members return to their hometowns, clean their houses, and perform traditional rituals to ask for blessings for the new year.
Koh Chang Food Festival
The Koh Chang Food Festival is usually held in September every year, when the tourist season on Koh Chang Island starts to pick up again. The main events of the festival usually take place in tourist areas such as Klong Prao Beach and the central areas of the island. The Koh Chang Food Festival is not only an opportunity to discover local specialties but also offers a unique cultural experience.
Boat racing festival
The Traditional Boat Racing Festival is an opportunity for the people of Koh Chang to honor the fishing and maritime traditions of the coastal people. The boat racing festival is also an event to demonstrate the spirit of solidarity, competition and love of the sea of the local community. Boat racing is not only a sport but also a way for people to show their skills and ingenuity with traditional boats.
Exciting experiences in Koh Chang that you should join
Hiking
Koh Chang is one of the few Thai islands that is ideal for hiking. If you are looking for a cool place, you can go to a waterfall. The roads to these areas are not only rich in flora but also have a lot of wildlife. Specifically, monkeys, lizards, rare birds, snakes, deer, and even elephants.
Diving
In Koh Chang, diving activities are not as suitable and convenient as in Koh Tao . But that does not mean you cannot go diving. Not only diving in Koh Chang but you can also dive in other neighboring areas.
Mu Ko Chang National Park
To fully appreciate the beauty of Koh Chang, head to Mu Ko Chang National Park. The sunsets here are beautiful. Especially on clear days. Here, we will not give you any itinerary except to suggest: rent a scooter. Only when you explore the area yourself. You will understand why this place is always loved by adventurous travelers.
Cuisine in Koh Chang
Attractive cuisine in Koh Chang
When coming to Koh Chang, what are the attractive specialties to enjoy? This is certainly the question most tourists ask. If you have come to the pristine and beautiful island of Koh Chang. The dish that you should not miss is the attractive fresh seafood dishes. The seafood dishes in Koh Chang are all processed very specially. Both fresh and harmonious with the aromatic and spicy spices make the dish more delicious.
So where to enjoy these specialties? There are hundreds of restaurants on Chang Island serving dishes from all over the world. But if you have come to Koh Chang. You should not miss Ciao Koh Chang restaurant, Blue Lagoon, Q Etery, Ido Ido White Restaurant Chillout or the Kitchen. All of the above restaurants have affordable prices with the most delicious seafood dishes.
Or, if you want to eat while watching the vast ocean. You can go to the central area of White sand beach. There are often grilled food restaurants located close to the sea. The grilled dishes at the restaurant are all dipped in a special sauce that makes diners unforgettable. Although a bit spicy, when served with seafood and the scent of the sea breeze, it is extremely attractive. Don't forget to enjoy the fresh air and watch the poetic beach on Koh Chang island during your meal!
The best specialties in Koh Chang
As mentioned, Koh Chang not only has many beautiful tourist attractions but also many delicious specialties that are hard to resist. Some of the best dishes in Koh Chang that Phuot Vi Vu has tried include:
- Grilled Skewers (Moo Ping) : Pork marinated and grilled over charcoal, often served with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
- Mango Sticky Rice : Made from sticky rice, ripe mango and coconut milk. Sticky rice and the sweetness of mango create a very attractive dish.
- Tom Yum Goong : Tom Yum Goong has a distinctive spicy and sour taste and is an indispensable dish in Thai meals.
- Thai Curry : Famous for its rich flavor and rich spices. Thai curry has many different variations with extremely diverse flavors.
- Som Tam : Thai papaya salad with sour, sweet, spicy and salty flavors. Made with green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts and fish sauce.
What to buy as souvenirs when traveling to Koh Chang
There are many souvenirs that you can give to your relatives and friends when traveling in Koh Chang. Here are some suggestions from Phuot Vi Vu for you:
- Thai Tea and Coffee: Thai tea and coffee are great gifts to bring back. Thanks to their rich and delicious flavors.
- Handicrafts : Koh Chang has many unique handicrafts that make highly practical gifts.
- Dried seafood: If you love seafood, don't forget to buy dried seafood such as dried squid and dried shrimp to bring back as gifts.
- Health care products : Thai creams and cosmetics are certainly very famous among women. Thanks to their natural ingredients and great effects.
- T-shirts: Shops on the island often sell T-shirts and apparel printed with images typical of Koh Chang.