Koh Chang is the largest island on Thailand’s eastern seaboard and the third largest island in Thailand, after Phuket and Koh Samui. Of the islands near Pattaya on Thailand’s eastern seaboard, Koh Chang has the most to offer.
There are more activities and things to do on Koh Chang than on Koh Samet, Koh Lahn, and Koh Sichang.
If you are looking only for a beach holiday, Koh Samet and Koh Lahn are a good choice, but if you want a little variety, adventure, and more things to do rather than just sit on the beach all day, then you must choose Koh Chang.
There are several options for getting to Koh Chang from Pattaya, including taking your own vehicle, taxi, and budget van services.
Accommodation in Koh Chang is diverse; there are cheap backpacker huts, luxury spas, and resorts, and best of all, there are some fantastic hotels and resorts right on the beachfront.
The beaches are just as diverse; White Sands Beach is the most popular beach on Koh Chang. Hence, it can get quite congested, but you can still find relatively secluded beaches elsewhere on the island.
For me, the best beach in Koh Chang is Klong Prao Beach. It’s big, safe, and surprisingly it never gets overcrowded.
Whether you’re a party animal, a backpacker, a beach potato, an adrenaline junkie, or a solitude seeker, you will be perfectly happy on this most beautiful Thai island that is Koh Chang.
I selected a few of the best things to do on Koh Chang and accompanied them with photos (below). Read on and discover why Koh Chang can be one of the best islands to vist near Pattaya.
Salakkok Bay
Salakkok Bay is home to a traditional Thai fishing community, and where you can see a traditional way of life and Thai architecture in unspoiled natural surroundings.
The bay is surrounded by mangrove trees similar to the mangrove forest at Prasae in Rayong. A river enters the bay and flows out to sea, the bay is quite shallow but has some deep channels used by the fishing boats to navigate to and from the sea.
On the same pier as the Kayak Station there is a restaurant, I’m not sure that I would drive all the way there just to eat, but it’s a fantastic location, peaceful and idyllic, fishing boats chugging up and down the river, and a feeling that you are as close to traditional life in Thailand as you’re ever going to be.
One of the highlights here, at least for me and my kids, is to explore by kayak.
The Kayak Station at Salakkok Bay has kayaks for rent or you can simply enjoy the ride as you are rowed around on a gondola-style boat. The mangrove swamp is a beautiful place to explore. As you paddle downriver from the kayak station, you enter a large bay that flows out to sea; there are small channels and little detours you can take through the mangroves.
Bang Bao
Bang Bao fishing village, located on the southern end of the west coast, is one of the most popular attractions on Koh Chang Thailand.
The approximately 350-meter-long pier is a popular haunt of tourists looking for souvenirs. There are also plenty of seafood restaurants on the pier. Speed boat rides are also available at the end of the pier.
Klong Plu Waterfall
Thanks to Koh Chang’s mountainous terrain, there are numerous waterfalls on the island, most of them are within national parks, so there is an entrance fee. The most popular waterfall on Koh Chang is Klong Plu Waterfall, a great place to go for a refreshing swim or to impress the masses with your daring acrobatic dives into the pool.
Because the waterfall is inside a national park there is an admission fee of 200 baht for adults, and about 100 baht for children, although Thai nationals pay considerably less. Klong Plu waterfall is open to visitors between 8 AM and 5 PM, from the parking area it’s about a 15 minute walk along a forested path which runs parallel to the river.
The plunge pool at the bottom of the waterfall is the main attraction. In some places the water is deep enough to jump in from high off the rock face. The water is refreshingly cool rather than shockingly cold, but the first leap in might result in a sharp intake of breath.
The track to Klong Plu is quite rough, my kids managed it in flip flops but I suggest Crocs or at least something with a heel strap.
Elephant Trekking
Koh Chang translates to “Elephant Island”, so named because the island’s shape is said to resemble the head of an elephant. Like many destinations in Thailand, you can still find elephant trekking camps on the island. However, you may also find more ethical experiences that don’t involve riding elephants, similar to those offered by the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Pattaya.
Explore Koh Chang by Motorcycle
From secluded beaches and waterfalls to breathtaking viewpoints like the one pictured above, Koh Chang is an island that’s made for exploring. One of the best ways to see it all is by motorcycle. The island’s winding, relatively quiet roads have an irresistible appeal, making the ride and the views equally rewarding.
However, the roads can be steep, winding, and slippery after rain, so always ride with care.
Nightlife on Koh Chang
Most places on Koh Chang have a selection of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal, a few drinks, and a relaxed evening by the sea. However, if you’re looking for somewhere a little livelier, there are a few areas worth heading to.
Lonely Beach is the place to go for a party atmosphere, with reggae bars, ones with live music or DJs, and a younger backpacker crowd who party until the early hours.
White Sands Beach has a wide choice of nightlife, from beachfront dining and fire shows to bars and a small beer bar area, often referred to as “Little Pattaya,” at the southern end of the beach.
Kai Bae Beach has a more relaxed vibe, with beach bars, restaurants, and a small cluster of bars, including a walking street, where you can enjoy a chat with the friendly female staff.
Chai Chet is another area worth exploring, especially if you want a few drinks in a quieter setting, with restaurants, bars, and a small beer bar scene.
Koh Chang is not Pattaya, and you won’t find the same scale of nightlife, but if you enjoy good food, cold drinks, live music, or even some company, the island has plenty to offer.
Best Places to Stay on Koh Chang
Koh Chang has accommodation to suit every budget, but I’d recommend staying on either White Sands Beach or Klong Prao Beach if a recommendation is what you’re looking for. White Sands puts you close to the island’s busiest restaurants and nightlife, while Klong Prao offers one of the island’s best beaches and a much quieter atmosphere.
Agoda is the recommended booking site to use if you want the best choice and value-for-money hotels in Koh Chang.