Your Family Friendly Guide to Koh Chang, Thailand: How to Get There, Where to Stay & What to Do

The truth is, after four years in Thailand, we have not travelled locally as much as we have wanted to. However, we finally checked off Koh Chang, Thailand, from our list thanks to a friend who offered his truck and company during our school break in June and July.

Is Koh Chang, Thailand, Worth Visiting?

Koh Chang is another beach option tourists and families can visit near Bangkok. With only a 6-hour trip by car and ferry, Koh Chang can be worth the trip if you are looking for a vacation that’s:

Affordable. Koh Chang is moderately priced, especially during the wet season (June and July), when hotels and activities can be booked for almost half their regular price during the peak tourist season in Thailand.

Less Crowded. Unlike Thailand’s famous islands, Krabi and Phuket, Koh Chang has fewer tourists, so you can enjoy family-friendly activities.

Family-Friendly. If you’re traveling with family, especially small children, Koh Chang is an excellent option due to its relaxed atmosphere and numerous kid-friendly activities.

Good International Cuisine Restaurants. Of course, a good Thailand vacation must be enjoyed with delicious local food. But Koh Chang is also popular for restaurants serving international cuisines, so they are also a great option if you’re craving Italian food, Greek cuisine, or Mexican dishes.

Best Beach Resort to Stay in Koh Chang

As always, the best beach resorts in Thailand depend on your needs and planned activities. For us, we only wanted to hang out by the beach and explore its popular international food scene, so we chose Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort. However, we also visited White Sand Beach to see what it was like, and we feel that it may be a better option due to its finer sands and proximity to restaurants, shops, and other activities.

How to Go from Bangkok to Koh Chang

There are numerous options for traveling from Bangkok to Koh Chang by land, including buses and private van transfers that can be booked through travel desks at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Bangkok Airports, as well as other tour companies. But if you plan to explore Bangkok first before heading to Koh Chang, Klook has a ferry & bus combo ticket starting at THB 941.

Otherwise, you can travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang by bus through the bus terminal in Ekkamai or Mo Chit to Trat. From there, you can take a 45-minute ferry ride from any of the piers (Ao Thammachat or Trat Ferry Pier) to Koh Chang. Ferries to Koh Chang are available every day from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm for only THB 80 per person.

Family Friendly Activities in Koh Chang

With a mixture of beaches and forests, Koh Chang offers plenty of family-friendly experiences, including:

Thai Gondola Cruise Experience at Koh Chang. Boat cruise among a mangrove forest. Starts at THB 530 per person in Klook.

Snorkeling and Island Hopping. Beach tour and snorkeling in 4 islands. Starts at THB 878 per person in Klook.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding. Immersive mangrove forest tour with kayak or paddle board. Starts at THB 330 and THB 625 per head, respectively, via Klook.

Exploring Mu Koh Chang National Park. Discover diverse flora and fauna by visiting the Mu Koh Chang National Park.

But of course, everyone can enjoy a staycation at a beachfront resort, and fun pools are available in the area.

Word of caution: Koh Chang is infamous for sandflies (also called sand fleas or biting midges). While sand bugs are not exclusive to Koh Chang, some areas, notably quieter, less populated beaches, can have more. They say sandflies are more active in the early morning and late afternoon, so it’s best to time your swim, cover up with rash guards, or apply sand fly repellent.

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