📍 Destination Overview
Ko Chang is the largest island off Trat Province in eastern Thailand and the country's second-biggest island. Roughly 70% of it is covered by a national park, giving it a raw feel of dense rainforest, waterfalls and wild elephants. Developed later than Phuket or Koh Samui, it stays relaxed, with the main settlements strung along the west coast at White Sand Beach, Kai Bae, Lonely Beach and the stilt fishing village of Bang Bao. Offshore reefs and islets such as Ko Wai offer clear water for snorkelling and diving.
Region
Gulf of Thailand, off Trat Province in eastern Thailand
Best season
Cool/dry season from November to February
Currency & language
Thai baht (THB); Thai
Recommended stay
3 to 4 days
Plugs & voltage
220V/50Hz; flat two-pin A/B/C sockets
Time zone
UTC+7
☀️ Best Time to Visit & Climate
🏖️ Dry Season: Nov–Apr
21–33°C with calm seas and good visibility—peak season for diving and beach holidays.
☀️ Cool Season: Dec–Feb
21–32°C, the driest and most comfortable part of the dry season, and also the busiest.
January
☀️
31°/21°
Best
February
☀️
32°/22°
Best
March
☀️
33°/24°
Fair
April
☀️
33°/25°
Fair
May
🌧️
32°/25°
June
🌧️
31°/25°
July
🌧️
30°/24°
August
🌧️
30°/24°
September
🌧️
30°/24°
October
🌧️
31°/23°
November
☀️
31°/22°
Best
December
☀️
30°/21°
Best
🎯 Ko Chang Experiences
Island-hopping snorkel & dive
Visit outlying islets to fin over coral with reef fish
Jungle waterfall trekking
Hike virgin rainforest, possibly spotting elephants on the way to waterfalls
Seafood at the stilt village
Dine on the day's catch at wooden houses over the water at Bang Bao
Scooter circle of the island
Ride the coastal road to hidden bays in the south and east
The best window is the dry season, Nov–Apr: 21–33°C with calm seas and good visibility—peak season for diving and beach holidays; Dec–Feb is driest and most comfortable but busiest. May–Oct brings the southwest monsoon with heavy rain, rough seas and disruption to some ferries and mountain roads.
🚌 Transport & Stays
City Transport
Bangkok to Trat
Bus or minivan about 5-6 hours to the Trat piers
about 300-500 THB (reference)
Ferry to the island
30-60 minutes by ferry from different Trat piers
about 100-200 THB (reference)
Getting around
Rent a scooter; songthaews and taxis also available
scooter about 200-300 THB/day (reference)
Recommended Stay Areas
White Sand Beach
Convenient and lively with the most restaurants and bars; good for first-timers
Kai Bae
Quiet mid- to upmarket strip of resorts with sea views
Lonely Beach
Backpacker zone, affordable and laid-back
Free Consultation
Free Consultation
1-on-1 travel consultant customizes your Ko Chang trip for free based on your schedule and preferences.