Overview

Koh Chang (Elephant Island), Thailand's second-largest island, is located about 280 kilometers from Pattaya in Trat Province near the Cambodian border. The journey requires driving to a pier and taking a ferry.

Transportation Options

1. Private Car + Ferry ⭐ Most Convenient

Route: Pattaya → Laem Ngop or Center Point Pier → Koh Chang

Cost:

• Private car: 3,000-4,000 THB
• Ferry: 120-160 THB per person (return) Duration:
• Drive: 3.5-4.5 hours
• Ferry: 30-45 minutes
• Total: 4.5-5.5 hours

Booking: Smile Taxi Service can arrange car + ferry package

2. Minivan Package 🚐 Popular Choice

Combined Ticket: Pattaya → Koh Chang (door-to-door) Cost: 500-700 THB per person (including ferry) Duration: 5-6 hours total Frequency: 2-3 departures daily

Pickup: Hotels in Pattaya Booking: Travel agents, hotels, 12go.asia

3. Public Bus + Ferry

Route: Pattaya → Trat → Ferry → Koh Chang Cost: 200-300 THB total (cheapest but complicated) Duration: 6-7 hours + waiting time

Not Recommended: Too complicated with luggage

Ferry Information

Main Piers on Mainland:

• Center Point Pier: Newest, fastest ferries (30 min)
• Laem Ngop Pier: Traditional pier (45 min)
• AoThammachat Pier: Another option

Main Piers on Koh Chang:

• Ao Sapparot Pier: North (near White Sand Beach)
• Center Point Pier: Central island

Ferry Schedule:

• First ferry: 6:30 AM
• Last ferry: 7:00 PM
• Every 30-60 minutes during day
• 24-hour service from some piers

Ferry Cost:

• Walk-on passenger: 80 THB one-way
• Motorbike: 120-200 THB
• Car: 600-800 THB (including driver)

Koh Chang Beach Areas

West Coast (Developed):

White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao):

• Longest and most developed beach
• Most hotels and restaurants
• Best for first-timers
• Can get crowded
• Good swimming
• Lots of nightlife

Klong Prao Beach:

• More spread out and peaceful
• Mix of budget and upscale resorts
• Good for families
• River divides beach
• Less crowded than White Sand

Kai Bae Beach:

• Bohemian, backpacker-friendly vibe
• Mid-range and budget accommodation
• Good restaurants and bars
• Small beach with some rocks
• Fire shows at night

Lonely Beach:

• Backpacker paradise
• Budget bungalows
• Party atmosphere
• Young crowd
• Basic facilities
• Beautiful beach

Bang Bao Beach:

• Fishing village on stilts
• Departure point for island tours
• Seafood restaurants
• Some hotels
• Unique atmosphere

East Coast (Undeveloped):

• Few beaches
• Very quiet
• Mangrove forests
• Limited accommodation

Things to Do

Activities:

• Snorkeling & Diving: Many dive shops, good coral reefs
• Island Hopping: Visit nearby islands (Koh Wai, Koh Mak, Koh Kood)
• Klong Plu Waterfall: Popular waterfall with swimming pool
• Kayaking: Through mangroves and around coastline
• Jungle trekking: Various trails through rainforest
• Fishing village: Bang Bao village on stilts
• Viewpoints: Several scenic viewpoints
• Elephant camps: (ethical ones recommended)
• Nightlife: White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach
• Cooking classes
• Muay Thai training

Nearby Islands:

• Koh Wai: Snorkeling, quiet, day trip
• Koh Mak: Peaceful, good beaches, overnight recommended
• Koh Kood: Pristine, beautiful, less developed
• Koh Rang: National Marine Park, best snorkeling

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• High Season: November to March (dry, perfect weather)
• Hot Season: April-May (very hot)
• Rainy Season: June-October (heavy rain, rough seas, many places closed)
• Best Months: December-February

Getting Around Koh Chang:

• Songthaew (pickup truck): Main transport, 50-100 THB
• Motorbike Rental: 200-300 THB/day (roads are hilly and dangerous!)
• Motorbike Taxi: 60-150 THB
• Car Rental: Limited availability
• No Grab or organized taxi

Warning: Roads are steep, winding, and dangerous. Many accidents with motorbikes!

What to Bring:

• Cash (ATMs available but may run out)
• Mosquito repellent (essential!)
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Motion sickness pills (if prone, for ferry)

Money:

• ATMs in main beaches (White Sand, Klong Prao)
• Bring enough cash for rural areas
• More expensive than mainland

Accommodation:

• Book in advance in high season
• Many budget bungalows available
• Luxury resorts in Klong Prao
• White Sand Beach has most options

How Long to Stay

Day Trip: Not recommended - too far

2-3 Days: Good for seeing main beaches and some activities

4-5 Days: Ideal - relax, snorkel, island hop, explore

Week+: Paradise for those wanting to truly unwind

Koh Chang vs Other Islands

More Developed Than:

• Koh Kood, Koh Mak (nearby, quieter islands)

Less Developed Than:

• Koh Samui, Phuket (more remote feeling)

Similar To:

• Koh Lanta (laid-back, nature-focused)

Best For:

• Nature lovers
• Divers and snorkelers
• Those seeking less tourist crowds than Phuket/Samui
• Families (good range of accommodation)

Final Recommendations

Best Option: Minivan Package

• All-inclusive door-to-door
• No hassle with connections
• Good value
• Perfect for solo travelers

For Families/Groups: Private Car + Ferry

• More comfortable
• Flexible timing
• Can stop along the way
• Cost-effective when split

Stay Duration: Minimum 3 days recommended

Contact & Booking

For Private Transfer: Smile Taxi Service offers Pattaya to Koh Chang packages including:

• Door-to-door pickup
• Ferry tickets arranged
• Professional drivers
• Comfortable vehicles

Enjoy wild and beautiful Koh Chang! 🐘🏝️