Koh Chang: A First-Timer's Guide
Koh Chang is Thailand's third-largest island, but it feels nothing like Phuket or Samui. Sitting in the Gulf of Thailand close to the Cambodian border, in Trat province, this is a steep, jungle-covered island where the mountains drop straight into the sea, the west coast is one long chain of beaches, and the east coast is still mangroves, fishing villages and quiet local life. Most of the island is protected as Mu Ko Chang National Park, which has kept development low-rise and the forest thick. If you want an island that still feels like an island — with waterfalls, monkeys on the roadside and sunsets over the water every evening — Koh Chang is an excellent first choice. Where It Is and How It Feels Koh Chang lies about 300 km southeast of Bangkok. You travel to Trat on the mainland first, then take a ferry from Laem Ngop — from either Ao Thammachat Pier or Centrepoint Pier — across to the island, a crossing of roughly 30–45 minutes depending on the pier. Vehicles go on the ferry...