Thailand is famously known for its beautiful islands…characteristic limestone cliffs…bright blue waters…and breathtaking sunsets. Those who want to venture out of Bangkok are in for a treat in comparison to the many large cities of Southeast Asia that don’t have the contrast of serene island life. Whenever I hear travelers mention they are heading to Thailand’s coastal regions, most of the places I hear are Phuket, Ko Samui, and Krabi…but seldom do I hear people mention exploring the island Ko Chang.
What Makes Ko Chang So Special
Ko Chang means “elephant island” in the Thai language. When you zoom out on the map, the topography and shape of the island is said to resemble an elephant’s figure wading in the water. The local tale about the island is that a mama elephant and its 3 babies from the mainland traveled across the sea and drowned, morphing into the rock formations seen from the northern coastline today.
The history of Ko Chang’s tourism is very interesting. Starting in the 70s and 80s, backpackers discovered this island by taking longboats from Bangkok to stumble upon an island with no electricity, roads, or infrastructure. These adventure tourists bargained the amenities in the city for sleeping in tents, hammocks, and bamboo huts by the sea. Simultaneously, during this time, the Thai government set laws in place to create environmental and marine protection in what is now known as the Mu Ko Chang National Park, preserving 70% of the island’s indigenous land and waters. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that the government decided to create rapid infrastructure to attract more tourism to mostly all areas of the island, but focusing predominantly on its’ western coast by building concrete roads, installing electricity in buildings, and developing luxury resorts. Despite this aggressive development, today, the island remains still less-populated and less trendy than its island counterparts on the other side of the Gulf of Thailand.
Most of the hype these days goes out to the Samui Archipelago, Phuket, and Krabi, making Ko Chang a perfect getaway for those who love to escape the crowds. The mix of nature, white sand beaches, jungles, a few waterfalls, open roads with many vista points and landscape views, and the right amount of restaurants and accommodation options makes it comfortable. The hardest part of exploring this island is the transportation, as there are expensive taxi options, but if you can drive a motorbike, then you’re in for an incredible experience with winding roads and endlessly magnificent views.
What to Do on Ko Chang
- Beach hop, relax, and take in the sun down the western coast from White Sand Beach to the cliffs of Bang Bao
- Embark on a snorkel tour to some of the southern islands like Ko Wai, Ko Mak, and Ko Khlum
- Scuba dive the HTMS Chang, the biggest shipwreck in Thailand
- Kayak from the southern tip of Ko Chang to Ko Ngam island as part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park OR kayak from Salak Phet to Phrao Nok Island
- Explore the fishing villages, Salakphet and Salak Khok, on the southeast side of the island
- Wander through the Mangrove forests
- Try out a Thai cooking class
- Get your sweat on at a Muay Thai class or watch the competition fights in the evening
- Enjoy a sunset dinner with a fire show
Best Time to Go
The best time to explore Ko Chang is right as the rainy season passes between the months of November to February, but keep in mind that the drier and hotter the weather, the higher the tourism is.
Where to Stay
Some of the best places to stay in Ko Chang depend on the amenities and level of luxury and convenience you’re looking for.
For a higher-end, luxury beachfront villa with panoramic views of the tranquil, blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, go for the Montana Villa Beachfront at the north end of the island. This region has a more calm and natural atmosphere, while also being close to the White Sand Beach tourist hub, filled with restaurants, shops, tour booking booths, and more.
For an accommodation not quite as luxurious, but yet still has a beautiful oceanfront view, choose the Blue Sky Resort oceanfront bungalows in Lonely Beach. This area is perfect to be close to the serene beaches, quirky cafés, and events and partying happening in the area but distant enough that noise isn’t an issue. You can enjoy a night out and walk around 5 minutes to come back and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean waves.
For an extreme budget hostel option, the Beach Jungle Hostel in Lonely Beach has the best vibes and communal environment. The hostel organizes games and events that allow guests to get to know each other, make friends, and organize day trips and activities to enjoy their vacation together.
These are just a few of the many beautiful Ko Chang accommodation options. For more, check out the “Places to stay” search to find the perfect stay for your next Ko Chang getaway!
