Koh Chang has a lot of nicknames. In Thai, it means, “elephant island,” but some refer to it as, “the last cheap island,” while others swear it’s the friendliest island in Thailand. While all of these things are definitely true, I felt like it was the best island I’ve been to so far for solo travelers.
Plenty of beach destinations I’ve visited in Southeast Asia are full of couples. I get it, beaches are romantic and plenty of love birds travel to the Thai islands on short vacations or honeymoons.
I’m not hating on couples at all, but it’s enough to make a solo traveler feel like an out-of-the-loop reject at times. That’s why I liked Koh Chang so much.
It’s full of young people, hippie types, and big enough so that everyone can find what they’re looking for there, whether it’s a backpacker haven or fancy white sand beaches. It had the same kind of vibe that I like so much about Pai and Tonsai in Thailand, which I guess is to say I like free-spirit types.
I just like tattooed, rainbow-haired, pierced hippies, okay?
But that’s not all there is to Koh Chang.
I visited the island with two of my best friends from home who were in Thailand for a couple of weeks traveling through with me. I had never been to Koh Chang but really wanted to show them a good time.
Given that Koh Chang is much closer to Bangkok and therefore easier to get to for people traveling with a time-budget, not to mention less impacted by the rainy season than Tonsai or Koh Phi Phi would have been in May, I thought it would be a good fit. Plus, I thought given how close it is to Cambodia, the water might be clear and warm like it was in Otres, which I found to be so beautiful.
We arrived to find beautiful beaches, reasonable prices, and beautiful sunsets. The vibe of Koh Chang was just different. Locals hung out with tourists, and were incredibly friendly, especially in Lonely Beach, the backpacker area.
In fact, Koh Chang is now my favorite island in Thailand.
Sure, Lonely Beach and Koh Chang in general may no longer be the best kept secret, but it’s still an affordable, beautiful slice of paradise with a vibe all its own. Not to mention, the party scene is pretty good without being out of control. Each night just one of the bars in Lonely Beach would be going off, meaning everyone in the area who felt like going out would be at the same bar. It was pretty cool seeing the same friendly people out and about.
It’s easy to talk to people there, many of whom spend a month or longer just on Koh Chang. I always know that if it’s the kind of place where people stick around long-term, it’s a darn good sign.
It’s also absolutely beautiful, with bath-water temperature water. There’s plenty to do, from motorbiking around the island to snorkeling and SCUBA diving, to trekking. It’s the second biggest island after Phuket, so there’s always something new to explore and experience. Best of all, it truly is a cheap island, and won’t break the bank.
Do it Yourself:
- Get to Koh Chang by taking a bus or plane. From Ekamai bus station in Bangkok, air-conditioned busses leave at either 7:30 or 9:30 and go directly to the pier. The ride takes 6 hours and costs 275 baht. Buy a ferry ticket for 80 baht and take a flat-rate songthaew once on Koh Chang to your destination for 100 baht. They will be waiting at the ferry terminal. Ferries leave every 30 minutes or so.
- You can also fly to Koh Chang on Bangkok Airways. Get to Trat and then, it’s often best to take a combination ticket service from the airport all the way to your accommodation for 900 baht round trip. Otherwise, you may encounter an incredibly high songthaew cost to get to the airport once back on the mainland.
- If staying in Lonely Beach, there are plenty of options from free, if you eat your food there, to around 250 baht. It’s a small area and you can wander instead of booking ahead if you prefer.
- Since my friends had a higher budget and wanted to stay somewhere a bit nicer, we stayed at Warapura Resort, which has an included breakfast, beautiful views, and air conditioning. It was in the perfect location in Lonely beach, close to the bars but in a nice and quiet location so we could sleep in peace.
Meg Wray says
This sounds amazing. I will definitely be heading here!
Kristin says
Let me know what you think of it when you do!
Alana - Paper Planes says
Totally agree! (In fact I’m currently writing a post about my solo-time there…) I didn’t have high expectations for Koh Chang, but was pleasantly surprised by my stay there. A little bit of everything, including a range of prices!
Kristin says
I didn’t know what to expect. Some people indicated I might be bored and others just love Koh Chang, but they were there a long time ago. I was so pleasantly surprised by it!
Ankur says
I am becoming a big fan your blog now… 🙂
BTW do you post on the go? I mean are you still travelling?
Kristin says
Thanks Ankur. Yes, I do. I haven’t stopped traveling. I just have to take a few days now and then and dedicate them to work.
ankur says
What do you do in between? what kinda work?
Kristin says
This blog and freelancing pay my bills.
Lisa - Wee Wanders says
Eeek I’ll be there in a few weeks for the first time! Heading straight for Koh Chang after Bangkok and after your glowing review I am even more excited (if that’s possible) about seeing it for myself.
Kristin says
Great plan! Are you going to Cambodia thereafter?
Kristin says
I certainly had a lot of fun there!
Helen G. Dickerson says
This is such a great place to visit. Thailand is an awesome place to explore.
Ayngelina says
Gorgeous sunset, the island looks incredible.
Erica says
BAH! I haven’t made it to Thailand yet and stuff like this makes me uber excited.
Angie Away says
I didn’t make it to Koh Chang on my Thailand trip, but it looks like I should have. Gorgeous sunset shot!
Alex says
I hear so many good things about Koh Chang… I need to get myself there! I think you’ve inspired me to check it out when I return to Thailand in August 🙂
Kristin says
It’s a diving hub, too!
Mindy & Ligeia says
We’ve lived in Chiang Mai for just over 2 years and have still yet to venture south to the beaches. If we do end up getting there one day, Koh Chang looks like a great place 🙂
Kristin says
Wow! Well I do think that other countries in Southeast Asia have better beaches than Thailand (sorry for the blasphemy!) but Koh Chang definitely is gorgeous.
Laurie Stolmaker says
We are a couple, but not that into the honeymoon scene as we enjoy meeting other travelers who are not so “into” each other! We were in Koh Lanta this past year and surprised at the high cost compared to Chiang Mai. Also we were looking to snorkel right from the beach and that was not an option there.
Did you snorkel in Koh Chang?
regards from our current location, Arizona, USA
Kristin says
I didn’t but snorkeling and diving are big there. You’d want to head to the smaller surrounding islands for that, though.
Yzzah Diaz says
What serene landscapes this beach has!
This place is quite a haven, I believe. And if what you say is true, that many lovers visit the place, then somehow it intensifies the romantic vibes contributed by watching the sun set in the horizon.
Your description about the place is just beautiful. Someday, I’ll definitely visit that place.
Thanks for the great article!
Kristin says
Thanks so much 🙂
Graham Franklin says
Thanks for the informative post on Koh Chang Kristin. My post on the neighboring island may be of interest to you.
Rich says
Kristin,
I am a SoCal traveler too. I live in Los Angeles, says you’ll be here in August.
Here was my Koh Chang adventure http://www.richtrek.com/2015/06/glimpse-stunning-paradise-of-koh-chang.html have some videos and photos and descriptions. It’s a STUNNING place!
If you leave a comment on my blog, maybe we can get together when you’re in LA
Rich
Kristin says
Hi Rich, I suggest you come to the Nomadic Matt meetup in August. I’ll be there! https://www.facebook.com/events/934390783286770/
Kluk says
Great article, Kristin!
I’ve just arrived in Ko Chang with my Kids and we’re already in love with it. The only traumatic moment was finding a drowned teddy bear on the beach (who would do such a thing?) and getting carried across a tiny bridge to Lonely Beach by Boy (so clumsy), but it’s such a beautiful place, I reckon we might stay for a month. Funnily enough, we were in the Warapura bar to watch the sunset today.
Kluk 🙂
Kristin says
That’s a great sunset spot! Glad you like it so much.
Sandra Cuevas says
I would like to go beautiful beaches and enjoy the beautiful sunsets. The vibe of Koh Chang was just different andLocals hung out with tourists, and were incredibly friendly, especially in Lonely Beach, the backpacker area. Thanks.
hUSSAIN says
recommenced by my friend and have not been yet. The good news that i have booked my flight on 22nd Feb 2018 and definitely will visit KOH CHANG. Any recommended resorts to stay in?
Kristin says
Warapura which I linked at the bottom was great.
iraonherdreams says
I have not been yet to Koh Chang but by reading blogs, it makes me want to go soon.
Jackie Comer says
I think It is a peaceful place. Then reading your post I would interest to go there and spend the best time.
Anna Sons says
I am lying in a hammock at Warapura at this moment. Thank you for the splendid recommendation!
Kristin says
Awesome! Glad you like it
Naziriya says
I have been in Thailand but never visited Koh chang, this is the first time am knowing about this island, very interesting. thanks for the DIY, great tips its always better to doing ourselves…
Patrick Jeffries says
Thailand holidays usually consist of a trip to Bangkok, with an island visit or two thereafter. This is the ideal balance, although you will find that with so many places to go in Thailand and so many things to do.