Tucked away in Thailand’s easternmost frontier, Chang and Kut (locally known as Ko Chang and Ko Kut) are two large islands with chains of smaller islands scattered around.
Covered with rainforests, Ko Chang and Ko Kut are rich in history and travel anecdotes. Long before the beach lovers and holidaymakers set foot on this part of the sea, the islands filled with Chinese traders, seafarers, pirates, and foreign invaders. For a month in 1941, Ko Chang and Ko Kut became a battleground of the French-Thai War.
Today, the sea bed in-between Ko Chang and Ko Kut is a retirement home for many ships—including the USS Lincoln County 898 (later renamed “712 HTMS Chang”), a U.S.-made warship serving during WWII. The HTMS Chang wreck is now a feeding ground for marine life, making it a scuba diving paradise.
Far from a big city, Ko Chang was once home to local fishers and coconut farmers. Ko Kut, on the other hand, was considered a no-go as pirates frequented it.
Tales of deserted white sandy beaches lining with palm trees lure the solitude-seekers, well-informed travelers, and divers to Ko Chang and Ko Kut, the hidden paradises of Thailand’s east.
Ko Chang
Only an hour by ferry from Trat province, Ko Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket. The island boasts an unusual blend of old-school stilted bungalows, boutique resorts, spas, and coconut-swaying beaches.
You will need at least a week to enjoy Ko Chang fully.
The first day, lie on the beach and plunge into an infinity pool to cure jet lag in style. On the second day, explore the island and try some local food at one of its restaurants. Then, on the third day, look back to the island and try to make sense of the “Elephant Island” from sea kayak before returning to the hotel for an indulgent spa treatment. For the rest of your stay, hit the beaches again and go diving around its satellite islands.
Beyond Ko Chang lies Ko Mak and Ko Kut, both boasting an impressive history that’s well worth visiting. Take a day trip from Ko Chang.
Getting There
Airplane
The nearest airport to Ko Chang is Trat Airport. Bangkok Airways operates daily flights from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport and Trat Airport.
Bus
Two passenger buses depart daily from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Thammachat Pier in Trat.
Ferries
In Trat province, ferries travel daily to Chang Island from two local piers: Center Point and Thammachat.
Getting Around
Songthaew, a passenger pick-up truck, is a popular choice for beach hopping and traveling around Chang Many visitors hire motorcycles to explore the island on two wheels.
5 Best Beaches in Ko Chang
The west coast of Ko Chang is where all the best beaches are, from Ko Chang Pier in the north to the southern end at Bang Bao fishing community and local pier. These sandy beaches have different characteristics, varying from amiable and quiet family favorites to bustling backpacker hubs. Learn more about the five best beaches on Ko Chang.
1. Klong Son Beach
Within a short ride from the ferry pier on the island’s northern tip, the small beach of Klong Son hides just beyond the roadside. This secluded crescent bay, flanked by two headlands, makes for a small yet beautiful beach. By far, Klong Son is Ko Chang’s quiet bay with a small marina, homes, luxury apartments, and stylish hotels. It’s a lovely little beach where you can pamper yourself at a spa before losing yourself in the sunset with a glass of chilled sparkling wine.
Stay
Little Sunshine Boutique Beach Resort & Spa is a beachside boutique hotel with stunning floor-to-ceiling glass doors with amazing views and the ocean breeze wafting through.
2. White Sand Beach
True to its name, White Sand Beach (or Hat Sai Khao) is proud of its long strip of powdery white sand. This long beach stretches out along the promenade where luxury hotels, restaurants, and bars with magnificent sea views keep visitors happy. White Sand Beach’s northern side is packed with cozy and fashionable beachfront hotels and resorts like the 15 Palms Beach Resort and KC Grande Resort & Spa. The southern part of White Sand Beach is home to budget hotels. With a laid-back feel, White Sand Beach is the most popular choice for basking in the sun, taking a serene beach walk, or watching a sensational sunset.
Stay
A few steps to the White Sand Beach, 15 Palm Beach combines top beach locations and stylish rooms with bargain prices. KC Grande Resort & Spa offers a luxury treat with a superb outdoor pool by the palm-fringed beach.
3. Klong Prao Beach
Get a ferry ride through the Klong Son Beach and the White Sand Beach and you will arrive at Klong Prao Bay—another popular beach with a laid-back atmosphere. Traelers can paddle their surfboards in the mellow waves where the long beach splits into three smaller beaches. Nature lovers and beachcombers can explore a long sweep of fine sand while eyeing the critters left on the land by receding water. Klong Prao Beach is complete with good restaurants, fine bars, and high-end resorts. Within walking distance to its southern side, the smaller Kaibae Beach is a favorite among families for a serene strip of sandy beach.
Stay
Set on the beautiful coconut-swaying beach and powdery sand, The Dewa Ko Chang is a tropical island beach treat. Offering a private villa and plunge pool by the beach, Barali Beach Resort & Spa is ideal for a romantic escape.
4. Lonely Beach
Ironically enough, no one should be lonely (or sleepy) at Lonely Beach—Ko Chang’s haven for backpackers and paradise for party-lovers. Reaching from Kaibae Beach to Bailan Bay, Lonely Beach runs for about two kilometers along the forested headland and local village. Lonely Beach draws in young travelers of all ages for budget bungalows and carefree beach life. This sandy, palm-fringed beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing. It is upbeat in the evening when young travelers pass buckets of vodka around, and DJs spin everything from deep house to electronic dance music. Lonely Beach is a fun area to stay, dance, and party to your heart’s content.
Stay
With sea views from rustic cottages, terrace, and the garden, Siam Hut is one of the best party spots on Ko Chang. For a modern and stylish stay, Nest Sense Resort takes pride in its lovely designed rooms, infinity pools, and bar.
5. Bailan Bay
Tucked away in the far south of Ko Chang’s west coast, the crescent bay of Bailan provides one kilometer of golden sandy beach with shallow water. The Bailan Beach is quieter than its northern neighbor, the Lonely Beach, where enthusiastic beach parties and loud music rekindle the party animal in you. With cozy and stylish cottages and bungalows and hip places to eat, the Bailan Beach is a wonderful place to explore.
Stay
Located on Bailan Beach, the Mercure Ko Chang Hideaway boasts modern Thai-style accommodation, a private beach, and pampering spa treatments.
The west coast of Ko Chang is where all the best beaches are, from Ko Chang Pier in the north to the southern end at Bang Bao fishing community and local pier. These sandy beaches have different characteristics, varying from amiable and quiet family favorites to bustling backpacker hubs. Learn more about the five best beaches on Ko Chang.