Koh Chang, Thailand

Are you looking for a tropical island getaway with stunning scenery, pristine beaches, and plenty of boating opportunities? If so, you might want to consider Koh Chang, the second-largest island in Thailand and one of the most beautiful destinations in Southeast Asia. Koh Chang is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, which comprises 52 islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The island is known for its lush rainforest, mountainous terrain, waterfalls, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife. Whether you want to sail around the archipelago, snorkel with colorful fish, explore the local culture, or simply relax on the sand, Koh Chang has something for everyone. In this article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your boating holiday in Koh Chang.

Top 5 Nearby Destinations from Koh Chang by Boat

One of the best ways to enjoy Koh Chang is to rent a boat and explore the surrounding islands. There are many options for boat rentals in Koh Chang, from sailing boats to speedboats, from luxury yachts to fishing boats. You can choose to rent a boat with a captain or a bareboat yacht charter if you have the skills and experience. You can also join a group tour or a private charter if you prefer. Whatever you choose, you will be amazed by the beauty and diversity of the islands near Koh Chang. Here are some of the top destinations that you can reach by boat from Koh Chang:

Koh Wai: This is a small island south of Koh Chang that offers yacht charters and provides a tranquil escape from the crowds. Koh Wai has several sandy beaches and bays where you can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe. The water is clear and turquoise, and the coral reefs are home to many fish and marine creatures. You can also hike around the island and enjoy the views of the sea and the mountains. There are a few resorts and bungalows in Krabi on Koh Wai, but no roads or cars. If you're looking for party boat rentals in Ao Nang or a peaceful and natural place to spend a day or two, Koh Wai is a great choice.

Koh Mak: This is another island south of Koh Chang that is known for its laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. Koh Mak has about 10 kilometers of coastline, with white sandy beaches and coconut palms. The island is also rich in history and culture, as it was once a royal retreat and a base for anti-communist rebels. You can visit the temples, museums, and monuments on the island, or join a cooking class or a yoga session. You can also rent a bike or a kayak and explore the island at your own pace. Koh Mak has several yacht charters in Ao Nang and restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets.

Koh Kood: This is the southernmost island in the Koh Chang archipelago and one of the most pristine and unspoiled islands in Thailand. Koh Kood has a rugged landscape with dense jungle, waterfalls, rivers, and mangroves. The island also offers sailboat rentals in Phuket and has some of the best beaches in the country, with soft sand, clear water, and coral gardens. You can snorkel, dive, fish, or paddle around the island, or hike to the hidden spots and viewpoints. You can also relax in one of the many yacht rentals in Koh Samui resorts and spas that offer luxury and comfort in harmony with nature.

Koh Rang: This is a group of islands west of Koh Kood that form part of the Mu Ko Chang Marine National Park. Koh Rang is a paradise for snorkelers and divers, as it has some of the most diverse and colorful coral reefs in Thailand. You can see hundreds of species of fish, as well as turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. You can also visit some of the islands that offer motor boat charters in Pattaya and have sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. There are no accommodations or facilities on Koh Rang, so you will need to bring your own food and water if you plan to stay overnight.

Koh Laoya: This is a pair of islands north of Koh Wai that are connected by a sandbar at low tide. Koh Laoya is a secluded and romantic place that offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The islands have two beaches each, with fine sand and calm water. You can swim, snorkel, or kayak around the islands, or just relax on a hammock under the shade of the trees. There is only one resort on Koh Laoya that provides simple but cozy bungalows and delicious seafood.

Top Experiences in Koh Chang

Besides boating around the islands near Koh Chang, there are many other things to do and see on the main island itself. Here are some of the top experiences that you should not miss when visiting Koh Chang:

Visit Mu Ko Chang National Park: This is the national park that covers most of Koh Chang and its surrounding islands. The park protects a variety of habitats and ecosystems, from rainforest to mangrove to coral reef. You can visit some of the park’s attractions, such as waterfalls, viewpoints, trails, and wildlife centers. You can also join a guided tour or a ranger program to learn more about the park’s flora and fauna. The park entrance fee is 200 baht per person for foreigners and 40 baht for Thais.

Swim with elephants: Koh Chang is famous for its elephant camps, where you can interact with these gentle giants and learn about their lives and conservation. You can feed, bathe, and ride the elephants, or join them for a swim in the river or the sea. You can also watch them perform tricks and play games. Some of the best elephant camps on Koh Chang are Ban Kwan Chang, Koh Chang Elephant Camp, and Chang Chutiman Elephant Camp. The prices vary depending on the camp and the activities, but expect to pay around 1,000 baht per person for a one-hour session.

Explore the local culture: Koh Chang has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its history and geography. You can visit some of the temples, museums, and villages on the island, or join a cooking class or a cultural show. You can also experience the local festivals and events, such as the Loy Krathong, Songkran, and Koh Chang Marathon. Some of the places that you should check out are Wat Salak Phet, Koh Chang Naval Battle Memorial, Salakkok Village, and Bang Bao Pier.

Enjoy the nightlife: Koh Chang has a lively and fun nightlife scene that caters to different moods and preferences. You can find bars, pubs, clubs, live music venues, karaoke rooms, and fire shows on the island. You can also join a dinner cruise or a party boat if you want to enjoy the night on the water. Some of the best places to go for nightlife on Koh Chang are Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, Kai Bae Beach, and Bang Bao Pier.

Activities & Best Beaches in Koh Chang

Koh Chang is an ideal destination for those who love outdoor activities and adventure. There are many options for on-the-water and on-land activities that will keep you entertained and challenged. Here are some of the best activities that you can do on Koh Chang:

Sailing: Koh Chang is a great place to sail, as it has calm waters, steady winds, and scenic views. You can rent a sailboat in Koh Chang from one of the many sailing companies that offer different types of boats, from catamarans to monohulls. You can also join a sailing course or a sailing tour if you want to learn or improve your skills. 

Snorkeling: Koh Chang has some of the best snorkeling spots in Thailand, as it has clear water, coral reefs, and marine life. You can snorkel from the shore or from a boat, depending on the location and the conditions. You can also rent snorkeling equipment or join a snorkeling tour if you need guidance or transportation. Some of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Chang are Koh Wai, Koh Rang, Koh Kood, Bang Bao Bay, and Kai Bae Beach.

Kayaking: Kayaking is another way to explore the water around Koh Chang. You can kayak along the coast or around the islands, enjoying the scenery and the wildlife. You can also kayak through the mangroves or to the waterfalls if you want to see a different side of Koh Chang. You can rent a kayak or join a kayak tour from one of the many kayak operators on the island. Some of the best kayak operators in Koh Chang are Sea Adventures, KayakChang.com, BB Divers Kayak Center, and Blue Lagoon Kayaking.

Jungle trekking: Koh Chang has a lot of jungle to explore, with trails that lead to hidden spots and viewpoints. You can trek through the forest on foot or on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), depending on your preference and fitness level. You can also join a jungle trekking tour or hire a guide if you want to learn more about the jungle’s ecology and history. Some of the best jungle trekking tours in Koh Chang are Jungle Fever Trekking & Adventure Tours, Koh Chang Adventure ATV Tours, Koh Chang Trekking, and Jungle Way.

Muay Thai: If you want to try something different and challenging on Koh Chang, you can learn Muay Thai (Thai boxing), which is Thailand’s national sport and martial art. You can join a Muay Thai class or camp at one of the many Muay Thai gyms on the island. You can also watch a Muay Thai show or fight at one of the stadiums or bars that host them regularly. Some of the best Muay Thai gyms in Koh Chang are Klong Prao Gym, Koh Chang Muay Thai Camp, Chai Chet Gym, and White Sand Beach Gym.

Koh Chang also has some of the best beaches in Thailand, with soft sand, clear water, and palm trees. You can find a beach that suits your style and mood, from lively and crowded to quiet and secluded. You can also find a range of accommodations and facilities on the beach, from budget to luxury. Here are some of the best beaches in Koh Chang:

White Sand Beach: This is the most popular and developed beach on Koh Chang, located on the northwest coast. White Sand Beach has a long stretch of fine white sand and clear blue water. The beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, bars, shops, and massage parlors. You can find many activities and entertainment options on the beach, such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, volleyball, and fire shows. White Sand Beach is also a good place to watch the sunset and enjoy the nightlife.

Klong Prao Beach: This is the longest beach on Koh Chang, located on the west coast. Klong Prao Beach has three sections, each with its own character and charm. The north section is quiet and peaceful, with a river mouth and a lagoon. The central section is lively and busy, with many resorts, restaurants, and bars. The south section is secluded and romantic, with a rocky headland and a small island. You can swim, kayak, or paddle board on the beach, or relax on a sunbed or a hammock.

Kai Bae Beach: This is a cozy and friendly beach on the west coast, located south of Klong Prao Beach. Kai Bae Beach has a soft sandy beach and calm water. The beach is surrounded by hills and coconut groves, giving it a natural and serene atmosphere. You can find many resorts, bungalows, restaurants, and bars on the beach, as well as some shops and spas. You can also find some activities and attractions on the beach, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, elephant riding, and hiking.

Lonely Beach: This is the backpacker’s paradise on Koh Chang, located on the southwest coast. Lonely Beach has a small but beautiful beach with golden sand and clear water. The beach is popular among young travelers who are looking for a fun and cheap place to stay. You can find many hostels, guesthouses, bars, and clubs on the beach, as well as some street food stalls and tattoo shops. You can also enjoy some parties and live music on the beach, or join a yoga or meditation session.

Bang Bao Beach: This is a charming and authentic beach on the south coast of Koh Chang. Bang Bao Beach has a fishing village built on stilts over the water. The village has a pier that extends into the sea, where you can find many boats that offer tours and trips to the nearby islands. You can also find some souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and coffee shops on the pier. You can swim or snorkel on the beach, or visit some of the attractions in the village, such as the lighthouse, the temple, and the museum.

Safety and Emergency Information

Koh Chang has some emergency services and facilities that you can contact or visit in case of any problem or accident. Here are some of the emergency contacts that you should know when traveling to Koh Chang: Police: 191, Tourist Police: 1155, Fire Brigade: 199, Ambulance: 1669, Bangkok Hospital Trat: 039-532-735, Koh Chang International Clinic: 039-551-555, Koh Chang Rescue: 039-555-091.

Conclusion

Koh Chang is a wonderful island that offers many attractions and activities for boating enthusiasts and travelers alike. You can also join a boat tour or a charter if you want to explore the nearby islands and destinations. You can also experience the local culture, nature, and nightlife on Koh Chang. Whatever you choose to do, you will surely have a memorable and enjoyable time on Koh Chang. Happy boating!