Koh Chang Holidays

Named after its elephant shaped headland, Koh Chang offers serenity, seclusion and a sense of adventure in equal measure with much of the island protected and maintained as a national park.

This jungle clad gem may be the third largest island in Thailand, but its unhurried atmosphere and natural ambience make Koh Chang feel like it’s just been discovered. Because of its National Park status, despite continuing to gain popularity over the last decade, Koh Chang has managed to stay true to its wild and vivacious nature with over 70% of the island still covered in unspoilt rainforest. Behind its rugged exterior you’ll find luxurious resorts unfolding onto graceful arcs of private sand and serene infinity pools surrounded by rainforest.

When you’re not lounging by the palm-fringed beaches or indulging in an authentic Thai massage at the spa, an island full of life awaits. The protected sea is home to some fabulous snorkelling and diving sites and dotted with tiny uninhabited islands – perfect for day trips on a boat. Back on dry land explore charming local fishing villages and visit ancient temples or trek into the jungle covered interior and discover magnificent waterfalls and mangrove walkways.

Give us a call today and we’ll help you create an unforgettable holiday to the idyllic island of Koh Chang.

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Koh Chang Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Koh Chang

Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort

This intimate traditional Thai beachside retreat offers seclusion and serenity in equal measure.

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Get to know Koh Chang and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +7 hours

CURRENCY

Thai Bhat

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

Bangkok 11½ hours

RELIGION

The most common religion in Thailand is Buddhism

LANGUAGE

Thai; over 73 languages are spoken throughout Thailand

Where is Koh Chang?
Koh Chang is an island in the far east of the Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border and forms part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park. It’s around 180 miles east of Bangkok which can be reached in an hour via Trat airport which connects the coastal region to the capital. Ko Chang bound boats depart from Trat daily and the crossing takes around 30 minutes.

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Diving and snorkelling
As part of the Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park, Koh Chang has some remarkable snorkelling and diving spots offshore. Koh Rang, a small uninhabited island, is at the centre of the scene and can be reached by boat in just under an hour. Free from fishing this protected area is a delight to snorkel, teeming with underwater life; divers can hope to catch glimpses of sea turtles, moray eels and the odd whale shark. You’ll find plenty of daytrips available to explore the small islands within the marine national park which are a great option for discovering the best spots.

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Hiking
Koh Chang is a haven for hikers with a well-developed trekking scene. You’ll find plenty of English-speaking local guides with in depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna offering gentle strolls through the thick rainforest to observe the native wildlife and exotic waterfalls to advanced climbs to the rocky tipped peaks of Khao Chom Prasat behind White Sands Beach. Soaring 650 metres above sea level, the three-hour trek to the top of Khao Laem in Salak Phet is not for the faint-hearted but offers 360° views of the island below.

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Getting around
Across the island you can easily flag down a songthaew, hopping on and off when you wish. These white pick-up truck style taxis can be found at all the popular beaches and attractions and are both fun and affordable. Although most operate a fixed fare, rates will vary depending on the time of day and how many other people are travelling with you so be sure to confirm the price with the driver before jumping in. Speed boats and inter-island ferries circuit the neighbouring islands of Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Ko Kut for an enjoyable day out and bigger operators connect Ko Chang back to the mainland.

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Food and drink
Outside the comfort of your resort, you’ll find a multitude of places to eat from street side shacks to upmarket beach front restaurants with a view. Unsurprisingly, seafood features heavily on most local menus with snappers, barracuda, tiger prawns and oysters all front of the line when it comes to catch of the day. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. There’s no better way to devour some mango and sticky rice than wrapped in banana leaves from an open-air market and you’ll find some of the best cooks in unsuspecting bamboo shacks.

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