Bang Bao Pier Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Bang Bao Pier is easily accessible by songthaew (shared taxi) or motorbike from anywhere on Koh Chang, with most journeys from the island's northern beaches taking 30-45 minutes. Visitors arriving from the mainland typically take a ferry to Koh Chang's main piers (Ao Sapparot or Centrepoint) and then connect via local transport to Bang Bao. The road to Bang Bao offers spectacular coastal views as it winds along the island's western shoreline. For those driving, limited parking is available near the pier entrance, though arriving early is recommended during peak season as spaces fill quickly.

Nestled on the southwestern tip of Koh Chang, Bang Bao Pier extends into the Gulf of Thailand like a welcoming handshake to seafaring visitors. This picturesque former fishing village has transformed into a vibrant harbor while maintaining its authentic Thai character, with stilted wooden structures stretching over azure waters. As a key ferry departure point, Bang Bao serves as both a working port and a delightful destination in its own right, where the rhythms of island life blend seamlessly with tourism.

The ideal time to visit Bang Bao Pier is during Thailand's cool season from November to February, when temperatures hover comfortably between 25-30°C with minimal rainfall and calm seas perfect for ferry travel. March to May brings warmer temperatures but remains pleasant for exploring the pier's shops and restaurants. The monsoon season (June to October) offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though some ferry services may operate on reduced schedules during particularly stormy periods. December brings the colorful Bang Bao Fishing Festival, when the entire pier celebrates its maritime heritage with seafood feasts and boat processions.

Bang Bao serves as the primary jumping-off point for exploring the stunning islands of the Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park. Speed boats and ferries depart regularly for Koh Mak, a peaceful island paradise just 1-1.5 hours away known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Koh Kood (sometimes spelled Koh Kut), Thailand's easternmost island before Cambodia, can be reached in about 1.5-2 hours and rewards visitors with unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. The smaller Koh Wai, just 30 minutes from Bang Bao, offers excellent snorkeling amidst vibrant coral gardens. Many visitors opt for island-hopping day trips that showcase the remarkable diversity of this marine sanctuary.

The 700-meter wooden walkway of Bang Bao Pier itself is an attraction, lined with shops selling pearls, handicrafts, and souvenirs housed in traditional stilted buildings. Seafood enthusiasts should head to the floating restaurants at the pier's end, where the day's catch is transformed into authentic Thai delicacies like pla neung manao (steamed fish with lime) and tom yam talay (spicy seafood soup). For underwater adventures, numerous dive shops along the pier offer trips to nearby coral reefs. The nearby Bang Bao Beach provides a tranquil escape from the pier's bustle, while sunset cocktails at one of the overwater bars presents the perfect end to a day of exploration.

Bang Bao was once a thriving sea gypsy settlement before becoming the fishing community and tourist destination it is today, with some families still maintaining their traditional lifestyle. The pier's distinctive lighthouse, visible from miles away, was built in the 1940s and remains operational, guiding vessels safely to harbor. Many of the stilted houses along the pier have been in the same families for generations, with the oldest structures dating back over a century. During World War II, Bang Bao served as a strategic naval outpost, with remnants of military installations still visible on nearby headlands.