Koh Chang Ferries

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

Most travelers reach Koh Chang via ferry terminals in Trat Province on Thailand's mainland. From Bangkok, the journey to the ferry piers takes approximately 5-6 hours by car or bus along well-maintained highways. Regular bus services connect Bangkok's Ekkamai terminal directly to the ferry piers, with combined bus-ferry tickets available for seamless travel. Those coming from Cambodia can cross at the Hat Lek border and take a songthaew (shared taxi) to the piers. The mainland ferry terminals offer ample parking facilities for those arriving with their own vehicles, with both covered and open-air options available at reasonable daily rates.

Nestled in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Chang captivates visitors with its lush mountainous interior, pristine beaches, and relaxed island atmosphere. As Thailand's second-largest island, it offers an enticing blend of natural beauty and authentic Thai culture while remaining less developed than many of its southern counterparts. Arriving by ferry to Koh Chang opens the door to a tropical sanctuary where dense rainforests meet crystal-clear waters, promising adventures from waterfall hikes to vibrant coral reef exploration.

Koh Chang enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making November through April the ideal time to visit when days are sunny and seas remain calm for optimal ferry crossings. December to February offers the most pleasant temperatures, with cooling breezes and clear skies perfect for beach activities and jungle trekking. The island transforms during the annual Songkran Festival in mid-April, when water fights and celebrations create a uniquely festive atmosphere. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during the high season, with reduced schedules during the monsoon months (May-October) when occasional rough seas can affect crossings.

Koh Chang serves as an excellent hub for exploring Thailand's eastern island archipelago. From the main piers, regular ferry and speedboat services connect to neighboring Koh Mak, just 1-2 hours away, where pristine beaches and rubber plantations create a peaceful retreat. Adventurous travelers shouldn't miss Koh Kood (Koh Kut), accessible via a 1.5-hour ferry journey, renowned for its untouched beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The tiny islands of Koh Wai and Koh Rang can be reached on day trips from Koh Chang, offering exceptional marine life viewing and the feeling of stepping onto a deserted tropical paradise. The entire Mu Koh Chang National Marine Park encompasses 52 islands, making island-hopping adventures virtually limitless from this central hub.

Koh Chang, meaning 'Elephant Island' due to its elephant-shaped headland, offers diverse activities across its varied landscape. Explore the cascading Klong Plu Waterfall in the island's interior, where emerald pools provide refreshing swimming spots after a short jungle hike. The vibrant coral gardens off Hat Sai Noi and Bang Bao offer exceptional snorkeling and diving, with colorful parrotfish and sea anemones abundant in the clear waters. Seafood enthusiasts should head to Bang Bao Fishing Village, where stilted restaurants serve the day's fresh catch with spicy Thai flavors. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) offers the perfect balance of beachfront relaxation and lively evening entertainment, with fire shows illuminating the shore as the sun sets.

Koh Chang remains one of Thailand's most forested islands, with over 70% of its territory protected as national park land, creating a haven for diverse wildlife including hornbills, slow lorises, and macaques. The island's name translates to 'Elephant Island,' though not because elephants are native here, rather, its silhouette resembles an elephant when viewed from certain angles. Unlike many Thai islands, Koh Chang has a fascinating naval history, being the site of a 1941 battle between Thai and French forces during a territorial dispute. The island was virtually unknown to international travelers until the late 1990s, allowing it to develop more organically than Thailand's more famous island destinations.