This guide covers Koh Chang (Ko Chang, เกาะช้าง) in Trat province off eastern Thailand. It is not the smaller island with the same name near Ranong. Check the province, pier and accommodation beach when comparing travel products.
The three parts of the journey
Plan the mainland journey, the ferry and the island transfer separately. A product labelled “to Koh Chang” can include different portions. Before paying, establish whether it ends at a mainland pier, the island pier or your actual hotel.
| Option | Confirmed starting point | Resolve separately |
|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi Burapha from BKK | Published departures at 07:00 and 11:00 | Dated price, ferry inclusion, hotel coverage and supplement |
| Mainland pier plus independent ferry | TAT identifies Ao Thammachat for Koh Chang | Current operator times, fare, queue and onward island travel |
| Car or private transfer | An address-specific journey can be planned | Rental-company permission for a ferry, passenger charges and waiting |
The Suvarnabhumi Burapha timetable was checked on 21 October 2026. Its main site identifies the BKK counter at Level 1, Gate 8 and mentions additional charges for hotel transfers. This guide does not promise a hotel drop-off with every ticket.
Ferry: pier and connection checks
TAT Contact Center identifies Ao Thammachat in Laem Ngop district, Trat, for the crossing. Match the pier name to your ticket and driver instructions. Do not substitute Laem Sok departures, which may concern a different island.
The independent ferry operator’s site did not load during this check. Third-party 2026 reports contain differing figures following fare changes, so a fixed price and last sailing are not reproduced without primary confirmation. Obtain the current sailing window and separate charges for passengers, vehicles, motorcycles and children where relevant.
Time on the water is not the whole crossing. A car may need to wait for loading; a foot passenger needs an onward island transfer. Avoid a tight connection to the last ferry after a flight or coach journey.
Choosing a beach area
TAT identifies White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, southern beaches and natural places on the island. These editorial pointers are not water-quality measurements for each beach.
| Area | Possible fit | Check |
|---|---|---|
| White Sand, Hat Sai Khao | A first short stay with nearby food and walks | Exact access, address and noise |
| Klong Prao | A holiday based around one beach | The property’s relationship to shops and practical walking routes |
| Southern west coast | A more separate base with island outings | Transfer time, cost and evening return arrangements |
| Eastern side and Salak Phet | Nature and local-life exploration | The journey to a swimming beach rather than assuming sand on the doorstep |
Without a car, work through daily walking needs before choosing accommodation. The existence of taxis does not tell you the cost of every daily trip. For a car or motorcycle, check the route and your documents through the driving guide.
Climate: a mainland station, not an island forecast
TMD’s 1991-2020 publication includes TRAD station 48 501, printed page 65, with a note that its previous name was Khlong Yai. It is a mainland station, not a measurement at a Koh Chang beach.
| Month | TRAD station rainfall, mm | Planning implication |
|---|---|---|
| December | 27.8 | A relatively dry part of the regional annual cycle |
| February | 81.5 | Less rainfall in the normal than midsummer |
| May | 419.9 | Keep alternatives to a sea excursion |
| July | 1,024.1 | Wettest month in this station series |
| October | 337.6 | Do not assume a dry visit from the calendar alone |
Source: TMD climate normals, PDF checked on 21 October 2026. Monthly totals do not predict waves or an individual ferry’s operation. Check the forecast and operator notice before a sea trip; compare other coasts in the regional weather guide.
A flexible stay
Keep arrival day for the crossing and hotel transfer. Use the next day to check your beach and everyday walking options. Then choose one nature or sea outing around conditions: a waterfall, Salak Phet exploration or a boat with a clear programme.
Reaching the island does not establish that every natural attraction is open or included in one fee. Check DNP access and rules separately for park sites. The name Mu Ko Chang National Park should not be interpreted as a ferry payment covering all subsequent attractions.
Work backwards from the next mainland transport for the return journey. The island transfer, waiting and ferry still lie between your room and an airport. For a simpler mainland trip without this chain, compare Hua Hin. Other options are in the island overview.
FAQ
Can I reach Koh Chang without a ferry?
The mainland route described here still includes a sea crossing. Check the endpoint and ferry inclusion on any ticket carrying the island name.
What is the standalone ferry fare?
A current operator-confirmed fare was not obtained in this 21 October 2026 check. An old 80-baht price is not treated as current; ask about passengers, vehicles and children separately.
Does TRAD show the weather on Koh Chang itself?
No. It is a mainland TMD station, formerly Khlong Yai, with 1991-2020 normals. It describes the regional cycle without replacing a forecast or beach conditions.
Sources
Found an error or outdated fact? Tell the editors, we will fix it and update the check date.