Eastern Thailand · island
Koh Chang
Combine west-coast beach stays with rainforest and waterfall outings inland.
The feel of the place
A large forested island with beaches, waterfalls and varied resort bases.
Koh Chang combines west-coast beach bases with a mountainous rainforest interior and waterfall outings. Different areas range from busier visitor strips to quieter shores, with seafood restaurants and casual beach venues along the coast. The island is large and hilly, so your choice of base affects everyday convenience.
Keep in mind
The island is spread out, with steep roads between some areas. Shared taxis and organised trips help, but beach-hopping and independent exploring take more planning than on a compact island.
Get to know Koh Chang
What is Koh Chang like?
Our editorial assessments · Select a factor to see how we scored this place.
Why we rate Koh Chang 8/10
Several long west-coast beaches make beach days easy, though the sand and swimming vary by bay and season.
What we assess
Beach appeal, convenient access and variety during a beach-focused stay, within the destination itself.
Why we rate Koh Chang 8/10
A mountainous rainforest interior, waterfalls and curving bays give Koh Chang more than a beach-only landscape.
What we assess
The visual impact of natural surroundings and how central those landscapes are to a typical stay.
Why we rate Koh Chang 4/10
Fishing communities, temples and local island life add some cultural interest, but major heritage sights are limited.
What we assess
The variety, depth and practical access to historic places, temples, architecture, traditions and cultural experiences during a typical stay.
Why we rate Koh Chang 6/10
Seafood, Thai restaurants and familiar international meals are available along the west-coast bases.
What we assess
Food quality, variety, distinctive local cooking and how readily visitors can find good places to eat, regardless of price.
Why we rate Koh Chang 4/10
Beach bars and casual live music are available, but evenings are generally low-key outside a few strips.
What we assess
The choice, variety and liveliness of evening venues, their opening hours and how easily you can enjoy a typical night out.
Why we rate Koh Chang 7/10
Quiet beaches and forested stays are easy to find away from the busiest west-coast centres.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a peaceful stay, considering traffic, nightlife noise, crowds and practical quieter bases.
Why we rate Koh Chang 8/10
Boat trips reach nearby islands and snorkelling sites, though routes and frequency depend on season and departure bay.
What we assess
The variety of worthwhile sea-island trips, convenient departures, journey times and flexibility under normal operating conditions.
Why we rate Koh Chang 5/10
Shared songthaews and organised trips cover popular stops, but routes are limited and the island’s steep, spread-out roads constrain flexibility.
What we assess
Freedom to explore without renting a scooter, using walking, public transport, taxis, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing or boats; transport price is assessed separately.
Why we rate Koh Chang 7/10
Local eateries and a range of guesthouses help with value, while ferry transfers and island transport add to the total.
What we assess
How easily you can enjoy a typical stay on a modest budget, including simple accommodation, food, realistic transport and characteristic activities.
Scores out of 10 · Higher means more of that characteristicAbout these scores
How to read the scale
Scores describe how strongly a destination offers each characteristic. They are editorial assessments, not visitor ratings.
Higher does not always mean better
A higher nightlife score means a livelier scene. A higher quietness score means a calmer atmosphere. The right balance depends on your trip.
Plan your trip
When to go
See how temperature, rainfall and travel conditions change through the year. Select a month to focus on your travel dates.
| Factor | Koh Chang |
|---|---|
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 51 mm |
| Rainy days | 4.9 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 82 mm |
| Rainy days | 7.4 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 140 mm |
| Rainy days | 12.6 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 196 mm |
| Rainy days | 14.9 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 420 mm |
| Rainy days | 21.9 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 777 mm |
| Rainy days | 25.4 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 31°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 1024 mm |
| Rainy days | 26.6 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 31°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 970 mm |
| Rainy days | 27 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 31°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 816 mm |
| Rainy days | 24.8 |
| Crowds | Low |
| Stay prices | Low |
| Sea conditions | Rough |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 338 mm |
| Rainy days | 21.3 |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Stay prices | Typical |
| Sea conditions | Variable |
| Average daytime high | 33°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 85 mm |
| Rainy days | 9.1 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Average daytime high | 32°C |
| Monthly Rainfall | 28 mm |
| Rainy days | 3.5 |
| Crowds | High |
| Stay prices | High |
| Sea conditions | Calm |
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average daytime high | ||||||||||||
| Koh Chang |
32°C
|
32°C
|
33°C
|
33°C
|
33°C
|
32°C
|
31°C
|
31°C
|
31°C
|
32°C
|
33°C
|
32°C
|
| Monthly Rainfall | ||||||||||||
| Koh Chang |
51 mm
|
82 mm
|
140 mm
|
196 mm
|
420 mm
|
777 mm
|
1024 mm
|
970 mm
|
816 mm
|
338 mm
|
85 mm
|
28 mm
|
| Rainy days | ||||||||||||
| Koh Chang | 4.9 | 7.4 | 12.6 | 14.9 | 21.9 | 25.4 | 26.6 | 27 | 24.8 | 21.3 | 9.1 | 3.5 |
| Crowds | ||||||||||||
| Koh Chang | High | High | High | Moderate | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Moderate | High | High |
| Stay prices | ||||||||||||
| Koh Chang | High | High | High | Typical | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Typical | High | High |
| Sea conditions | ||||||||||||
| Koh Chang | Calm | Calm | Calm | Calm | Variable | Rough | Rough | Rough | Rough | Variable | Calm | Calm |
Temperatures are historical average daytime highs, not the highest temperatures you might experience. Rainfall and rainy days are monthly averages, not a forecast. A rainy day need not mean rain all day.
Stay prices are relative to each destination’s usual rates. Holidays can bring extra crowds and higher prices. Sea conditions vary by beach and day; check local conditions before boat trips.
Koh Chang: Thai Meteorological Department — TRAT, 1991–2020.
The practical side
Getting to and around Koh Chang
Arriving
Trat is a gateway to Koh Chang. Plan the mainland journey, ferry crossing and onward island transfer together; reaching Trat does not complete the journey to your beach accommodation.
Without a scooter
Shared songthaews and organised trips cover popular stops, but routes are limited and the island’s steep, spread-out roads constrain flexibility.
Before you decide
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