How to Get to Ko Chang: All Options

How to get to Ko Chang: the basics

Ko Chang is Thailand's second-largest island, in eastern Trat province near the Cambodian border — a long way from the Andaman coast, so getting there is a two-part journey. First you reach the Trat mainland (by bus, flight, minivan or private car), and then you cross to the island on a short car ferry from one of the piers near Laem Ngop. The ferry takes roughly 30–45 minutes. Understanding this mainland-then-ferry structure makes every route below straightforward.

Getting to Ko Chang from Bangkok

Bangkok is the usual starting point, and there are three main ways to make the journey: a quick flight to Trat Airport plus a transfer, a direct bus or minivan, or a private taxi. The fastest is flying; the cheapest is the bus; and a private transfer is the most convenient door-to-door. All three end the same way — at a Laem Ngop-area pier for the ferry to the island.

By air via Trat Airport

The quickest route is a Bangkok Airways flight from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi to Trat Airport, taking about an hour, followed by a short van transfer to the pier and the ferry. Trat is a small airport close to the coast, so the transfer is brief. This is the most comfortable option and ideal when time is limited, though it is also the priciest leg. Flights are limited in number, so book ahead in high season.

By bus from Bangkok

Budget travellers take a bus or minivan from Bangkok's Ekkamai eastern bus terminal toward Trat, a ride of roughly five hours. Many operators sell a single combined bus-and-ferry ticket that runs all the way through to the island, which is the simplest way to reach Ko Chang without arranging each leg yourself. If you buy only to Trat, a shared songthaew or minivan covers the last stretch to the pier.

By taxi or private transfer

A private car or taxi from Bangkok to the pier takes around 4.5–5 hours and is the most flexible option, especially for families or groups who want door-to-pier service without changes. It costs considerably more than the bus but saves the terminal transfers. Agree the full fare and confirm that it goes to the correct ferry pier before setting off.

Getting to Ko Chang from Pattaya

From Pattaya to Ko Chang the journey is shorter than from Bangkok — about 3–4 hours to the pier — because Pattaya is already on the eastern seaboard. Regular minivans and buses run from Pattaya toward Trat, and many are sold as combined transport-and-ferry tickets straight through to the island. A private transfer is also popular for this route. As always, the trip finishes with the short ferry crossing from the Laem Ngop-area piers.

Getting to Ko Chang from Cambodia

Ko Chang sits close to the Cambodian border, so it is an easy first or last stop on a Thailand-Cambodia trip. Travellers cross at the Hat Lek / Koh Kong border checkpoint, then continue by minivan or taxi to the Laem Ngop-area piers and take the ferry. Check current border opening hours and entry requirements in advance, as conditions at land crossings differ from those at airports.

Getting to Ko Chang from Phuket

Phuket and Ko Chang are on opposite coasts of Thailand — Phuket on the Andaman Sea, Ko Chang on the eastern Gulf — so there is no direct coastal route. The practical way is to fly from Phuket to Bangkok (or to Trat via a connection) and then continue overland to the pier, or take a long-distance bus back through Bangkok. Flying is far quicker; budget on most of a day for the whole journey either way.

The ferry to Ko Chang

The ferry is the only way onto the island, and the crossing is short and frequent. Two main car ferries operate from the mainland to the piers at Ao Sapparot on Ko Chang, carrying both foot passengers and vehicles. In high season boats run regularly across the day and the service is reliable; in the low season the last crossings are earlier and rough weather can cause delays, so aim to reach the pier with daylight to spare.

The main mainland piers

Two piers near Laem Ngop handle almost all traffic: Ao Thammachat (used by the Thai Ferry / larger car ferry) and Center Point Pier. Both cross to Ao Sapparot on the island. Which pier you use usually depends on your ferry company and ticket; combined transport tickets route you to the correct one automatically. If travelling independently, confirm which pier your onward transport on the island expects.

Ferry schedule and fares

Ferries generally run from early morning until early evening, roughly every 45–60 minutes in high season, with the last boat leaving mid-to-late afternoon or early evening depending on the operator and season. Fares are modest — as of 2026, expect roughly ฿80–100 per foot passenger each way, with vehicle fees on top for cars and motorbikes. Rates and timetables are set by the ferry operators and change seasonally, so check the latest before you travel, especially for the last crossing.

Getting around Ko Chang

Once on the island, the main road runs down the west coast linking the beaches, and there are three common ways to travel it: shared pickup taxis (songthaews), a rented scooter, or a private taxi. Ko Chang's west-coast road is steep and winding, with a few notorious accident spots on the hills between beaches, so choose your transport with the terrain in mind.

Shared songthaews

Shared pickup taxis (songthaews) run up and down the west-coast road and are the standard way to hop between beaches without your own vehicle. Fares rise with distance and after dark, so agree the price before you climb in. They are frequent along the main strip in the daytime but thin out late at night.

Renting a scooter

A rented scooter is the cheapest and most flexible way to explore, but the island's hilly, twisting roads are unforgiving for inexperienced riders and see regular accidents. Ride only if you are confident, always wear a helmet, and carry a valid motorcycle licence — police do check. Inspect the bike and photograph any existing damage with the operator before you take it.

Private taxis and transfers

For comfort or a group, resorts and operators arrange private taxis and transfers, including from the pier straight to your hotel. This is the easiest option on arrival, especially with luggage or after a long journey, and removes the need to negotiate. Confirm the fare when you book.

Where to base yourself

The west coast holds the main beaches, so where you stay shapes how much you travel. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the longest and most developed, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and nightlife — the easy default for a first visit. Klong Prao is calmer and central; Kai Bae is relaxed and scenic; and Lonely Beach is the budget and party hub. Being near the middle of the west coast keeps transfers short in every direction.

Getting to the island's highlights

Much of Ko Chang is protected within Mu Ko Chang National Park, and its highlights are spread across the island. The Klong Plu (Khlong Plu) waterfall near Klong Prao is the most accessible, a short forest walk from the road; dive and snorkelling trips leave from the west coast for the reefs around the southern islets; and viewpoints dot the hill road. A songthaew or scooter reaches most sights, though park entry fees, set by the Department of National Parks, apply at some.

Eating on Ko Chang

For the freshest seafood, head to the east-coast fishing village of Salak Phet, where stilted restaurants serve fish, prawns and crab straight off the boats. Along the west-coast road and at small evening markets you will find classic Thai street food — pad thai, tom yum and som tam — at a fraction of resort prices. Eating where locals eat is both cheaper and often better.

Practical tips for the journey

• Buy a combined transport-and-ferry ticket to avoid arranging each leg yourself.
• Check the last ferry time before you travel, especially in the low season.
• Carry cash; many small businesses and the pier do not take cards.
• Arrive at the pier with daylight to spare to allow for delays.
• If renting a scooter, bring a valid motorcycle licence and ride cautiously on the hills.
• Confirm your visa or visa-exempt status with the Thai Immigration Bureau before travelling.

Sources: Tourism Authority of Thailand (tourismthailand.org); Marine Department of Thailand (md.go.th) for ferry services; Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (dnp.go.th) for Mu Ko Chang National Park; Thai Immigration Bureau (immigration.go.th) for entry rules.