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🏝️ Koh Chang itinerary

Koh Chang Itinerary
3 Days 2 Nights

Koh Chang is one of Thailand's largest islands, sitting in Trat province at the far eastern edge of the Gulf of Thailand. What makes it work is the mix: white-sand beaches all along the west coast, waterfalls deep in the rainforest, and small outer islands with clear water for snorkeling over coral. Three days and two nights is just the right length. We've set it up so Day 1 is an easy run down the west-coast beaches, Day 2 is a full-day snorkeling boat trip around the outer islands, and the last day covers Klong Plu Waterfall and the Bang Bao fishing village before you catch the ferry back. Every stretch comes with timings, realistic ballpark prices, and a route you can actually follow.

🏖️ West-coast beaches🤿 Island snorkeling💦 Waterfall + Bang Bao
Koh Chang Itinerary 3 Days 2 Nights

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Koh Chang has no airport, so you drive to the ferry pier at Laem Ngop in Trat province and cross over to a pier on the island side. The island runs long north to south, and there's really just one main road hugging the coast. The famous beaches — White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae — line up along the west coast, the waterfalls sit in the middle of the island, and Bang Bao village is right at the southern tip. This plan splits into three clear themes — beach day, snorkeling day, waterfall and Bang Bao day — so you're not driving back and forth north to south all day.

Stay on the west coast and keep one base for both nights

The west coast is the most convenient spot to stay: snorkeling boats pick you up here, there are plenty of restaurants, and the sunsets are great. We'd stay in one zone for both nights so you're not hauling bags around. If you like a lively scene with lots of restaurants, base yourself at White Sand Beach. If you want it a bit quieter with a longer beach, go for Klong Prao. Budget travelers tend to head down to Kai Bae and Lonely Beach. A lot of places on the island close during low season (May–Oct), so always check with your accommodation before booking.

Day 1 — Cross over to Koh Chang and work the west-coast beaches

Day 1

Take the ferry · check in · cruise White Sand–Klong Prao–Kai Bae

08:00
Leave Trat/Laem Ngop and take the ferry across to Koh ChangTwo main ferry operators run from Laem Ngop: Ao Thammachat Pier and Centerpoint Pier. They run roughly once an hour during the daytime, and the crossing takes about 30–45 minutes. Foot-passenger fares start in the low hundreds of THB; if you drive across, add the vehicle charge. Schedules and prices shift with the season, so check with the pier before you travel.
09:30
Arrive on the island, head to your west-coast accommodation, drop your bagsMost places only check you in properly in the afternoon, but you can leave your bags earlier. Many accommodations offer a pickup from the pier. If you didn't drive over yourself, public songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run along the coast and charge by distance — agree on the price with the driver before you get in, every time.
10:30
Swim at White Sand BeachThe island's most popular beach, with fine white sand and shallow water that's easy to swim in. It has the most beachfront restaurants and bars on the island. It's best for a morning swim before the sun gets harsh and while it's still quiet. Beachfront bars usually let you use their loungers and umbrellas for free if you order a drink.
12:30
Lunch by the beach, then move south to Klong PraoKlong Prao is the longest beach on the island and quieter than White Sand. There's a pretty river mouth at low tide and a calm, easygoing feel — good for long walks and photos.
15:30
Continue to Kai Bae and walk out to the little offshore isletKai Bae has a small rocky islet just off the beach (Koh Man Nai) that you can walk out to at low tide — a popular photo spot. The water here is shallow with some rocks, so it's better for photos than for deeper swimming.
18:00
Watch the sunset by the beach, then find a seafood dinnerThe west coast faces straight out to sea, so the sunset is great from just about every beach. In the evening the beachfront bars at White Sand start to come alive. If you want fresh seafood, pick a place with clearly posted prices and ask the price per kilo before you order.

The coastal road is steep with hairpin bends — drive carefully

The road around Koh Chang has plenty of steep climbs and hairpin bends, especially heading south toward Kai Bae and Bang Bao. If you rent a motorbike, make sure you're confident going up and down steep slopes, brake well before corners, and wear a helmet every time. The road gets very slippery in the rain. If you're not used to it, taking a songthaew or hiring a car with a driver is the safer option.

🎟️

Book the activities in your Koh Chang trip ahead

Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.

🎟️ Top tours in Koh ChangHighlights, guided Klook 🎟️ Koh Chang attractions & ticketsSkip-the-line entry tickets Klook 🚐 Day trips from Koh ChangOut and back in a day Klook 🌎 Koh Chang activities (GetYourGuide)Global tour marketplace GetYourGuide
🎟️ See all Koh Chang tours & activities (Klook)

Day 2 — Full-day snorkeling trip around the outer islands

Today is the highlight of the trip. The water right around Koh Chang itself is fairly murky because the bottom is sandy mud, but the small islands to the south — Koh Rang, Koh Yak Yai and Koh Yak Lek, Koh Mapring — have much clearer water and coral for snorkeling. Tours mostly leave from Bang Bao Pier and include a pickup from your west-coast accommodation. You can choose a big boat (cheaper, slower) or a speedboat (faster, pricier).

Day 2

Island snorkeling tour (hotel pickup and drop-off)

08:00
Tour van picks you up at your accommodation and takes you to Bang Bao Pier to boardMost tours leave from Bang Bao Pier in the south of the island, with pickups from White Sand, Chai Chet, Klong Prao and Kai Bae. Have a light breakfast at your place first, and carry your ID card/passport with you.
09:30
Board the boat and head to Koh Rang–Koh Yak for the first snorkeling stopThe popular route stops at Koh Yak Lek, Koh Mapring, Koh Rang beach and Koh Yak Yai. The water is far clearer than around Koh Chang, with coral and schools of fish on show. Snorkeling gear — mask and life jacket — is already included in the tour.
11:00
Snorkel the coral at 2–3 spotsThe guide takes you in one spot at a time, around 30–45 minutes each. If you're not a strong swimmer you can keep a life jacket on the whole time. Be careful not to step on or touch the coral, and wear reef-safe sunscreen so you don't harm the reef.
12:30
Lunch on the boat or on an islandFull-day tours include lunch, drinking water and fruit. Most of the time you eat on the boat or stop at Koh Rang, which has a white-sand beach to wander.
14:00
Swim at Koh Rang beach / final snorkeling spotKoh Rang's beach is clear and shallow, good for an easy swim before heading back. Some tours stop near shore for a sunset view before pulling into the pier.
16:30
Boat returns to Bang Bao Pier, van drops you back at your accommodationA full-day island snorkeling tour runs roughly THB 900–1,400/person depending on whether it's a big boat or a speedboat. The national park fee is collected separately on site, with Thai nationals paying less than foreigners — ask the operator to spell it out clearly before you book.
18:30
Relax and grab dinner near your accommodationYou'll be tired from the sun and the sea today, so keep dinner easy and close to where you're staying. If you're at White Sand there are plenty of food spots and beachfront bars within walking distance.

Check the weather — boats don't run in the monsoon

The eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand has a monsoon season roughly May–Oct, with strong wind and waves in spells. On some days the snorkeling tour may be canceled if the swell is high. For safety, plan your snorkeling for the middle of the trip so there's room to reschedule. If it pours that day and the tour is off, you can still shift it to the last day. And don't push to board if the operator has called it off because of the weather.

Day 3 — Klong Plu Waterfall, Bang Bao village, then the ferry back

Day 3

Forest waterfall · fishing village · lighthouse

08:30
Breakfast near your accommodation, then check out and leave your bagsCheckout is usually around 11:00–12:00, and you can leave your bags at the property before heading out again. Pack your swim things and shoes with grip that can handle slippery ground for the waterfall.
09:30
Klong Plu Waterfall — a short forest walk and a swim under the fallsThe most famous and most accessible waterfall on the island, on the Klong Prao side. It's about a 600–700 m walk in from the parking area, with a pool beneath the falls you can swim in. The park entry fee is around THB 40 for Thai nationals and higher for foreigners. Open roughly 08:00–16:30. Watch out for slippery rocks around the pool.
11:30
Go back for your bags, then head south to Bang Bao villageBang Bao sits at the far southern end of the coastal road, about a 30–40 minute drive down from the beach zone. This stretch of road is steep with lots of bends, so drive slowly and take extra care.
12:30
Walk the wooden pier of Bang Bao village and eat seafood by the waterAn old fishing village of houses built on wooden stilts out over the sea, linked by a long wooden walkway. There are waterfront seafood restaurants, local-goods shops and souvenir stalls. Pick a place where locals eat and prices are posted.
14:00
Walk to the lighthouse at the end of the Bang Bao pier for sea viewsA white lighthouse stands at the end of the wooden pier that runs out into the sea — a popular spot for photos and views over the Gulf of Thailand. The afternoon sun is strong, so bring a hat and water.
15:30
Head back to the pier and take the ferry across to the mainlandAllow about 40–50 minutes to drive from Bang Bao back to the northern pier. The last ferry usually leaves in the evening (around 18:00–19:00, depending on the season and operator). Check the last departure time first thing in the morning so you don't miss the boat.

Pick the beach that fits your style

Lively, lots of dining

White Sand Beach

The most famous beach, with the most beachfront restaurants and bars, and a lively evening scene. Good for people who like an upbeat atmosphere and easy access to food.

Quiet, long beach

Klong Prao Beach

The longest beach, quieter, with a calm and easygoing feel, and close to Klong Plu Waterfall. Good for couples and families who want a relaxed stay.

Chill, budget-friendly

Kai Bae–Lonely Beach

The southern zone, laid-back and budget-friendly, with affordable accommodation and restaurants. Good for backpackers and longer stays.

Koh Chang food worth seeking out

1

Fresh waterfront seafood at Bang Bao

Lunch–dinner · Bang Bao village

Blue swimming crab, prawns, shellfish, steamed grouper — seafood that came off the fishing boats the same day. You eat by the water in Bang Bao village, and the setting is lovely. Ask the price per kilo before you order.

SeafoodMust-try
About THB 300–700/person
2

Som tam and made-to-order dishes at White Sand Beach

All day · White Sand Beach

Beachfront spots at White Sand serve made-to-order food, som tam and pad kaprao at prices you can stomach, eaten with a sea view. Good for an easy lunch between swims.

Made-to-order
About THB 80–200/person
3

Steamed egg crab and blue swimming crab

Main meal · seafood restaurants

Trat is crab country. Fresh blue swimming crab and egg crab, steamed and dipped in seafood sauce, are a local highlight that's easy to find fresh on the island, especially at the Bang Bao restaurants.

SeafoodLocal
Priced by weight
4

Fish or seafood rice porridge (khao tom)

Dinner · beach-town spots

A light dinner the islanders eat: rice porridge with fresh fish or mixed seafood in a well-rounded broth. Good for a night when you've had heavy seafood all day and want something warm and easy on the stomach.

Dinner
About THB 80–180
5

Noodles and snacks along the coastal road

All day · coastal road

Noodle shops and snack stalls are scattered along the coastal road at friendly prices. Good for a quick bite while moving between beaches or before a boat trip.

Snacks
About THB 50–90
6

Trat local fruit (rambutan, durian, salak)

Seasonal · roadside stalls

During fruit season (May–Jul), Trat has rambutan, durian, mangosteen and salak sold at roadside stalls, fresher and cheaper than in Bangkok. They make a good gift to bring home too.

FruitSouvenir
By weight
7

Beachfront cafés and coffee

Afternoon · west-coast beaches

White Sand and Klong Prao have seaside cafés to sit and sip coffee with a view. Good for an afternoon break between swims, with mid-range drink prices.

Café
About THB 80–160
8

Beachfront bars at dinnertime

Evening · White Sand Beach

Come evening, White Sand's seaside bars play mellow music — sit with a few snacks and a drink and watch the sunset. Pick a place with clearly posted prices.

Beach bar
About THB 120–300/person

Rough budget per person (3 days, 2 nights)

  • 2 nights' accommodation — a mid-range west-coast resort at THB 1,000–2,500/night (split between 2 people) comes to roughly THB 1,000–2,500/person. Budget options around Kai Bae–Lonely Beach are cheaper than this.
  • Return ferry fare — foot passengers start in the low hundreds of THB per crossing; add the vehicle charge if you drive across.
  • Day 2 island snorkeling tour — roughly THB 900–1,400/person, not including the national park fee collected on site.
  • Food — 7–8 meals, roughly THB 1,200–2,500 for the whole trip, depending on whether you go for seafood or made-to-order dishes.
  • Getting around the island — motorbike rental THB 250–350/day plus fuel, or a songthaew charged by distance (you won't need a vehicle on the snorkeling day since the tour picks you up).
  • Waterfall entry — Klong Plu Waterfall is around THB 40 for Thai nationals and higher for foreigners.
  • Rough total — roughly THB 4,500–8,500/person, not including the cost of getting to Trat from your home city.

Tips to make the trip smoother

  • Check the season before booking — Koh Chang's high season is Nov–Apr, with clear seas, good sun, and all the tours running. May–Oct is monsoon season with lots of rain, strong waves in spells, some snorkeling tours canceled, and some accommodations closed for renovation. Check with your accommodation and tour operator first.
  • Check the last ferry departure — on the day you leave, don't miss the boat. The last ferry usually goes in the evening, so allow 40–50 minutes to drive from Bang Bao or the southern zone back to the northern pier.
  • Watch out for steep slopes when driving or riding — the coastal road is steep with hairpin bends, especially heading down to Bang Bao. Brake well, wear a helmet, and remember it gets very slippery in the rain. If you're not used to it, take a songthaew or hire a car.
  • Pack sun and water protection — reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve top, and a waterproof pouch for your phone. The sun is stronger than you'd expect on the snorkeling day.
  • Withdraw cash beforehand — ATMs on the island are limited and some places take cash only. Bring enough cash to cover things and save yourself the hassle when paying for tours and seafood.
  • Plan the snorkeling for mid-trip — that leaves room if your flight or transport is delayed on the first day, and room to reschedule if the swell is too strong and the tour is canceled — you can still shift it to the last day.

Want a shortlist of well-located places to use as your base for both nights of this trip?

See the Top 10 Koh Chang hotels →

FAQ

Is 3 days and 2 nights enough for Koh Chang?

Yes, and it's just right. Split it into a west-coast beach day, a full day snorkeling the outer islands, and a day for Klong Plu Waterfall and Bang Bao village before the ferry back. You get the beaches, the clear water of the outer islands, the waterfall and the fishing-village vibe without driving north to south all day.

How do you get to Koh Chang — is there an airport?

Koh Chang has no airport. You travel by road to Trat province and then take the ferry from Laem Ngop. There are two piers — Ao Thammachat and Centerpoint — running roughly once an hour during the day, with a 30–45 minute crossing. You can drive across yourself or come as a foot passenger and use the island's songthaews.

Where's good for snorkeling around Koh Chang, and how much does it cost?

The water right around Koh Chang is fairly murky. The clearer snorkeling spots are the small islands to the south — Koh Rang, Koh Yak Yai and Koh Yak Lek, Koh Mapring. Tours leave from Bang Bao Pier with a pickup at your accommodation, at roughly THB 900–1,400/person including snorkeling gear and lunch, though the national park fee is collected separately on site.

Which Koh Chang beach should I stay at?

If you like a lively scene with lots of restaurants, stay at White Sand Beach. If you want it quiet with a long beach, go for Klong Prao. Budget travelers tend to head to Kai Bae–Lonely Beach in the south. We'd keep one base for both nights so you're not moving bags, and remember that many places close during low season (May–Oct), so check before booking.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

The easiest time to travel is Nov–Apr, with clear seas, good sun, and all the snorkeling tours running. May–Oct is monsoon season with lots of rain and strong waves in spells, some snorkeling tours canceled, and some accommodations closed for renovation. If you come in the rainy season, have a backup plan and check the weather before every boat trip.

Related

🗺️ Koh Chang travel guide🏨 Top 10 Koh Chang hotels🤿 Snorkeling the islands around Koh Chang

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