🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Koh Chang is Thailand's second-largest island, part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park in Trat province. The west coast is the side that works best for families: long beaches, water that's fairly calm during high season, and a mix of restaurants and resorts at every price level. The waterfall and the snorkelling boat trips aren't far either — you can drive or hop on a songthaew (shared pickup truck) to reach them. This plan is paced to match a kid's rhythm, without cramming in so much that everyone ends up exhausted.
Why Koh Chang works for families
- Calm water in high season — Klong Prao and Kai Bae on the west coast stay gentle from November to April, so kids can build sandcastles and paddle in the shallows.
- An easy walk to the waterfall — Klong Plu Waterfall is about a 1 km walk from the car park, on a fairly flat path with rest stops along the way. Kids and older relatives can manage it.
- You can choose how quiet you want it — for real quiet, head to the southern end of Klong Prao or out toward Ban Salak Phet; for shops and restaurants, stick to Kai Bae.
- Snorkelling without being a strong swimmer — the boat trips stop at shallow spots where you can wear a life jacket, so older kids who can swim a bit can get in with their parents.
When to go
Families should aim for the high season, roughly November to April: clear water, calm seas, and snorkelling boat trips running every day. The monsoon months from May to October bring heavy rain and rough seas, the boat trips usually get cancelled, and some smaller resorts close for the stretch. If you have to go during the rainy season, always check with your accommodation before booking.
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.
Day 1 — Arrive on the island + calm beach
Land, settle in, evening swim
Day 2 — Klong Plu Waterfall + quiet beach
Morning at the waterfall, chilled-out beach afternoon
Day 3 — Snorkelling around the islands + heading home
Snorkelling boat trip, then the trip back
Which beach suits families
Klong Prao Beach
A beach running more than 3 km with shallow, calm water in high season and resorts at every price level — good for kids in the sand and parents relaxing.
Kai Bae Beach
Plenty of restaurants and places to eat, with fairly calm water at both ends of the beach — a mix of convenience and family-friendliness.
Bang Bao – southern Klong Prao
Quieter than the main beaches with fewer people — good if you want to escape the bustle. You can take the kids for a walk along the Bang Bao wooden pier.
The sea and your kids
The west-coast beaches are calm in high season, but during the monsoon the waves pick up and there may be warning flags. Always check the signs and flag colours before getting in. At low tide some stretches get very shallow and you can walk far out — a good time to hunt for shells with the kids in the morning.
The warnings we'll give you straight
Koh Chang really is a fun trip, but there are a few things families need to watch out for. We'd rather tell you straight than let you find out the hard way.
- The island road is steep with hairpin bends — especially on the way to the southern beaches, where it gets very steep with tight corners. If you're driving yourself, use a low gear going downhill and brake in bursts. A motorbike is even more dangerous; if you're not used to the roads, don't force it — a songthaew is safer.
- Snorkelling boats depend on the weather — during the monsoon the sea is rough and trips often get cancelled. Always check the forecast, and don't force a boat trip if the sea is up.
- Some places close in low season — certain resorts and small shops shut down for the May–October stretch. If you're going in the rainy season, confirm with your accommodation before booking.
- The waterfall rocks are slippery — the pool below Klong Plu Waterfall has slippery rocks, so kids need a life jacket and an adult watching close by. Never climb to the top of the falls.
- Build in extra travel time — the ferry and songthaews can mean long waits, and long weekends get crowded. Leave enough buffer so you're not stressed with the kids.
What to pack
- Life jackets / float rings for the kids (some spots lend them out, but bringing your own is reassuring).
- Sunscreen and hats — the island sun is strong, especially on the boat.
- Shoes you can wade in, for both the waterfall and the rocky parts of some beaches.
- A basic medicine kit, kids' motion-sickness tablets, and insect repellent for the waterfall trail.
- Cash — small shops and some songthaews don't take transfers or cards.
Browse Koh Chang stays that suit families — calm-water beaches with a pool.
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