Koh Chang Review: My Honest Opinion After 2 Weeks on the Island

I recently spent two weeks on Koh Chang, a large island in eastern Thailand, and I wanted to share a more personal travel experience.

Koh Chang is often described as a greener, wilder and less developed island than some of Thailand’s southern destinations. After two weeks there, my opinion is mostly positive: the island has a lot of charm if you enjoy nature, jungle roads, quiet beaches and cafés with a view.

But Koh Chang is not necessarily for everyone. Some areas are touristy, distances are longer than they look, and the roads can be surprising, especially if you plan to ride a scooter.

Why write a personal Koh Chang review?

There are already many practical guides about Koh Chang, with lists of beaches, activities, hotels and transport options. Here, the goal is different. After two weeks on the island, I wanted to share a more concrete review, based on real impressions, places I visited and addresses I personally tested.

Koh Chang is not just a list of beaches. The island is best experienced by moving around, stopping at small cafés, taking the quieter roads, observing fruit stalls along the way and spending time in more peaceful areas.

It is also an island where the atmosphere changes a lot from one area to another. The west coast is more touristy, the north is quieter, the south offers beautiful viewpoints, and the road towards Long Beach or Salak Khok shows a more local side of Koh Chang.

Where we stayed in Koh Chang

During our stay in Koh Chang, we stayed in a sea-view apartment inside the Siam Royal View complex, in the north of the island. The location was very pleasant and especially convenient because it is close to the ferry.

This is an important point when choosing where to stay in Koh Chang. The island is quite large, and depending on your location, you can quickly spend a lot of time on the road. Staying in the north meant we were close to the ferry arrival point, which made both arrival and departure much easier.

The Siam Royal View area is fairly quiet. It is not the most animated part of the island, but it is a good option if you are looking for comfort, a nice view and a more peaceful atmosphere.

On the other hand, if you want to go out often in the evening or stay close to bars, restaurants and the best-known beaches, you may prefer areas such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae or Lonely Beach.

How we got to Koh Chang from Pattaya

To reach Koh Chang, we took a private taxi from Pattaya. The trip cost us 3,000 baht. For us, it was a comfortable and convenient option, especially with luggage and to avoid changing between buses, minivans and the ferry.

The taxi took us to the pier, then we crossed by ferry to the island. Since our accommodation was in the north of Koh Chang, near the arrival area, we did not need to cross the whole island after the ferry.

If you are travelling alone, the bus or minivan can be cheaper. But if you are two or more, or if you want a simple solution from Pattaya, a private taxi can be worth it.

My first impression of Koh Chang

The first thing that struck me in Koh Chang was how green the island is. The jungle is everywhere. Even when driving along the coast, you can feel how much the mountains and vegetation dominate the landscape. Koh Chang feels less urbanised than some of Thailand’s more famous southern destinations.

The second thing you notice quickly is that the island is large. You do not move from one beach to another in just a few minutes. The roads are sometimes winding, with fairly steep climbs and descents, especially in parts of the west coast.

I also felt that Koh Chang has two different faces. On one side, there is the more touristy road leading to well-known beaches such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach. On the other side, there are quieter, more local roads, especially towards Long Beach, Salak Khok and the less visited parts of the island.

On the road to Klong Son, we saw monkeys along the roadside. You can sometimes also see them directly on White Sand Beach, which is not something you necessarily expect.

Koh Chang areas and roads: my impressions

What struck me in Koh Chang is how much the atmosphere changes depending on the part of the island. You can go from a very touristy area, with beaches, restaurants and bars, to a much quieter road lined with jungle, villages and small fruit stalls.

The north of the island

The north of Koh Chang, where we stayed, is convenient for arrival and departure, especially because it is close to the ferry. It is also a quieter area, suitable if you want accommodation with a view and a more relaxing atmosphere.

However, it is not the best choice if you want to go out every evening or stay right in the middle of the island’s main tourist activity.

The west coast: White Sand Beach, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach

The west coast is the best-known and most visited part of Koh Chang. This is where you will find most of the beaches, hotels, restaurants and bars.

The road down to Lonely Beach is clearly one of the most tourist-oriented areas of the island. This is not necessarily a bad thing: if you want a livelier atmosphere, to meet people, go out in the evening or have easy access to several beaches, this area can be convenient.

But it is not the wildest or most local part of Koh Chang. As you go towards Lonely Beach and beyond, you feel more strongly that this part of the island is built around travellers.

The road to Long Beach

By contrast, the road towards Long Beach gave me a much more local and wild impression. It is less tourist-oriented, with fewer hotels, fewer bars and less activity.

Along the roadside, especially in this part of the island, you often see locals selling fruit directly in front of their homes or from small stalls. You can find bananas, mangosteens and especially a lot of durians. Durian is very present in this area, and it gives the road a very local feel.

This is the kind of detail I really liked in Koh Chang. You leave behind the classic image of a tourist island and find something simpler, more rural and more authentic. If you enjoy tropical fruits, you can also read my articles about Thai durian and mangosteen in Thailand.

Salak Khok and the mangrove

The Salak Khok area is interesting if you are looking for a more peaceful and local atmosphere. Between the mangrove, the fishing village and the natural landscapes, this part of the island takes you away from the more classic beach areas.

It is a good area to explore if you want to discover another side of Koh Chang, quieter and less focused on tourism.

Bang Bao and the south of the island

The Bang Bao area is interesting for its pier, restaurants, boat trips and cafés with views. I found this part of the island pleasant to explore, especially for taking breaks and enjoying the scenery.

This is also where you can stop at Rasta View, a café I really enjoyed for its view over the Bang Bao pier.

Ronnie’s Organic Coconut Garden: an address I recommend

On the road towards Long Beach, we discovered a place I recommend: Ronnie’s Organic Coconut Garden. The owner is very friendly, the place is pleasant and the food is good.

It is a good stop if you are exploring this quieter part of Koh Chang. The address fits well with the atmosphere of this area: simple, local, relaxed and surrounded by nature.

We also rented our scooters from him, which turned out to be very convenient. He can deliver the scooter directly to where you are staying, then pick it up again when you leave. That is a real advantage in Koh Chang, especially if you are not staying in a very central area or if you do not want to waste time looking for a rental shop.

For me, this is exactly the kind of useful tip worth knowing before visiting the island.

Getting around Koh Chang: scooter or taxi?

To really enjoy Koh Chang, a scooter is very practical. It allows you to explore the island at your own pace, stop at cafés, discover viewpoints and reach places that are less accessible otherwise.

That said, you need to be careful. The roads in Koh Chang can be steep, winding and sometimes intimidating, especially in some parts of the west coast. If you have never ridden a scooter in Thailand, this may not be the easiest island to start on.

Shared taxis are also available, but they are less flexible. If you really want to explore the island, stop for photos, reach Long Beach or go from one café to a viewpoint, a scooter remains the most enjoyable option, as long as you are confident and careful.

Before taking the road, I also recommend reading my guide on renting a scooter in Thailand, as well as my advice on road safety in Thailand.

Places I recommend in Koh Chang

After two weeks on the island, some places stood out to me. They are not necessarily the most famous places, but they are spots I genuinely enjoyed and would recommend if you want to discover Koh Chang differently.

Oasis Koh Chang

Among the places we liked, the first one is Oasis Koh Chang, located after Lonely Beach. The place is really pleasant, with a beautiful swimming pool in the middle of the jungle.

Even if you are not staying there, it is worth a stop for its very natural atmosphere. What I especially liked was the elevated hut, which allows you to enjoy the surrounding landscape. You are surrounded by vegetation, with a nice view of the hills and jungle of Koh Chang.

It is exactly the kind of place that shows another side of the island, far from the simple “beach and coconut trees” image.

Mangrove Forest Boardwalk

I also really liked the Mangrove Forest Boardwalk, a charming and peaceful place where you can walk through the mangrove.

The atmosphere is very different from the beaches. It is calmer, greener and almost silent at times. The walk is simple, but pleasant, especially if you enjoy natural and quiet places.

It is not necessarily a spectacular activity, but that is exactly what gives it its charm. You slow down, walk quietly and discover a different environment in Koh Chang.

Salak Khok Fishing Village

I also recommend Salak Khok Fishing Village, a fishing village located in a quieter and more local part of Koh Chang. The atmosphere is very different from the more touristy areas on the west coast.

It is a pleasant place if you want to discover another side of the island, more peaceful, more authentic and connected to local life. You will find a simple atmosphere, with mangroves, houses, boats and a much slower pace.

I think Salak Khok complements a visit to the Mangrove Forest Boardwalk very well. If you enjoy quiet places, natural landscapes and less touristy villages, it is an interesting stop to add to your itinerary.

Altitude 79 Coffee Shop

I also recommend Altitude 79 Coffee Shop, a café-restaurant with a beautiful view, almost like a viewpoint.

It is the kind of place that is perfect for a break during a day of exploration. You can have a coffee, eat something and enjoy the panorama. If you like cafés with views in Thailand, this place is definitely worth a stop.

Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway

The Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway is also an excellent spot, even if you are not a hotel guest. The property has a beautiful setting and a pleasant private beach where you can relax.

What I found interesting is that you can enjoy the place simply by ordering a drink at the café next to the pool. This allows you to spend some time in a more comfortable setting without necessarily booking a room at the hotel.

It is a good option if you are looking for a quieter beach, a more polished setting and a pleasant break during your stay. As always with this kind of access, conditions can change depending on the season or how busy the hotel is. It is better to order something on site and remain respectful of the place.

Where to listen to live music in Koh Chang

If you enjoy evenings with live music, I recommend two places in White Sand Beach. This is the most convenient area if you want to have dinner, a drink and enjoy a livelier atmosphere in the evening.

Oodie’s Place

Oodie’s Place is a very good address in White Sand Beach for live music in Koh Chang. The atmosphere is pleasant in the evening, and it is a good place to enjoy a more animated moment without necessarily going to a big party area.

We also liked the food there, which makes it an interesting address both for dinner and for spending a good evening with music.

RockBar Koh Chang

I also recommend RockBar Koh Chang, also located in White Sand Beach. It is another good address for live music on the island, with a more bar-oriented evening atmosphere.

If you are staying around White Sand Beach or looking for an evening idea, these two places are good options to enjoy some animation in Koh Chang.

Where to eat in Koh Chang: my recommended restaurants

Koh Chang has many Thai restaurants, small local addresses, cafés and more tourist-oriented restaurants depending on the area. After two weeks on the island, these are the restaurants I personally recommend.

Montee Restaurant Seafood and Thai Food

Montee Restaurant Seafood and Thai Food was located right next to our resort, which was very convenient. We found good Thai food there, with simple, tasty dishes and seafood.

It is the kind of address that is pleasant if you are staying in the northern part of the island or looking for a convenient restaurant after a day on the road or at the beach.

Grandfather and Grandmother in White Sand Beach

In White Sand Beach, I recommend the restaurant Grandfather and Grandmother. The food is delicious and the restaurant is often full, which is usually a good sign.

It is a good address if you are in the White Sand Beach area and looking for a popular restaurant with tasty food and a lively atmosphere.

Happy Restaurant Kai Bae Beach

In Kai Bae Beach, we liked Happy Restaurant Kai Bae Beach. The food was good and the location is convenient if you are exploring this part of Koh Chang.

It is a simple and pleasant address for eating during a day in Kai Bae, without necessarily looking for anything complicated.

Enjoy Life Restaurant

I also recommend Enjoy Life Restaurant, located right next to Happy Restaurant Kai Bae Beach. We also found the food good in this restaurant.

The fact that these two restaurants are next to each other is practical: if one of them is full, or if you simply want to compare the atmosphere, you have another good option right next door.

How many days should you stay in Koh Chang?

After two weeks on the island, I would say the ideal length of stay really depends on the way you like to travel.

For a first visit, 5 to 7 days seems enough to see the main beaches, explore a few roads, visit the mangrove, stop at one or two cafés with views and enjoy the island without rushing too much.

If you like slow travel, staying several days in the same place, trying different cafés, driving some roads more than once and taking time to relax, then 10 days to 2 weeks can make a lot of sense.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an island with a lot of nightlife every evening or a very busy activity schedule, two weeks may feel a little long. Koh Chang is most enjoyable when you accept a slower rhythm.

My advice for planning a stay in Koh Chang

If I had to suggest a simple itinerary, I would say: do not limit yourself to just one part of the island. Even if you sleep in the same place throughout your stay, try to explore several areas.

• 1 or 2 days to discover the west coast, the beaches and the most touristy areas.
• 1 day to go towards Bang Bao, Rasta View and the south of the island.
• 1 day to explore the road to Long Beach, the fruit stalls and Ronnie’s Organic Coconut Garden.
• 1 moment for the Mangrove Forest Boardwalk and Salak Khok Fishing Village.
• 1 break in a café with a view, such as Altitude 79 Coffee Shop.
• 1 relaxing moment at Mercure Koh Chang Hideaway if you want a more comfortable beach setting.
• 1 evening in White Sand Beach to listen to live music at Oodie’s Place or RockBar Koh Chang.

It is by combining these different atmospheres that Koh Chang becomes really interesting.

My practical tips after 2 weeks in Koh Chang

• Choose your area carefully: the north is quiet and convenient for the ferry, while the west coast is livelier.
• Be careful on a scooter: some roads are steep, especially in mountainous areas and around Lonely Beach.
• Explore lesser-known areas too: the road to Long Beach, the mangrove and Salak Khok show another side of Koh Chang.
• Allow enough time: the island is large and distances are longer than they seem.
• Do not look only for beaches: cafés with views, local roads, villages and mangrove areas are also part of the island’s charm.
• Check the weather: Koh Chang is very green, but some periods are wetter. To choose the right time to travel, you can read my guide to weather in Thailand and my article about the rainy season in Thailand.
• Plan your budget: private taxis, scooters, restaurants and the length of your stay can quickly change your expenses.
• Bring mosquito repellent: the vegetation is dense and mosquitoes are present, especially in the evening and near the mangrove.
• Elephants: you may see elephants on the island, but they are usually tied up or used for tourism. If animal welfare matters to you, check carefully before joining any activity of this kind. You can also read my article about elephants in Thailand.

What to do around Koh Chang?

If you have more time in the region, Koh Chang can also be combined with other islands in eastern Thailand. Koh Kood is a very good option if you are looking for a quieter island known for its beaches. Koh Samet can also be interesting if you want an island closer to Bangkok or Pattaya.

These islands allow you to extend your trip in the same region while keeping a calmer atmosphere than many of Thailand’s major southern destinations.

Koh Chang review: my final opinion after 2 weeks on the island

Yes, in my opinion, Koh Chang is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy nature, large islands, jungle landscapes and places that feel a little less polished.

I would not necessarily recommend it to someone looking only for perfect beaches, a very chic atmosphere or intense nightlife. But for a quieter stay, with beautiful roads, cafés with views, peaceful corners and a still fairly wild atmosphere in some places, Koh Chang is a very beautiful destination.

What I liked most were the contrasts: the quieter north, the more touristy west coast, the more local road to Long Beach, the peaceful mangrove, the more authentic Salak Khok area, and the cafés perched with views over the jungle or the sea.

After two weeks there, I remember Koh Chang as a green island, pleasant to explore, sometimes a little demanding because of its roads, but truly charming if you take the time to discover it.

FAQ: planning a trip to Koh Chang

How many days do you need to visit Koh Chang?

For a first visit, I recommend staying at least 5 to 7 days in Koh Chang. This gives you enough time to discover several beaches, explore a few roads, visit the mangrove and enjoy the island without rushing. If you enjoy slow travel, 10 days to 2 weeks can also make sense.

Is 2 weeks in Koh Chang too long?

Not necessarily. If you like slow travel, relaxing, exploring by scooter and discovering different areas of the island, two weeks can be very enjoyable. However, if you are looking for lots of nightlife or a very packed programme, it may feel a little long.

Where should you stay in Koh Chang?

It depends on the atmosphere you want. The north of the island is convenient for being close to the ferry and enjoying a quieter setting. The west coast is better if you want to be near beaches, restaurants and evening activity.

Should you rent a scooter in Koh Chang?

A scooter is very practical for exploring Koh Chang, but the roads can be steep and winding. You need to be confident, careful and avoid riding too fast, especially on descents and bends.

Which road should you not miss in Koh Chang?

I really liked the road to Long Beach because it shows a more local and wilder side of the island. You can see fruit stalls, durians, vegetation and fewer tourist facilities.

What can you see in Salak Khok?

Salak Khok is interesting if you want to discover a quieter and more local part of Koh Chang. You can see the fishing village, the mangrove and an atmosphere that feels much less touristy than the west coast.

Where can you listen to live music in Koh Chang?

For live music in Koh Chang, I recommend Oodie’s Place and RockBar Koh Chang, two addresses located in White Sand Beach.

Which restaurants do you recommend in Koh Chang?

Among the restaurants I recommend in Koh Chang are Montee Restaurant Seafood and Thai Food, Grandfather and Grandmother in White Sand Beach, Happy Restaurant Kai Bae Beach and Enjoy Life Restaurant in Kai Bae.

Can you go to Koh Chang from Pattaya?

Yes, it is possible. We took a private taxi from Pattaya to the ferry for Koh Chang, for 3,000 baht. It is a comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with someone else or with luggage.

Is Koh Chang suitable for a first trip to Thailand?

Yes, but mainly for travellers who enjoy nature and quieter islands. If you are looking for a very easy, flat and lively destination, other islands may be simpler. Koh Chang requires a little more organisation, especially for getting around.

🔄 Last updated on May 31, 2026