Koh Chang is an idyllic island known for White Sand Beach, Klong Plu Waterfall, and Scuba Diving. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're relaxing on the beaches or taking in the beauty, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Koh Chang, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Koh Chang?
A typical traveler spends $68 (฿2,216) per day on a trip to Koh Chang. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Koh Chang based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $32 (฿1,053) on meals
- $14 (฿470) on local transportation
- $54 (฿1,757) on hotels
A one-week trip to Koh Chang for two people costs, on average, $953 (฿31,024). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$476
฿15,512
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$953
฿31,024
-
One Month
Per person
$2,042
฿66,480
-
One Week
For a couple
$953
฿31,024
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,906
฿62,048
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,084
฿132,960
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Chang cost?
A one week trip to Koh Chang usually costs around $476 (฿15,512) for one person and $953 (฿31,024) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Koh Chang on average costs around $953 (฿31,024) for one person and $1,906 (฿62,048) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Chang will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Koh Chang on average costs around $2,042 (฿66,480) for one person and $4,084 (฿132,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Koh Chang expensive to visit?
In Koh Chang, budget travelers spend $30 (฿970) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $68 (฿2,216) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $129 (฿4,235) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Koh Chang.
Koh Chang is a smaller destination that charms visitors with a variety of travel styles, expenditure habits, and budgetary considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Koh Chang can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Asia, Koh Chang is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Chengdu or Pingyao.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Chang Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Chang?
The average Koh Chang trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Chang travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Chang cost?
Koh Chang on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$12
(฿384)
|
$27
(฿879)
|
$52
(฿1,679)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(฿206)
|
$14
(฿470)
|
$28
(฿898)
|
|
Food2
|
$14
(฿461)
|
$32
(฿1,053)
|
$62
(฿2,012)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$3
(฿88)
|
$6
(฿200)
|
$12
(฿382)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-3
(฿38-113)
|
$3-8
(฿86-257)
|
$5-15
(฿164-491)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Koh Chang is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $30 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Koh Chang is home to plenty of hostels, including Pajamas Koh Chang, Jungle Fever Koh Chang, and Beach Jungle Hostel. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. When visiting Koh Chang, you'll want to see White Sand Beach, Klong Plu Waterfall, or Scuba Diving. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $68 per person, per day.
Koh Chang boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Lazy Republique is an excellent family-friendly option, while The Chill Resort and Spa Koh Chang is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Koh Chang here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $129. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the island will require a premium budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Koh Chang to BKK or DMK Airport Private Transfers - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Koh Chang
Hotel rates in Koh Chang vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (winter) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $27 to $50. Expect prices to range from $15 for budget hotels to $90 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Koh Chang for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $54 (฿1,757). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (฿879) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Koh Chang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Koh Chang include:
- The Chill Resort and Spa Koh Chang starting at $84
- Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort starting at $50
- Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa starting at $38
- Gajapuri Resort & Spa starting at $48
- KC Grande Resort & Spa starting at $46
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the island in Koh Chang thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
If you're traveling to Koh Chang with kids, you'll want to choose an apartment or accommodation with more space to enjoy.
This island has plenty of resorts to choose from. Some options may include meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts have their own restaurants.
With many visitors staying up to a week in Koh Chang, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
If you plan your trip outside of winter and during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Koh Chang
Koh Chang has a public transit system that connects to several key locations. There's a main road that goes around the outside of the island, with the exception of the southern tip. You can rent a motorbike or catch a ride on a Songthaew (pick-up truck taxi). Do note that the roads can be very steep and windy, which can be difficult to drive independently. Public transport is an affordable and quick choice if it's near where you're going, with taxis and rideshares also available for added convenience.
Regrettably, the walkable areas in the island are quite limited. Your ability to walk around really depends on where you stay. Many of the resorts are located in quieter areas without easy access to restaurants or shopping.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $14 (฿470) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Chang. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Chang is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
฿470
One of the most popular forms of transportation in Thailand is the songtheaw, and Ko Chang is no exception. The rates here are a bit steeper than other areas of the country, but most of the vehicles you will find are new and in very good condition.
There are also small motorbikes or even cars to rent. The main road is not yet complete – it circles almost all of the island. If you are going to rent a car, a 4x4 is recommended as some roads are still in rough condition especially near Lonely Beach.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Koh Chang to Bangkok Airport or Don Muang Airport for $199 details
- Trat Airport: Shared Transfers to/from Koh Chang with Ferry for $30 details
- Koh Chang to BKK or DMK Airport Private Transfers for $160 details
How much does it cost to go to Koh Chang? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Koh Chang will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Koh Chang
While the food in Koh Chang is nice, there are usually other things that bring in visitors. However, you can find some great places around the island. There's a good selection of restaurants that serve everything from international dishes to Thai favorites. You'll also find restaurants attached to many of the resorts, many with nice views.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Chang can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Chang is $32 (฿1,053) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$32
฿1,053
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Chang is around $32 (฿1053) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $61. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Koh Chang are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
The food in Ko Chang is relatively similar to what you might find in the rest of the country. Most of the restaurants you'll find will be sprinkled along the beaches and open both daytime and nighttime. No doubt most of them will offer some of the delicious local seafood and the most romantic views at night.
If you're looking for something a tad more luxurious, you'll want to visit the restaurants on White Sand Beach. The Top Resort has a spectacular view form their terrace seated at the top of a cliff. Apple offers some of your more basic food selections, and the Nong Bua Seafood restaurant offers varieties of international cuisine and some of the freshest seafood. You'll want to make a reservation as this spot is a popular, family-owned restaurant that's been around for more than thirty years.
No matter where you dine, be sure to ask for a bottle of Ko Chang's very own wine. It's served in a variety of flavors from mangosteen to pineapple to grape.
If you're on a trip with your kids, find restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can really help you save money since those options are typically much more affordable. Some places might not show the kids' meals on their menu, so be sure to check with your waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Make a picnic for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. Visit a nearby grocery store or market, stock up on fresh goodies, and find a beautiful park or scenic spot to have your meal.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Chang
Tourists can't resist Koh Chang, especially for its well-known beaches, romance, resorts, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Chang typically cost an average of $6.14 (฿200) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$6.14
฿200
A few of the most popular sights are:
- White Sand Beach (Free)
- Klong Plu Waterfall for ฿200 ($6)
- Scuba Diving for $125
- Lonely Beach (Free)
- Kai Bae Viewpoint (Free)
- Koh Chang National Park for ฿200 ($6)
- Bang Bao Fishing Village (Free)
- Klong Prao Beach (Free)
- Baan Salak Khok (Free)
- Klong Son Temple (Free)
Some of the best sights on Ko Chang are the coastlines that seem to go on for days. On the west coast Ao Yai is sprinkled with spectacular marbled white and black sand. Look to the sky to try and spot one of the gorgeous sea eagles, or simply walk along one of the many trails.
Another popular and plentiful attraction on Ko Chang are the waterfalls. There is Klong Plu in the west, Klong Nonsi in the east, Khiri Petch just outside of the Salak Petch village and Klong Nueng which is said to be the most beautiful of them all.
We all know that one of the greatest draws to island life is sometimes what's happening under the waters we love to stare at. In Ko Chang scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are some of the most popular activities. There are several places to find instructors or drivers to take you out for the day.
Jungle trekking is also a great way to pass the time on this island. This activity is typically divided into the two parts – the north and the south. Trekking in the north is a bit more leisurely. It's more of a nature walk with fruits and plants to sample along the way. Trekking through the south will take you through fishing villages. In the south you may even come face to face with the likes of monkeys, snakes, lizards and a wide variety of birds.
Beaches:
A great many tourists venture to Koh Chang to enjoy its sandy beaches. You'll find the vast majority of the beaches on the west side of the island. The most developed beach is White Sand Beach, and most of the backpackers hang out at Lonely Beach. For a quiet and more upscale atmosphere check out Klong Prao Beach. Also make sure you keep an eye on high and low tides, because the difference is pretty extreme. You'll find large, sandy beaches at low tide, which disappear at high tide.
A nice way to explore destinations in Koh Chang is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- PADI Discover Scuba Dive Experience for $173 details
- Snorkeling Adventure at Koh Chang – Departing from Koh Chang for $38 details
- Private Kayak Experience in Bang Bao Bay with Lunch for $25 details
Nightlife Budget in Koh Chang
If you're looking for nightlife, Koh Chang has some options, but it's less active than in other more popular locales. It's Thailand, so there is plenty of partying, but there are quiet parts to the island as well. For the biggest party scenes head to Lonely Beach, White Sand Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Lonely Beach is where you'll find the highest concentration of backpackers.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.27 (฿171) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Chang per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.27
฿171
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
While enjoying a night out, remember to stay alert. If you're drinking, you might become an easy target for thieves, so it's best to stay with friends you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: May 27, 2025
Traveling in Koh Chang
Koh Chang, Thailand
Most people pick Thailand for their destination because they're anxious to collapse on a breathtaking beach. If that is you, Ko Chang does not disappoint. As one the country's most beautiful islands, Ko Chang is full of white beaches and incredible wildlife. Beware, though, you're not the only one with Ko Chang in mind. During the high season, the island can become quite crowded with tourists.
The island was once home to coconut growers and fruit farmers. In the 1970s, however, travelers began backpacking in on local fishing boats, and only in the last decade or so has this island experienced the tourism boom that comes with being a luxurious destination. There are resorts going up left and right.
As the largest island in the Ko Chang Archipelago, Ko Chang still experiences a tranquil atmosphere of 70% undisturbed rainforest. Its name means Elephant Island, but not because of its size. The island itself is shaped like the head of an elephant.
This region has the same seasons as nearby Bangkok. You'll likely want to plan your trip for the cooler months from November to February. March to May are entirely too hot, while it rains pretty heavily from June to October.
Related:
Partying in Chiang Mai or other parts of Thailand?
Going to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?
Hitting the beach in Koh Samui?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.