Should You Visit Koh Chang?

Are you thinking about visiting Koh Chang, Thailand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Koh Chang worth visiting?

This island is a good place to visit for three to five days. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in U.S. News Best Places to Visit in Thailand. Ko Chang is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It offers a serene setting that is not overdeveloped or overrun with tourists, but still has all of the amenities that you might need. The interior is filled with rugged jungle and the beaches are beautiful and sandy. For backpackers, there are still waterfront parties around Lonely Beach.

Koh Chang, Thailand Koh Chang, Thailand

Reasons to Visit Koh Chang

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.

Resorts
The island has managed to maintain a natural atmosphere without the overdevelopment found at many Thai islands, yet it still has the amenities and comforts that you need like nice resorts.

Food
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.

Nightlife
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.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Koh Chang might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Koh Chang here or see if Koh Chang is expensive here.

Authenticity
Koh Chang has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.




Is Koh Chang worth visiting in the Summer?

This is the low season for travel in Koh Chang. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Chang looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the resorts, and the nightlife. Also, you can check out the beautiful scenery.


Summer Weather in Koh Chang
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 28°C (82°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)
August 27°C (81°F) 514 mm (20.2 in)
September 27°C (81°F) 476 mm (18.7 in)

Is Koh Chang worth visiting in the Autumn?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Chang, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Koh Chang is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Chang looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, relax at the beach, and enjoy the amenities of a resort.


Autumn Weather in Koh Chang
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in)
November 27°C (80°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
December 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)

Is Koh Chang worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the high season for travel in Koh Chang, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 26°C (79°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Chang looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, take advantage of the local nightlife, and lounge on the beach. Also, you can experience the luxurious resorts and the beautiful scenery.


Winter Weather in Koh Chang
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 26°C (79°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
February 27°C (81°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
March 28°C (82°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)

Is Koh Chang worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Koh Chang. Even though Koh Chang is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Koh Chang looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the nightlife scene, and the beaches. Also, you can relax at a resort.


Spring Weather in Koh Chang
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 29°C (84°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 356 mm (14 in)
June 28°C (82°F) 513 mm (20.2 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Koh Chang

Museums
Koh Chang isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. This is a beach paradise, but you won't find any temples or museums around the island.

Shopping: Koh Chang isn't exactly a shopper's destination. While this isn't the place to do any serious shopping, there are a few places where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs from your trip.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Koh Chang most famous for?

Koh Chang is most famous for its natural setting, rugged jungles, and peaceful beaches. People visit this impressive island for its great beaches. It is also known for its great resorts. And many visitors also come to this island for its food and nightlife. It is often described as idyllic, serene, tranquil, and scenic.

What is the most famous sight in Koh Chang?

The most popular sight in Koh Chang is White Sand Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Koh Chang on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for White Sand Beach and other attractions here.

How touristy is Koh Chang? Is it a popular island to visit?

Koh Chang is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Private Kayak Experience in Bang Bao Bay with Lunch: $22
  • Bubblemaker, experience dive for kids from 8 to 10 years old (Koh Chang): $83
  • PADI Discover Scuba Dive Experience: $152
  • Full-Day Koh Chang Tour with Lunch: $54
  • 1-Day Adventure in Diving in Koh Chang: $281

How long should I spend in Koh Chang?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Koh Chang is at least three or as many as five days. Since Koh Chang has a variety of activities such as beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Koh Chang?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Koh Chang?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Koh Chang?.

More Things to Do in Koh Chang