Koh Chang Hotels

On your island escape, you can pretend you can command your own ship by renting a kayak on Kai Bae Beach and heading out to sea. Or venture beneath the clear water for a bit of diving at Ko Wai; either way the potential for a good time is large. How large? Well, the name Koh Chang means ‘Elephant Island’ – and while it has only been in the last decade that visitors have been coming in large numbers, the potential for enjoyment is as huge as an elephant!

Koh Chang’s Top 10

Koh Chang History

• Battle of Koh Chang Monument - Discover the historical importance of Koh Chang at this popular monument.
• Ao Salek Phet - This is the site of the wreckage of two famous battleships.
• Bang Bao Fisherman’s Village - This historical village offers a great look at the Koh Chang of the past.
• Wat Salek Phet - This historical temple was built in the reign of Rama V and has remained an important site since.
• Koh Chang Yutthanavi Day - In late January, this event commemorates the Thai defeat of the French in 1941.

Koh Chang Art & Culture

• Shrine of Chao Po Koh Chang - This shrine to the god of Koh Chang is still very important among the locals.
• Koh Chang Cooking School - Come learn about one of the most important parts of Koh Chang culture: the food.
• La Cabra Art Gallery - This Koh Chang gallery features local works, as well as works from foreign artists.
• Nattha Massage and Training Centre - Massage is a big part of Thai culture.
• Koh Mak’s Underwater Elephant Sculptures - This attraction features underwater statues that also act as coral.

Koh Chang Shopping

• Prince Craft Centre - The best place in Koh Chang to find something unique to decorate your home.
• Portobello - This unique Koh Chang store offers a wide selection of lamps and jewellery.
• Baan Chai Chet - Small shops that sell just about anything.
• Bangbao Village - The largest souvenir centre on Koh Chang.
• Bailan Beach - The roads along this Koh Chang beach are a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Gay & Lesbian Koh Chang

• Nirvana Koh Chang - This popular Koh Chang resort has much to offer the gay and lesbian traveller.
• Kai Bae Garden Resort - One of the most popular places for gays and lesbians.
• Tropical Beach Resort - There is a beautiful beach and killer views at this gay-friendly Koh Chang resort.
• Lemon Bar - This Koh Chang gay bar features drag shows and musical performances by the friendly staff.
• Marina - A beautiful Koh Chang restaurant that is not only gay friendly but shows a variety of films every evening.

Koh Chang Events

In late January, join the locals for Koh Chang Yutthanavi Day to commemorate an old battle with exhibitions by the Royal Thai Navy.

April’s Songkran Festival welcomes in the Thai New Year. Go and throw water on complete strangers. After all, they’ll be doing it to you!

September brings the Koh Chang Food and Fun Festival. There is food and there is fun. What more could you want?

The Chao Po Koh Chang Festival takes place in November. Experience Thai dancing and people walking over razor-sharp broken glass.

Also in November is Loi Krathong, which literally means ‘float a raft’. Hundreds of decorated rafts are set to float in the river.

When To Go

The cool season from November to February is a great time to visit, when the temperatures are comparably comfortable.

The mercury rises from March to May, as does the humidity.

Koh Chang gets really wet from June to October.

Getting Around

The easiest way to have independence on the island is to hire a motorbike. If you don’t feel confident riding your own bike, there are also motorbike taxis – hop on the back for a wild ride!

Public passenger vehicles travel up and down the west and east coast roads.

Hire a long-tail boat and visit the beaches on both Koh Chang and the neighbouring islands.

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