Island Hopping from Koh Chang

Thailand’s eastern Trat province is an excellent choice for an island-hopping holiday and a quieter alternative to the busier southern islands. The Koh Chang archipelago—featuring Koh Chang, Koh Wai, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood—is still blissfully laid-back, yet it offers everything you need for a perfect beach escape. From simple bungalows to boutique resorts, and from coral-rich shallows to jungle-cloaked interiors, this cluster of islands has a vibe for everyone: backpackers, families, couples, and luxury seekers.

Koh Chang—largest and northernmost—is the convenient gateway. Just south lies tiny Koh Wai, then mellow Koh Mak at the archipelago’s center, and lush Koh Kood at the far end. Distances are short, connections are easy in season, and each island has a distinct personality. This guide covers the three classic hops from Koh Chang: Koh Wai, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood.

How to Start Your Island Hopping Journey

Begin by getting yourself to Koh Chang (via Trat Airport or bus to Trat, then a short ferry). Once on Koh Chang, boat services connect to nearby islands, especially in the dry season. Here’s what to know before you hop:

Best Time to Go

• Dry season (Nov–Apr): Calmer seas, more frequent speedboats/ferries, excellent for multi-island routes.
• Rainy season (May–Oct): Services reduce or pause; seas can be rough. Keep plans flexible and check schedules close to your dates.

Typical Route & Trip Length

• Order: Koh Chang → Koh Wai → Koh Mak → Koh Kood (or reverse).
• Time needed: For all three, a comfortable pace is 6–8 nights:
  • 1 night on Koh Wai (pure unplugged beach time)
  • 2–3 nights on Koh Mak (chill, cycle, snorkel)
  • 2–3 nights on Koh Kood (beaches, waterfalls, explore)

Transport & Practical Tips

• Book boats in advance in peak periods and Thai holidays.
• Travel light: Backpacks make pier transfers and speedboat boarding easier than suitcases.
• Arrive early at piers to check in, label bags, and board without stress.
• Cash & connectivity: ATMs are limited on the smaller islands; Wi-Fi and mobile data may be weak or intermittent.

Koh Wai: The Untouched Gem

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing castaway, Koh Wai is your postcard-perfect fantasy. There are no roads, no villages, no vehicles—just coconut palms, simple beachfront bungalows, and quiet, starry nights. Power is often generator-based and limited; after dark, it’s tranquil and wonderfully old-school.

Highlights

• Snorkeling off the beach: Shallow, clear water with near-shore coral gardens—no boat required.
• White-sand coves: Powdery beaches with calm lagoons perfect for floating and fish-watching.
• Short jungle paths: Casual walks to viewpoints and rocky shores. It’s more amble than trek.

Who It’s For

• Nature-lovers & backpackers who want to unplug and do nothing but swim, read, and nap in hammocks.
• Photographers seeking pristine, crowd-free beaches and crystal water.
• Less ideal for luxury travelers or families needing lots of facilities and entertainment.

Accommodation & Amenities

• Simple beach bungalows: Fan rooms, limited electricity, basic restaurants attached to each small resort.
• No shops/ATMs: Bring essentials (power bank, snacks, meds). Expect higher prices for basics due to boat supply.
• Day-tripper peak: Midday boats may bring visitors—early morning and late afternoon are delightfully quiet.

Pro Tips

• Book ahead in high season—limited rooms sell out.
• Pack a torch for dark paths at night, plus reef-safe sunscreen for the coral.
• Test the vibe with a day trip if unsure about overnighting off-grid.

Where to Stay: Top Picks

Koh Wai Pakarang (Coral) Resort

A long-running favorite on the north coast, Koh Wai Pakarang clusters simple bungalows along a sandy arc with easy access to house-reef snorkeling. Expect unfussy rooms, a beachfront restaurant, and generator-powered electricity—this is the classic Koh Wai experience with the coral gardens right in front.

It suits travelers who value location over luxury: sunrise swims, hammock time, and sunset paddles are the daily rhythm. Families who are comfortable with rustic stays and snorkel-happy backpackers tend to love it here.

Koh Wai Beach Resort

Tucked into a sheltered bay, Koh Wai Beach Resort offers basic seaview bungalows with the feel of a private cove. You’re here for the calm water, the soft sand, and a low-key restaurant serving Thai staples between swim sessions.

It’s an easy choice for couples or friends wanting a quiet base with minimal fuss—bring a good book and settle into island time. Snorkeling and kayak put-ins are right off the beach when the sea is calm.

Koh Mak: The Laid-Back Paradise

Koh Mak is a masterclass in slow living: flat terrain for easy exploring, long sandy bays, and family-run stays. It’s intentionally underdeveloped—no high-rises or mega resorts—just gentle roads lined with coconut groves and rubber plantations.

Highlights

• 27 km of coastline: Broad bays like Ao Kao (SW) and Ao Suan Yai (NW) with calm, shallow water.
• Kayakable islets: Paddle to Koh Kham or boat to Koh Kradat for nature and views.
• Snorkel & dive access: Day trips to Koh Rang Marine Park for vibrant coral and fish.
• Cycling made easy: Flat roads make bikes and scooters ideal for beach-hopping and café stops.
• Sunsets & chill bars: Unwind at west-coast beach bars as the sky paints itself orange and pink.

Who It’s For

• Couples seeking a quiet, romantic base with beautiful beaches and relaxed dining.
• Families who value safety, space, and mellow beaches with shallow entry.
• Backpackers wanting downtime between livelier destinations—social, but not party-centric.

Nightlife & Dining

• Low-key evenings: Think barbecue seafood, beach bonfires, occasional live music—most spots close by 11 pm.
• Varied eats: Thai seafood shacks, a few pizza/Italian and vegan cafés; prices a bit higher than mainland.

Accommodation & Budget

• Range of stays: Boutique beachfront resorts, mid-range bungalows, and budget huts—great value overall.
• No big chains: Mostly family-run places with personal touches; advance booking recommended in peak season.
• Money matters: ATMs can be limited—carry enough cash; some properties add fees for card payments.

Where to Stay: Top Picks

Seavana Koh Mak Beach Resort (Ao Suan Yai)

A beloved boutique resort on Suan Yai Bay, Seavana blends romance and barefoot comfort: beachfront pool, mellow vibe, and long views across turquoise water. Rooms lean bright and beachy, and most guests divide days between sea dips, sunset cocktails, and lingering dinners by the sand.

It’s especially popular with couples looking for a serene setting and easy beach access without the stuffiness of a big-brand hotel. Snorkel trips and kayaks are easily arranged, making it a smooth base for first-timers to Koh Mak.

Mira Montra – The Beachfront Resort (Ao Phra)

Set on quiet Ao Phra, Mira Montra offers modern villas and rooms with an ocean-facing pool and true “on-the-sand” tranquility. The style is contemporary tropical—think clean lines, sea breezes, and the sound of waves at night.

It suits travelers who want a peaceful corner of the island with easy comfort: a private beach feel, helpful staff, and simple access to activities like kayaking or island-hopping day trips.

Koh Mak Resort (Ao Suan Yai)

One of the island’s longstanding properties, Koh Mak Resort spreads along a white-sand frontage in Suan Yai Bay, with a seaview pool and a mix of bungalows. It has a friendly, lived-in feel—guests come for the location and linger for the sunsets.

Families like the easy beach access and on-site activities (kayaks, snorkeling excursions), while couples enjoy quiet evenings by the water. It’s a reliable mid-range pick with classic island character.

Koh Kood: The Lush Island Adventure

Often dubbed Thailand’s last unspoiled island, Koh Kood blends wild jungle, waterfall pools, and some of the archipelago’s most stunning beaches. It’s larger and more spread out than Koh Mak, with just enough infrastructure—yet still gloriously tranquil and low on nightlife.

Highlights

• World-class beaches: Long, powdery stretches like Klong Chao, Bang Bao, and Ao Ta Khian with clear aquamarine water and swaying palms.
• Waterfalls: Swim beneath Klong Chao, explore Klong Yai Kee, or go offbeat to Huang Nam Keaw.
• Fishing villages & mangroves: Visit Ao Salad and Ao Yai for seafood lunches on stilts and coastal life at tide’s pace.
• Active exploring: Scooter the ring road to hidden bays, kayak river estuaries, or join snorkel trips to nearby reefs and the Koh Rang area.

Who It’s For

• Couples & honeymooners: Quiet beaches, romantic sunsets, boutique resorts—privacy in paradise.
• Families: Gentle shores, waterfall swims, and a safe, slow rhythm (bring a small first-aid kit; facilities are basic).
• Nature lovers: Jungle drives, fireflies after dark, and star-packed skies with minimal light pollution.

Atmosphere & Nightlife

• Tranquil after dark: No clubbing scene, few late venues—most evenings end with beachside dinners and early nights.
• Unplugged: Expect patchy signal and moderate Wi-Fi; the bliss is intentional.

Accommodation & Costs

• Wide range: From simple guesthouses to high-end villas with private pools; overall a touch pricier than Koh Mak.
• Mid-range sweet spot: Many excellent beachfront boutique resorts offering great comfort without five-star prices.
• On-island prices: Food, fuel, and logistics cost more than mainland—plan your budget accordingly.

Getting Around

• Scooters are king: Light traffic but some steep or bumpy stretches—ride cautiously.
• Songthaews exist but can be sporadic and pricey; arrange pickup with your stay when possible.
• Cash access: Limited ATMs—carry enough for remote days and smaller eateries.

Where to Stay: Top Picks

Soneva Kiri (Ultra-Luxury)

Koh Kood’s headline act, Soneva Kiri delivers barefoot luxury—vast private-pool villas, secluded beaches, and imaginative dining like the famed “treepod” experience. It’s a destination in itself for honeymooners and travelers seeking total privacy and exceptional service.

Arrivals are typically via private plane to the resort’s airstrip followed by a short boat hop, underscoring the sense of escape. Expect meticulous sustainability touches and a no-shoes ethos that leans into Koh Kood’s natural beauty.

High Season Pool Villa & Spa (Klong Chao Beach)

A collection of private-pool villas set by Klong Chao’s golden sands, High Season blends five-star comforts with a serene beachfront mood—think spa days, beach dining, and sunset strolls. It’s polished without feeling formal, ideal for couples and families wanting space to unwind.

Facilities include a beachfront pool, gym, and a full-service spa; activities like kayaking and yoga pop up seasonally, and the beach out front is among the island’s best for swimming. Book well ahead in peak months—this is one of Koh Kood’s most sought-after addresses.

Shantaa Koh Kood (Ao Tapao area)

Spread over a generous, palm-dotted estate with limited room count, Shantaa focuses on calm: spacious villas, sea views, and a gentle, personalized style of hospitality. The vibe is intimate and restorative—perfect for couples and quiet-seeking travelers.

Days fall into an easy rhythm of beach time, pool dips, and unhurried meals; the property layout ensures plenty of privacy between villas. It’s a refined mid-to-upscale pick for slow living by the sea.

Tinkerbell Privacy Resort (Klong Chao/Bang Bao area)

With just a small number of villa-style rooms and a postcard-white beach, Tinkerbell is a long-time romantic favorite—quiet, sandy, and made for sunset walks. Expect classic tropical styling, an intimate scale, and an away-from-it-all feel.

It’s best for couples and small families who want boutique seclusion without the ultra-luxe price tag; beach and pool time take center stage, with island exploring an easy scooter ride away.

Conclusion: An Island-Hopping Adventure for Everyone

• Koh Wai — the snorkeler’s paradise and rustic hideaway for off-grid relaxation.
• Koh Mak — the chill-out haven with easy cycling, mellow beaches, and sunset rituals.
• Koh Kood — the lush frontier with jungle, waterfalls, and Thailand’s most romantic beaches.

Starting at Koh Chang and venturing south gradually takes you further from the crowds and deeper into island time. Pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and flexibility—boat schedules can shift with weather, and that’s part of the charm. Whether you’re traveling as a family, couple, solo explorer, or luxury lover, the Koh Chang archipelago delivers the perfect mix of adventure and serenity. Safe travels and happy hopping!