Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
Koh Chang (เกาะช้าง) is Thailand’s second-largest island, located in Trat Province near the Cambodian border. It’s known for rainforest-covered mountains, waterfalls, and a long west-coast road lined with beaches, cafés, restaurants, and laid-back bars. If you’re searching for Koh Chang ferry, Koh Chang ferries, or how to get to Koh Chang, this guide explains the easiest ways to reach the island, which pier to use, what you can book online, and what to expect on travel day.
The most popular season is November to February, when the weather is generally dry and the sea is calmer. March to May is hotter but still great for beaches and viewpoints. June to October is the rainy season; the island is at its greenest, but heavy showers and rougher seas can slow travel and make some activities less comfortable.
Koh Chang does not have an airport on the island. Nearly every trip works like this: you travel to the Trat / Laem Ngop area on the mainland, take a ferry to Koh Chang, then continue by road to your beach or hotel. The ferry crossing itself is short and easy — the main difference between routes is how you reach the pier and how smoothly you connect from the pier to your accommodation.
A simple rule: if you are traveling from Bangkok, Pattaya, or an airport, a van/bus + ferry package is usually the easiest option because it reduces steps and confusion. If you are already in Trat, it’s often easiest to go straight to the pier and buy the standard ferry ticket there.
The main ferry route for Koh Chang is from Ao Thammachat Pier (Trat) to Ao Sapparot Pier (Koh Chang). Ao Sapparot is the primary arrival pier on the island and is the starting point for songthaews and taxis heading along the west coast to popular areas like White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, Lonely Beach, and Bang Bao.
You may also see older guides mentioning Centrepoint Pier (sometimes called “Trat Ferry”). Operations and schedules can change over time and by season, so if a specific route matters to your plan, confirm the latest status before relying on it. For most travelers, Ao Thammachat is the straightforward default choice.
This is the most common point of confusion. The standard Trat ↔ Koh Chang car ferry is often purchased at the pier (you arrive, buy a ticket, and board). If you want to book online, the most useful option is usually a combined ticket that includes the mainland transfer (van/bus) and the ferry crossing together, especially from Bangkok, Pattaya, and major airports.
If you are traveling independently (not using a combined package), ferry day is usually simple. You arrive at the pier, buy your ticket at the booth, wait for boarding instructions, then cross to Koh Chang. The crossing is typically around 30–45 minutes, depending on sea conditions and loading. Cars and motorbikes can use the car ferry, but queues can be longer on weekends and holidays, so arriving earlier makes the day easier.
For many travelers, a combined ticket is the easiest way to get to Koh Chang because it reduces decision points: you don’t need to arrange a separate ride to the pier, and you avoid negotiating transport at each step. It’s especially helpful if you’re traveling with luggage, arriving on a tight schedule, or planning on mobile.
Bangkok is the most common starting point. The easiest option for most people is a van/bus + ferry package because it combines the mainland ride and the crossing into one plan. Private vans are also popular for families and groups because you can choose your departure time and split the cost. Another fast option is flying to Trat Airport and continuing by transfer to the pier and ferry.
If you’re already on Thailand’s east coast, Koh Chang is a natural next stop. Shared minibuses are often the simplest choice, while private transfers work well for groups or travelers who want fewer stops. Once you reach the Trat area, you continue by ferry to Koh Chang as usual.
If you’re landing at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), a direct transfer package to Koh Chang is often the smoothest route, especially if you want to avoid transferring through Bangkok city after a flight. Don Mueang (DMK) is popular for domestic budget flights; many travelers use a combined transfer ticket or a private van. Trat Airport (TDX) is the closest airport to Koh Chang and is one of the easiest ways to arrive quickly, since transfers commonly connect straight to the pier and ferry.
Koh Chang is often combined with other islands in Trat Province. Depending on the season and schedules, you may find speedboat or catamaran connections, or you may travel via the mainland piers. If you’re planning island-hopping, it’s best to check current schedules close to your travel date, especially outside peak months.
Koh Chang is a large island, and where you stay affects your atmosphere and travel time from the pier. Here’s a quick overview:
After arriving at Ao Sapparot Pier, most travelers continue along the west-coast road by songthaew (shared taxi) or private taxi. Scooters are widely rented, but Koh Chang has steep sections and curves, so ride carefully and be extra cautious in the rainy season. If you arrive late, it’s often easiest to arrange a direct taxi to your beach area rather than waiting for a shared ride.
Many people search operator names when planning their trip. Here is what those names usually refer to in practice:
This name is often connected to resort-style transfers and speedboat-style access. It’s mostly relevant if your hotel stay or package specifically includes a resort transfer plan.
Shared minibuses are common for routes that connect Bangkok, Pattaya, or airports with the Trat pier area and the ferry crossing. They are a popular and practical choice for budget-friendly travel.
These are typically combined transfer packages designed for travelers arriving at Bangkok’s main airport who want a direct connection to the island without extra steps.
Centrepoint is frequently mentioned in older guides. Because schedules and operations can change over time, treat it as an alternative option and confirm current status if you plan to use it.
This generally refers to the standard car ferry crossing between Trat and Koh Chang. For most travelers, it’s the final short hop after arriving in Trat Province by bus/van/taxi or after flying to Trat.
For most people, the easiest option is booking a van/bus + ferry package from Bangkok, Pattaya, or an airport. If you’re already in Trat, going straight to the pier and buying the standard ferry ticket is usually simple.
Most travelers use Ao Thammachat Pier in Trat and arrive at Ao Sapparot Pier on Koh Chang.
The crossing is typically around 30–45 minutes, depending on conditions and loading.
Yes. The standard car ferry accepts cars and motorbikes. Arrive earlier during peak periods to reduce waiting time.
The standard car ferry is often purchased at the pier. Online booking is most useful for combined transfer tickets (van/bus + ferry) from Bangkok, Pattaya, and airports.
Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s best “all-in-one” islands: beaches, real rainforest, waterfalls, viewpoints, and enough variety to suit both relaxed travelers and adventure seekers. Once you understand the simple route logic — reach Trat, take the ferry, then travel along the west coast — the trip becomes easy, and the island quickly feels like a true escape.
Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
