We'll tell you about the best beaches on Ko Chang Island for both quiet relaxation and outdoor activities.
Ko Chang Island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand in the Pacific Ocean and is a beloved destination for beach enthusiasts who are drawn to its azure sea, pristine white sand, and well-developed infrastructure.
Koh Chang's East and West Shores
The island is roughly divided into eastern and western parts:
The West: This area boasts numerous beautiful lagoons, hotels, and entertainment facilities catering to tourists.
The East: In contrast, the eastern side features only one main beach suitable for relaxation, known as Long Beach, while the rest of the coastline is rocky and unsuitable for swimming.
The Most Popular Beaches on Chang's West Coast
Here's an overview of the most renowned beaches on the west coast of Ko Chang, extending from Sapparot Pier to the southern cape:
White Sand Beach, or Haad Sai Khao
White Sand Beach is the most crowded beach on Koh Chang and is well-known among travelers. It's a popular choice for tourists looking to escape the winter cold, thanks to its excellent infrastructure and affordable accommodation options.
Location: White Sand Beach is situated on the western shore of Koh Chang, just a 15-minute drive from Sapparot Pier. There's also a 50 THB songteo shuttle service to the beach.
The Sea and the Beach: The beach offers a comfortable entry into the sea. However, there are no water rides at White Sand Beach as it is a protected area.
Beach Area
White Sand Beach is symbolically divided into northern and southern parts:
The Southern Part: This area is lined with luxury hotels, and a road runs along the beachfront. It's where you'll find the most vacationers on all of Koh Chang.
The Northern Part: This section is more modest, with fewer vacationers. There are only two budget-friendly hotels with bars at the end of the beach, and it's just a short walk along the shore.
Infrastructure
White Sand Beach boasts a wide range of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets to suit every taste. For nightlife enthusiasts, there are discos, local bands, and authentic parties to enjoy.
Kai Bae
Kai Bae Beach is divided into two parts by a riverbed and a rocky cliff. In the north side of Kai Bae, you'll find expensive hotels, while the south side offers budget-friendly hotels for a quiet family vacation. This area is popular among tourists from Ukraine and Russia.
Location: Kai Bae Beach is situated in the very center of the west coast of Koh Chang, making it convenient to access any part of the island.
Marine and Beach: Kai Bae Beach features a narrow shoreline and a gentle sea entry. There may be rocks or coral on the seabed, so it's important to watch your step.
Infrastructure
A central road runs along the beach, lined with numerous cafes and stores. At the end of the beach, there's a lookout point offering a beautiful panorama of the island and the ocean.
Lonely Beach
Lonely Beach, also known as Lonely Beach, is a beloved destination among the beaches on Koh Chang. It's particularly popular nowadays, although it attracts fewer tourists compared to White Sand Beach.
Location: Lonely Beach is located in the southwest of Koh Chang, a 40-50 minute drive from Sapparot Pier.
Sea and Beach: Lonely Beach boasts fine white sand and a gentle approach to the water. The sea depth remains relatively constant, independent of the tides. The southern part of the beach is rockier and less suitable for swimming, but it's a great spot for fishing.
Infrastructure
To the south, behind the beach, you'll find the village of Lonely Beach where guesthouses are available for rent. There are also supermarkets, bars, and other tourist amenities in this area.
One of the highlights of Lonely Beach is its proximity to the wild jungle, creating a unique atmosphere of a tropical paradise.
Bang Bao
Bang Bao Beach is situated in the Bang Bao fishing village, known for its unique feature of huts, bungalows, and cafes standing on stilts over the sea.
Location: The beach is along the eastern shore of Koh Chang, closer to the southern part of the island.
Sea and Beach: There's no traditional beach here; access to the sea starts right from the veranda of the hotels and buildings on stilts.
Infrastructure
Bang Bao boasts excellent infrastructure with numerous open-air restaurants, stores, and souvenir stands along the pier. Visitors can rent boats to explore the surrounding beaches and even rent snorkeling equipment here.
Klong Kloi
Klong Kloi is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It can be quite crowded near the entrance, but if you walk along the road, you can find more secluded spots.
Location: Klong Kloi is located two kilometers south of Bang Bao Pier.
Sea and Beach: The beach features a shallow azure sea and coarse white sand. Trees grow very close to the shoreline, providing natural shade.
Infrastructure: The development of infrastructure is minimal here. You'll find some cafes and guesthouses on the beach, but for shopping, you'll need to head to the nearest village.
Closed Beaches on Koh Chang Island
There are beaches on Koh Chang whose territory is closed to outsiders, mainly owned by large hotel complexes.
Grand Lagoona Beach
This is a closed beach, and there is an entrance fee required.
Location: The beach belongs to Aunchaleena Beach Front Resort (formerly Grand Lagoona Resort) and is situated in the southern part of Koh Chang Island.
Sea and Beach: Grand Lagoona Beach is practically empty, offering ideal conditions for a paradisiacal vacation. The sand is pure white, and the water is clear and turquoise.
Infrastructure: On the beach, you'll find amenities such as a swimming pool, deck chairs, and hammocks. All necessary infrastructure is located within the hotel premises.
Chaichet Beach
The beach at Chaichet Bay is relatively small and well-maintained. It is supported by two hotels that ensure cleanliness. Entrance to the beach is free; however, it's advised not to occupy loungers and swings belonging to the hotels.
Location: Chaichet Beach is situated on the west shore, just after Pearl Beach.
Sea and Beach: Chaichet is an excellent choice for families as the sea is shallow, and the water entry is gradual.
Infrastructure: The beach offers various amenities including stores, a local market, supermarkets, and a currency exchange service. You can also rent kayaks here for added enjoyment.
Klong Son Beach and Nearby Islands
Klong Son is the northernmost beach on Koh Chang, named after the nearby village. While it's considered a closed beach, it's easily accessible and mostly visited by locals and guests of nearby hotels.
Location: Klong Son is the closest beach to the ferry, situated just 600 meters from the Ao Sapparod jetty.
Sea and Beach: The sea here is very shallow, even at low tide, making it an ideal choice for family vacations.
Infrastructure: Near the beach, you'll find cafes, a small market, a gas station, several stores, and even two golf courses.
Excursions to the Chang Islands
If you'd like to explore the nearby islands of Koh Chang Noi and Koh Ma Pring, you can rent a kayak for 100 THB. These islands are completely uninhabited, featuring small pristine beaches and opportunities for snorkeling with beautiful fish.
Koh Chang's Quiet Beaches
If you prefer a relaxing vacation, the most secluded and quiet beaches on Koh Chang will definitely appeal to you.
Had Sai Noi Beach
The literal translation of Had Sai Noi beach in Thai is "Little Sandy Beach," making it perfect for lovers of secluded vacations.
Location: To get to Had Sai Noi, take a right turn off the main road before Baong Bao.
Sea and Beach: The beach features the purest white sand and clear water.
Infrastructure: Had Sai Noi beach offers just two bungalows, a restaurant, a massage parlor, and a small bar under the shade of trees.
Balian Bay
Balian Bay beach is small and cozy, with palm trees providing ample shade and umbrellas and sun loungers available for vacationers.
Location: It starts after Lonely beach.
Sea and Beach: The north side of the beach is mostly rocky, while the south side of Balian Beach is suitable for swimming.
Infrastructure
Bailan beach has minimal infrastructure, which is why it's not very popular with tourists. The beach is within walking distance from the Top Tree Adventure Park.
Klong Prao Beach
Klong Prao Beach is one of the most remote beaches on Koh Chang, divided into three parts by a river mouth and a narrow canal.
How to Get There: To reach it from the road, you have to pass a coconut grove, making it somewhat challenging to access without a motorcycle.
Sea and Beach: The sea here is shallow with a gentle entrance, and the beach has ample shade from nearby trees.
Infrastructure
There are numerous hotels and guesthouses near Klong Prao, making it ideal for honeymooners and families with children. It's a quiet area without loud discos or parties.
Pearl Beach, or Haad Kai Mook
Pearl Beach is one of the quieter beaches on the island, known for its rocky shore, which isn't suitable for swimming, resulting in fewer visitors.
Wai Chek Beach
Wai Chek Beach is a wild and less-visited beach. In the eastern part of the beach, you might occasionally spot tourists with tents.
Where it is Located: The southernmost beach on Koh Chang Island, easily reachable by boat from Klong Kloi beach.
Sea and Beach: The nature here is pristine, with a sea full of beautiful fish and other wildlife.
Infrastructure: There is no infrastructure at all on the beach.
Each of these Koh Chang Island beaches has its unique charm and character. We recommend visiting all of them, especially since most are free to enter. Renting a car or motorcycle can make exploring them all easier.
