12 Awesome Things to Do in Koh Chang for Solo Travelers

12 Best Things to Do in Koh Chang

1. Stay at Klong Prao Beach

Among all the beaches I visited in Koh Chang, Klong Prao Beach is, hands down, one of the best beaches to stay at. The beach is incredibly photogenic, with its stunning view of the mountains to the left, a beautiful coastline to the right, and distant islands hovering over the horizon in the background.

The sand at Klong Prao Beach is fine to the touch, and the water is crystal clear, making it the perfect place to go for a little dip in the ocean. What I love most about this beach is its shallow depth. You can walk all the way out into the ocean, and the water will only reach around your waist - it's truly awesome.

Another wonderful thing about Klong Prao Beach is that you can witness both the sunrise and sunset, both of which are quite spectacular sights to behold. So, be sure to visit the beach during these periods.

There are several beachside resorts at Klong Prao Beach, with some providing semi-private access to the beach. That's why I recommend staying somewhere around this beach, preferably a place that will give you direct access to the beach so you can go for a swim anytime.

During my stay at Coconut Beach Resort, I made it a daily ritual to wake up early and go for a swim in the ocean, stroll along the beach, and watch the breathtaking sunrise before having my breakfast. It was such an idyllic experience that's hard to describe in words, which is why I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.

If you are looking for the best area to stay on Koh Chang, here are a few suggestions: Coconut Beach Resort, Klong Prao Resort, or you can browse resorts near Klong Prao Beach here.

2. Witness the Fire Dance by the Beach

One of the highlights of staying at a beachside resort is the nightly free fire dance show, organized almost every evening after sunset. It's an amazing experience as the spectacular fire dance moves light up the entire beach.

The show often consisted of 4 to 6 people, and they performed it right at the beach. The finale involved the performers swinging their torches around, creating an incredible spectacle as seen in the photos here. It was truly quite a sight to behold.

You will also get to participate with the performers and take photos with the torches at the end of the show. The show often lasts around 20 minutes. When I was checking into my hotel, the staff told me that there would be a free fire dance show at COCO Coffee & Bar at 6:40 PM, so if you want to witness one, be sure to ask your hotel reception if your hotel is organizing one or if there is a good place to be.

You can often witness fire dances on many islands around Thailand, but somehow, I had never experienced it until now. If you have never witnessed the spectacle show before, I highly recommend you attend one while you are on Koh Chang.

3. Kayak Around Kai Bae Beach

Another awesome beach you should definitely visit is Kai Bae Beach, a beautiful white sand beach located behind a cliff where you can rent a kayak and explore the beautiful coastline of Ko Chang at your leisure.

The hotel right next to the beach also has kayaks for rent. It's about 100 THB per hour, and you can paddle all the way to the small remote island nearby in about 10-20 minutes. The small island is inhabited, and there is a small strip of beach you can walk along.

If you do not want to kayak, the beach here is also beautiful and quiet, and a great place to relax for a few hours before you continue exploring Koh Chang.

I very much adore this beach, and if you are looking for fun adventurous things to do in Koh Chang or just a nice quiet beach away from people, be sure to check out Kai Bae Beach.

4. Check Out the View at Kai Bae Viewpoint

Right above Kai Bae Beach atop the cliff, you will find Kai Bae Viewpoint, a stunning observation deck offering an incredible vantage point over the coastline.

At the viewpoint, you can see the Gulf of Thailand in all its glory, with the inhabited island I mentioned previously fully in view, as well as other islands along the west coast of Koh Chang.

You can also see just how mountainous and forested Ko Chang is from the platform, as it is surrounded by beautiful green vegetation all across the cliff. If you are lucky, you might be able to see eagles hovering over the treeline, looking for prey.

The viewpoint is located right by the main road and has plenty of parking space, as well as a café operated by the national park that you can enjoy. The view from the café is phenomenal and definitely worth the stop!

5. Swim at Khlong Phlu Waterfall

Among the most impressive waterfalls on Koh Chang is Khlong Phlu Waterfall, a beautiful cascade with a sizable swimming hole nestled in the heart of a jungle. It is one of the best places to visit on Koh Chang.

The waterfall is about 600 meters walk from the entrance through a rocky path surrounded by thick forests, so I recommend that you wear good sturdy shoes and cover yourself in insect repellent if you start hiking.

It should take you approximately 10 to 20 minutes to reach the waterfall. If you are there during the wet season, you'll notice right away that you're nearing the waterfall, as the spray can be seen all the way to the pavilion, which is located 10 meters away from the falls.

I was there during the dry season, so the amount of water was not as much. However, the water does flow all year round. As the ranger told me, if you want to see the waterfall in its full glory, be here in September and you will be blown away by the amount of water at Khlong Phlu Waterfall.

The good thing about visiting during the dry season is that the water is relatively calm, making it ideal for swimming and refreshing yourself after a hike. In the pool, you'll also encounter fish that nibble on your dead skin as you swim, which feels both kinda weird and amazing at the same time.

The waterfall is located inside a forest park, and there is a free parking spot where you can park your vehicle right in front of the ranger's office. Do not park anywhere before you enter the park's premises, as they will probably charge you a parking fee unnecessarily.

The waterfall is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 200 THB per person. If you are looking for a little adventure, be sure to check out Khlong Phlu Waterfall.

6. Explore Ghost Ship Beach

One of my favorite places to visit in Koh Chang is the Ghost Ship Beach, where you will find an abandoned ship right by a remote beach on the southern tip of the island.

The Ghost Ship, as the locals call it, is, in fact, not a ship but an abandoned resort. The structure was brought to the shore and converted into a hotel where one could stay. Unfortunately, the hotel has been abandoned, and it has been transformed into the tourist attraction you see today.

To access the Ghost Ship beach, you must pay an entrance fee of 100 THB. With the fee, you can freely roam the area, sit at the beach for as long as you like, and explore the hotel's grounds. Unfortunately, entry into the ship is prohibited due to its deteriorating condition, which definitely poses a risk of injury if people were allowed inside.

Nevertheless, I still had a fantastic time here. The beach was nearly empty when I was there, and there were several wooden sunbeds under shades where one could sit and enjoy the view for as long as you want.

The place is so remote and unsupervised that you can even go skinny-dipping here if that is on your bucket list, or you can just sit by the beach, sunbathe, and enjoy the solitude.

The road to get here can be quite tricky to drive, especially as you head further south, where the road progressively narrows. In fact, there are certain areas that are only wide enough for a single car. I can't imagine having to share it with another incoming car on such a narrow road.

Fortunately, there aren't many people driving all the way down here, especially in the morning, so you should be just fine. Just keep in mind how narrow and curvy the road is and exercise extra caution when driving in this area. The place is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 100 THB.

7. Hang Out at White Sand Beach

Coming from the ferry pier, the first beach you will encounter is White Sand Beach, a beautiful beach that is exactly true to its name with its incredibly fine white sand that feels amazing to walk on.

Due to its location, being close to the port, the beach is also one of the most crowded beaches on the island, with many hotels and facilities lined up along the main road right by the beach.

If you are looking for a lively place to hang out, you might prefer White Sand Beach over the more remote beaches I recommend here. All in all, since it is already daytime, it is still worth dropping by and checking out why it is so popular.

8. Check Out the View from the Mountain Viewpoint

As you drive from the pier to the west coast of Koh Chang, be sure to also stop by the Mountain Viewpoint, located right along the mountainous road approaching the White Sand Beach.

From the viewpoint, you can see the White Sand Beach from above, as well as the beautiful coastline and the rolling mountains behind it. It's definitely worth a brief stop as you make your way to the west coast of the island.

9. Explore Salak Phet Mangrove Forest

Most of the tourist attractions we've discussed so far are located on the west coast of the island, but what about the east coast? Well, I also drove around and explored this area, and one of the best places you should definitely not miss is the Salak Phet Mangrove Forest.

This mangrove forest is one of the most beautiful of its kind, and I've seen many MANY mangrove forests throughout my trip in Eastern Thailand. The mangrove forest here is extremely vast, and you can explore along the elevated wooden plank walkway that will take you straight to the ocean.

There are 2 paths you can walk, both of which will end up merging midway in an opening where you will really get to appreciate the true beauty of Salak Phet Mangrove Forest. Out in the open, you will be able to see just how far the mangrove forest stretches across the coastline while being set against the mountains of Koh Chang.

The walk should take about 10 minutes before you reach the trail's end, where you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Koh Chang's southern bay, with all the small islands within sight.

I highly recommend arriving in the morning when it's still cool enough to leisurely explore, and the trail is quiet and calm. The calm water during the morning will also create stunning scenery at the viewpoint, with the reflection of the islands in the bay. Truly, quite a sight to behold.

Just be careful when walking on the wooden plank walkway as it is not very well-maintained; some planks are broken, and others have loose bolts.

Fun fact: If you look at the map, the Mangrove Forest might not be far from Ghost Ship Beach, which may seem like you can visit both at the same time. However, in reality, the western and eastern roads don't connect, so you would have to travel the other way around the island to get from one to another. Therefore, don't try to do them on the same day.

The Mangrove Forest is open 24/7, but during the day, you will have to pay the parking fee of 10 THB for a motorbike and 20 THB for a car. The locals running a cafe nearby will come and pick up the entrance fee at the parking lot, so don't be alarmed.

10. Relax at Salak Khok Fishing Village

To break up your trip along the east coast, you can also stop by Salak Khok Fishing Village, a quiet fishing community with houses on wooden stilts that you can explore.

There are cafes and restaurants where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out into the beautiful ocean scenery from the village. It is very quiet and peaceful, making it a great place to experience life on the island outside of the touristy areas.

11. Visit Than Mayom Waterfall

Another attraction you shouldn't miss as you explore Koh Chang's east coast is Than Mayom Waterfall. It is one of the most beautiful and significant waterfalls on the island.

In fact, three generations of Thai kings loved this place so much that they visited several times and imprinted their initials on a rock above the waterfall, which you can still see to this day.

The waterfall itself is also impressive, with four cascading drops, and there is a pool at its base where you can swim. Since it is located inside a thick forest, you'll need to walk about 300 meters from the entrance to reach the waterfall.

The walk is easy and stunning, as you will come across several stone bridges as you make your way along the stream. Once you arrive, you can spend some time and go for a swim.

If you want to see the rock where the Kings' initials were imprinted, you can use the installed rope to ascend the rock face. The rock is situated just above the slope. It's relatively easy to climb; however, exercise caution when descending, as the rocks can be slippery.

The waterfall is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 200 THB per person. You can use the ticket from the other waterfall I recommended here since it's part of the same protected park.

12. Go on a Diving/Snorkeling Trip in Koh Chang

If you have a day to spare on the island, you can also go on a day trip and explore the incredibly rich marine life of Eastern Thailand via one of these Diving/Snorkeling tours, which is a great way to experience the marine ecosystem around Koh Chang.

The tour will take you to HTMS Chang shipwreck, a remnant of the battle of Koh Chang during WW2, as well as 2 coral sites around Koh Chang, and around Koh Rang National Park, all in an 8-hour action-packed tour. You can see the details of the snorkeling tour here.

You can also go diving around Koh Chang with an organized diving tour, which allows you to dive deeper (literally) into the beautiful marine life around Koh Chang, if you are certified for it. All in all, there are plenty of day trips you can make from Koh Chang, so be sure to have a few days to spare here.

What to Eat and Drink in Koh Chang

1. Eat at Siam Kitchen

An awesome local restaurant I highly recommend is Siam Kitchen. They serve a variety of seafood dishes at a very affordable price. I ordered a Tom Yum seafood noodle that comes packed with squid and shrimp, all for only 60 THB.

The restaurant is located near Klong Prao Beach, which is where I recommend you stay, as it is quite convenient since you do not have to ride a motorbike to get there. The restaurant is open from 9 AM to 9 PM every day.

How to Get to Koh Chang?

To get to Ko Chang, you can take a bus or rent a car and drive straight from Bangkok to Aow Thammachat in Trat, where you can take the ferry across to Koh Chang. The drive should take about 4 hours, and the ferry should take about 20 minutes.

You can take your car with you on the ferry. The ferry costs about 80 THB per person and an additional 20 THB per person per vehicle, so I paid 100 THB to cross to the island with my car. You should be able to get the ferry ticket directly from the ticket booth as you enter the pier with your car. Very easy and convenient.

Once you are on your way, be sure to go up to the top deck and enjoy the view of Koh Chang from afar. It's quite a sight to behold. If you do not have a car, when you get the ferry ticket, you can also organize a hotel drop-off at an extra fee, or you can organize one when you arrive at the pier. There will be many taxis waiting when you arrive. Make sure you negotiate the price before getting on.

You can book all the transfers here if you are coming from Bangkok. You can get a transfer that will organize everything for you, so you can travel straight from Khao San Road or Suvarnabhumi Airport to the ferry and on to Koh Chang in one go.

How to Get to Around Koh Chang?

You can rent a car straight from Bangkok and explore the island with the car, or you can rent a motorbike once you are on the island. You can rent one straight from Koh Chang Ferry pier, right outside the entrance, or you can rent from your hotel. It should cost around 300 THB per day.

If you are renting a motorbike, be very careful when you get up and down the slope between the pier and the west coast. It is one of the trickiest slope bends on the island, and sliding down uncontrollably is a risk if you are not careful!

What to Pack for Koh Chang?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Koh Chang, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Koh Chang, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Eastern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Eastern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Eastern Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Pattaya City is no longer a sin city it used to be as the city shifts its focus to becoming a more family-friendly destination. Here are the 10 Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Pattaya City.
• Want to visit Rayong soon? You are going to love this! Here are the 10 Best Things to do in Rayong.
• Chantanburi's old town is the most historic part of the province and is rich in history and plenty of things to do. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chantaburi's Old Town.
• For the best things to do in Chantaburi, be sure to check out our guide: 13 Best Things to do in Chantaburi.
• If you are looking for the most beautiful island in Thailand, Koh Kood is the place to be. Here is A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Kood.
• For a complete travel guide to the whole of Trat province, check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Trat.
• Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
• Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
• Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok, and there are a ton of things you shouldn't miss in this city. Here are the 16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all of my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.