Top 10 Best Things to Do While in Koh Chang District

Rowan (Guinness Bear) 7 min read

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Are you holidaying in Koh Chang, or are you at least thinking about it? This mesmerizing tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand is approximately a 4-hour drive from Pattaya on the Eastern Seaboard and is located close to Trat via a ferry ride. 

Koh Chang merges breathtaking beauty with lots of luscious jungle terrain and a handful of stylish 5-star resorts and low-cost beachside bungalows, cool nightlife spots, wildlife trails, exotic beaches, and quality eateries 🏆

Here are the top 10 best things to do in Koh Chang to make the most of your Thailand holiday:

#10 Hike Salakphet, the Highest Mountain in Koh Chang

If you are not afraid of heights and love to seek adventure, then Salakphet is waiting for you. It is among the highest mountains in Koh Chang, and you will get to 2,500 feet of elevation. To trek up the mountain, you can hire a local guide and take the trail to the top, which is unnerving, but it is worth it when you reach the top. 

The top of the mountain provides breathtaking panoramic views. To the north, you can see the coast of Cambodia; to the south lies the expansive sea view, and the valley to the west. Ensure you carry plenty of water and drinks due to humidity and sweating.

#9 Snorkeling Tour to See Coral Reefs

Koh Chang has some of the pristine coral reefs and calm waves in the Gulf of Thailand. If you love snorkeling, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to witness the diverse life beneath the surface, such as yellow boxfish, moray eel, and many more. To enjoy snorkeling, head to the Bang Bao pier, where many boats offer tours, and some of them serve a complete meal on the boat. 

You can buy cheaper tickets on the boat and enjoy snorkeling in five spots within sight of one another. Once you dive beneath the surface, the stunning coral reefs are bound to steal your heart. Remember to pack your sunscreen and water bottle for the adventure!

#8 Reflection Time at Wat Salak Phet

With Thailand being a hotbed for culture and Buddhism, visiting a Buddhist temple will give you a glimpse into Thai daily life. With so many things to do in Koh Chang, sometimes you need to find a peaceful den of tranquillity to reflect on life, and that is precisely what you get with Wat Salak Phet. 

Two temples are combined into one, with some lovely examples of architecture and decorations. Located in the beautiful Ban Salak Village, absorb the surroundings while visiting the onsite museum and become one with yourself and Wat Salak Phet.

#7 Sleepy Fishing Villages of Bang Bao

What makes Koh Chang so great is that it has retained its charm, and many local inhabitants still live the way they have for decades. Numerous sleepy fishing villages are dotted along the coast, with Bang Bao being the most interesting. If you want to learn more about their way of life and traditional ways, you can book a tour to visit Bang Bao. 

Located in the southwest of the island near the white lighthouse, the Bang Bao Fishing Village harks back to a time in history when time stood still. Make sure you sample some of the seafood restaurants at Bang Bao, which are revered as some of the best in this part of Thailand.

#6 High-Octane Adventures at Treetop Adventure Park

Are you an adrenaline junkie who needs his/her fix during your pilgrimage to Koh Chang? Although you thought you left the high-octane adventures behind on Walking Street Pattaya, the Treetop Adventure Park in Koh Chang is just the ticket. This purpose-built park in the heart of the jungle has many ziplines, rope bridges, and much more. 

Come and glide through the jungle terrain on these adrenalin-filled ziplines that float amidst the jungle canopy. You can participate in all the activities if you are over 10 years old and above 1.4 meters tall. There are lots of staff working at the park, so you are in safe hands at all times.   

#5 Getting Personal with Elephants at Ban Kwan Chang

The word ‘chang’ in Thai means elephant. So, you can’t visit Elephant Island without getting up close and personal with these majestic beasts. The Ban Kwan Chang elephant camp is ideal for taking an incredible and leisurely trek on an elephant through dense jungle terrain. 

Whether alone, with a friend, with a group of friends, or with a family with kids, this is one of the ultimate features when visiting a place such as Koh Chang. Ban Kwan Chang is the premier elephant camp and sanctuary on the island. And you can come by to feed the elephants or take the 1-hour elephant trek amidst stunning scenery. 

You should get here early in the morning to beat the heat. Ban Kwan Chang is situated in the island's northern reaches and is a memorable experience for your Thailand holiday.

#4 Living it Up on Lonely Beach

The aptly named Lonely Beach is one of the quietest and most peaceful beaches in Koh Chang. Lonely Beach is an absolute must-visit when exploring things to do in Koh Chang. Situated on the mid-western coastline of Koh Chang, when you want to get away from the tourist masses and immerse yourself in total tranquillity, Lonely Beach is the place to be. 

Although the beach once attracted the backpacking fraternity, it is now more accessible for everyone and can be a fun place to spend the day or night. In the daytime, it’s peaceful, and in the evening, a party happens almost every night, especially in the high-season months between December and April. There are also a few cool bars and restaurants dotted about the beach, making this an excellent place for everyone to visit.

#3 Visit Mu Koh Chang National Park Viewpoint

When finding the best things to do in Koh Chang, visiting the Viewpoint at Mu Koh Chang National Park should be on your list. The Mu Koh Chang National Park is one of the best tourist attractions in Koh Chang alone. Still, the scenic vistas from the viewpoint will make your heart skip a beat. Located on the island's West coast, which covers 650 square kilometers and over 50 islands, the Mu Koh Chang National Park is an actual treasure chest of natural delights. 

With just a 200 THB entry price for adults and 100 THB for kids, visiting the park offers immense value for money. You can come by at sunset to enjoy the views or use the scenic park trails at any time of the day. There is lots of parking and a children’s play area, making this the ideal spot for wholesome family fun. 

Whether you're seeking relaxation or stunning scenery, the Mu Koh Chang National Park is the ultimate attraction to explore in Koh Chang.

#2 Relaxing on Khlong Phrao Beach

Khlong Phrao Beach is one of the loveliest stretches of sand on Koh Chang. Located on the island's west coast near Mu Koh Chang National Park, this beach has gained fame for offering visitors a diverse range of attractions and experiences. It’s quiet. But not as quiet as places such as Lovely Beach. It has many restaurants and hotels, so it merges a laid-back atmosphere close to amenities. If you want to visit a fabulous beach that is not so commercial, Khlong Phrao Beach is the one for you.

#1 Basking at the Klong Plu Waterfall

Koh Chang is known for its stunning natural beauty. If you are already here, it would be sacrilegious not to visit a waterfall. The biggest and most popular Koh Chang waterfall is Klong Plu Waterfall, located near the Mu Koh Chang National Park in the heart of the island. 

Surrounded by thick jungle terrain, this waterfall is a 10-minute drive from the road, and although it is not accessed for free like some of the island’s other falls, the nominal price means the area is always clean and well taken care of. 

Remember that if you visit in the dry season between December and April, the waterfall might not even be there or just a trickle. The best times of the year are between May and November 🏆

There is much for a visitor to do on this large Island with stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy the adrenaline-filled ziplines, take a calming walk on the sandy beaches, have an elephant ride in the jungle, and many more. Make sure you enjoy your holidays to the fullest in Koh Chang and create unforgettable memories 🧔