Ko Chang

Ko Chang (เกาะช้าง) is an island in Trat Province, Eastern Thailand.

An introduction to Ko Chang

Ko Chang is Thailand's second largest island, and the biggest in eastern Thailand. With about 5,000 permanent residents the island is not heavily populated, but tourism (and development) has increased dramatically over the past few years.

Ko Chang is one of Thailand's most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half-deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer, and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkelling, diving, and jungle hiking. The "discovery" of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Ko Samui, it's probably better to go now than later. Regarding services and activities specifically aimed at tourists prices have reached such a level that the islanders are pricing themselves out of the market when compared to the other islands.

History of Ko Chang

Prior to World War II, Ko Chang was little known by anyone. During this period and the few families there made a living growing coconuts and fruit on the mainland. In January 1941, during the Japanese occupation and the (Thai) Navy fought the French in a battle in the waters to the southeast of Ko Chang.

Nothing else happened to Ko Chang until the first backpacker foreigners started arriving on the back of local fishing boats in the mid-1970s. In 1982, Ko Chang along with surrounding area became part of the protected Mu Ko Chang National Marine Park. Only very recently, in less than ten years, Ko Chang has turned itself into a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and local Thais.

This sudden tourism boom however, has been fraught with controversy concerning land encroachment. The government is trying to "develop" it from a backpackers' paradise to a top-level destination, and construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts.

What is the Geography of Ko Chang

Ko Chang is the largest island in the Ko Chang Archipelago. The name means Elephant Island, named for the elephant shape of its headland, although elephants are not indigenous to the island.

Ko Chang has an area of roughly 429 square kilometres. The topography contains high mountains and complex stone cliffs. The highest peak is Khao Salak Phet which is 744 m high, rich in fertile evergreen forest which is the main water source. There are many waterfalls, beaches and splendid reefs in the west of the island.

Most lodging is on the west side of the island, where the sandy beaches are. On the east side there are no sandy beaches and it is far less tourist. There are some nice waterfalls though.

70% of the island is rain forest, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The island also has tall mountains and rock cliffs.

Climate & Weather

Ko Chang has the same seasons as Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November - Feb. March - May are roasting hot and between June - Oct it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year. Many guesthouses close during this season, so lodging is limited. If you don't mind the rain, traveling during the rainy season can be enjoyable nevertheless, and prices for lodging are low.

Get in

Fly to Ko Chang

Bangkok Airways flies three times a day from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Trat. The flights depart at 08:30, 12:40 and 16:50, and takes 1 hour. Fares are between 1,800-3,300 Baht.

Direct door-to-door shuttle van transfers from Trat airport to Ko Chang resorts cost 800 Baht/person one way and 1300 Baht/person return including the ferry crossing.

From Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the free express shuttle bus from outside the arrivals concourse to the airport's own bus terminal, and from there the next available bus to either Trat or Chanthaburi and then proceed as described below.

By bus

From Bangkok the most economical way to get to Laem Ngop (where the Ko Chang ferry piers are) is to take a 1st class Bus 999 from the Eastern (Ekamai) Bus Terminal direct to the Laem Ngop piers. The fare is 268 Baht and takes just over 5 hr. Departures from Ekamai are at 07:45 & 09:45, and return at 14:00 and 16:00. Subject to seat availability, this bus can also be boarded at Chanthaburi and at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

There is a more comfortable way to travel from Bangkok Airport to Ko Chang: Bus 392 starts from the airport at 07:30 and returns from Ko Chang at 12:30. Tickets can be purchased on-line at the Suvarnabhumi Burapha Bus Company. There are also express shared shuttle vanes running from Suvarnabhumi Airport non-stop to Lonely Beach on Ko Chang via the Lonely Beach Express. Tickets are 308 Baht for the big bus and 600 Baht (800 Baht round trip) for the shuttle van which includes a ticket for the ferry.

Bookable from most travel agents near Khao San. Travelmart operates a large, nice air-con VIP Bus from Khao San area to Centrepoint ferry terminal 4-5 hours. 300 Baht which includes the ferry crossing is among the cheapest and most convenient way to Koh Chang. Leaves at Khao San at 08:00, but times can vary. Return service is also available.

Alternatively and there are 1st class (roughly 5 hr, around 250 Baht) and 2nd class services from both the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) direct to Trat, and frequent songthaew services from Trat to Laem Ngop (roughly 30 minutes, 50 Baht/person). Departures from Ekamai are more frequent than from Mor Chit. If coming by bus from the south and the 511 air-con bus can be used to connect directly between Bangkok's Southern (Sai Tai Mai) and Eastern (Ekamai) bus terminals.

Connections in Trat can also be used if coming from Pattaya (2nd class bus, 4 hr, around 200 Baht).

There are direct shuttle van services to Laem Ngop from Pattaya, Ban Phe (gateway to Ko Samet), and Bangkok's Khao San Road and Victory Monument (in front of Payathai Hospital). They, however, are less comfortable and spacious than public buses, and you may be charged significantly more by travel agencies selling tickets to these, as often with any tourist-oriented transportation in Thailand.

It may also be feasible to proceed directly to Laem Ngop by shuttle van or songthaew from the Hat Lek/Ko Kong border crossing with southern Cambodia, depending on the time of year, time of day. Inquire locally. Price around 120 Baht (one way) from the border to Trat bus station.

By boat

Most ferries operate from Laem Ngop, which has three piers: the Laem Ngop (Tha Khrom Luang or Tha Laern Ngop) pier is roughly 700 m west of Laem Ngop; the Centrepoint (Tha Centre Point) pier is about 3.5 km northwest of Laem Ngop. These piers serve both vehicle and passenger ferries; the Ko Chang vehicle ferry pier is in Thammachat Bay (Ao Thammachat), around 15 km west of Laem Ngop.

All piers on Ko Chang are on the east side of the island. The major piers are the two Dan Kao piers, Tha Dan Kao and Tha Ferry Dan Kao, which handle most of the traffic.

To take a boat from Laem Ngop to the Dan Kao piers takes around 45 minutes. The vehicle ferry from Laem Ngop takes around 1 hours and arrives at the Tha Ferry Dan Kao pier, 400 m southeast of the Tha Dan Kao pier. The vehicle ferry from Thammachat Bay stops at the Ko Chang Ferry Pier (Tha Ferry Ko Chang) in Sapparot Bay (Ao Sapparot), 3 km northwest of the Dan Kao piers.

Light meals, fruit, fruits and beverages are available at all the piers and on the vehicle ferries.

There are two operators who provide daily bus services from Ko Kood to Ko Chang. One is based in Ban Bao and the other on Kai Bae Beach. Rates are the same but departures times can vary, so make sure to book ahead.

By taxi or limousine

From Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport takes a total of about 5 - 5½ hours by taxi. Most taxis will decline the trip as the risk of empty return is too high for them. Most (airport) limousines and taxis can deliver you to the island, especially if they can make it back to the mainland before the last ferry sails.

• Koh Chang Minibus - ☎ +66 8932-08932

Get around

In the daytime, you can catch a songthaew on its route around the primary street for 50-100 Baht/person, depending how far you go. The rates are generally much higher than in other places, but the vehicles are almost new and in excellent condition. Starting from 17:00, many of them start to ask "taxi" price, telling you that they operate as a public transport only until that time, and may quote prices as high as say 500 Baht from Lonely Beach to the Dan Kao pier. However, if you have some time and patience, you still can try and have a "shared" ride with some drivers, maybe for a higher rate if they expect little or no other passengers.

These taxis are also waiting at the Dan Kao Pier (50 Baht/person to White Sand Beach, 100 Baht to Lonely Beach). At the Dan Kao Ferry-Pier there may be no taxis available. If you arrive without a vehicle you may have to walk the 400 m to Dan Kao Pier.

Cars are also available for rent, most hotels can help with it. 4 x 4 recommended, since some roads might be in bad condition, especially near Lonely Beach.

If there are 2 or more people going with you, hiring a songthaew may cost the same price, or even be cheaper than paying per each person in a "shared" songthaew (there is no difference, an empty songthaew can easily be hired). Just do not forget to bargain if their price sounds quite silly when compared, say, to Bangkok taxi-meter (on Ko Chang it can be difficult if not imfeasible to get the same price, but at least it should not cost double or even more). Most folk however, just stay put on the beach of their choice and walk to wherever they want to go.

Hitching on Ko Chang is also an alternative if you choose not to pay the often exorbitant fees of the songthaew. Many islanders are more than willing to pick up a hitchhiker who happens to be going the same way they are. A Coke or cold bottle of green Tea for the driver are always appreciated at the end of your journey.

Motorbike rental

Motorbikes are a fantastic way to explore the island. Small motorcycles can be hired for 150-250 Baht per day. The primary street is sealed and almost circles the island and there are plans to complete the circuit in the near future. The road leading to the War Memorial at the south end is worth a trip.

Riding a motorbike is not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. Most visitors manage on level roads, during the daytime and during good weather conditions. Darkness and rain, together with poor skills, steep hills and questionable maintenance can be fatal. Think twice if you have to travel at night, and when it rains during the night, avoid the steep hills in the north and the southwest.

When renting a bike, check tires, brakes and light. Reputable shops will fix them while you wait, don't compromise on safety. Bring your own helmet if you have one.

What to see in Ko Chang

• Mu Ko Chang National Park National Marine Park including parts of Ko Chang and 46 other islands.

• War Memorial Monument - A renovation is underway at the Memorial site, with a huge building being constructed.

Beaches

• Kai Bae Beach

• Khlong Prao Beach enter the Public Beach Access opposite Mother Earth Garden or next to Nong Bua Seafood, Chaichet

• Lonely Beach - Hat Tha Nam, Ao Bai Lan

• White Sand Beach

Waterfalls

• Khiri Petch Medium sized waterfall.

• Klong Nonsi Waterfall on the east side of the island. Reachable by foot from the Klong Plu waterfall, 6 km.

• Klong Nueng Said to be the most breathtaking waterfall.

• Klong Plu The most popular waterfall, and the only one on the west side of the island.

• Kongoi 5 waterfalls.

• Thanmayom Near Thanmayom Pier

What to do in Ko Chang

• Dive Adventure - Five star PADI IDC diving school offers scuba diving, PADI courses and snorkelling trips into Ko Chang National Marine Park.

• Diving School Ko Chang - Go diving or learn to dive in the beautiful waters of Ko Chang.

• Eco-Divers Koh Chang - bookings at White Sand Beach (near Kacha Hotel), Kaibae (just in front Kaibae Resort, on the main street; main office is in front of the 7-Eleven at the entrance to Klong Prao

• Tree Top Adventure Park - Rope and harness tree climbing. Fun activities and amazing views from the top of the trees.

• Hike with a park ranger from the Than Mayom Waterfall to the Klong Plu Waterfall. The cross island trek takes 8–10 hours and costs 500 Baht per person.

• Trek in the jungle with Tan, +66 89 6452019, +66 89 8322531, who has been taking guided treks for over 10 years and speaks very good English.

• Thai cooking in one of the three (Thai) cooking schools located around Klong Prao: Kati Culinary, Ko Chang (Thai) Cooking, Blue Lagoon.

• Guided sea kayaking trips. KayakChang is run by a qualified British guide. They use imported sea kayaks and equipment. They offer single day expeditions off the west coast and multi-day expeditions in the southern islands.

• Meet retired Ko Chang elephants at the north end of White Sand Beach.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Ko Chang

• Books Thailand - Has a good selection of second-hand books in many languages.

• Madoosika - Latest fashions. Chic, BOHO, gypsy, hippie, maxi dress, party and sun dresses.

• Scuba Zone - Scuba Koh Chang - Extensive range of snorkelling and diving equipment focusing more on quality than price, but still cheaper than Western prices.

Halal Restaurants in Ko Chang

Among the wide variety of dining options, there are some exceptional Halal restaurants that stand out. Today, we will spotlight two of them: Emperor Of India and Bobby Food Shop.

1. Emperor Of India

Cuisine: Indian, Asian

Overview: If you're looking for authentic Indian flavors on this (Thai) island, Emperor Of India is the place to be. This establishment promises to offer "the best Indian food" some have ever had on Koh Chang, making it a favorite among many.

Highlights: Delectable Indian Cuisine: From spicy Curries to the fragrant biryanis, the menu is laden with traditional dishes that carry the rich legacy of Indian culinary arts.

Ambiance: The ambiance is cozy, giving you the feel of India in the midst of Thailand's tropical paradise.

Customer Review: "Best Indian food I ever had. This is the super best restaurant in Koh Chang. I highly recommend it for Indian amazing food."

2. Bobby Food Shop

Cuisine: Seafood, European

Price Range: Affordable

Overview: Bobby Food Shop is not your typical seafood restaurant. With European influences and a touch of Indian flavors, this spot offers a diverse menu that suits a wide range of palates. The owner's possible Indian Muslim heritage brings a unique touch to the dishes.

Diverse Menu: While seafood dominates the menu, the European influence can be seen in some dishes, making it a unique fusion spot.

Affordability: Despite serving high-quality food, the prices at Bobby Food Shop are quite reasonable. It's a great spot for those who want a delightful meal without breaking the bank.

Customer Review: "Food was super. I think the owner is Indian Muslim. Very tasty. And the price is very cheap. Will definitely eat here again. Excellent and cheap food!"

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ko Chang

Ko Chang - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ko Chang, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ko Chang. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ko Chang and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ko Chang. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ko Chang. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Ko Chang: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ko Chang.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ko Chang: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ko Chang, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ko Chang.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ko Chang, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ko Chang, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ko Chang and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ko Chang, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ko Chang, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ko Chang without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ko Chang is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ko Chang.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ko Chang is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ko Chang, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ko Chang Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Ko Chang

eHalal Group Ko Chang is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ko Chang. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ko Chang.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ko Chang ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ko Chang. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ko Chang, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Ko Chang are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Ko Chang

Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)

Most hotels are on the west side of the island, with many resorts and guest houses all along the road that leads down the coast. Generally speaking, prices drop off the further away from the port you get. Supply far out-strips demand, so finding a place to stay should never be hard, though the best or cheapest places may fill up at weekends.

• Alina Grande Hotel & Resort - In the heart of White Sand Beach, it is the perfect place to stay for families with children.

• KC Grande Resort - Bungalow village with restaurant. Five night stay minimum.

• Koh Chang Kacha Resort & Spa - Fantastic beach side swimming pool, beach-front bungalow-villas, pool-side deluxe villas, deluxe hotel rooms, and many rows of bungalow in tropical-style garden. The best place for families. Good value for money, friendly staff, delicious food.

• Pattamas - Roomy upstairs apartment with balcony, large bedroom, lounge and bathroom. The rooms are a great value. Three cheaper rooms available at 400-800 Baht. Pattamas Restaurant serves authentic (Thai) dishes, Coffee, teas, soft drinks and spirits. Staff are friendly and happy.

• S.P. Place - It appears to be family-owned, but the family isn't very friendly although the cleaning staff are. Wi-Fi is not free. Rooms are clean, TV/balcony/air-con/private bath.

• Top Resort - Guests can head to their own beach if they get the expensive 4,000 Baht rooms and villas. Flagship are the sea view villas. Friendly staff, German and (Thai) Food (and soft-drinks). Reasonable for families and single travellers.

• White Sand Beach Resort

Klong Son Bay

• Siam Royal View - illas & beach bungalows.

Klong Prao Beach

• Aana Resort and Spa - Upscale retreat. Some rooms have outdoor plunge pools and amazing views. Two gorgeous swimming pools, restaurant, two bars and a lovely (yet pricey) spa. The resort is 100 m up the river that spills out into the bay and Klong Prao Beach. Free kayaks are available for use. Excellent service.

• Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang - A tropical getaway offering a dive centre, a 50 m lap swimmingpool and 5 restaurants.

• Barali Beach Resort - Nice little resort on the beach.

• Big Elk [https://ehalal.io/buy-halal-food/halal-meat/ Steaks House] - Bungalows and holiday houses in a nice garden with a clean swimming swimmingpool in the middle. Not getting too much noise from the road, but the nearby rooftop club can be heard quite often in the nights. The owner, Bank, is very nice and helpful, and takes good care of the place, everything is clean and neat. Wifi reaches probably all bungalows. Their steakhouse is closed as Bank is repairing the whole place. Cheapest huts for 300 Baht (mattress only, shared bathroom), a bit nicer ones for 400 Baht, aircon for 400-500 Baht, bigger family ones (for four people) 1400 Baht. Five to ten minutes walk to the beach through the Blue Lagun.

• Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort - Large resort with 157 rooms in small cottages. Near the beach. Several pools, restaurants. Free Wi-Fi in public areas. Kids Club, babysitting. Most rooms can accommodate 3-4 people.

• Mother Earth Garden, kitchen and homestay - Founded 1990 by the travelers and nature lovers Nujaree and Manni Frohloff. They intend it for nature lovers, writers, musicians, artist, peace lovers, gardeners as space for healing, yoga, detoxing, workshops, etc. It's placed uphill with marvelous sea view, between jungle and sea. The entrance is just opposite the public beach access. Reservations by email, or Skype mann.frohloff. The rooms for rent are the Upper Room in the Base House, Children House, Nujaree's Tower, Treehouse and Kent's House.

Kai Bae Beach

• The Chill Resort and Spa - Beautiful, modern luxury resort with 38 rooms, including deluxe rooms, deluxe swimmingpool access rooms, Jacuzzi suites and swimmingpool villas. Breakfast served any time of the day. Free Wi-Fi and Internet stations.

• Gajapuri Resort and Spa - Bungalows on the beach.

• Garden Resort | Quiet and charming resort with luxury bungalows, swimming pool, high speed Internet and just 150 m from the beach.

• Siam Bay Resort Koh Chang - 60 luxury bungalows on the beach, large family bungalows on the hillside and new sea view and swimmingpool villas.

• The Stage - New set of bungalows not far from the beach. Pool.

Hat Tha Nam (Lonely Beach)

Following a great deal of development and the name "Lonely Beach" has become something of a misnomer. Lonely Beach is the party capital of the island and each guesthouse on Lonely Beach takes it in turns to hold "party night," during which the partying and attendant thumping music goes on until about 05:00 and all the revellers on the island come to your hotel. If you do not want to be kept awake then Lonely Beach is definitely not the place for you. Most hotels giving "Lonely Beach" as an address are not located along the actual beach, but about 500 m down the road. From the village access to the sea is not feasible as the coast is rocky.

• Bhumiyama Beach Resort - ภูมิยามะ บีช รีสอร์ท - Offers beautiful sea view bungalows and hotel rooms.

• Ice Beach | Wooden bungalows, cheapest on Lonely Beach at 400 Baht for a shared bathroom & fan room, 5-10 min walk to Lonely Beach.

• Kachapura | Well-appointed concrete bungalows spread around a serene tropical garden layout in Hat Tha Nam's "town" strip. It's a trek through the garden to get to the beach, which is anyway rather rocky, so better to walk 5-10 min down the road to the beach and bar at Siam Huts. Some noise from nearby bars at night in the bungalows near the road.

• Koh Chang Pool Villas - Pool villas on the white sand of Lonely Beach. Part of the Siam Beach Resort, but in a class of its own. Most popular with romantic couples and young families, because these villa have only a single large bed/living room.

• Little Eden | Small bungalow resort, up the hill away from the bustling village. Comfortable bungalows individually placed, 12 with fans 2 with air-con, 1 twin double room, hot showers, mosquito net, toiletries and free Wi-Fi. Restaurant has (Thai) and international (slow) food. Every bungalow has a hammock and a gallery in the bath.

• Lonely Beach Resort - New concrete bungalows with fan, TV and Wi-Fi. Restaurant serves (Thai) and International food. A 5-10 min walk to the sandy beach.

• Oasis Koh Chang - Koh Chang Bungalows - On a hillside with sunset views from the restaurant deck, where you can enjoy home-style (Thai) dishes, sandwiches or Western favourites. The wooden huts come with fan and mosquito net, attached open-air bath with shower. Free Wi-Fi.

• Paradise Cottages - Very nice, large and clean waterfront concrete cottages. There is a rocky waterfront, an amazing restaurant, and lounging areas with very friendly staff and outstanding food. Free Wi-Fi.

• Seaflower - Great price range (between 500 Baht for 1-2 person bungalow with fan and private bathroom, and 1,000 Baht for sea front bungalow with air-con, cable TV, private bath. All bungalows are clean, new, and the grounds are very well taken care of on a daily basis by maintenance staff. Nice lounging area on a patch of lawn right next to the water, and only a 5-10 minutes walk along the water's edge to Lonely Beach. Very quiet at night considering how incredibly close to all the action. Free Wi-Fi.

• Siam Beach Resort Koh Chang - Formerly a backpacker place, converted into a resort with large swimming pool. Sea view and deluxe swimmingpool view hotel rooms, all with a sea view, cable TV, refrigerator, hot water, comfortable beds and breakfast for two.

• Siam Hut - On the beach, offering a quiet atmosphere (unless they are hosting a beach party, in which case don't expect to sleep before 02:00), friendly staff and delicious food. Options are cheaper spartan waterfront bungalows or slightly more expensive air-conditioned bungalows.

• Sunday Flower | Nice bungalows with well-priced Western and (Thai) restaurant with nightly movie screenings, free Wi-Fi and reclining cushions.

Bailan Beach

Most of this beach is rocky, only the southern end—which is dominated by the resort, not really welcoming non-residents—is sandy.

• Bai Lan Hut - Each of the 22 bungalows has a computer, free Wi-Fi, hot shower, fan. Air-conditioned rooms available. The bungalows are right by the sea with sunset views.

• Bai Lan Resort - ใบลาน รีสอร์ท | Have six bungalows, pitching a private tent is 130 Baht per person per day.

• Elephant Bay Resort (formerly: Gu Bay) - Bungalows and swimming swimmingpool with view to the sea, just 5 m from the water.

• Koh Chang Bailan Bay Resort | Spacious, en suite bath, well-designed bungalows built into the hillside, going all the way down to the beach. Fan and air-conditioned rooms available. Friendly staff. Reception and restaurant are open from 08:00-22:00.

• Whitehouse Bailan Resort - ไวท์เฮ้าส์ ใบลาน รีสอร์ท - Cosy white cottages, swimming pool, air-con, hot showers, free Wi-Fi. They have 15 standard rooms and 18 cottages.

Bang Bao Bay

Bang Bao is on the south side of the island. It's little more than a long stretch of wooden deck that takes probably 5 minutes to walk from end to end, with dive shops, seafood restaurants, local houses and a few places that provide lodging for visitors.

• Alysia Spring Resort Bang Bao | 27 rooms with air conditioning, hot water, fridge, cable TV, safe and balcony. Internet. 1 kilometers to beach, free shuttle service. English and German-speaking staff.

• L'appartement - 2-bedroom self catering sea view apartment, 120 sq m, 180° sea view, 30m swimming pool, kids' pool, 300m private pier.

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