Looking for the best way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang in 2025?
Koh Chang is about 300 km southeast of Bangkok and can be reached in 5–7 hours . Travelers usually choose between:
Bus or minivan + ferry (most budget-friendly)Private transfer / taxi (fastest & most convenient)Flight to Trat Airport + ferry (quick but more expensive)
This guide explains step-by-step routes, travel times, ticket prices, and online booking options —everything you need to plan your Bangkok to Koh Chang trip smoothly.
Contents
Where is Koh Chang? Map & Location of Koh Chang
Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island, is famous for its lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere.
Though it has no airport, getting there from Bangkok is easy with several transport options.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is about 5 to 7 hours from Bangkok.
Most visitors take a ferry (about 30 minutes) from a mainland pier near Trat to reach Koh Chang.
Why Visit Koh Chang
Copyright of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Koh Chang, also known as the “Elephant Island,” is Thailand’s second-largest island and one of the most scenic destinations in the Gulf of Thailand.
Compared to Phuket or Koh Samui, it’s less crowded, more affordable, and surrounded by lush jungle and waterfalls .
Visitors come to Koh Chang for its white-sand beaches, snorkeling and diving spots, relaxed beach towns, and outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking .
Whether you want a laid-back holiday or an active island trip, Koh Chang offers the perfect balance of nature, activities, and budget-friendly travel .
Bangkok to Koh Chang: Best Transport Options
There are three main ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang:
Transport Option Total Time Approximate Cost Notes Bus/Minivan + Ferry 5.5–8 hours $25–$30 per person Budget-friendly, direct options Private Car 5–6.5 hours $120–$1500 per car Flexible, great for groups/families Flight + Ferry 4–5 hours $85+ per person Fastest, most comfortable
For most travelers, the bus or minivan + ferry is the most budget-friendly choice, while families or groups often prefer a private transfer for comfort.
If time is limited, flying to Trat is the quickest way.
🚍 Bus from Bangkok to Koh Chang + Ferry
12GO Asia Website
Budget travelers often choose a bus or shared minivan from Bangkok to Trat, then a short ferry to Koh Chang. It’s the most popular and affordable option.
💡 Travel time: 5.5 to 8 hoursCost: $25–$30 per person
Ekkamai (public buses)Khao San Road area (tourist minivans with hotel pickup)Suvarnabhumi Airport
These combo tickets typically include the ferry fare and are available through online platforms like GetYourGuide or 12GO.
🚖 Private Taxi or Transfer to Koh Chang
12GO Asia Website Ideal for families or groups, private car transfers offer door-to-door service with flexible timing.
The car and driver accompany you on the ferry from Trat to Koh Chang, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
💡 Travel time: 5.5 hoursCost: $25–$30 per person
Please book a private taxi transfer for the smoothest and most comfortable trip to Koh Chang.
✈️ Flight to Trat + Ferry to Koh Chang The fastest way to get close to Koh Chang is by flying from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Trat Airport (TDX) with Bangkok Airways . The flight takes about 1 hour .
From Trat Airport, you can take a shared minivan or private transfer to the ferry pier. Some services even include the ferry ticket and hotel drop-off on Koh Chang.
💡 Flight time: 1 hourTotal travel time: Around 4–5 hoursBest for: Travelers with limited time
Arriving at Trat Airport? Book a taxi + ferry transfer for a quick and hassle-free trip to Koh Chang.
🛳️ Koh Chang Ferry Guide 12GO Asia Website To reach Koh Chang, you’ll need to take a short ferry ride from Trat province . Ferries run all year and are frequent enough for easy connections from Bangkok.
Ferry Piers: Ao Thammachat Pier (fastest and most popular) or Centrepoint Pier (slightly longer ride). Both are close to Trat town and airport.Schedule: every 30–60 minutes from early morning until evening (around 06:00–19:00).Travel Time: 30–45 minutes .Ticket Price: 80–120 THB per person (one way). Cars and motorbikes can also board for an additional fee.Booking: bus + ferry combo or private transfer , the ferry ticket is often included.
👉 Tip: Ao Thammachat Pier is recommended if you want the fastest connection to popular beaches on Koh Chang.
How to Book Online
Book in advance: Ferry and transfer tickets can sell out during holidays or weekends. Use platforms like 12GO Asia GetYourGuide Weather delays: Ferries may be delayed or canceled during heavy rain or storms, especially in the rainy season (May–October).Cash: Small piers and snack shops may not accept cards, so carry some Thai baht.Luggage: Large suitcases may incur an extra fee on buses or ferries—check with your operator in advance.
Where to Stay in Koh Chang
Koh Chang offers a variety of areas to stay, each with its own charm:
White Sand Beach Klong Prao Beach Kai Bae Beach
Best Things to Do in Koh Chang
Explore waterfalls like Klong Plu and Than Mayom
Relax on beautiful beaches such as White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach
Go snorkeling or diving to discover vibrant marine life
Visit the fishing villages and try fresh seafood
Trek through the jungle and spot wildlife
Summary – Best Way from Bangkok to Koh Chang Still not sure how to get to Koh Chang? Here’s a quick guide based on your travel style:
⏱️ Short on time? Trat Airport , then take a transfer to the island . Fast and smooth.
🎒 Backpackers / Budget Travelers bus or shared minivan + ferry . It’s cheap and relatively easy to book.
👨👩👧👦 Families or Small Groups private taxi + ferry is the most comfortable and hassle-free option.
Author of this article
Japanese/Work in IT/Beauty and K-pop fan/Love traveling abroad/Backpacked 30 countries/Lived 1 year in Thailand＆Visited Thailand 100+ times/Korean and English
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