Koh Chang Beaches – Deep, Guru-Level Guide

🏖 White Sand Beach – Koh Chang’s Seaside “City Center”

Most Convenient

Family-Friendly

Tons of Food

📍 Location

Northwest coast, about 20 minutes from the ferry pier—one of the first beaches you’ll hit after landing on the island.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Fine white sand, clear and swimmable water.
• ~2.5 km long with hotels, restaurants, and bars lining the shore.
• Daytime: family vibe. Night: transforms into a mini walking street with beachfront dining.

🎯 What to Do

• Swim and try water sports (jet ski/banana boat).
• Stroll/jog along the sand; seafood dinner at sunset.

✅ Pros

• Most complete area: ATMs, 7-Eleven, international food choices.
• Easy logistics—great for first-timers and families.

❌ Cons

• Crowded in high season.
• Accommodation/food pricier than other beaches.

💡 Insider Tips

• Stay on the northern end for a quieter experience.
• For energy and lights, wander the central strip after dusk.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• Nov–Feb: best weather and clearest water.
• 17:00–19:00: golden-hour sunset.

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🏖 Klong Prao Beach – The Longest, Laid-Back Stretch

Longest

Quiet

Couples

📍 Location

Mid-west coast, ~10 minutes south of White Sand. Almost 3 km long—the island’s longest beach.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Much quieter than White Sand; resorts spread out with space in between.
• Clear water with a postcard line of coconut palms.
• Evenings are peacefully calm—perfect for real downtime.

🎯 What to Do

• Long, easy morning walks/jogs.
• Kayak into mangrove-lined canals for a soft adventure.
• Slow sunsets without the crowds.

✅ Pros

• Private, low-key feel—great for families and couples.
• Plenty of beachfront resorts across price tiers.

❌ Cons

• Limited nightlife; few bars.

💡 Insider Tips

• Stay mid-beach for the best balance of access and quiet.
• In low season you can get that “private beach” feeling.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• Nov–Feb: blue skies, clear water.
• 17:00–18:30: warm-toned sunsets.

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🌅 Kai Bae Beach – The Island’s Most Romantic Sunset

#1 Sunset

Romantic

📍 Location

Just south of Klong Prao, near the Kai Bae Viewpoint overlooking a chain of tiny offshore islets.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Shallow, swimmable water.
• Sun dips directly into the sea—big, dramatic sunsets.
• Beachfront restaurants and cozy bars with honeymoon energy.

🎯 What to Do

• Golden-hour photography—Kai Bae is the island’s iconic sunset spot.
• Snorkel around the small islets offshore.
• Hire a longtail to Koh Man Nai/Koh Man Nok.

✅ Pros

• Most photogenic sunset on Koh Chang.
• Made for couples/honeymooners.

❌ Cons

• Can be crowded 17:00–18:30 in high season.

💡 Insider Tips

• Set up your camera an hour early for clean, unobstructed shots.
• Local Thai seafood here is fairly priced—try sour curry fish or stir-fried basil seafood.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• 17:00–18:30 for peak sunset color.

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🎉 Lonely Beach – Backpacker & Party Central

Backpacker

Party

Budget

📍 Location

Southern coast, about 15 minutes from Kai Bae.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Daytime calm; swimmable and chill.
• After dark the bars switch on—compact, sociable party scene.

🎯 What to Do

• Swim/sunbathe by day.
• Mix with travelers and hit the bars by night.

✅ Pros

• Budget-friendly beds and meals.
• International vibe; easy to meet people.

❌ Cons

• Not ideal for families seeking quiet nights.

💡 Insider Tips

• Choose accommodation just outside the bar cluster if you’re noise-sensitive.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• After 21:00 for nightlife; low season for a calmer scene.

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🌴 Klong Son Beach – The Quiet Northern Tip

Very Quiet

Near Ferry

📍 Location

Northernmost beach, ~10 minutes from the ferry pier—the easiest beach to reach after arrival.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Clear water, very few people.
• Local village ambiance still intact.

🎯 What to Do

• Leisurely walks and sunset photos.
• Quiet, shallow-water swims.

✅ Pros

• Exceptionally peaceful; good for decompressing.
• Fast access to/from the ferry.

❌ Cons

• Limited dining and facilities.

💡 Insider Tips

• Late afternoon is magical with warm light and minimal crowds.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• 17:00–18:30 for sunset mood.

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🐟 Bang Bao Beach – Fishermen’s Life & Snorkel Trip Hub

Fresh Seafood

Snorkel Pier

📍 Location

Southern tip of the island, next to Bang Bao fishing village and its long pier.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Not the best for swimming; it’s all about seafood and boat trips.
• Authentic local life is very visible here.

🎯 What to Do

• Book 4-island snorkel tours/speedboat trips.
• Feast on fresh, great-value seafood.

✅ Pros

• Seafood is fresh and fairly priced.
• All logistics for boat trips are on your doorstep.

❌ Cons

• Beach itself isn’t ideal for swimming.

💡 Insider Tips

• Plan Bang Bao for lunch + tour booking, then swim elsewhere.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• Midday to late afternoon for pier strolls and meals.

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🌊 Kai Bae Small / Secret Beach – A Truly Quiet Hideaway

Hidden

Secluded

📍 Location

Tucked near Kai Bae Beach; a short, discreet walk-in trail leads to it.

🌊 Beach Character & Vibe

• Very clear water, very few visitors.
• “Private beach” vibe—sit, read, and listen to waves.

🎯 What to Do

• Photography and gentle swims.
• Low-profile relaxation.

✅ Pros

• Ultra-quiet—perfect for couples and solitude seekers.

❌ Cons

• No shops or restrooms—come prepared.

💡 Insider Tips

• Morning (08:00–11:00) has the prettiest light and clearest water.

🕒 Best Time to Visit

• Morning: soft light + minimal people.

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🚤 Getting to Koh Chang with Boonsiri Ferry

Travel the easy way with Boonsiri Ferry’s Bangkok–Trat–Koh Chang bus + ferry—one ticket, seamless connection, no extra queues.

Explore other routes on the Boonsiri Ferry website.

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