Koh Chang Beaches Guide
Everything you Need to Know about Koh Chang Beaches
Koh Chang's beaches are divided into two groups, beaches in the western and the eastern side. Most of the popular attractions are located on the western side, including White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, Klong Plu Waterfall, Kai Bae Beach, Lonely Beach and a fishing community of Bangbao Beach. The eastern side, on the other hand, is still largely unexplored, and contains less popular, but equally appealing places like Than Mayom Waterfall, Klong Nonsi Waterfall, Wai Chek Beach, Salakphet Bay, Long Beach, Salakkok Bay, fruit and rubber plantations as well as a few fishing villages.
If you want to sunbathe, swim or play volleyball, White Sand Beach is wide enough for such activities, especially when the tide is low. Try to avoid the south end of the beach, though, as it tends to be on a rocky side. Most recommended areas are in the middle and the north end of the beach. Don't expect parasail, banana boat or jet-ski, though. These are prohibited due to the island's national park status. Read More...
Although less popular than its neighbour, Klong Prao Beach, Klong Prao Beach is, in fact, not just your ordinary, everyday beach. Thanks to its location, the beach is split roughly into three sections by Klong Plu Waterfall's river estuary. This creates magnificent mangroves and unique views of both the river and the sea. Read More...
Compared to White Sand and Klong Prao beaches, Kai Bae Beach may be less appealing, but the fact that it's a wonderful combination between the convenience and touristiness of the Kai Bae Beach and a peacefulness and independence of Lonely Beach, Kai Bae still attracts a fair share of the visitors. The beach is a short distance away from the main road. Read More...
Although surrounded by the rocky landscape, there is still a strip of decent sandy beach in this area where visitors can participate in all sorts of beach activities. Fringed by overhanging palm trees, the beach affords a stunning view of the jungle-clad mountains in the background. The beach is wide, clean and safe, making it perfect for family to relax or have a picnic. Read More...
Bang Bao Bay
Located on the southwest end of Koh Chang, Bang Bao Bay (Ao Bang Bao) is a small fishing village built entirely on stilts stretching out into the bay. The narrow Bang Bao pier is lined with houses, shops, restaurants, souvenir shops and guesthouses. Corals here are very much intact, making Bang Bao one of the most ideal parts of the island to do some diving. If you're bored with the beach, come to Bang Bao Bay to experience a bit of a local flavour and see how fishermen live.
Salakkok Bay
This bay lies on the east coast of the island, opposite to all the island's main beaches in the west coast. The area doesn't attract many visitors as there are not many attractions, resorts and restaurants. The bridge 500 metres down the road takes you to a few wooden bungalows on the edge of the mangroves. The bay's only attraction seems to be the Mangrove Walkway on your left just before turning off onto the road to Salakkok.
Wai Chek Beach
This beach is situated around six kilometres southeast from Baan Bang Bao (Bang Bao Village). It's one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Chang, and it offers a gorgeous sandy beach and crystal clear seawater. Getting to this beach can be done by hiring a chartered boat, motorbike or car. If you're coming by a motorbike, it's best to take Salakphet - Bang Bao route through a rubber plantation. You'll then reach the coconut plantation a few hundred metres away.
Salakphet Bay
Sitting on the southwest of the island, Salakphet features a laid-back atmosphere of a fishing village, where peaceful and undisturbed local life can still be seen and experienced. The village of the same name once used to be Koh Chang's thriving commercial centre, but now it's pretty much quiet and doesn't see many tourists. The bay has a few small bungalows and lovely homestays. As for tourist attractions, there are two waterfalls in the area worth checking out called Klong Neung and Khiriphet.
Pearl Beach
Also known among the locals as Hat Kai Mook, Pearl Beach is a relatively small beach, compared to other areas on Koh Chang. The beach can be a little difficult to swim, walk and do activities on since it's full of small stones and pebbles - not an ideal place for those looking for a massive expanse of great sandy beach. However, the beach still features some appealing features available as it offers a great .spot for snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing, and a few small boutique resorts.
Bailan Bay
Bailan Bay is 20 minutes south of Lonely Beach. Co
nsidered the least developed part on the west coast of the island, this one kilometer-wide sanctuary is very popular among young backpackers and perfect for travelers who seek serenity and tranquility. Although not the best place to swim or do beach activities as the water is shallow with stony seabed, Bailan Bay still offers great amount of sunshine, lush unspoiled scenery and chilled-out atmosphere.
