Koh Chang (Centre Point Pier) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Koh Chang via the mainland town of Trat, approximately 315 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From Bangkok, the journey to Trat takes about 5-6 hours by bus or private car along well-maintained highways. Regular shuttle services connect Trat town to the ferry piers, with journey times of around 30 minutes. If driving yourself, ample parking is available at the mainland ferry terminals where you can leave your vehicle before boarding as a foot passenger, though many visitors prefer to bring their cars across to explore the island. For international travelers, the nearest airport is in Trat, with connecting flights from Bangkok taking just one hour.

Nestled in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Chang stands as the second-largest island in the country, boasting lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and dramatic waterfalls. This tropical haven blends natural splendor with authentic Thai charm, making it an increasingly popular yet still relatively peaceful ferry destination. As you approach Centre Point Pier, the island's verdant mountains rise majestically from crystal-clear waters, promising adventures from jungle trekking to underwater exploration.

Koh Chang enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the visitor experience. November through February offers the most pleasant conditions with clear skies, moderate temperatures ranging from 27-30°C, and calm seas ideal for ferry crossings and water activities. March to May brings hotter temperatures but remains relatively dry, perfect for those seeking intense sunshine and warmer waters. The rainy season from June to October sees fewer tourists and lush, vibrant landscapes, though occasional heavy downpours may affect ferry schedules. December and January represent peak season with higher accommodation rates, while November and February offer excellent weather with slightly smaller crowds.

Koh Chang serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Thailand's eastern seaboard islands. From Centre Point Pier, travelers can easily reach Koh Kood (Koh Kut), a pristine island with some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches, just a 1-hour ferry journey away. Koh Mak, with its laid-back atmosphere and shallow, crystal-clear waters, makes for a perfect day trip or overnight stay approximately 45 minutes from Koh Chang. The smaller Koh Wai offers a truly secluded experience with unspoiled coral reefs and can be reached in just 30 minutes. These island connections make Koh Chang an ideal base for an island-hopping adventure through what locals call Thailand's 'Maldives of the East.'

Koh Chang rewards visitors with a wealth of natural wonders and cultural experiences that capture Thailand's essence. The island's western coast features stunning beaches including White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach, perfect for swimming and spectacular sunsets. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss Klong Plu Waterfall, an easily accessible cascade with a refreshing swimming pool at its base. The fishing villages of Bang Bao and Salak Phet offer authentic glimpses into traditional island life, complete with seafood restaurants serving the day's fresh catch prepared with aromatic Thai spices. For culinary adventures, seek out Koh Chang's signature dishes like seafood curry in coconut milk or spicy papaya salad enjoyed at beachfront restaurants as the sun dips below the horizon.

Despite being Thailand's second-largest island, Koh Chang remains over 70% covered in untouched rainforest, earning its nickname 'Elephant Island' not from actual elephants but from its elephant-shaped headland visible on approach. The island was the site of a naval battle during the Franco-Thai War of 1941, with a memorial near the main pier commemorating the Thai sailors who lost their lives defending national waters. Before tourism developed in the late 1990s, Koh Chang's economy relied almost entirely on fishing and rubber plantations, with some villages still practicing these traditional livelihoods alongside modern tourism ventures.