✅ Updated on 06.11.2025
I won’t go into detail about the beaches here — I’ve covered them in a separate guide: Koh Chang Beaches — Which One Is Best? Be sure to check it out after reading this article.
White Sand Beach Viewpoint
If you arrive in Koh Chang by ferry and head down the island’s west coast, the first thing you’ll notice is the White Sand Beach viewpoint. It’s right by the roadside, just after a bend — almost impossible to miss. And yes, it’s definitely worth a stop.
From here, you get a panoramic view of White Sand Beach, lush green hills, and the sparkling sea. On a clear day, you can even spot the nearby islands.
💡 Good to know:
- The viewpoint is small — cars might struggle to find space, but there’s plenty of room for motorbikes.
There’s no railing in some areas, so be careful, especially if you’re visiting with kids. - The best time to stop is just before sunset, but the midday views are also stunning, especially on clear days.
- It’s more of a quick stop than a major attraction, but it’s perfect for your very first Koh Chang photo.
When I first visited, I had just checked into my hotel and hopped on my motorbike. This was my first stop before continuing toward the island’s east coast.
Abandoned Than Mayom Pier and the “Date Benches”
On the east coast of Koh Chang, there’s a quirky spot — the abandoned Than Mayom Pier. From here, you get beautiful views of the coastline, while in the water below you can spot abandoned fishing boats, a rusty barge, and even a sunken ship.
When I visited, I bumped into a friend I’d met at a bar the night before — she and her friend were fishing right under the pier. You can go down the steps to the water and see how the pier’s pillars are covered in seashells and mollusks — a surprisingly fascinating sight.
Technically, the pier is closed, but locals and travelers still wander in without any issues. It’s a great photo spot, especially at sunset. Next time, I’m planning to snorkel there and swim out to the barge.
Just a minute’s ride south of the pier, we stumbled upon a lovely little spot with benches shaded by trees. From there, you can watch the sea with the pier in the distance. The atmosphere is magical — the perfect place for a quiet date.
Salak Khok Fishing Village — Fresh Shrimp & Life on Stilts
Our next stop is Salak Khok, a small fishing village on Koh Chang’s east coast. This is where everyday Thai life unfolds — locals head out to sea each morning to catch fish, shrimp, and squid. The village looks like something out of a documentary: wooden houses on stilts, weathered fishing boats, and nets drying right by the water. The atmosphere is peaceful, with none of the tourist crowds you’ll find on the west side.
Aside from the boats and nets, you’ll find a few simple seafood cafés here. Prices are about the same as elsewhere on the island, but the food is incredible. I had shrimp pad thai that was absolutely mouthwatering — and according to the locals, almost everything on your plate was caught that very morning.
As I write this, I keep thinking, “I should have asked to join someone on their fishing boat and see how they work at sea.” Well, hindsight is 20/20. 😄
Mangrove Forests in Koh Chang — Three Scenic Walks
Koh Chang has at least three spots where you can stroll through peaceful mangrove forests and enjoy a different side of the island’s nature.
1. Salak Khok — Mangrove Walk + Boat Tour
This mangrove forest is right next to the fishing village of Salak Khok. There are two ways to explore:
- Walk the circular concrete path — it takes about 20–25 minutes. There’s a viewing tower where you can climb up for a few photos. Occasionally you’ll find fallen trees on the trail, but it’s still passable. Even in the high season, it’s quiet here, with almost no other visitors. Parts of the path are slightly overgrown, but that adds to the charm.
- Take a boat tour through the mangroves — 200 baht per person, lasting around 30–40 minutes. You can simply walk up and book on the spot. The ride takes you through the lagoon and past the village. It’s calm, scenic, and perfect for photos.
💡 Tip: Come in the morning when it’s cooler and less crowded.
2. Salak Phet Mangrove Walk
Another mangrove area is located closer to the center of Salak Phet Bay. The walkway here is old and hardly maintained. Some spots are still beautiful, but overall it feels quite neglected. Worth stopping by only if you’re already in the area — probably not worth a special trip.
3. Mangrove Trail near Tantawan Resort
This spot is on the island’s southeast coast, almost at the end of the road. The walkway is wooden but in rough shape — some planks are damaged or missing, so watch your step. The walk takes about 30 minutes.
Entry is free, and parking is 10 baht for motorbikes (though sometimes no one is there to collect the fee).
Tantawan Resort — Kayaks, Island Escape & Well-Deserved Rest
This isn’t exactly a major tourist attraction, but it’s a beautiful, secluded spot on the southeast coast of Koh Chang. With no other hotels nearby, the area stays wonderfully quiet — and that’s the charm.
At Tantawan Resort, you can:
- Take a boat ride as a passenger for 100 baht, or rent a kayak for 200 baht.
- Paddle over to the small island opposite and relax on a hidden beach.
- Swim, sunbathe, and snap some great photos.
The beach is within the national park boundaries, so there’s a 200-baht entrance fee.
💡 Tip: If you’re exhausted after exploring, you can stay overnight at Tantawan Resort. A room costs 3,500 baht — not cheap, but the view over the bay is worth it.
After a long day riding along the east coast, I was pretty tired. Plus, the road here isn’t circular — you have to head back the same way you came. That’s why I saved the rest of my exploring for the next day.
Kai Bae Viewpoint — Islands in the Palm of Your Hand
Heading further south, your first stop should be Kai Bae Viewpoint. Entry is free, parking is spacious, and you can get here easily by motorbike or car.
The view is fantastic — you can see several nearby islands at once: Yuak, Pli, Man Nok, and Man Nai.
You can relax on a bench, sip a coffee from the local café, or even drop a postcard in the on-site mailbox — yes, there’s a real postbox here. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, including toilets.
Tree Top Adventure Park — Ropes & Ziplines
I didn’t make it here — the park was closed for the low season (May 15 to August 15, 2025). Honestly, I wasn’t too disappointed. From the reviews, it’s a decent spot but nothing jaw-dropping. Pretty much your standard zipline park, the kind you’ll find in many places across Asia.
What’s here:
- 23 treetop challenges: ziplines, rope ladders, Tarzan swings, and suspension bridges.
- About 70% of the course is ziplining.
- Starts with a briefing and training on the ground.
- One full loop takes around 30 minutes, and you can go again if you like.
- Price: 700 baht per person, or 850 baht with transfer. Includes water, fruit, mosquito repellent, and access to toilets.
💡 Good to know:
- Minimum height: 140 cm.
- Maximum weight: 100 kg (and they won’t make exceptions, even if you smile nicely).
- Age: from 10 years old (kids under 12 must be with a parent).
- Wear proper shoes — no flip-flops.
- No booking needed, but arrive at the start of a session.
Great for those who want a bit of exercise and to scream their lungs out among the trees. Kids and teens will love it. If you’ve already tried ziplines in other countries, there’s nothing here you haven’t seen before.
Bang Bao Pier — Lighthouse, Boats & 4-Island Snorkeling
Bang Bao Pier stretches far out into the sea on Koh Chang’s southwest coast. It’s long for a reason — during low tide, the water recedes so much that boats can only dock at the far end.
Along the pier, you’ll find souvenir shops, cafés, seafood restaurants, dive shops, and all kinds of tourist buzz. At the very end stands a white lighthouse — a popular photo spot with great views of the bay and the boats.
🚤 Snorkeling Tour to 3 Islands
This is the most popular tour on Koh Chang. It costs 750 baht, starts at 8:00 am, and returns around 3:00 pm. They pick you up directly from your hotel.
The route usually includes:
- Koh Rang (National Park entrance +200 baht)
- Koh Yak Yai
- Koh Yak Lek
I didn’t manage to go myself, but on the ferry back from Koh Chang I met a Russian traveler who had just done it. He showed me his photos and said the trip was amazing — so I’m definitely putting it on my list for next time.
Contacts from a couple of agencies at the pier if you want to book in advance:
🛥️ Boat Taxis to Other Islands
From here, you can also take a boat to nearby islands like Koh Kood (900 baht one way), Koh Mak, and others, depending on the season.
Abandoned Grand Laguna Hotel
📍 Location on Google Maps
📖 Detailed article with photos and history: The Galaxy, Koh Chang
For me, this was the most memorable place on Koh Chang — an abandoned ship-shaped hotel that looks straight out of a movie scene or a horror game. I even wrote a separate article about it with photos and its backstory (link above).
In short: entry is 100 baht, it’s open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and it’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours here if you have the time.
Khlong Phlu Waterfall — The Tallest in Koh Chang
Khlong Phlu is the tallest waterfall on the island, located within the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Entry is 200 baht for foreigners and 100 baht for children.
From the entrance, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the falls. The trail is fairly easy, though you’ll need to step over rocks and tree roots in places — proper shoes are best. You can swim at the base of the waterfall, with shallow spots for kids and a deeper section for a proper dip.
💡 Tip: To get the most out of your national park fee, plan to visit several locations in the same day:
- Khlong Phlu Waterfall
- Koh Rang (as part of a snorkeling tour)
- Koh Ngam (if time allows)
⚠️ If you visit on another day, you’ll have to pay the 200-baht fee again. There are several park entrances — for example, on the east side you can walk to Than Mayom Waterfall, which is also part of the park.
Koh Chang Itinerary — 3 Days of Adventure & Relaxation
If you have just three days on Koh Chang, here’s a balanced plan that mixes must-see spots, hidden gems, and time to simply enjoy island life.
Day 1 — East Coast Exploration & Sunset
- White Sand Beach Viewpoint — Start your trip with panoramic views of the island’s most famous beach.
- Abandoned Than Mayom Pier & “Date Benches” — A quirky stop with rusting boats, sea views, and a romantic seating spot.
- Salak Khok Fishing Village — Fresh shrimp pad thai and a glimpse of everyday life on stilts.
- Mangrove Forests of Koh Chang — Take a short boardwalk walk or a boat ride through serene mangroves.
- Tantawan Resort — Rent a kayak or relax on a secluded national park beach.
- Sunset at White Sand Beach — End the day with a classic Koh Chang sunset.
- Evening at Walking Street — Street food, souvenirs, and a lively atmosphere.
Day 2 — West Coast Highlights & Island Hopping
- Morning run on Klong Prao Beach — A calm, wide beach perfect for early exercise.
- Kai Bae Viewpoint — See four nearby islands spread out before you.
- Bang Bao Pier — Explore shops, restaurants, and the lighthouse, or join the famous 4-island snorkeling tour.
- Evening bar street — Check out a different nightlife area.
Day 3 — Waterfalls & Relaxation
- Khlong Phlu Waterfall — The tallest waterfall on Koh Chang, perfect for a swim.
- Abandoned Grand Laguna Hotel — A ship-shaped ghost hotel straight out of a movie.
- Overnight at Klong Kloi Beach — Stay in beachfront bungalows at Bangbao Beach Resort and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
FAQs
Yes — there are two police checkpoints: one on the west coast and another on the east coast. They rarely stop people just for not wearing helmets — most locals ride without them — but for your own safety (and to avoid fines if rules change), it’s always better to wear one.
At night, most people go to bars on Walking Street or the other bar street. Sometimes there are fire shows on the beach.
Yes. I’ve been there and have no regrets. I’ll go again in high season.
No. One day is usually spent on a snorkeling tour and another exploring the island. You need at least 1–2 more days to see the national park, beaches, and the abandoned hotel.
You can visit the beaches, explore the abandoned Than Mayom Pier and its “Date Benches,” enjoy the views from White Sand Beach Viewpoint and Kai Bae Viewpoint, or walk through the mangroves.
One of the most unusual spots is the abandoned ship-shaped hotel known as The Galaxy. You can explore it for 100 baht — details and photos here: The Galaxy, Koh Chang.
Tree Top Adventure Park offers rope courses, ziplines, and other activities suitable for children aged 10 and above (younger kids can join with a parent).
The easiest way is to rent a motorbike. Prices are 200–250 baht per day for a 125 cc bike and 300–350 baht for a 150–160 cc scooter. I rented from this shop and had no issues.
Beaches, the national park and Khlong Phlu Waterfall, snorkeling trips to nearby small islands, and elephants bathing at Kai Bae Beach.
