White sandy beaches, forest-covered mountains, waterfalls and tropical seas make Koh Chang one of eastern Thailand’s most rewarding island destinations. Located in Trat Province near the Cambodian border, it is Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket, yet much of its interior remains dominated by mountains and lush vegetation.
Its name means ‘Elephant Island’, a reference to the shape of its mountainous landscape. But Koh Chang’s appeal lies in its variety. Travellers can spend mornings exploring the forest, afternoons swimming in the Gulf of Thailand and evenings relaxing beside the beach. With plenty of accommodation and activities, it works equally well for couples, groups and families.
Beaches, waterfalls and tropical forest
Much of island life revolves around Koh Chang’s west coast, where beaches and bays provide plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Klong Prao Beach is among the best known, with a broad shoreline fringed by coconut palms, while other stretches of coast range from lively resort areas to quieter hideaways.
Head inland and another side of the island emerges. Koh Chang’s mountainous interior is rich in tropical forest, streams and waterfalls. Klong Plu Waterfall is one of the island’s most popular natural attractions, while Than Mayom Waterfall provides another opportunity to explore the greener side of Koh Chang. Hiking, viewpoints and forest excursions make it easy to combine beach time with outdoor adventure.
To the south, Bang Bao offers a glimpse of Koh Chang’s maritime heritage. The former fishing community, with buildings extending over the water, is also an important departure point for trips into the surrounding archipelago.
Take the adventure offshore
Koh Chang is part of a much larger island landscape. Trat Province encompasses 52 large and small islands, along with beaches and coral reefs, making island hopping one of the great pleasures of travelling here.
Panorama Destination’s Family Adventure – Island Hopping programme puts these waters at the heart of the experience. After travelling from Bangkok to Koh Chang, guests have several days to settle into island life before setting off from Bang Bao on a full-day snorkelling adventure. The trip explores the waters around Koh Rang, stopping at Koh Yak Yai, Koh Mapring, Koh Yak Lak and Koh Song Phi Nong for swimming and snorkelling, with lunch served aboard the boat.
And Koh Chang is only the beginning.
Three islands, one journey
The 13-day, 12-night Family Adventure – Island Hopping itinerary links Koh Chang with two more of Trat’s beautiful islands: Koh Mak and Koh Kood.
After four nights on Koh Chang, guests continue by boat to peaceful Koh Mak, with several free days to explore or simply slow down and enjoy the surroundings. The journey then continues to Koh Kood, the southernmost island in the Koh Chang chain and one of Thailand’s quieter tropical retreats. Here, clear water, beaches, forest and waterfalls provide an idyllic finale to the island-hopping adventure.
With plenty of free time built into the programme, families can set their own pace rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. Days can be as active or relaxed as each traveller chooses, whether that means snorkelling, swimming and exploring or simply finding a quiet stretch of sand.
For visitors looking beyond Thailand’s more familiar southern islands, Koh Chang and the Trat archipelago offer a compelling alternative – combining adventure, nature and laid-back island life, all within easy reach of Bangkok.
