Bang Bao, Koh Chang: the stilt village and its pier

Bang Bao is a fishing village built on stilts over the water, at the southern end of Koh Chang's west coast road. Its long wooden pier is lined with shops, cafes and seafood restaurants, and it is also where many of the island's boat trips begin.

Is it worth the ride? Yes, as a relaxed half day. Go for a late lunch, walk to the end of the pier, then come back up the coast before the sun goes down.

What Bang Bao is

Koh Chang is a big, mountainous island, and most of its life is gathered along the coast. On the west coast the road runs south from the beaches until it runs out, and Bang Bao is where it ends. The houses stand on stilts above the water, and the fishing boats tie up beside them.

It is a working village that also welcomes visitors, so it feels different from the beach strip at Lonely Beach. There is no sand to lie on here. You come to walk, eat and look at boats.

Walking the pier

The pier is long and wooden, and the whole village is arranged along it. Shops and cafes sit on both sides, and you can wander slowly, stopping when something catches your eye. Walk all the way to the end. The view back towards the stilt houses and out across the water is the best part.

Wear shoes with some grip, because wooden boards can be slippery after rain. In the green season, which we are still in as the rain eases through October, that matters.

Eating there

The seafood restaurants are the reason most people stay for a meal. The day's catch sits on ice out front, and you choose your dinner by pointing. It is a simple and pleasant way to order, and it works well for a late lunch.

We will not name a favourite restaurant or quote prices, because we would rather you look at what is on the ice and decide for yourself. If you want a local view before you set off, ask the team at the resort.

Boat trips from Bang Bao

Bang Bao is a departure point for the islands to the south. Many snorkelling day trips to Koh Rang leave from here or from Kai Bae around 09:00 to 09:30, and the crossing takes 30 to 60 minutes. The marine park fee is usually ฿200, paid on top of the trip price, and fins rent for around ฿100 if they are not included. Cheaper three-island trips towards Koh Wai leave about 10:30 and return around 16:00.

Boats also connect Koh Chang with Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood from here. Some of those services only run in the high season, so check the schedule before you plan around them.

If a boat day is your goal, our guide to snorkelling Koh Rang and island hopping explains how the trips work and how to choose one. In the rainy months the sea decides, and some trips are called off because of waves, so keep your plans flexible.

Getting there from Lonely Beach

Bang Bao is further along the same west coast road. That road climbs and dips over steep headlands with tight bends, so it needs some care.

• Taxi. Shared songthaew taxis run along the main road. Flag one down and agree the price before you get in.
• Motorbike. Only ride if you are experienced. Wear a helmet and check that your licence and insurance cover you. Take the hills slowly.
• Arranged by us. The team at Paradise Cottage can arrange a taxi, motorbike hire or a boat trip for you.

When to go

Go in the afternoon for lunch and a slow wander, or in the morning if you are catching a boat. Either way, plan to be back on the coast road before dark. A late lunch at Bang Bao and a sunset on our deck fit neatly into one day.

For more ideas to combine with Bang Bao, see our slow guide to things to do on Koh Chang, and our honest guide to Lonely Beach for the neighbourhood you will be coming home to.

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