Koh Chang's beaches sit along one west coast road, all facing the sunset. This is how they line up, which one we know best, and when the sea is calm enough for a proper swim.
Koh Chang's beaches are on the west coast, strung along a single road. Coming from the ferry pier, a taxi passes White Sand Beach, Klong Prao and Kai Bae in that order before it reaches Lonely Beach, with the rocky bay of Bailan just beyond. Every one of them faces the open sea, so every one gets a sunset. The east coast is a different side of the island, made of fishing villages and mangroves rather than beaches.
We live on Lonely Beach, so that is the stretch we can describe with confidence. For the others we will tell you only what we know, and leave the rest to your own wandering.
How the beaches line up
The ride from the island pier down to Lonely Beach takes about 45 to 60 minutes by shared songthaew taxi. If you want the full picture of the island's shape first, our guide to where Koh Chang is and how it is laid out covers it. Here are the stops in the order you meet them:
- White Sand Beach. The first of the beaches on the road down from the ferry.
- Klong Prao. The path to Klong Plu waterfall starts here, and Blue Lagoon teaches yoga from November to April.
- Kai Bae. Many snorkelling day trips to Koh Rang leave from Kai Bae or Bang Bao around 09:00 to 09:30. The viewpoint on the hill above Kai Bae is the famous one, golden in the late afternoon.
- Lonely Beach. The island's most social beach, and ours.
- Bailan Bay. The calm, rocky neighbour just to the south.
- Bang Bao. At the southern end of the west coast road, a fishing village on stilts with a long pier of shops and seafood restaurants.
Lonely Beach
The main beach is a curve of soft sand facing west, backed by palms. It has a strip of restaurants, cafes and bars along the road behind it, and after dark it lives up to its joke of a name: reggae, live music and beach bars with cushions on the sand. It is busiest from November to March. Our longer Lonely Beach guide has the details.
One thing you should know before you book. Paradise Cottage sits on the water just south of the main beach, and the shore directly in front of us is rocky. It is wonderful for sunsets and not for paddling. The sandy part of the beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and our pool on the deck above the sea is there whenever you want a swim.
Bailan Bay
Just south of Lonely Beach, Bailan Bay is a rocky bay with a slower pace. Think cafes, yoga and a wellness-minded crowd. It is a short ride from the main beach, and it works well as the quiet counterpoint to a night out. If sand underfoot matters less to you than calm, it is worth an afternoon.
When the sea is good for swimming
The sea has seasons. In the dry season, roughly November to April, the water on the west coast is usually calm and lovely for swimming. From around June to October the waves pick up and the currents can be strong. Swim where other people are swimming, respect any warnings, and never swim after a few drinks.
We are writing this in late October, when the rain is easing and the sea is settling. It is not yet at its calmest, so take the same care as in the green season. Our note on when to visit explains what to expect month by month.
What about the east coast?
The east coast is not where you go for a beach day. It is a quieter side of the island of fishing villages and mangroves. At Salak Khok, the community runs an ecotourism project where you can rent a double kayak for around ฿200 an hour and paddle between the mangrove roots. Salak Phet, in the south-east corner, is a long bay of stilt houses, fishing boats and seafood restaurants over the water. Khiri Phet waterfall nearby is free to visit.
It is a longer ride around the north of the island from Lonely Beach, so make it a full day and set off in the morning.
Choosing your stretch
Our honest advice is to pick the mood, not the sand.
- Want company and music? Lonely Beach, within walking distance of everything.
- Want calm? Bailan Bay, or somewhere slightly away from the centre of Lonely Beach, so you can walk to the bars and walk home.
- Want a sunset? Any of them. They all face the water.
Getting between beaches is easy. Shared songthaews run along the main road: flag one down and agree the price before you get in. Motorbikes are easy to rent, but the hills along the coast are steep with tight bends, so only ride if you are experienced, always wear a helmet and check that your licence and insurance cover you. If you stay with us, the team can arrange taxis, motorbike hire and tours. You can look at the bungalows and message the team on WhatsApp for current prices.
Quick answers
Which side of Koh Chang has the beaches?
The west coast. A chain of beaches, including White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach, runs along one road and faces the sunset. The east coast is mostly fishing villages and mangroves.
Is the sea on Koh Chang good for swimming?
Usually calm and lovely from roughly November to April. From around June to October the waves pick up and the currents can be strong, so swim where others swim and respect any warnings.
Does Paradise Cottage have its own sandy beach?
No. The shore in front of the resort is rocky, which suits sunsets rather than paddling. The sandy part of Lonely Beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and the resort has a pool on its deck above the sea.
How do I get between beaches on Koh Chang?
Shared songthaew taxis run along the west coast road, so flag one down and agree the price first. Motorbikes can be rented, but the hills are steep with tight bends, so ride only if you are experienced.
