Where you stay on Koh Chang shapes your days more than which room you pick. Here is how to choose a base, what to ask before you book, and what a stay near Lonely Beach costs.
The best place to stay on Koh Chang depends on the kind of days you want. If you want sunsets over the water, a social beach with a calm bay next door and an easy ride to most things on the island, the south-west coast around Lonely Beach and Bailan Bay is a very good base. We are biased, because that is where we are, so here is the reasoning rather than a sales line.
Koh Chang is a big, mountainous island, and its beaches face west. Where you sleep decides how far you ride to a waterfall, a boat or a late dinner. Pick the area first, then the room.
Choose the area first
Most of the interior is protected rainforest inside Mu Ko Chang National Park, so places to stay gather along the coast. The west coast is a chain of beaches facing the sunset. The east coast is fishing villages and mangroves, which makes it better for a day out than for a beach holiday.
Ask yourself three things:
- Do you want nightlife within walking distance, or silence?
- Do you want to swim in the sea from your doorstep, or are you happy with a pool and a short walk to sand?
- Will you be out on boats and at waterfalls every day, or mostly staying put?
Your answers matter more than the star rating of anywhere.
Lonely Beach and Bailan Bay
Lonely Beach, in Thai Hat Tha Nam, is the island's most social corner: a sandy bay, a strip of restaurants and bars, live music at night and sunsets that stop conversations. It is busiest in the high season from November to March. Bailan Bay, just south, is the calm neighbour, rocky and wellness-minded, with cafes and yoga. You can read more in our Lonely Beach guide and our Bailan Bay guide.
Paradise Cottage sits on the water just south of the main beach at Lonely Beach. We should be honest about one thing: the shore in front of us is rocky. It is quiet and wonderful for sunsets, but not for paddling. The sandy part of Lonely Beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and our pool on the deck above the sea is there when you want a swim. The bars are close enough to walk to and walk home from, but not next door, so the sea is what you hear at night.
The rest of the island
Our guides are written from Lonely Beach, so we know this stretch best. This is what we can tell you about the other parts of the island as places to base yourself or to visit:
- Klong Prao, on the west coast, is home to Klong Plu waterfall, around half an hour's ride north of Lonely Beach. Blue Lagoon teaches yoga there from November to April.
- Kai Bae, just north of Lonely Beach, has the famous viewpoint on the hill above it, and boat trips to Koh Rang leave from here and from Bang Bao.
- Bang Bao, at the southern end of the west coast road, is a fishing village on stilts with a long pier of shops and seafood restaurants.
- Salak Khok and Salak Phet, on the east coast, offer mangrove kayaking and seafood over the water.
Almost all of this is a day trip from Lonely Beach. Our day trips guide sorts out what is worth the ride.
What to check before you book
Whatever you choose, ask these questions first:
- How far is the sand? Many people assume every place to stay has a beach in front. Ask where the nearest swimming is, and how long it takes to walk.
- Air conditioning or fan? The fan rooms are cheaper and fine in the cooler months. In the hot months of March to May you may want air conditioning.
- What is the sea like in your month? From November to April the sea is usually calm for swimming. From around June to October the waves pick up and currents can be strong.
- How do you get around? Shared songthaew taxis run along the main road. The hills between Lonely Beach and Kai Bae are steep with tight bends, so rent a motorbike only if you are experienced.
- How long is the ride from the ferry? From the pier where the ferry lands, a songthaew to Lonely Beach takes about 45 to 60 minutes, down the coast past White Sand Beach, Klong Prao and Kai Bae. The far end of the road is a longer day than it looks on the map.
What it costs
Paradise Cottage has 18 bungalows: 8 Front Sea View bungalows with air conditioning and 10 Garden Bungalows with a fan. These are our estimated rates per bungalow per night, with 7% VAT included. The actual price depends on your dates, and the team confirms it on WhatsApp.
- High season (October to May): Front Sea View ฿1,500 to ฿2,500, Garden Bungalow ฿1,000 to ฿1,800.
- Green season (June to September): Front Sea View ฿800 to ฿1,200, Garden Bungalow ฿500 to ฿900.
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out by 12:00. Children under 12 stay free without an extra bed. The pool, restaurant, fitness room, massage, free Wi-Fi, laundry and a safe are all on site, so the room rate covers more than the bed.
If you are watching your budget, the Garden Bungalow in the green season is our lowest price. For the bigger picture on spending, read Is Koh Chang expensive? You can also see both bungalow types on our stay page.
Today is early November, which falls in our high season rates. The rain is easing and the sea is calming, and the island is building towards its busiest months. Message the team on WhatsApp at +66 95 149 5935 with your dates.
Quick answers
Where is the best place to stay on Koh Chang?
It depends on what you want. The south-west coast around Lonely Beach and Bailan Bay suits travellers who want sunsets, a social beach and a calm bay next door, with most of the island within an easy ride.
Do all places to stay on Koh Chang have a sandy beach in front?
Not all. At Paradise Cottage the shore in front is rocky, which is lovely for sunsets but not for paddling. The sandy part of Lonely Beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and the resort has a pool on its deck.
How much does a bungalow near Lonely Beach cost?
At Paradise Cottage, estimated rates in the high season (October to May) are ฿1,500 to ฿2,500 for a Front Sea View bungalow and ฿1,000 to ฿1,800 for a Garden Bungalow. In the green season (June to September) they are ฿800 to ฿1,200 and ฿500 to ฿900. The team confirms the actual price on WhatsApp.
How long does it take to reach Lonely Beach from the ferry pier?
A shared songthaew from the island pier takes about 45 to 60 minutes down the west coast. The resort can also arrange a taxi from the pier.
