October sits at the end of the rainy season. The rain is easing, the sea is settling and the island is still quiet. Here is what that means for swimming, boat trips, waterfalls and your budget.
October is a good month for Koh Chang if you like green jungle, full waterfalls and a quiet island, and a less reliable one if your plan is sea swimming and boat trips every day. It is the tail end of the green season: the rain is gradually easing and the sea is settling, but you should still expect some wet spells.
In short, it is a month of in-between weather, and the island is still peaceful. Here is what to expect on the west coast at Lonely Beach.
The weather
Koh Chang is one of the wettest parts of Thailand, and the rainy season runs roughly from May or June to October. By October the rain is easing rather than gone. Rain usually comes in heavy bursts with sunshine in between, though some days can be grey from start to finish.
It stays warm whatever the sky does. At the time of writing, the air on Lonely Beach is around 30°C, the sea is around 29°C and the sun sets at around 18:00. Be on the deck twenty minutes early and you will often catch colour even on a mixed day.
If you want the full picture across the year, our guide to when to visit Koh Chang has a month by month table.
The sea and boat trips
The west coast sea is at its roughest in the rainy months, and October is the settling month. Some days are calm and some are not, so treat it as a month to stay flexible.
On Lonely Beach, waves and currents can be strong from around June to October. Swim where others are swimming, respect any warnings and stay out of rough water. The sea in front of Paradise Cottage is rocky, so it is for sunsets rather than paddling anyway. The sandy part of Lonely Beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and our pool on the deck is always calm.
Boat trips depend on the sea. The best snorkelling is in the dry season, roughly November to April, and in the rainy months trips are sometimes called off because of the waves. If you want a day at Koh Rang, book it early in your stay so you have a spare day if the weather says no. Our guide to snorkelling Koh Rang and island hopping explains how the trips work.
Waterfalls and jungle
This is where October shines. Waterfalls are strongest during and just after the rainy season, roughly July to November, and the whole island is deep green.
- Klong Plu on the west coast opens 08:00 to 16:30.
- Than Mayom on the east coast opens 09:00 to 16:30.
- One national park ticket, ฿200 for foreign visitors, covers both on the same day.
- Klong Neung and Khiri Phet in the south-east are free.
Very heavy rain can make trails slippery and pools unsafe. If the water is running brown and fast, stay out of it and admire it from the bank, or pick another day. Wear sandals with grip, carry cash and go early. Everything else is in our waterfall guide.
How quiet it is
October is quiet. The busiest months on Lonely Beach are November to March, so you are arriving just before the crowds do. Bars and live music are still there in the evenings, but it is easier to find a table and a sala.
Seasonal things start later. Blue Lagoon in Klong Prao teaches yoga from November to April, so check before you plan around it. In Lonely Beach, BB Gym runs daily yoga at 10:00 and 18:30, but timetables change, so confirm locally.
Some boat services to the islands south of Bang Bao only run in the high season, so check the schedule if you are thinking of Koh Wai, Koh Mak or Koh Kood.
What it costs
At Paradise Cottage, October is the first month of high season rates, which run from October to May. The green season rates, June to September, have just ended. These are estimates per bungalow per night, including 7% VAT:
- Front Sea View bungalow with air conditioning: ฿1,500 to ฿2,500
- Garden Bungalow with a fan: ฿1,000 to ฿1,800
The actual price depends on your dates and how busy we are, so please send a booking request or message the team on WhatsApp for the real figure. Children under 12 stay free without an extra bed.
What to pack
Pack for rain and for strong sun, because you may get both in one day.
- A light rain jacket and quick-dry clothes.
- A dry bag for your phone.
- Sandals with grip for wet waterfall rocks.
- Insect repellent, especially at dusk.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a good book for the downpours.
Come in October for the jungle, the waterfalls and the calm. Keep your boat days flexible, and do not count on the sea for swimming. A wet afternoon on a covered sala, with the rain on the thatch, is part of the deal.
Quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Koh Chang?
Yes, if you like green landscapes, full waterfalls and a quiet island. It is the tail end of the rainy season, so expect some rain and a changeable sea, with boat trips sometimes cancelled.
Does it rain a lot on Koh Chang in October?
Rain is gradually easing in October, but it is still part of the rainy season. It usually comes in heavy bursts with sunshine between, and some days can be grey all day.
Can you swim in the sea on Koh Chang in October?
Sometimes. Waves and currents on Lonely Beach can be strong from around June to October, so swim where others are swimming and stay out of rough water. The pool at Paradise Cottage is an easy calm alternative.
Are Koh Chang's waterfalls good in October?
Yes. Waterfalls are strongest during and just after the rainy season, roughly July to November. Klong Plu and Than Mayom share one ฿200 national park ticket for foreign visitors on the same day.
