Snorkelling Koh Rang and island hopping from Koh Chang

Koh Chang sits at the top of an archipelago. Head south from Bang Bao and the sea opens into dozens of islands, some lived on, many not, with the best coral protected inside the Mu Ko Chang marine national park. A day on the water is one of the highlights of any stay, and it is easy to arrange from Lonely Beach.

Why Koh Rang

Koh Rang is a protected group of islands south of Koh Chang and the most popular snorkelling destination in the area. Because it lies inside the marine park, the reefs are better protected and the water is often clearer than around the main island. Expect hard and soft corals, schools of reef fish and, on a good day, visibility that makes the boat look like it is floating in air.

How a snorkelling day trip works

• Departure. Most trips leave Bang Bao or Kai Bae around 09:00 to 09:30.
• Crossing. Reaching Koh Rang takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the boat.
• Stops. Usually several snorkelling spots plus a beach or lunch stop.
• Park fee. The marine park fee of ฿200 is usually paid on top of the trip price.
• Gear. Masks and snorkels are normally included; fins often rent for around ฿100.
• Budget option. Three-island trips to the Koh Wai area cost less, typically leaving about 10:30 and returning around 16:00.

Speedboat or wooden boat?

Speedboats are faster, so you spend more time in the water and less time crossing, usually with fewer people on board. They cost more and bounce more on choppy days. Big wooden boats are slower and more social, with shade, space to stretch out and lunch on deck. If you get seasick, the bigger boat is usually the gentler ride. If you want to snorkel as much as possible, take the speedboat.

How to choose your trip

• Want the best coral? Choose a Koh Rang trip and ask how many snorkel stops are included.
• Travelling with kids or first-time snorkellers? A wooden boat with calm beach stops and life jackets on board.
• On a budget? The three-island trip to the Koh Wai area.
• Want to dive? Dive centres on the west coast run fun dives and courses around the same reefs.

What to bring

• Cash for the marine park fee and fin rental.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, plus a rash vest or T-shirt to protect your back.
• A dry bag for your phone, and a towel.
• Motion sickness tablets if you need them, taken before you board.
• Water, a hat and sunglasses.

Snorkel kindly

Coral is alive and grows slowly. Never stand on it or touch it, keep your fins up in shallow water, do not feed the fish and take every piece of rubbish home. If you are not a confident swimmer, wear a life jacket: you will float more calmly and see more.

When to go

The best snorkelling is in the dry season, roughly November to April, when the sea is calmer and clearer. In the rainy months, roughly June to October, the sea decides: some days the trips run beautifully, other days they are called off because of the waves. Keep boat days flexible and plan them early in your stay so you have a backup day.

Beyond Koh Rang: the islands to the south

From Bang Bao, boats also connect Koh Chang with the islands further south, including Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood. Some services only run in the high season, so check the schedule before you plan. Koh Wai is close enough for a day trip; Koh Mak and Koh Kood reward an overnight stay. Then come home to Lonely Beach for sunset on the deck.

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