Koh Chang ("Elephant Island") is significantly less developed than Phuket or Samui, but still offers a wide range of activities including snorkeling, diving, jungle hiking and various beach sports.
The best beaches and most of the resorts are located on Koh Chang's west coast. White Sand Beach is the most developed and modern area. Kai Bae & Klong Prao have a more tropical island feel with a quaint village appearance and quirky shops.
There are no gay bars on Koh Chang, but gay travelers are welcomed everywhere. Island life is very laid-back and feels non-commercial. Lonely Beach & Bailan are a backpackers' paradise with cheaper bars and affordable restaurants.
The best time to visit Koh Chang is between late October and April (outside of the monsoon season).
Location
Koh Chang is just off the east coast of Thailand, close to the border with Cambodia.
How to Get There
Bangkok Airways operates a regular service between Bangkok and Trat (a town on the mainland close to Koh Chang). Minibus transfers are available from Trat Airport to resorts on Koh Chang.
Bus services operate from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok city and Pattaya to Laem Ngop (the pier from which most ferries sail to Koh Chang).
Alternatively, book a limousine or taxi from Bangkok. The journey time is about 6 to 7 hours including car ferry and drop-off at your resort hotel on the island (approx. 4000 - 5000 baht each way)
Where to Stay?
Koh Chang has a huge range of hotels and resorts to suit all budgets and tastes. Decide which part of the island (which beach) you want to stay at.
Our 2022 top Koh Chang hotels for gay travelers are listed below.
For more hotel choices, click here to search all Koh Chang hotels.
