Koh Chang Beaches
The west coast of Koh Chang is invariably blessed with better beaches probably due to the fact that the sea water is clearer and the sand finer, ultimately making them more inviting. However, the east coast does feature the more secluded stretches of land that are equally beautiful, but less practical for sunbathing and beach fun.
The mangrove-fringed Than Mayom will give the feeling of utter tropical island seclusion, but the muddy shores tarnish the crisp white sand fantasy that you may conjure up – and which can be found on the popular White Sand Beach.
White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao)
Considered to be the island's most popular beach, the powdery white sand is bordered by casuarinas, palm trees, thatched beach huts and looming mountains. Situated on the western coast of the island, the crowd is a fusion of backpackers, families, couples and expat vacationers.
Being the most commercial beach on Koh Chang, expect an abundance of beach life, including water sports, massage, vendors selling various beach apparel and fresh fruits. Food options are plentiful with everything from noodle soup to pizza and curry being readily available. Accommodation can be found in all different shapes and sizes (and price tags) along Hat Sai Khao, making it a central part of life in Koh Chang. (Read more...)
Haad Sai Khlong Phrao & Laem Chai Chet
The rapid resort development beyond these neighboring areas has not affected the tranquility of the uncluttered beaches where space and nature are of the essence. Khlong Phrao starts where Laem Chai Chet ends, backed by lush greenery and misty mountains suitably fronted by the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Laem Chai is a great place to observe locals collecting shrimp to make the island's popular 'shrimp paste'. With a handful of bungalows the beach offers more privacy than its neighboring Hat Said Khan (Lonely Beach). Khlong Phrao is slightly busier with a noticeably more apparent resort life. (Read more...)
Kia Bae Beach
This beach is just calling out for some island beach bums to come and rest idly upon its shores. Kai Bae concludes the major beaches on the west coast, idyllically lined with palm trees and coconut groves, fringed by deep green mountains.
At low tide, beach goers make their way through the chest deep water over to the neighboring Koh Man Nai Island, to watch the majestic sunset break in a memorable beginning of the evening. (Read more...)
Lonely Beach (Yat Ta Nam)
Separated from Kai Bae by forested hills, Lonely Beach has been a long-time favorite of discerning traveller's looking for some untamed adventure measured against a dose of vibrant nightlife. The predominant backpacking quarter of the island houses cheap accommodation and startling scenery.
By day you can choose from an array of water sports and diving opportunities to occupy your time, if getting better acquainted with the squeakily soft shores doesn't tickle your fancy. At night this beach becomes the port of call for chilled drinkers and diners looking for some late-night fun. (Read more...)
Bang Bao Beach
Much of this remote fishing village is built on stilts. The well-hidden beach is difficult to reach via bike or foot, as it resides south from Tha Nam where the road is winding and steep.
Situated on the southern tip of Koh Chang, it is popular with divers and snorkelers who come to experience the rich marine life first-hand. Lined with coconut trees and the welcome shade of weeping palms, recent years have seen some of the island's most popular seafood eateries opening here, making it the ideal place to spend the day. (Read more...)
