Things to Do on Koh Chang: Jungle, Beaches, and Diving

Waterfalls

Koh Chang’s interior is 70% national park and the mountain forest feeds several waterfalls — the most rewarding day activity on the island.

Klong Plu Waterfall — The main event. An 18-metre single-drop waterfall with a deep pool accessible for swimming. A short 10-minute walk from the car park through forest. The mist at the base keeps the surrounding area cool even in high season. Entry: ฿200. Getting there: 8km from White Sand Beach by scooter or songthaew (฿100 per person from the road).

Than Mayom Waterfall — On the quieter east coast. A series of smaller cascades with royal inscriptions (Rama V, VI, VII carved their initials in the rocks during visits). A 30-minute walk from the coast road through dense forest. Less visually dramatic than Klong Plu but the forest walk is better.

Khlong Neung Waterfall — Deeper in the national park, requiring a guide. The access trail passes through primary rainforest with the best birdwatching on the island.

Diving

Bang Bao Bay at the island’s south tip is the dive hub. All dive operators are based on the Bang Bao pier or nearby.

HTMS Chang Wreck — A decommissioned Thai navy vessel (100m long) deliberately sunk in 2012 at 14–30 metres. Now colonised by corals, lionfish, grouper, and large schools of batfish. One of the most accessible wrecks in the Gulf of Thailand. Suitable for Open Water divers at the shallower sections, with penetration diving available for Advanced. Day dive: ฿1,500–2,000 for 2 dives.

Koh Rang — A cluster of islands 15km south of Koh Chang. The best natural reef diving in the area — clearer water than the mainland coast and good coral coverage at 5–20 metres. Day trip by speedboat from Bang Bao: ฿2,500–3,500 including 2 dives and equipment.

Hin Luk Bat — A small rocky outcrop near Koh Rang with schooling fish and occasional reef sharks.

Visibility is best December to May. Low season (May–October) sees reduced visibility and some operators close.

Snorkelling

For non-divers, the same Koh Rang day trip offers excellent snorkelling — the water is clearest at the southern islands and far better than anything off the west coast beaches. Half-day snorkel tours from Bang Bao: ฿800–1,200 per person.

Near the island itself: Kai Bae Beach and the rocky point at the south end of Lonely Beach have adequate snorkelling from shore, though not as clear as the outer sites.

Jungle trekking

National Park trails — Several trails are accessible from the west coast road. The Klong Son–Than Mayom loop (3.5km) is the most established. Guides available for hire at the national park office near Than Mayom (฿500–800 half day).

Night walks — Small group night treks with a guide reveal Koh Chang’s nocturnal wildlife: giant forest scorpions, flying lizards, various frog species, and occasionally slow lorises (rarely seen). Book through guesthouses on White Sand Beach or Lonely Beach. ฿600–900 per person.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

The west coast beaches have flat-water kayaking to nearby coves. Rent a kayak at White Sand Beach or Klong Prao (฿200–300/hour, ฿600–800/day). The mangrove channel at the north end of Klong Prao beach is a good kayaking route at high tide — paddle through the mangrove roots into the calm channel behind the beach.

Elephant encounters

One ethical elephant sanctuary operates on Koh Chang — Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Koh Chang. No riding, no performances. Half-day programs (feeding, walking, river wash): ฿2,200–2,800 including transport from any west coast beach.

Bang Bao fishing village

The traditional stilted fishing village at the south tip is worth a visit independent of diving. The pier has restaurants and dive shops built over the water. Evening meal on the Bang Bao pier — fresh fish brought in by the morning boats, cooked at the restaurant of your choice — is one of the best eating experiences on the island.

The east coast

The east coast road is more scenic and less developed than the west. The road passes through mangrove, Muslim fishing villages, and army bases before reaching Than Mayom. Trekking between the east and west coast via the interior national park trail takes 3–4 hours with a guide — genuinely wild terrain.