Koh Chang island feeling and yet something going on

Marco Caprez
Oct 12, 2025
6 min read

Koh Cang The beautiful of the large Thai islands 🏝️

When you hear Thailand, you think of Phuket, Koh Samui, or perhaps Koh Phi Phi. Few people think of Koh Chang , but that's changing, even though it's Thailand's second-largest island and full of surprises. Located in the east of the country, near the Cambodian border, it belongs to an archipelago with Koh Mak and Koh Kood – two smaller, much quieter islands.

From Bangkok or Pattaya to island vibes 🧘♂️🌅

Koh Chang isn't for those who just want to laze around on the beach—although that's certainly possible. But the island is large, mountainous, and covered in wild vegetation. Anyone who travels here on a scooter will quickly notice: It's up and down, sometimes quite steep, and at some corners, you'll briefly wish you were on an enduro instead of a 125cc. Instead: views you won't forget.

The beaches on the west side—such as White Sand Beach , Kai Bae , or Lonely Beach —are the well-known spots. But my tip: head over to the east coast . It's much quieter, more pristine, with no resorts in sight.

I love the food on Koh Chang - simply great

🍜 Food is a big deal here. There's something everywhere – from a small stand with Pad Thai 🌶️ for a few baht to seafood right on the beach, fresh from the grill. I had the best Massaman curry 🥘 of my Thailand trip so far in an inconspicuous little restaurant somewhere between Kai Bae and Klong Prao – I forgot the name, but I didn't. If you're coming from Pattaya, the cuisine here is a whole different ball game.

And when you sit on the beach in the evening, with a grilled snapper on your plate, a Singha in your hand and your feet in the sand: then life is pretty much in order and you forget all the stress and worries of your everyday life.

Curves across the island, waterfalls and coffees

🛵🗺️ Almost nothing can be done on Koh Chang without a scooter. The island is large, taxis are expensive, and there's a lot to explore: hidden beaches, waterfalls in the middle of the jungle, viewpoints, small cafes. And yes, sometimes just a quiet spot with a hammock and a view of the sea. Unfortunately, the old ship at the end of the western end burned down in 2024. I always enjoyed visiting the place; the stretch of beach there in the abandoned resort is a dream and almost always empty (even during peak season).

🏨 Accommodation

I've been to Koh Chang four times and have stayed in both better and worse hotels . Here I share with you the accommodations I would book again. You might also want to know that the number of hotels is limited because the island isn't as developed as Koh Samui.

Hotel 15 Palms Beach Resort

Resort Review: An Oasis on Koh Chang🌴

Koh Chang, the main island of the island chain Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood.

🏨 The 3-star hotel

Located on the west side, right in the first larger town on White Sand Beach, it is a small boutique hotel with only a few rooms and is therefore always fully booked very early.

🛏️ Simple but spacious room on 2 floors

The rooms are fine, the price is usually ok too; I had a two-story room.

🍜 The Hotel - Restaurant

The attached restaurant with a terrace directly on the beach offers excellent cuisine, indoor and outdoor seating, some of which are directly on the beach.

🌴📸 Beach

The beach area of the hotel is manageable but a dream . For me, the hotel is a little gem. I love boutique hotels and would always prefer them to a large hotel complex. Many of these hotels in Thailand have a very special charm and Thai style, which usually creates a special atmosphere.

🍹Oodie's Bar

Also worth mentioning is Oodie's Place, the jazz bar right across from the hotel, where famous artists from all over the world deliver great music during the high season.

Conclusion

I stayed at the hotel for 10 days at the beginning of 2024 and had a great time. I wanted to book again at the beginning of 2025, but they didn't have any rooms available.

Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort Hideaway Pool Villa

Resort review: Large but with unique 🌴charm

Koh Chang, the main island of the island chain Koh Chang, Koh Mak, Koh Kood.

🏨 The 4-star hotel

Wood art, palm trees, and private pools, away from the hustle and bustle, yet still in the heart of it all—then check out the Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort . I was last there in early 2023, shortly after the coronavirus pandemic hit. You could already tell the pandemic had left its mark—the rooms were a bit dated. Nevertheless, we had a really good time!

The complex is beautifully designed—everything is constructed of wood, and the main building looks as if it were carved from a single piece. Truly impressive. And the atmosphere? Totally relaxed.

The resort is located directly on Klong Prao Beach – a beautiful beach that's part of the National Marine Sanctuary. Perfect for watching the sunset or simply doing nothing.

🛏️ Super rooms with mini pool or villa in the garden room

In my opinion, a very nice style that is reflected throughout the

facility sees.

🍜 The Hotel - Restaurant

The restaurant is very nice, with an adjacent pool and a view of a small river. We only had breakfast ☕ , and it was excellent, with a good selection and fresh egg dishes. For me, it was a great start to the day. 😎

🍹 Hotel complex

There are two pools: one in the main building, where breakfast is served, and a larger one right by the sea with a large pool area, sun loungers, a bar, and a restaurant— ideal for an afternoon cocktail . 🍻 🍹

The rooms in the main building (as far as I know) have their own small pools on the terrace – but this can vary depending on the room category. And for those who prefer a more luxurious experience: In the garden area all the way down to the sea, there are villas of various sizes, some with their own pool. While it's no longer a small boutique hotel, it's still retained its charm. The architectural style in particular. What I also found cool: Although the resort is a bit off the ring road, you can still get anywhere quickly. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can easily get there by baht taxi or the hotel's own shuttle. Personally, I prefer to hop on a scooter – it's the best way to explore the island. Important: While most rental companies offer scooters without any hassle, often without asking for a driver's license 🎫 – officially, you need an international driver's license for the relevant class. And if something does happen (accident + police = stress), you'll quickly find yourself in trouble without valid papers. So: better safe than sorry.

Conclusion: If you like nature, wood optics, a touch of luxury, and relaxed vibes—and a bit of "Thai-style romance" is something you enjoy—then the Santhiya Tree Koh Chang is the right place for you.

🌴📸 Beach

The beach area of the hotel area is manageable and at high tide it literally goes under , for us sufficient

Conclusion

I really enjoyed my stay; we had a villa with direct pool access. I wouldn't book the hotel for myself, but I would definitely do it if I were traveling alone. My highlights: the architectural style, the rooms, the breakfast, and the location.

✅ Conclusion: Koh Chang is just right

Not too touristy, but not completely cut off either. Big enough for adventure, quiet enough for relaxation. If you're traveling to Thailand and want a little more than the usual, Koh Chang should be on your list. And if you want to delve even deeper, take a few days on Koh Mak or Koh Kood - both are a bit more relaxed, especially Koh Kood, 🧡 for me the most beautiful island🛖📸🏝️ in Thailand that I've visited so far. Koh Chang is not an Instagram island. It's not a party hotspot. It's simply: real. Pattaya, located about two hours southeast of Bangkok, is a seaside city as diverse as its visitors. It offers something for everyone - from adventure-seeking backpackers to night owls, families to foodies. The former fishing village has developed into one of Thailand's most well-known travel destinations over the past few decades - famous, infamous for its nightlife, but above all surprisingly diverse.