How to Get to Koh Chang: Your Transportation Options Explained

The Journey That Trips Up First-Timers

Koh Chang sits in the Gulf of Thailand, about 310 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, and getting there in 2026 still requires at least two legs — land or air to the province of Trat, then a ferry crossing to the island. That sounds simple enough, but the number of bus companies, ferry piers, and so-called “direct” minivan services that dump you at the wrong pier without explanation causes real confusion every year. This guide cuts through that noise and tells you exactly how each route works, which pier to use, and what the full journey will cost you.

Getting to Trat: The Gateway You Can’t Skip

Every route to Koh Chang — whether you fly, take a bus, or drive — passes through Trat Province. The town of Trat itself is a quiet, unassuming provincial capital that most travellers barely see because they’re in transit. The ferry piers to Koh Chang are not in Trat town. They are at Laem Ngop, a small coastal district about 17 kilometres west of Trat town.

There are three piers operating in the Laem Ngop area:

• Tha Thammasat (Ao Thammachat Pier) — the main pier used by most travellers, operated by Koh Chang Ferry. This is where through-bus packages and most minivans will drop you.
• Centerpoint Ferry Pier — about 6 kilometres further along the road from Tha Thammasat. Runs a competing ferry service with a slightly different schedule.
• Laem Ngop Pier — the oldest pier, now used mainly for cargo and occasional slow boats. Tourists rarely need this one in 2026.

If anyone — a taxi driver, a travel agent, a minivan tout — tells you there is only one ferry pier, they are wrong. Know which pier your transport is heading to before you board anything in Trat town.

Flying to Trat Airport: Who It Actually Makes Sense For

Trat Airport (TDX) is a small regional airport about 40 kilometres from Laem Ngop. In 2026, Bangkok Airways operates the only scheduled flights on this route, running twice daily from Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Flight time is approximately 55 minutes.

Return fares sit anywhere between THB 2,800 and THB 6,500 one-way depending on how far in advance you book. During Songkran and the high-season peak (November through February), prices hit the upper end fast.

The airport is genuinely tiny — one terminal building, a handful of check-in desks — so there’s no confusion about where to go once you land. Shared airport taxis and minivans to Laem Ngop pier operate from just outside arrivals and cost around THB 200–300 per person in a shared vehicle, or THB 800–1,200 for a private taxi to the pier.

Flying makes sense if you’re coming from outside Bangkok (connecting through Suvarnabhumi), if your time is tight, or if you’re travelling with young children and want to avoid a four-hour bus ride. For solo travellers or couples on a reasonable budget, the bus-and-ferry combination is genuinely just as practical.

Bangkok to Koh Chang by Bus (Direct Services Explained)

This is the most popular option for independent travellers, and it works well when you choose the right operator. “Direct” services from Bangkok to Koh Chang mean a bus to Trat combined with a ferry ticket — you’ll still cross the water separately, but your ticket covers the whole journey.

From Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), government-run BKS buses depart for Trat town throughout the day from around 06:00 to 23:00. Journey time is 4.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic on Highway 3. A standard bus ticket costs THB 230–320. From Trat bus station, you’ll need a songthaew (shared truck taxi) or tuk-tuk to Laem Ngop pier — budget around THB 50–100 per person in a shared vehicle.

From Bangkok’s Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal, some private operators also run direct package buses to Laem Ngop pier, bypassing Trat town entirely. These cost THB 350–500 and save you the pier transfer hassle. Companies like Sombat Tour and 999 VIP Bus are the most reliable options in 2026.

From Khao San Road area, minivan services depart daily and are convenient for backpackers staying in Banglamphu. They typically take 5–7 hours total (more stops, more traffic) and cost THB 400–600 including the ferry crossing. The drawback: luggage space is limited and departure times aren’t always honoured precisely.

Whichever bus you take, check whether the ferry ticket is included in the price before you pay. Some agents bundle it, some don’t.

Self-Drive: The Road Trip Option via Laem Ngop

Driving to Koh Chang from Bangkok is a legitimate option in 2026, particularly for families with a lot of luggage, or travellers planning to explore Trat Province as part of a longer eastern Thailand loop that might include Koh Mak or Koh Kood.

The drive from central Bangkok to Laem Ngop is approximately 330 kilometres via Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road heading east). Allow 4.5 to 6 hours accounting for Bangkok exit traffic, which is worst on Friday evenings. The road quality is excellent throughout.

You cannot drive your car onto the ferry to Koh Chang without booking a vehicle space in advance. Both Koh Chang Ferry and Centerpoint Ferry accept cars, but demand in high season means you should call ahead or use their online booking systems — car ferry slots do fill up on peak days.

Car ferry charges are approximately THB 600–900 per vehicle one way, depending on vehicle size, on top of passenger ferry fares. Parking at Laem Ngop pier is available if you prefer to leave the car on the mainland — secure paid parking is around THB 100–150 per day.

The Ferry Crossing: What to Expect at the Pier

The ferry crossing from Laem Ngop to Koh Chang (specifically to Ao Sapparot Pier or Dan Khao Pier on the island) takes approximately 30–45 minutes depending on the pier combination and sea conditions.

Ferries run roughly every 30–60 minutes throughout the day from around 06:00 to 21:00. In high season, departures are more frequent. In low season (May through September), service is reliable but check for any schedule changes if there’s a storm system in the Gulf.

Passenger ferry fares are THB 80 per person one way. Motorbikes cost around THB 100–120 extra. There are usually small food carts operating at Laem Ngop — grilled corn, iced coffee in plastic bags, bags of fried snacks. The crossing itself is calm and scenic, with the forested hills of the island visible from the moment you board.

On the island side, songthaews wait at the pier to take passengers to the various beaches — White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao), Lonely Beach, Klong Prao, and Kai Bae. Fares range from THB 50 to THB 150 depending on your destination.

Getting to Koh Chang from Cambodia (Koh Kong Border Route)

If you’re coming from Cambodia — specifically from the Koh Kong area — Koh Chang is actually closer than Bangkok. This route is used by travellers doing a Thailand-Cambodia loop, and it works well in 2026 with the Hat Lek border crossing (Thai side: Ban Hat Lek, Cambodian side: Cham Yeam).

From Koh Kong town in Cambodia, a shared taxi or minibus to the Cham Yeam border crossing takes 20–30 minutes. Cross into Thailand at Hat Lek (land border, visa on arrival available for most nationalities, check current eligibility for your passport). From the Thai border, minivans run to Trat town — journey time approximately 1 hour, cost around THB 200–250 per person. From Trat, follow the standard route to Laem Ngop pier.

Border opening hours at Hat Lek are 07:00–20:00. Don’t cut it close on timing — factor in the Trat-to-pier transfer and the last ferry departure when planning this route.

2026 Budget Reality: What the Full Journey Costs

Here’s an honest breakdown of what getting to Koh Chang actually costs from Bangkok in 2026, including ferry fares:

• Budget: BKS bus (Ekkamai) + songthaew to pier + passenger ferry — approximately THB 380–430 total. Takes 6–7 hours door-to-pier.
• Mid-range: Private package bus from Mo Chit or Khao San Road including ferry — approximately THB 450–600 total. Similar time, more comfort, direct to pier.
• Comfortable: Bangkok Airways flight Suvarnabhumi to Trat + shared taxi to pier + ferry — approximately THB 3,200–7,500 total. Door-to-island in under 3 hours.
• Self-drive: Fuel Bangkok to Laem Ngop (approx 330 km) + car ferry — approximately THB 900–1,500 total depending on vehicle fuel consumption. Flexible but requires confidence driving in Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get to Koh Chang from Bangkok?

By bus and ferry, expect 6–7 hours total from central Bangkok. By plane (Suvarnabhumi to Trat) plus taxi and ferry, you can reach the island in under 3 hours. The flight option is faster but costs significantly more. Most travellers on a standard budget choose the bus-and-ferry route.

Is there a direct bus from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

No bus drives onto the island — a ferry crossing is always required. However, several private operators sell “direct” package tickets that cover the bus from Bangkok to Laem Ngop pier plus the ferry fare, so you buy one ticket for the full journey. These depart from Mo Chit and Khao San Road areas.

Which pier do ferries to Koh Chang leave from?

Most ferries leave from Tha Thammasat pier (also called Ao Thammachat) or Centerpoint Ferry pier, both located in the Laem Ngop area of Trat Province, about 17 kilometres from Trat town. Confirm which pier your service uses before travelling — they are not next to each other.

Can I take my car to Koh Chang?

Yes. Both main ferry operators carry vehicles including cars, SUVs, and motorbikes. Car ferry tickets cost approximately THB 600–900 one way. During high season peak days, vehicle spaces can fill up, so booking ahead through the ferry operator’s website or phone is strongly recommended.

Is Koh Chang accessible from Cambodia?

Yes. The Hat Lek / Cham Yeam border crossing connects Koh Kong Province in Cambodia with Trat Province in Thailand. From the Thai border, minivans run to Trat town, and from there you follow the standard route to Laem Ngop pier and the ferry. The border is open 07:00–20:00 daily.

📷 Featured image by Moustapha KEBE on Unsplash.