How to travel to Koh Chang, Trat and what to do? by vip van rental with | TheVanVIP
How to get to Koh Chang what to do and how to get on the ferry to the Koh Chang.
Get your luggage’s and get on your best swim suits then hop on our private van rental to Koh Chang. Let’s go.
Day 1: How to get to Koh Chang and the ferry to the island.
- Morning (Travel):
- You can actually travel to Trat by either by plan or a van but in the case you would need a van anyway to accommodate you on the island we recommend you a private van rental to pick you up and drop you off, stress free.
- Arrange a private van rental with TheVanVIP to transfer from your what ever your you are located. You can book this through our website or Whatsapp. Ensure the van is spacious enough for your group and any luggage. The journey to the ferry piers (either Ao Thammachat or Center Point Pier) in Trat province will take approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Once at the pier, take a car ferry to Koh Chang (ferry journey takes around 30-45 minutes). The rental van can be accommodated on the ferry and for 3 day trips we recommend you to hire a private van throughout the trip. This way it is more cost effective.
- Our van would transfer to your accommodation.
- Afternoon:
- Head to the northern part of the island, focusing on White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) or Klong Prao Beach. These areas offer a good selection of resorts accessible by van and have plenty of amenities.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. White Sand Beach is vibrant with shops and restaurants, while Klong Prao is longer and offers a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along White Sand Beach or Klong Prao. There’s a wide variety of cuisines available.
- Explore the White Sand Beach night market for street food and souvenirs.
Day 2: What to do on Koh Chang : Explore central and Southern Exploration by Van rental
- Morning:
- Our VIP van rental (Having a private van provides more comfort and flexibility for exploring different parts of the island) take you to visit the Khlong Phlu Waterfall. Your van can take you close to the entrance, followed by a short walk to the waterfall. Enjoy swimming in the refreshing natural pools.
- Head south towards Kai Bae Beach. Stop at viewpoints along the way for scenic photo opportunities.
- Afternoon:
- Have lunch at a restaurant in the Kai Bae area.
- Continue south to Bang Bao Fishing Village. The van can drop you off near the pier. Explore the unique stilted village, browse the shops, and consider a seafood lunch at a floating restaurant.
- Visit the Kai Bae Viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the southern islands.
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner in the Kai Bae area, which offers a more laid-back dining experience compared to White Sand Beach.
- Consider a relaxing evening at your resort.
Day 3: Eastern Coast and Departure
- Morning:
- Arrange for your van to take you to the eastern side of the island. This part is less developed but offers different scenery.
- Visit Than Mayom Waterfall. This multi-tiered waterfall has historical significance and is accessible by a relatively easy walk.
- Explore the quieter beaches on the east coast, such as Long Beach (Had Yao), known for its tranquility.
- Afternoon:
- Have lunch at a local restaurant on the east coast.
- Depending on your departure time, you can visit a viewpoint on the east coast or enjoy a final relaxing moment at a beach.
- Get back to the ferry terminal on the west side of the island.
- Evening (Travel):
- Take the car ferry back to the mainland.
- Your private van rental can then transport you back to Bangkok or your next destination. If you used public transport, ensure you have arrangements for your onward journey from the Trat ferry pier.
Important Considerations for Van Travel:
- Booking in Advance: Especially for private van hire, book well in advance, particularly during peak season. Book with TheVanVIP now on our website or Whatsapp.
- Negotiating Prices: If hiring a songthaew for a tour, negotiate the price beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.
- Road Conditions: While the main roads are generally accessible by van, some smaller roads or roads leading to specific viewpoints might be steep or have sharp turns. Your driver should be experienced with the local conditions.
- Ferry for Van: Ensure the car ferry can accommodate your van. Larger vans might need to use specific ferry services. Usually with our van rental it is OK for the ferry to transfer the van with all the passengers.
- Flexibility: While a private van rental offers convenience, be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak hours or holidays.
- Communication: Clearly communicate your itinerary with your driver, especially if you’re hiring a van for multiple days or a tour. With our private van, we got our team to help communicate and help you out throughout your trip.
Here are 10 more best restaurant on Koh Chang for you to enjoy!
Here are 10 highly-rated restaurants on Koh Chang, based on the information I found:
- The Ocean Terrace, Restaurant & Bar: (Rating: 4.9)
- Khao Kwan Restaurant (ร้านอาหาร ข้าว ขวัญ ): (Rating: 4.8)
- The CoCo Restaurant & Bar: (Rating: 4.8)
- Thai Dutch restaurant: (Rating: 4.8)
- Nanny Restaurant: (Rating: 4.8)
- El Barrio: (Rating: 4.7)
- Pizzeria Spaghetteria Toscana Koh Chang: (Rating: 4.7)
- Mordi E Fuggi: (Rating: 4.7)
- Marina Italian Restaurant Koh Chang: (Rating: 4.7)
- Marco ristorante Italiano e pizzeria: (Rating: 4.7)
Here are more things to do on Koh Chang for you to explore!
Beaches:
- Relax on the sand: Koh Chang boasts numerous beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. Popular choices include White Sand Beach (lively), Klong Prao Beach (family-friendly), Kai Bae Beach (good for couples), and Lonely Beach (backpackers).
- Swimming and Sunbathing: Enjoy the clear waters and soak up the tropical sunshine on the various beaches.
- Water Sports: Many beaches offer activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling right off the shore.
Nature & Wildlife:
- Explore Waterfalls: Visit Khlong Phlu Waterfall, the most popular and easily accessible, or venture to Than Mayom Waterfall with its historical significance. Other waterfalls include Klong Chao and Khiri Phet.
- Jungle Trekking: Hike through the lush interior of Mu Koh Chang National Park. Guided treks are available for different fitness levels, leading to viewpoints and hidden waterfalls.
- Mangrove Exploration: Take a boat or kayak tour through the Salak Khok mangrove forest to witness this unique ecosystem. There’s also a mangrove walkway at Salak Phet.
- Wildlife Spotting: Koh Chang is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species. Khao Laem and Khao Yai are known birdwatching spots. You might even spot monkeys!
- Elephant Encounters: Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary for a chance to interact with these gentle giants responsibly (feeding and bathing).
Island Exploration & Culture:
- Visit Bang Bao Fishing Village: Explore this traditional stilted village, browse the shops, and enjoy fresh seafood. The pier is also a departure point for boat trips.
- Discover Viewpoints: Head to Kai Bae Viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the coastline and nearby islands. There are other viewpoints around the island offering different perspectives.
- Explore Local Life: Rent a scooter (with caution) or hire a songthaew to discover the less touristy east coast and its quieter villages like Salak Phet.
- Visit Koh Chang Shrine: A sacred site where locals and tourists come to pray for good fortune.
- See the Koh Chang Lighthouse: An iconic landmark at Bang Bao Pier, offering great photo opportunities.