Where should you stay in Koh Chang? It is Thailand’s third-largest island, and the beaches along the west coast are miles apart. That makes the beach you pick matter far more than the hotel itself: How far is it to dinner, how quiet is the sand, and how much of your trip will you spend in a songthaew or on a scooter?
This guide to the best Koh Chang hotels walks you through the main areas, shows how they differ and points you to the hotels we would look at first for families, couples and budget travelers. If you are comparing islands, our guide on where to stay in Koh Phangan is a good next read.
Last updated: October 2026
In a Rush? Our Top Hotel Picks in Koh Chang
Short on time? These are the Koh Chang hotels we would check first:
Best family hotel with a water park: The Splash Koh Chang at Klong Prao – Click here for rates & availability*
Best resort at White Sand Beach: KC Grande Resort & Spa – Click here for rates & availability*
Best hotel for peace and romance: Chivapuri Beach Resort at Klong Kloi Beach – Click here for rates & availability*
Best boutique resort with plunge-pool villas: Aana Resort & Spa at Klong Prao – Click here for rates & availability*
Best budget stay with a pool: Kaibae Hut Resort at Kai Bae – Click here for rates & availability*
Where to Stay in Koh Chang: How to Choose Your Base
Koh Chang covers about 210 square kilometers (81 square miles), and roughly 85% of the island belongs to Mu Ko Chang National Park, which is why the interior stays wild. The main road runs along the west coast, and almost all the beaches with hotels, restaurants and shops sit along it. The island starts in the north at White Sand Beach, the biggest and busiest beach. Heading south you pass Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach, and the fishing village of Bang Bao at the very southern end. The farther south you go, the quieter and simpler it gets. The beaches blend into each other, and many hotels sit in between.
Plan on at least three days for the whole island. If you are only here briefly, pick one base and explore the other beaches by songthaew or scooter. If you stay longer, you can switch hotels, for example a family beach first and then a quiet bay in the south.
Where to Stay in Koh Chang: The Best Areas Compared
| Area | Best for | Vibe & evenings | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Sand Beach | First-timers, beach days, lots of choice | Busiest beach, lots of restaurants and bars | $$ to $$$$ |
| Klong Prao | Families, kids, relaxed beach days | Long, calm beach with shallow water, mellow evenings | $$ to $$$$ |
| Kai Bae | Couples, value, a mix of calm and restaurants | Relaxed, restaurants along the main road | $ to $$$ |
| Lonely Beach | Backpackers, young travelers, nightlife | Young and lively, beach bars and parties | $ to $$$ |
| Bang Bao & Klong Kloi | Couples, peace and quiet, island trips | Quiet, remote, seafood in the fishing village | $$ to $$$ |
Price levels are rough guides ($ = budget, $$ = mid-range, $$$ = upscale, $$$$ = luxury). Hotel prices on Koh Chang swing a lot with the season and are highest between November and March, so always compare current rates before you book.
Where to Stay at White Sand Beach: Best for First-Timers and Lots of Choice
White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the best-known and busiest beach on Koh Chang. It has the most restaurants, bars, shops and tour operators on the island, and it is a short ride from the ferry. In high season the beach is often crowded. In return, you have plenty of choice in the evening and never need to go far for dinner.
KC Grande Resort & Spa (Best Resort at White Sand Beach)
Price level: $$$
KC Grande Resort & Spa sits right on White Sand Beach and is one of the larger resorts on the island. It is a good choice if you want a comfortable hotel with a pool, spa and restaurants close to shops and dinner options.
The location on the island’s busiest beach keeps things easy: restaurants, tour operators and bars are within walking distance, and songthaews pass by on the main road. The resort suits couples and families who want comfort and do not mind a lively setting.
Expect evenings at White Sand Beach to be livelier than on the beaches in the south. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room in a quieter part of the property, and check the room category carefully, because garden-view and sea-view rooms are very different.
KC Grande Resort & Spa | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Klong Prao: Best for Families and Relaxed Beach Days
Klong Prao is the longest beach on Koh Chang and, for many travelers, the best choice for families. The sand is soft and golden, the water slopes in gently, and the beach is calmer than White Sand Beach. Most hotels have restaurants and cafes within walking distance, and the area works well for easy days with kids. The downside: to reach the other beaches you need a songthaew, a scooter or a car.
The Splash Koh Chang (Best Family Hotel with a Water Park)
Price level: $$$
The Splash sits right on the beach in the southern part of Klong Prao and is built for families. It has a water-park pool with slides and splash zones, a calmer beachfront pool, a kids’ club, a restaurant and a beach bar.
Rooms range from deluxe rooms to larger family rooms with extra beds, plus suites and rooms with direct access to a shared pool. The water in front is shallow and calm, with loungers and shade on the sand, and you can rent kayaks right at the resort.
If you want peace and quiet, the Splash isn’t the best fit, because the pool areas are lively during the day and the resort is often full in high season. Couples without kids will find calmer options on other beaches.
The Splash Koh Chang | Check Prices*
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort (Best Beach Resort for Families and Couples)
Price level: $$$$
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort is on Klong Prao and is one of the island’s larger beach resorts. It is a good pick if you want an established resort with a pool, spa and several restaurants by the beach.
The resort works for families as well as couples who want comfort and a calmer location. The beach here is long and fairly quiet, and the resort offers several places to eat and unwind. Prices are on the higher side, especially in high season.
Because rates swing so much, it pays to compare your travel dates. If you are flexible, the months outside high season are often much cheaper.
Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort | Check Prices*
Aana Resort & Spa (Best Boutique Resort with Plunge-Pool Villas)
Price level: $$$$
Aana Resort & Spa sits in a river bay at Klong Prao and is a boutique resort with 71 rooms. It is the right choice for couples and anyone who prefers villas with a private plunge pool.
The options range from deluxe rooms to villas with a plunge pool and river or garden views. On site you will find two pools, a kids’ pool, a spa, a restaurant and a pool bar. The beach is not right outside your door; you reach it by boat or shuttle, so ask the hotel about the current setup before you book.
If you want the sand right outside your room, a beachfront resort nearby is a better fit. In return, you get more privacy and a peaceful setting between river and garden.
Aana Resort & Spa | Check Prices*
Koh Chang Paradise Hill (Best Hotel with a Pool Near the Beach)
Price level: $$
Koh Chang Paradise Hill is a 96-room resort near Klong Prao. It is a solid choice if you want a hotel with a pool, restaurant and kids’ pool and are happy to reach the beach in about ten minutes on foot.
Rooms are bookable as deluxe rooms with garden or pool views and sleep up to three people. On site you will find an outdoor pool with a kids’ pool, a restaurant, a pool bar, a fitness room and free parking. Breakfast costs extra.
The beach is not right at the hotel, so you walk or drive a bit for beach days. In return it is a practical base if you plan to rent a car or scooter and explore the island.
Koh Chang Paradise Hill | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Kai Bae: Best for Couples and Value
Kai Bae lies between Klong Prao and Lonely Beach and combines the two nicely: you get restaurants and shops along the main road, but less hustle than at White Sand Beach. There is a big choice of bungalows and hotels in different price ranges. That makes Kai Bae a good area for couples and anyone who wants value for money.
MAM Kaibae Beach Resort (Best Value Hotel in Kai Bae)
Price level: $
MAM Kaibae Beach Resort is a bungalow property near the beach in Kai Bae. It is a good choice if you want a simple, relaxed place to stay in a lively area with plenty of food options.
Kai Bae has restaurants and shops along the main road, and songthaews pass by. Before you book, check on the map how far it is to the beach and the restaurants.
Expect a simple bungalow-style stay and not a big resort with a water park or kids’ club. Look closely at the room category before you book, and check how far the property is from the road.
MAM Kaibae Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Kaibae Hut Resort (Best Budget Stay with a Pool)
Price level: $
Kaibae Hut Resort sits right on Kai Bae and has 69 rooms, bungalows and an outdoor pool. It is our pick if you want to keep costs down but still have a pool and a beach nearby.
The property has a restaurant with a bar, a minimarket, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a balcony or terrace. According to Kayak, rooms start at around $30 per night, but prices rise noticeably depending on the room category and the season.
According to guest reviews, there are rocks and hard coral in the water in front of the resort, and the sand gets finer after a short walk south. Bring water shoes for swimming, and check the room category carefully before you book.
Kaibae Hut Resort | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Lonely Beach: Best for Backpackers and Nightlife
Lonely Beach is the younger, livelier beach in the south of Koh Chang. You will find simple bungalows, hostels, beach bars and music and parties in the evening. If you travel on a small budget and want to go out at night, it is a great fit. For families with small children or anyone after peace and quiet, Lonely Beach is not the best choice, because it can get loud at night.
Lonely Beach Pool Resort (Best Budget Stay with a Pool at Lonely Beach)
Price level: $
Lonely Beach Pool Resort sits in the middle of the lively bar area of Lonely Beach and has an outdoor pool, which is not a given at this price. It is a good choice if you want to be close to the nightlife and keep your budget low.
The resort is not directly on the sand, so plan on a short walk to the beach. With the bars right nearby, evenings can get loud, so check the room category and ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
Rates swing with the season, so compare current prices for your dates before you book.
Lonely Beach Pool Resort | Check Prices*
Bhumiyama Plus (Best Upscale Beach Resort at Lonely Beach)
Price level: $$$
Bhumiyama Plus is one of the more upscale resorts at Lonely Beach and sits right on the beachfront. It has a large pool, which makes it a good pick for couples who want comfort and the beach at their doorstep without giving up the lively atmosphere around them.
Lonely Beach is a young, social beach, so expect music and beach bars in the evening. If you want complete quiet, the beaches farther south are a better fit. From here you need a songthaew or a scooter to reach the other beaches.
Upscale at Lonely Beach still costs less than the big resorts at Klong Prao or White Sand Beach, but rates jump in high season, so check current prices.
Bhumiyama Plus | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Bang Bao and Klong Kloi Beach: Best for Peace and Romance
At the far southern end you will find the fishing village of Bang Bao with its long pier, seafood restaurants and boat trips to the surrounding islands. Nearby Klong Kloi Beach is considered one of the prettiest beaches on the island and is much quieter than the beaches in the north. Nightlife and shops are far away, so you need a scooter, a car or a taxi.
Chivapuri Beach Resort (Best Hotel for Peace and Romance)
Price level: $$$
Chivapuri Beach Resort sits at the southern end of Klong Kloi Beach, about 2 miles (3 km) from the fishing village of Bang Bao. It is built from Thai-style houses with lots of teak and is the right choice for couples and families who want peace and quiet.
The property includes beachfront villas right on the sand, family oceanview suites and rooms closer to the pool. The infinity pool sits right on the beach, the restaurant serves Thai, seafood and Western dishes, and the front desk can book kayaks, snorkeling trips and boat excursions. The beach slopes in gently and is good for swimming.
There is hardly any nightlife nearby, and you need a taxi or a scooter to reach the other beaches. Some details in the rooms show light signs of wear, and prices are in the boutique range.
Chivapuri Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Which Area Is Right for You?
- You are traveling with kids: Klong Prao, where the beach is shallow and calm and family resorts like the Splash are located.
- You want lots of choice and short distances: White Sand Beach.
- You want good value for money: Kai Bae.
- You are on a small budget and want to go out at night: Lonely Beach.
- You want peace, romance and a beautiful beach: Klong Kloi Beach near Bang Bao.
- You want privacy in villas with a plunge pool: Aana Resort & Spa at Klong Prao.
Getting Around Koh Chang from Your Hotel
Koh Chang has no airport. Most travelers fly or take a bus to Trat and continue from there to the ferry pier at Ao Thammachat near Laem Ngop. Ferries run roughly every 45 minutes during the day, and songthaews take you from the ferry pier to the beaches. You can get from Bangkok to Trat by bus or by plane; check current connections and prices shortly before your trip.
On the island there are no taxis in the usual sense and no tuk-tuks. You get around by songthaew (a pick-up truck with bench seats) along the main road, by scooter or by rental car. Songthaews are cheap but do not run around the clock, so sort out your ride back in advance, especially in the evening. A scooter gives you the most freedom, but the roads are steep and winding, so always wear a helmet. If you stay somewhere more remote like Klong Kloi Beach, a rental car or a hotel transfer is worth it.
Is It Safe to Stay in Koh Chang?
Yes, Koh Chang is generally a relaxed island for tourists. The biggest risk is traffic: the roads are steep and winding, and scooter accidents are common. Only rent a scooter if you have experience, do not ride at night and wear a helmet. When swimming, watch for currents and warning flags, especially in the rainy season. Do not leave valuables out on the beach.
Tips for Booking Your Koh Chang Hotels
- Mind the season: November to March is high season with little rain but higher prices. September and October are the rainiest months, and many smaller places close for a while.
- Book early: In high season, good beachfront hotels sell out fast, especially around Christmas and New Year.
- Sort out your transfer: Ask before you book whether the hotel offers a transfer from the ferry and what it costs, and compare the price with a songthaew.
- Check the distance to the beach: Not every hotel is right on the beach. Look at the map to see how far the walk to the sand is.
- Compare breakfast and pool: At some hotels, breakfast is not included in the price.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Koh Chang
What is the best area to stay in Koh Chang?
It depends on your trip. For families, Klong Prao is the best choice. For lots of choice and short distances, pick White Sand Beach; for value for money, Kai Bae; and for peace and quiet, Klong Kloi Beach near Bang Bao.
Where should you stay in Koh Chang with kids?
We would choose Klong Prao. The beach slopes in gently and is calmer than White Sand Beach, and family resorts like the Splash offer pools, a kids’ club and a water park.
Which is the prettiest beach on Koh Chang?
Klong Kloi Beach in the south is considered one of the prettiest beaches on the island, with soft sand and a quiet atmosphere. White Sand Beach is the best known and liveliest, and Klong Prao is the longest and most family-friendly.
Do you need a scooter or a car on Koh Chang?
Not necessarily. At the larger beaches you will find restaurants and shops within walking distance, and songthaews run along the main road. A scooter or car gives you more freedom, though, especially if you stay in a quieter spot in the south.
Where is the most going on in Koh Chang?
Most of the action is at White Sand Beach, with the most restaurants and bars. Lonely Beach is younger and louder in the evening, while the beaches in the south and Klong Prao are much quieter.
When is the rainy season in Koh Chang?
Most of the rain falls in September and October. November to March is high season with little rain, and May to October is low season.
Is Koh Chang cheap?
Yes, especially in low season. According to Google Hotels, simple rooms started at roughly $10 to $30 per night in October. Beachfront resorts cost much more, and prices go up across the board in high season.
How many nights should you stay in Koh Chang?
We recommend at least three nights. With four to seven nights you have enough time for the beaches, waterfalls, snorkeling trips and a visit to Bang Bao.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Koh Chang
Koh Chang is calmer than many other islands in Thailand, and the beach you choose shapes your trip more than the hotel does. If you remember just one thing from this guide, decide first whether you want choice and short distances or peace and nature, and then pick a hotel. For families we would choose Klong Prao, and for peace and romance Klong Kloi Beach. And if you have been to Koh Chang yourself, tell us in the comments where you stayed and what we missed.
Planning more of Thailand? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Koh Phangan and our tips on where to stay in Koh Phangan, and tell us in the comments what you would like to read next.