East Coast Tour : See the Real Koh Chang

A Day Trip to the Quiet Side of the Island

I always advise our guests to visit the east and south-east of Koh Chang in order to see some ‘normal life’ – rather than just spending their time on the island looking around the more touristy west coast.

The challenge is knowing where to go and what to see whilst on the east coast.  You can look on Googlemaps or pick up  a free printed map of the island. But unless you specifically know what to look for or where to stop, it’s hard to get the most our of your day.  And there will be a lot of aimless wandering around before you discover, or miss, the best sights.

So if you want to explore the other side of the island and aren’t sure where to go, this mini-guide should help make the most of your time. You’ll need a full day and probably won’t be able to see and do everything listed here. So pick and choose what you are interested in and have a great day out.

But you’ll need your own transport. Scooter rental is from around 250 – 300 Baht / day for a 125 or 150cc automatic bike. Be sure to check the brakes and tires are in good condition. Alternatively, you can rent a car or pick up truck for 1,200 – 1,400 Baht / day, depending on model.

Check the East Coast, Salakphet and Salakkok pages in the Island Guide for photos and more specific information.

Map of the Highlights of Southeast Koh Chang 

My recommendations for what to see & do and where to stop for lunch and a cooling drink.  

Organised Day Trips

Koh Chang Island Tour

See Koh Chang in a rather full day with this tour you can book at any tour agent when you are on the island.  It’s a value for money way to see most of the main sights of the island.  Some agencies may offer this by minibus but usually the vehicle is an open sided songtaew (pick up truck taxi). 

Note that the driver isn’t a tour guide.  Just someone who will ferry you between the sights and wait while you take some photos. 

The itinerary will include both the west and east coasts and usually comprise: .  

– White Sand Beach view point
– Chinese Temple in Klong Son
– Than Mayom Waterfall
– Salakkok bay
– Salakphet bay
– Klong Plu waterfall
– Elephant Camp
– Kai Bae view point
– Bang Bao fishing village

Time: Pick up around 08:00  – 08:30 from your hotel and return back around 15:30 – 16:00

Price: 900 – 1,000 baht/person.  Young children half price. ( Plus National Park entry fee 200 Baht/Adult , 100 Baht/Child )

Private Tour with a Guide

In the form of a private tour from an experienced Thai tour guide, Teerasak – or Thomas to use his English nickname  – who runs the ‘Thomas Koch Travel and Adventure’ tour.  He has been working on Koh Chang for over 18 years for tour agencies.  Handling inbound clients from Europe and elsewhere.  

However, he now works for himself and is offering a couple of different day trips to couples, families and small groups.  These are all private and so are tailored to the group and what people want to see and do.  They don’t stick to a fixed schedule.

He offers a couple of easy treks which are aimed at families, and can also take you to the top of Khao Laem near Salakphet.  Which has awesome views. .  But the tour that might be of more interest to most people is his trip to the north, east and south east of the island which will give you an insight into the lives of people on Koh Chang who aren’t involved in the tourism business.

This isn’t just a trip with a driver who will drop you off at various locations without any explanation as to what they are, why they are important etc.  Thomas speaks excellent English and through his local knowledge and connections he’s able to give you an insight into life beyond the beach that you simply wouldn’t discover on your own.

What will you see?

During the day trip you’ll be able to see the Chinese Shrine; Organic vegetable and fruit farm; a local school; village temple; fishing village – where you can take a gondola ride through the mangroves as well as enjoying a walk through the mangrove forest and various signs and photo opportunities.   The trip usually ends with a very late lunch in Klong Son at a small restaurant owned by a local sculptor and artist.  During the day you’ll learn a lot about the flora and fauna on Koh Chang as well as being able to interact with some of the local families that live here.  

There is an option to visit sites on the west coast e.g. elephant camp, small waterfall, Bangbao village etc for a small extra payment.  But i’d stick to spending the day exploring the quieter spots in Salakkok and Salakphet that most visitors to the island don’t see.

Contact Details & Booking :

This trip can’t be booked in any tour agents.  Only direct with Thomas.  Please contact him through the Thomas Koch Travel and Adventure Facebook page or by phone