Affordable, Door-to-Door Private Transfers to Koh Chang
Trusted by Visitors to Koh Chang Since 2006
As an independent traveler trying to avoid the overcrowded islands in the South, you’re probably looking for the easiest way to get to and from Koh Chang. I understand that you’re ready to get to the beach and relax as quickly as possible with the minimum of hassle and stress.
Maybe you’re a little tired of late drivers running on “Thai time,” a bit concerned about the language-barrier, or perhaps not even sure where to start when booking safe and inexpensive travel in Thailand.
I moved to Koh Chang over 15 years ago when there were far less convenient online booking services, so know exactly how that feels.
Since then I have traveled to and from the island hundreds of times – all the while developing fantastic relationships with local drivers, transfer services, and private rental companies so I can help visitors to my site do the same.
Looking for tickets for a shared minibus service? Click here to skip to the details and prices.When traveling to Koh Chang, there are four options to choose from:
- Public Bus – the cheapest option available, but also the slowest, most crowded, and often uncomfortable.
- Flying – by far the most expensive and you still need to contend with the hassle of hanging around an airport.
- Shared Minibus – an inexpensive service offered from most hotels in central Bangkok.
- Private Transfer by Car or Minibus – the fastest, most convenient and direct option – and much more affordable than you think!
If flying is too expensive, and the bus is too slow or too crowded, then hiring a private car or booking a seat on a shared minibus is an affordable, safe, and speedy alternative.
Here you can find all the information you need about traveling to and from Koh Chang on a shared mini bus or private transfer. Get answers to your questions by reading below.
We’ve been helping friends and travelers book hassle-free trips to and from Koh Chang or over 13 years
When I moved to Koh Chang in 2003, it wasn’t long before our friends began asking for help and advice on the best way to come visit the island.
To help find the easiest way for friends to come visit, we started building relationships with car rental and minibus transfer businesses in the local community.
Fast forward to 2018 and we’re now the most trusted transfer booking service on the island. In fact, I’m also well known online as the Tripadvisor Destination Expert for the Koh Chang.
So, no need to worry that traveling to and from Koh Chang is…
- Difficult
Getting to to a remote tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand when you don’t speak the local language can seem overwhelming, but this is exactly why we started helping friends with their island transfers – so we can help you experience Koh Chang hassle-free! We’ll help you book a safe transport with one of our trusted and reliable drivers quickly and easily. - Expensive
Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be! We can help travelers with any budget book safe and convenient transfer to or from Koh Chang. Whether you’re taking a luxury vacation, or backpacking on a shoestring budget – we’ll advise you on the best island transfer for you! - Dangerous
Thailand has road safety laws that are very similar to most European countries. However, drivers here have a reputation for ignoring them. That’s why all of minivans we use are fitted with GPS trackers which limit their speed to 90km per hour and report their activities to Land Transportation office. Since drivers must swipe their license when they start and finish the trip, if they were to drive at unsafe speeds, the driver gets an automatic fine. We only work with drivers we know and trust to be safe and reliable chauffeurs. All of our vehicles are well-maintained, and have standard seatbelts.
The #1 goal is to make sure that you have a fantastic time in Koh Chang and an easy travel experience getting here – so if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. We’re here to help!
Here’s Why Thousands of Happy Travelers Consider Us The Best Private Car or Shared Minibus Transfer Service on Koh Chang!
✅Pay when and how you want. Unlike other private transfer services, with us you can wait to pay when you’ve reached your destination. Once you’ve arrived safely and happily, you pay your driver at your hotel, guesthouse, or the drop-off point of your choice.
The driver can even stop at a bank or currency exchange on the island (where you’ll get a much better rate than at the airport.) If you wish to pay in advance, you’re welcome to do so via Paypal. The only exception is if you’re going to a destination in Cambodia where you pay your Thai driver at the border crossing.
✅ All of our transfers are “door to door” – meaning our drivers will meet you at your hotel, the airport, or wherever you need to be picked up. Then you’re dropped off at your destination. We promise you will never be left at a bus station or ferry pier . . . . unless that’s exactly where you want to go.
✅ Our drivers use the fast ferry to help you get to your destination sooner – We use the quicker ‘Ferry Koh Chang’ service – NOT the slow ‘Centrepoint’ boats, which has less frequent departures and a longer crossing time.
✅ Your driver will gladly stop for lunch, toilet breaks or snacks along the way. You’re in complete control, so you decide when you want to stop during your trip.
✅ Zero hidden fees or extra charges. All of our prices listed below include the cost of your transfer, the driver’s fee, tax, gasoline, ferry tickets, and expressway tolls if necessary.
✅ No Advance Payment for private transfers. You don’t need to put down a deposit to reserve your private transfer.
✅ Flexible and convenient. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs including last minute changes due to flight delays etc.
✅ Traveling with Children? We have car seats for toddlers available for for a small fee of 200 Baht. Let us know what you need and we’ll do everything we can to make your trip as quick and easy as possible.
✅ Save money and hassle. The private transfer services are much cheaper than flying – especially if you’re splitting the cost with friends! A one-way airplane ticket from Bangkok is now around 3,500 Baht or more.
Throw in taxi fare from your hotel, plus 500 Baht per person minibus ticket from Trat to your hotel on Koh Chang. Now you’re already looking more than double the cost of a private transfer for a family of four. Plus, dealing with the hassle of checking in and security at the airport is just not worth it.
You’ll find our convenient private transfer or shared minibus transfers a much better deal.
✅ Round-trip discounts. Return private transfers between Bangkok and Koh Chang are discounted by 500 Baht. And, as you’ll have already taken care of your trip back to the city, you can relax and simply enjoy your time on the island.
Myself and my partner ‘Mam’ are experienced travellers ourselves and have developed strong community connections in Koh Chang and are committed to helping you get here safely and easily by acting as your liaison between your driver, hotel and travel services.
We’re a trusted authority for tourism on the island and will be glad to share our hidden gems and favorite local spots. So you can enjoy Koh Chang as much as we do!
Ready to Book Your Private Transfer?
If you still have questions, scroll down to check out our FAQ section at the bottom of the page. But if you’re ready to reserve your spot, here are prices and details of how you can book your safe, fast and affordable private transfer.
If you’re looking for tickets for a shared minibus service then jump to the prices here
How To Book
Prices for private transfers depend on your departure point and the size of vehicle you need. Depending on how far you need to travel, and how many people you have in your group, prices range as cheap as 1,500 Baht up to 11,500 Baht. You can see exact prices for your trip in our FAQ section below.
Prices are per vehicle, not per person – so if you’re splitting with friends this is a very affordable and convenient way to travel. For example, for a family of four, it’s at least half the price of flying!
Cars are usually used for 2 passengers, but on busy occasions, a van might be substituted, at no additional cost to you. If you specifically want a car, please let us know when you book.
Remember, unless you’re going to a destination in Cambodia, we don’t require advance payment. You pay the driver when you reach your destination.
How Much Does a Private Transfer to Koh Chang cost?
Private transfer prices depend on how far you need to go (your departure or destination), and the size of the vehicle you need. These are priced PER VEHICLE – not per person. Private transfer prices are fixed, so everyone pays the same.
Take a look at the pricing chart below to find the price from your departure point. We’ll confirm prices and availability with you when you book.
The Minibus price shown is for up to 4 passengers. Each additional passenger is 100 Baht / person. There is a maximum of 7 passengers per minibus.
Paym,ent is to the driver, in cash, when you arrive at your destination OR by Paypal or bank transfer in advance. Whichever is easiest for you.
| To / From | By Car/Van (1-2 people) |
By Minibus |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Hotel on Koh Chang | ฿ 4,600 | ฿ 5,100 |
| Don Meuang Airport, Bangkok – Hotel on Koh Chang | ฿ 4,800 | ฿ 5,400 |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Laem Sok pier (For Koh Kood) | ฿ 4,400 | ฿ 4,900 |
| Trat Airport – Hotel on White Sand or Pearl Beach, Koh Chang | ฿ 1,900 | ฿ 2,400 |
| Trat Airport – Hotel on Klong Prao or Kai Bae Beach, Koh Chang | ฿ 2,000 | ฿ 2,500 |
| Trat Airport – Hotel on Lonely Beach, Bailan, Bangbao, Koh Chang | ฿ 2,100 | ฿ 2,600 |
| Trat Airport – Laem Sok pier (For Koh Kood ) | ฿ 1,500 | ฿ 1,800 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Pattaya | ฿ 3,900 | ฿ 4,200 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Utapao Airport * | ฿ 3,900 | ฿ 4,200 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Ban Phe pier (For Koh Samet) | ฿ 3,700 | ฿ 4,100 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Border at Hat Lek (For Phnom Penh / S’ville) | ฿ 3,400 | ฿ 3,600 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Aranyaprathet Border (For Siem Reap) | ฿ 3,600 | ฿ 4,100 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Pailin Border (For Battambang) | ฿ 3,400 | ฿ 3,600 |
Cars are usually used for transfers for two passengers. But on busy occasions a van might be substituted. If you specifically want a car, please let me know when you book.
* Only Koh Chang to Utapao transfers are available. Utapao to Koh Chang isn’t possible at present.
| To / From Suvarnabhumi Airport |
By Car/Minibus (1-2 People) |
By Minibus (3-7 People) |
| Hotel in Bangkok | ฿ 1,600 | ฿ 1,900 |
| Hotel in Pattaya | ฿ 3,300 | ฿ 3,600 |
| Ban Phe Pier ( for Koh Samet ) | ฿ 3,800 | ฿ 4,100 |
International transfers between your hotel in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville and your resort on Koh Chang are also available. If you leave your hotel early morning, after breakfast, you will arrive at your destination in the evening.
These transfers use a Cambodian partner agency as tour vehicles from one country can’t enter the other, so a change of vehicles at the border is required. * Please book at least 7 days in advance *
| To / From a Destination in Cambodia | By Car/Minibus (1-2 People) |
By Minibus (3-7 People) |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Siem Reap | ฿ 8,000 | ฿ 9,500 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Phnom Penh | ฿ 9,500 | ฿ 11,500 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Sihanoukville | ฿ 9,500 | ฿ 11,500 |
I usually respond within a few hours to confirm the price and availability of your private transfer, but if you don’t hear back within 24 hours, or if you’re having trouble with the booking form, then please contact me direct here with the details of your transfer.
If you need any additional information before booking, please read the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.
Fill Out The Form Below To Book Your Private Transfer:
How To Book Your Shared Minibus tickets
We have built close relationships with trusted and reliable minibus services to make sure you have a safe and reliable trip. Prices for shared mini buses depend on your departure point and range from 400 Baht – 1,400 Baht depending on how far you need to travel.
If you’re staying on the Southeast side of Koh Chang, you’ll need to take a private transfer from Trat Airport since the airport mini buses don’t go to that part of the island.
If you’re coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Chang, you’ll need to book these tickets through the special form (below) directly – I’m not able to book these for you. It used to be the case that tickets could only be bought at the airport in person. Now you can book these tickets online through 12go.asia
I usually respond within a few hours to confirm the price and availability of your shared minibus, but if you don’t hear back from me within 24 hours, or if you’re having trouble with the booking form, then please contact me direct by email with the details of your transfer.
Minibus tickets between Trat Airport and Koh Chang
If you’re traveling with children, they’ll need their own seat, but babies & toddlers are free if they sit on their parent’s lap for the journey.
Tickets for seats on a shared minibus service are available between Trat Airport and hotels on Koh Chang, for people flying Bangkok – Trat on Bangkok Airways.
Tickets will be pre-booked for you and you pay online in advance using Paypal or any credit card. Simple. When you land in Trat a representative from the minibus company will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it. If you have booked a return ticket, they will also give you a voucher for the Koh Chang – Trat trip.
If you are staying in the south-east of Koh Chang, you’ll need to take a private transfer from Trat Airport. The airport minibuses don’t go to that part of the island.
| To / From Trat Airport | One Way | Return |
| Trat Airport – Hotels on Koh Chang (West coast & East coast to Serenity Resort only)
Hotels on Koh Chang (West coast & East coast to Serenity Resort only) – Trat Airport |
฿ 500 | ฿ 900 |
Babies and Toddlers (under 2 years old) travel free if they sit on their parent’s lap.
Children from 2 – 4 years old are half price. Over 4 years old are full price.
Children’s car seats are not available for the shared minibus.
Minibus tickets between Bangkok and Koh Chang
We also offer tickets for a shared minibus service which will pick you up from your hotel in central Bangkok and drop you off at a hotel on Koh Chang.
For these transfers, tickets will be pre-booked for you and you pay direct to the driver when he picks you up. The minibus used will be a new model Toyota Commuter with seatbelts and air-conditioning.
Pick ups are possible from hotels in the main central tourist areas of downtown Bangkok i.e Silom, Sathorn, Khao San Rd, Pratunam, Sukhumvit Soi 1-29 and Soi 2 – 24. But not from outlying areas. They aren’t possible from outlying areas of the west side of the river.
Adults and children are charged the same price, which includes ferry ticket. Babies are free if they sit on their parent’s lap.
| To / From a Hotel in central Bangkok | One Way |
| To a Hotel on White Sand, Klong Prao or Kai Bae beach (excluding Sea View Resort & Siam Bay Resort) | ฿ 900 |
| To a Hotel on Lonely Beach or Bailan Bay | ฿ 1,100 (฿ 1,000 per person for 2 or more ) |
| To a Hotel in Bangbao or 7-eleven, Bangbao | ฿ 1,400 (฿ 1,200 per person for 2 or more ) |
The final drop off location or first pick up location is the 7-eleven in Bangbao village. The minibus cannot pick up ro drop off at resorts on Klong Kloi beach.
Pick up time for the shared minibus from Bangkok to Koh Chang is around 08:00 – 09:00, depending on where you are staying in Bangkok. You will arrive on Koh Chang mid-afternoon. You will be advised of the pick up time when your booking is confirmed. Tickets will be booked for you and payment is direct to the driver.
Prices are the same for a transfer from a hotel on Koh Chang to a hotel in Bangkok or Bangkok Airport. The morning service runs year round and picks up from hotels on Koh Chang around 0800 – 09:00. Between 1 November and 31 March there is also an afternoon minibus, which picks up from hotels on the island between 1300 – 1400
Minibus tickets between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Koh Chang
It is possible to book tickets online for the shared minibuses from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Koh Chang. It used to be the case that tickets could only be bought at the airport in person.
Use the form below to check prices and book. There are services at 07:50, 11:00 and 14:00. Plus often an 09:30 service during High Season ** I cannot book these tickets for you. **
This service is run by the Suvarnabhumi Burupha bus company but is also known as the ‘392’ bus or the Lonely Beach Express. It only runs between the airport and Koh Chang.
Minibus tickets between Pattaya, Jomtien and Koh Chang
The shared minibus from Pattaya to Koh Chang will pick up from hotels in Naklua, Pattaya and Jomtien beach. (And if you’re coming from Koh Chang to Pattaya it will also drop off in those areas. )
For these transfers, tickets will be pre-booked for you and you pay direct to the driver when he picks you up. The minibus used will be a new model Toyota Commuter with seatbelts and air-conditioning.
From Pattaya the pick up time is around 07:00 – 08:00 depending on where you are staying. You’ll get to Koh Chang around lunchtime. Coming from Koh Chang the pick up time is 08:30 – 09:00.
Adults and children are charged the same price, which includes ferry ticket. Babies are free if they sit on their parent’s lap.
| To / From a Hotel in Pattaya | One Way |
| To a Hotel on White Sand, Klong Prao or Kai Bae beaches (excluding Sea View Resort & Siam Bay Resort) | ฿ 750 |
| To a Hotel on Lonely Beach or Bailan Bay | ฿ 950 (฿ 800 / person for 2 or more ) |
| To a Hotel in Bangbao or Klong Kloi beach | ฿ 1,200 (฿ 1,100 / person for 2 or more ) |
Fill Out The Form Below To Book Your Shared Minibus tickets:
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read if you need any additional information about the transfers, vehicles or drivers etc
What is included in the cost of the transfer?
All of the prices listed above include:
- Tax
- Driver
- Gasoline
- Expressway Tolls
- Ferry Tickets
- Booking fees
- Great customer service :)
There are no hidden fees or extras.
What if I don’t see my departure point or destination location listed here?
If you don’t see your departure or destination mentioned on this page – just let us know! We’ll do our best to help you arrange travel to or from Koh Chang no matter where you’re starting from. We’ve helped travelers arrange transfer from Ayuttaya, Kanachanaburi, Hua Hin, Korat, and other locations – but since they aren’t very common – I haven’t listed all of them here.
Just let me have the details of your trip and I’ll check what’s possible.
Why Would I Take A Private Transfer Over A Shared Minibus?
Many travelers prefer private transfers over flying or shared transfers because they’re affordable and convenient. And for anyone coming from Bangkok who wants to go directly to Koh Chang, the options are limited.
If you want to get there as quickly as possible, you can fly – but the cost for a family of four is over double the cost for a safe and easy private transfer.
If you want to go as cheaply as possible, you take a public bus or mini bus – but many people find these options too slow or overcrowded.
It’s also possible to take a public taxi from Bangkok – but this can be a hassle if your driver gets lost (which happens often), or if they don’t speak your language.
Many travelers coming from Bangkok choose private transfer as an alternative to these other expensive or tedious options.
If you’re coming from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in Cambodia, options are even more limited – especially if you want to avoid all the scams and make sure you don’t get ripped off! You may have read some horror stories on travel websites or in your guidebook. To avoid these shady transfers you either fly to Bangkok first, or buy a shared mini bus ticket from a legitimate company with a good reputation – both of these options can be very expensive!
If you find a mini bus service from Cambodia that seems like a cheap and fantastic deal – be wary. The reason they’re so cheap is because this overland route is notorious for rip-offs and scams along the way.
Coming from Cambodia by land usually takes around 12 hours, so if you are looking for a good compromise for cost, comfort, time, and safety – private transfer is a great option.
When and how do I pay for my transfer?
Paying for Private Transfer – your choice! Unless you’re going to/from Cambodia (where you must pay the first driver at the border crossing), you don’t need to pay a deposit, and you can choose how and when you pay for any private transfer. If you’re coming to Koh Chang, the driver can stop at a bank or currency exchange once you get to the island. This will offer a much better exchange rate than you’d find at the airport.
Paying for Shared Minibuses. For shared mini buses, we can help book tickets with trusted and reliable transfer companies. See the information below to find out how to pay for your shared mini bus transfer:
From Trat Airport – Tickets for seats on a shared minibus service are available between Trat Airport and hotels on Koh Chang, and for people flying BKK to Trat on Bangkok Airways. Tickets will be pre-booked for you and you pay at the transfer counter at Trat Airport. Simple.
From Bangkok Central – For these transfers, tickets will be pre-booked for you and you pay directly to the driver when he picks you up. The minibus used will be a new model Toyota Commuter with seatbelts and air-conditioning. Prices are the same for a transfer from a hotel on Koh Chang to a hotel in Bangkok or Bangkok Airport
From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – It is now possible to book tickets online for the shared minibuses from Suvarnabhumi ( BKK ) to Koh Chang. Before, you could only book tickets at the airport in person. Now we can help you book tickets online through our shared booking form on this page, but we can’t book them for you. You’ll see that prices are slightly higher than if you buy at the airport, this is to cover the admin costs of arranging the tickets and payment.
From Pattaya – For these transfers, tickets will be pre-booked for you and you’ll pay the driver when he picks you up. The minibus used will be a new model Toyota Commuter with seatbelts and air-conditioning.
How far in advance do I need to book?
For most transfers within Thailand, you can book up to 24 hours before departure – but availability depends on what’s still available. It’s a good idea to book as early as possible to make sure you have locked in your spot.
For transfers to/from Cambodia, we work with a Cambodian partner agency since tourist vehicles from one country can’t enter the other – so a change of vehicles is required at the border. To accommodate this, please book Cambodian trips at least 7 days in advance.
Where and When do I get picked up or dropped off?
A private transfer will pick you up whenever and wherever you choose.
All of our private transfers are “door to door” – meaning we meet you at your hotel, the airport, or wherever you choose, and drop you off directly at your final destination. We promise to never leave you at a bus station, ferry pier, or another location unless that’s EXACTLY where you want to go.
A shared minibus transfer pickup spot depends on your departure point. Take a look below to find out where your minibus driver will meet you:
Pickup and Dropoff in Pattaya – This shared minibus picks up from hotels in Naklua, Pattaya and Jomtien beach. They also drop off in those same areas if you’re coming back to Pattaya from Koh Chang. From Pattaya the pick up time is around 07:00 – 08:00am depending on where you are staying. You’ll get to Koh Chang around lunchtime. Coming from Koh Chang the pick up time is 08:30 – 09:00am.
From Trat Airport – You’ll be picked up in the Arrivals area of the airport. Just look for the driver holding the sign with your name on it.
From Bangkok Airports – Since minibuses are limited to 90Km/h, you need to leave Suvarnabhumi Airport by 14:00 or from Don Muang Airport at 13:00 if you want to arrive in Koh Chang the same day.
For transfers from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport, the driver will meet you at the signposted ‘Meeting Point’ next to ‘Entrance 3’ on the Arrivals Level of the Airport. Just follow the signs to it from the Baggage Claim area. In case of problems finding the driver you will be given a contact number you can call for help.
Budget airlines use Don Meuang Airport (the old airport) and not Suvarnabhumi. If you have connecting flights, plan on it taking, at the minimum, an hour or so to get between the two airports in a taxi. There are now two terminals at Don Meuang. Terminal 1 is for International flights. Terminal 2 for Domestic flights. There are signposted meeting points in both terminals.
From Bangkok City Hotels – Pick up time for the shared minibus to Koh Chang is around 08:00 – 09:00, depending on where you are staying in Bangkok – You will be advised of the pick up time when your booking is confirmed, and you will arrive on Koh Chang mid-afternoon at your hotel.
Pick ups are possible from most hotels in the main central tourist areas of downtown Bangkok, such as: Silom, Sathorn, Khao San Rd, Pratunam, Sukhumvit Soi 1-29 and Soi 2 – 24. The pickup time is around 08:00 – 09:00, and you will arrive in Koh Chang mid-afternoon. We’ll confirm your pick up time with you when we confirm your booking.
Pick up and Drop off in Cambodia – If your booking a private transfer, the driver will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville. If you leave your hotel early morning after breakfast, you will arrive at your destination in the evening.
These transfers use our Cambodian partner agency since tour vehicles from one country can’t enter the other, so a change of vehicles at the border is required. To accommodate this change, please book your Cambodian transfer at least 7 days in advance. When we confirm your booking we’ll advise you on where the 2nd driver will wait for you at the border crossing.
Pickup in Koh Chang – There are two shared minibus services from Koh Chang during High Season. Both of these pick up from hotels on the island around 09:00 and 13:00. In Low Season there is a morning service only.
Dropoff on Koh Chang – For shared minibus transfers, your driver will drop you off at your hotel – and will stop at other hotels along the way. If you’re staying in the Southeast end of Koh Chang, you will need to take a private transfer from Trat Airport since the airport minibuses don’t go to that part of the island.
How long will the trip take?
Travel times depend on the time of year. The trip tends to be longer during high season when the roads and crossings are busier.
For most of the High Season the travelling time from Bangkok to Koh Chang will be around 6 to 8 hours long. This includes time to stop on the way for coffee, snacks, etc. There are, of course, unknown factors such as an accident causing gridlock in an area of Bangkok or roadworks enroute – which are quite rare.
If you have travelled in Thailand before, you will notice that most van drivers will now go slower than they did before. This is because all passenger vans are now required by law to have a GPS tracker fitted so they don’t speed. This is monitored by the government and fines are automatically issued to any drivers breaking the 90km/h speed limit. So if it feels like the driver is going too slowly compared to other traffic, this is just because he is obeying the law – Whereas other drivers aren’t.
Once you’re on Koh Chang, the time it takes to get to your hotel depends on where you’re located. Koh Chang is a pretty big island so if you are on the South coast it will take around an hour to get to the ferry pier, whereas if you are on White Sand beach it’ll only take 10 minutes or so.
Likewise, if you are staying around Khao San Road in Bangkok, compared to somewhere like Sathorn Rd, then it will take 30 mins or so longer to get onto the overhead expressway and out of the city centre.
Bear in mind that Koh Chang is getting increasingly popular, but the number of ferry services hasn’t yet increased to compensate. This is important to remember during Thai holidays and on weekends – since there will often be long queues at the piers. Unfortunately there isn’t much your driver can do about this, but we will make your wait as comfortable as possible.
In an effort to make your trip as fast as possible, all of our drivers use the quicker “Ferry Koh Chang” boat service rather than the slow “Centrepoint” ferry which has less frequent departures.
If you are heading from Koh Chang to Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang, we might give you a pick up time that’s earlier than you request. This is just in case there are delays at the piers. It’s better to have to wait an extra hour in the comfortable A/C at the airport than to miss your flight.
Can we stop along the way during our trip?
Yes! If you’re taking a private transfer you can stop whenever and wherever you please. Just let your driver know.
On shared minibuses, the driver will stop for lunch / toilet break / snacks.
Drinks, snacks and lunch are not included in the cost of your transfer, so make sure to bring a few hundred baht in cash if you want to purchase something.
Can the driver do a detour for sightseeing?
No. He will take you from A to B by the most direct route. But if you want to make a stop on the way e.g. Chanthaburi Old Town, or a couple of hours in Pattaya for shopping, then that is possible so long as it is arranged in advance. But there will be a surcharge of between 500 – 1,500 Baht.
What if I’m traveling with children?
Car seats for toddlers can be provided for an extra 200 Baht per seat. If you’re taking a private transfer then there is a maximum of 2 seats available per vehicle.
The ticket price for adults and children are the same for shared minibuses, but babies are free if they sit on parent’s laps.
Private transfer prices are per vehicle (not per person) so children or babies are included just like adults are.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes we do! We offer a 500 Baht discount for round trip private transfers from Bangkok > Koh Chang > Bangkok.
What safety concerns do I need to be aware of?
Thailand has very similar road safety laws to many European countries. In a greater effort to enforce these, the government now requires all commercial vehicles to install GPS tracking systems.
These systems require the drivers to swipe their license at the start and finish of their trip, and limit the vehicle’s speed to 90 km per hour (the legal speed limit). This monitors who is driving, and how many hours they drive in a day.
All passenger vans must be fitted with these tracking systems by the end of 2017 at the very latest, and will not be able to renew their annual license without it. The information is relayed in real time to the Land Transport office and automatic fines are issued to speeding drivers.
The vehicles we use for transfers are all fitted with GPS trackers and seatbelts, so there’s no need to worry. The use of seatbelts for passengers in cars and vans is also now mandatory.
If the police stop the vehicle and passengers aren’t wearing seatbelts, it is the driver who will be fined. So, please use them. :)
Note that vans in Thailand have airplane style lap seat belts – not three point seatbelts like you’ll find in a car.
Who will my driver be and what kind of vehicle will they use?
We only use services from very reliable and careful drivers based on Koh Chang. All drivers and vehicles are properly licensed in accordance with Thai regulations.
You may find services a few hundred Baht cheaper than ours, but we don’t want to leave our friends in the hands of unreliable drivers with rusty vehicles and loose timelines. The reason we don’t use public taxis or the absolute cheapest service available is because we want to make sure we’re offering safe, comfortable and reliable service.
We choose to work with drivers who we trust and know are both honest and reliable. Our drivers work very hard to make sure our arrangements are confirmed and won’t change at a later date – so you can rest assured that you’ll arrive at your destination safe and happy.
The minibuses are newer model Toyota Commuter minivans, similar to the ones in the picture below. For transfers by car, in the majority of cases the vehicles are either Toyota Camry, Wish, Innova, Altis or Honda CRV or HRV – these are suitable for 2 adults plus luggage.
For people who need a little more room – couples with loads of luggage, families or ‘large’ or ‘tall’ people – the minivan is the best option as there’s far more space.
Take a look below to see some of our vehicles.
What happens if there are delays due to traffic or the vehicle breaks down etc? Can we claim compensation?
The driver will do their utmost to get you to your destination as quickly as possible – without breaking speed limits. However, if there are unexpected delays due to the ferry being busy; traffic jams; accidents en-route etc neither the driver nor myself, iamkohchang.com or Go East Tour, Koh Chang will be liable for any losses or compensation.
Likewise, if there is a mechanical failure with the vehicle. The driver will endeavor to fix the vehicle or head to the nearest garage or we will arrange for a replacement vehicle to come and pick you up you as quickly as possible. There will be no additional charges for this. Very occasionally breakdowns and delays do occur. By booking a transfer you signify that you are aware of this and that we are not liable for any compensation claims if a breakdown or delay occurs.
If you have more questions, feel free to contact me. If you’re ready to reserve your vehicle, then click one of the links below . . . .
Click here to book a private transfer
Click here to book shared minibus tickets
