Koh Chang
A mountainous island near the Cambodian border: jungle, waterfalls and very little building.
island
by ferry
What is good
- One of the greenest islands — most of it is a national park
- Cheap even by Thai standards
- The closest of the large islands to Bangkok
- Waterfalls and jungle instead of shopping centres
What to be ready for
Villa rental is thin here; bungalows are the norm. The roads are mountainous and steep. The rainy season is heavy and part of the island closes.
Who it suits
Those willing to accept simple living for the sake of the landscape, and anyone travelling from Bangkok without a flight.
Season
November to April. June to September brings a lot of rain.
Getting there
Five hours by road from Bangkok, plus the ferry.
No property here yet. That does not change what the place is like.