Best Beaches in Koh Lanta might be the talk of the travel town, but yo—Best Beach Koh Chang is that underrated baddie nobody’s talking about. You know, the one who just minds her business, glows quietly, and hits different once you actually get to know her? Yeah. That’s Koh Chang for you. I went in thinking I’d get a few nice photos and maybe some pad thai on the beach… and ended up almost ghosting my flight home. True story.
Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Chang, is chill, raw, and crazy beautiful without the crowds elbowing you at every turn. Think palm-fringed beaches with that “I might never leave” vibe, thick jungles whispering secrets, and sunsets that’ll make you question your life choices. Let’s dive deep into this hidden gem—trust me, your inner beach bum will thank you.
Why Koh Chang is the Ideal Beach Destination
Okay, lemme set the scene. You step off the ferry at Koh Chang, and suddenly it’s just… quieter. Calmer. No taxi dudes yelling, no chain hotels blocking the views. Just the smell of the sea, the distant sound of a longtail boat engine, and maybe a dog named Lucky lounging under a palm tree.
It’s giving old-school Thailand—before Instagram blew up every hidden cove. The locals still smile wide without trying to sell you a tour every two seconds, and you can actually hear the waves instead of EDM from the next beach bar. If you ask me, Best Beaches in Koh Lanta got competition.
1. White Sand Beach (Haad Sai Khao)
So, you want the full beach postcard moment? White Sand Beach is it. This place is the Beyoncé of Koh Chang—long, golden, glamorous, and always photogenic. I once tried to do a sunrise jog here, made it 300 meters before I gave up and joined an old German couple doing beach yoga. Zero regrets.
The vibe here is all about balance: there are chill beach shacks, swanky resorts, and even a reggae bar that’s somehow run by a Swedish guy named Lars. Want cocktails with your sunset? Done. Want to nap under a palm tree all day? Absolutely. For real, Best Beaches in Koh Lanta has nothing on this stretch when it comes to variety-meets-vibes.
Local tip: Don’t miss the grilled corn-on-the-cob vendor who shows up around 5 PM. It’s smoky, sweet, and makes you believe in carbs again.
2. Klong Prao Beach
Klong Prao Beach is like that soft-spoken introvert who turns out to be a total sweetheart once you get to know them. Less crowded, more spread out, and framed by jungle—you can actually hear your own thoughts here. I spent one afternoon just laying in a hammock, sipping coconut water, and wondering why I’d ever tolerated city noise.
This beach is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and basically anyone who’d rather read a Murakami novel in peace than party with neon buckets. Oh, and the sunsets? They melt into the horizon like mango sorbet.
Local tip: There’s a little canal cutting through the beach—rent a kayak and explore. It feels like paddling through a jungle lagoon straight outta Jumanji.
3. Lonely Beach
Alright, don’t let the name fool you—Lonely Beach is the rebel with messy hair and zero apologies. It’s the kind of place you roll into at 2 PM, end up making friends with a tattooed Dutch guy named Sjoerd, and wake up the next morning doing yoga with a French girl who owns a vegan café.
It’s more backpacker-y, yeah, but in a good way. Music playing, people mingling, and yet the beach is somehow still tranquil AF during the day. I camped here once under a tarp and watched a thunderstorm roll over the sea—absolute chills.
Local tip: Try the banana pancakes at Nature Beach Resort’s restaurant. They slap hard, especially if you’re nursing a Chang beer hangover.
4. Ao Thammachat Beach
Now for something softer. Ao Thammachat Beach is like that secret playlist you don’t tell anyone about. It’s near the ferry pier, so most folks pass it by without a second glance—big mistake. This place is lowkey heaven for families, solo daydreamers, or anyone who wants to float in calm, shallow water without the scene.
I stumbled upon it while waiting for a ferry and ended up skipping the next boat just to nap under the casuarina trees. No vendors. No noise. Just peace.
Local tip: If you see a local kid selling coconut ice cream from a cooler, buy it. It’s the real deal—sweet, creamy, and served in a coconut shell like a boss.
5. Bailan Bay
Hidden, quiet, and totally underrated—Bailan Bay is the introverted little sister to Lonely Beach. It’s got all the chill, minus the parties. I found myself here by accident—got off at the wrong songthaew stop—and ended up falling in love with the silence. The only sound? Wind rustling the palms and maybe a gecko yelling something rude.
This spot is all about doing nothing and feeling everything. I lay on a bamboo mat, stared at the sky, and had a whole existential breakthrough. Cheap digs, good eats, and beaches where your footprints are the only ones around.
Local tip: Try the jungle trek from Bailan to Bang Bao if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s sweaty but so worth it for the views.
6. Kai Bae Beach
Kai Bae Beach is the crowd-pleaser—super scenic, gently busy, and full of things to do. I saw a monkey steal a guy’s flip-flop here once and honestly? Peak entertainment. The beach is wide, swimmable, and perfect for just vibing. The little viewpoint above the beach gives you that “yeah, this is my new wallpaper” shot too.
You’ve got paddleboarding, boat trips, massage huts, and even a decent pizza joint nearby. If you’re the kind of person who needs a little action with your tan, this one’s for you.
Local tip: Rent a kayak and paddle out to Koh Man Nai—a tiny island just offshore. No people, just you and your best Robinson Crusoe fantasy.
Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches in Koh Chang
Alright, here’s the real tea. If you’re about that resort life, splurge near White Sand Beach or Klong Prao. Think infinity pools, breakfast buffets, and maybe a dude named Pablo making mojitos by the bar. Pure luxury, still affordable by Western standards.
Want it quieter? Lonely Beach and Bailan Bay got cheap bungalows and hippie vibes. I stayed in a hut for $15/night once—no AC, just a fan and some mosquito coils, and it was kinda perfect. If you’re more into jungle views than beachfront, you can find cozy lodges tucked in the greenery too.
PS: Always ask for a hammock. No hammock = missed opportunity.
Conclusion: Is Koh Chang the Best Beach Destination in Thailand?
No cap? Yeah. Best Beach Koh Chang might just be the real deal. It’s the mix of raw nature, sleepy beach towns, and soul-soothing quiet that makes it chef’s kiss. While people are busy chasing the Best Beaches in Koh Lanta, you’re out here sipping coconut juice with your feet in the sand, thinking, “Damn, I cracked the code.”
If you want nightlife, nature, no crowds, and actual space to breathe, this is your island. Trust me. Just don’t tell too many people—let’s keep it our little secret.
