Bangkok To Koh Chang Island

It is very simple to transit from Bangkok to Koh Chang island but some do find this a little more difficult than others and this post is about making it more simple by providing good data sources so those who choose to get away from the hustle and manic pace of Bangkok.

A well informed traveler is a better traveler and with that in mind, please continue reading below.

First you need to know which bus station in Bangkok is best suited for making the trip to Koh Chang as there are two main bus stations from which you can depart, Mo Chit and Ekamai.

Mo Chit is in the north western part of the city and near a BTS stop, whereas Ekamai is very near the CBD (central business district) of the city.  Depending on where you are located, both can be accessed by using a combination of MRT and BTS lines or simply just the BTS line(s).

The Ekamai bus station is located within 100 meters from the Ekamai BTS stop.  As I wrote, it is very simple to get to this BTS stop from almost any place in the city by using the MRT & BTS systems.

Once there, this will be your departure point to the peace and quite you are seeking at Koh Chang but now that you are at this bus station, you need to get a bus ticket.

But before you get that bus ticket you need to understand a bit about the route and how to get to the departing piers over to the island.  This route will either take Trat or directly to the departing piers.

First, there are two ways to arrive at the piers.  Option 1 is by taking the bus to Trat then transferring to another bus to the pier of your choice (there are 3), Koh Chang Ferry Pier (Ao Thammachart), Center Point Ferry Pier and Laem Ngob Pier.  The second option is to book a bus directly to the departing ferry piers going to Koh Chang.

After you have decided which pier you are going to, you need the bus and this can be a bit confusing but not overwhelming.

There are basically three bus companies that go that direction, the government buses, and two private bus companies.  All three have basically the same fare costs so it is not always about costs but about departure and arrival times.

The government bus ticket windows are at the entrance of the station on the left, the private bus company ticket windows are just inside the station on your right and straight ahead, they are easy to see.

With all that in mind, I am directing you to an excellent resource which has all the data that I would write but why duplicate what is already done.  The web resource is called IamKonchang and if you click here, this will open a new window or tab with a direct link to their web site.

This is a very well constructed web site which if you explore it, you will find all the information you need, including other data such as hotels.  It also gives data and information for other islands in the region.

Lastly, to conclude the transport data needed, click here to see the ferry schedules and opions.

I will also include this link to a company I personally use named 12GoAsia where you can book online transportation from Bangkok to Koh Chang with the many options they offer. The reputation of this company is very excellent which is why I endorse their services.

To close, personally I prefer the bus from Bangkok to Trat instead of a packed mini-van due to the luggage issues of a mini-van. I have traveled this route many times and use both bus or mini-van depending on circunstances but I can definitely say the bus is a much more comfortable option.

My work here is done, now it is your research or lack thereof that will define your journey and how much trouble you avoid.

Travel Safe, Travel Happy