Ko Chang Transportation

To get around Ko Chang, you can take a "Song Taew" taxi. Simply just tell them where you want to go, like which beach you're heading to.

Sometimes the taxi wont pick you up when its actually empty. That's cos its not his round to pick up people. Wait for a while, see a taxi with people, then hop in.

The daily ferry to Ko Chang leaves from Laem Ngop, about 80km (50 miles) southeast of Chanthaburi and 8km (5 miles) south of the coastal Highway 3.
We bought a ticket in Bangkok for transportation to the ferry. It turned out to be a bad deal, although we saved money, we had to wait for hours for a connection. Shop around a little and ask other travelers what their experiences are regarding the transport. Also check prices, because there are major differences!

There is also the possibility of doing the trip by yourself, but it won't save you any money. It will be more expensive and more work for planning.

A very pleasant way to explore the island is by motorbike. You can rent them all over the island and around $5 a day. The roads can be a little bit tricky, because they are not so wide and there are many unexpected turns. Which makes is sometime impossible to see if there is traffic coming from the opposite side.
The good thing about going around on the motorbike is open air. In one day you can explore the whole island.

There are many ways to get to Koh Chnag, but they are all very similar. The cheapest way to do it is by taking the public bus from Bangkok to Trat and from there take the ferry to Koh Chang. However, it is more comfortable to take a van, booked off of Khao San Road, or a tourist bus, also booked from a travel agency on Khao San Road. I took a 10-seater van right from Khao San Road to the ferry pier in Trat. Note that if you book from an agency on Khao San Road ask if the ferry ticket is included. A seat on a van shouldn't cost more than 300 Baht. The ferry ride takes about forty minutes, and is interesting. You pass many islands and old colorful boats, traveling on the aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand. On the ferry there is an ice-cream/drink stand. When you arrive in Koh Chang you can either take a taxi to your guest house/beach or transportation provided by your hotel (set up before hand).

TRAT is the main gateway from Bangkok to Koh Chang.

TRAT is easily accessible by bus, car, rail. There are flights to trat as well.

By Bus, leave from eastern terminal (Ekamai Station) heading from Trat.

Once in Trat, connect by ferry to Koh Chang from one of the three piers: Ao Thammachat (found this one to be the fastest / closest), Center Point, or Koh Chang Ferry pier. Ferries also transfer vehicles.

All ferries leave the terminal on an hourly basis from both ends: 1st run at 7am and last run at 7pm. (time may change depending on the season)

Upon ariving on Koh Chang, some minibus are available to take you to your destinations.

While on the islands, one can rent bikes and motorcycles.... please see my tourist trap info. for rentals.