Probably the best value way to travel between Bangkok and Koh Chang is by private transfer by car or minivan.
This is a door to door service from hotels in central Bangkok areas, Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport to your resort on Koh Chang. Or if you are heading to Koh Mak or Koh kood, you’d be dropped off at Laem Ngop or Laem Sok, the piers for passenger boats to those islands.
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
Flying to Trat Airport takes under an hour from Suvarnabhumi and is the quickest way to get to Koh Chang. However, as Bangkok Airways own the airport and operate all the flights, prices tend to expensive. Especially when compared to the prices for budget flights from Bangkok to the north and south of Thailand. Expect to pay 2,500 – 4,000 Baht per person during High Season. Plus transport from central Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi and transport from Trat Airport to Koh Chang.
The cheapest options are buses and minibuses, but they can be slow. These services are reliable but are best suited for people who are on a tight budget or aren’t in a hurry to get to the island.
A private transfer by car or minibus, is door to door, and is only for you and your partner or friends and family. You can choose the time the driver picks you up and you can choose when you stop on the way for a coffee or snack. Far more convenient than taking the bus and far cheaper than flying.
But . . . not everyone reading this will want to pay for a private transfer. Some will be on a tight budget and many people simply enjoy bus travel. In which case schedules and online booking for tickets for buses and minibuses from Bangkok to Koh Chang are below. Click the links for more detailed timetables and ticket fares.
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 700 6h – 8h 30m | |
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| Taxi Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 3,250–8,228 4h 25m – 7h | |
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| Ferry Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 1,000–1,200 7h 30m – 10h 30m | |
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| Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 3,650–8,228 4h 15m – 7h | |
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| Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 3,550–8,228 4h 25m – 7h | |
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How Long Does It Take to Get to Koh Chang?
From the centre of Bangkok to the mainland pier is around 5 hours. 30 minutes less if you are coming from Suvarnabhumi. 30 minutes more if you are coming from Don Meuang. However, this does depend on traffic in Bangkok and road conditions on the way. Plus how often you decide to stop for a break during the journey.
Koh Chang ferries depart around every 45 minutes. Drivers always use the ‘Ferry Koh Chang‘ service which is much quicker than the Trat Ferry (Centrepoint) service. The crossing time is around 30 minutes. Once you reach Koh Chang it will be anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour drive, depending on where you are staying on the island.
At peak times, such as New Year , Thai New Year (Songkran, long weekend holidays, the ferries can be very busy. Extra time will be required to allow for any delays, especially if you are leaving the island and have a flight to catch in Bangkok.
Who provides the transfer service?
We have lived on Koh Chang since 2003 and have been arranging transfers since 2006. The drivers are mostly based on Koh Chang and many have worked with us for over a decade. The standard of English may vary, but the drivers are trustworthy, safe and polite.
The private minivans used are Toyota Commuter minibuses, best for 3 to 7 people with luggage. In the majority of cases, the private cars used are Toyota or Honda models suitable for 2 Adults or 2 Adults and a small child.
Private Transfer Prices to / from Koh Chang
The prices are per vehicle NOT per person. Prices are fixed, so everyone pays the same. No advance payment is required. Payment is to the driver, in cash, when you arrive safely at your destination.
Prices include tax, driver, gasoline, expressway tolls and ferry tickets to Koh Chang. ( Tickets to Koh Mak or Koh Kood aren’t included. These can be bought when you arrive at the mainland pier.
For transfers by minivan, additional passengers are charged 100 Baht per person, to a maximum of 7 passengers per minibus.
| To / From Koh Chang | By Car/Van* (Max 2 People)
Price THB |
By Van (3-4 People)
Price THB |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Koh Chang | 4,600 | 5,100 |
| Don Meuang Airport, Bangkok – Koh Chang | 4,800 | 5,300 |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Laem Sok or Laem Ngop (Koh Kood or Koh Mak boats) | 4,400 | 4,900 |
| Trat Airport – Koh Chang | 1,900 | 2,500 |
| Trat Airport – Laem Sok or Laem Ngop (Koh Kood or Koh Mak boats | 1,500 | 1,800 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Pattaya / 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 or 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 |
* Note that cars are usually used for transfers for two passengers. But on busy occasions a van might be substituted at no extra cost. If you specifically want a car, please let me know when you book.
** Infant’s or Children’s car seats are 200 Baht each. Maximum of Two per vehicle.
How do I Book a Private Transfer?
Simple. Please use the form below to send an enquiry. I will reply, usually within a few hours, to confirm the availability and price. Then if you decide you book, just let me know.