Koh Chang Ranong
A tranquil island paradise in Ranong, Thailand, offering secluded beaches, natural harmony, and a peaceful escape from the modern world.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, ideal for beach days
Koh Chang Ranong
Best Time
Dry season, ideal for beach days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil island paradise in Ranong, Thailand, offering secluded beaches, natural harmony, and a peaceful escape from the modern world.
"The best island I have ever been to! If you are looking for an island to spend quiet and peaceful moments, Koh Chang is totally for you."
Pack Cash! 💰
There are no ATMs on the island, so bring enough cash for your stay.
Embrace the Quiet 🧘♀️
This island is for true relaxation. Expect limited electricity and a break from constant connectivity.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Secluded Beaches
Various locations across the island
Discover endless, often deserted beaches with a unique blend of white and black sand. Perfect for quiet contemplation.
Natural Harmony
Throughout the island
Experience an island largely untouched, living in harmony with nature. Resorts prioritize preserving the natural environment.
Tranquil Sunsets
Western-facing beaches
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the sea, a daily ritual that enhances the island's peaceful ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Koh Chang Ranong
Island Vibe & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Cash! 💰
There are no ATMs on the island, so bring enough cash for your stay.
Embrace the Quiet 🧘♀️
This island is for true relaxation. Expect limited electricity and a break from constant connectivity.
Respect Local Customs 🙏
Be mindful of local sensitivities, especially regarding smoking, and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
Travel Light 🎒
Getting to the island involves ferries, so pack efficiently for easier transit.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Cash! 💰
There are no ATMs on the island, so bring enough cash for your stay.
Embrace the Quiet 🧘♀️
This island is for true relaxation. Expect limited electricity and a break from constant connectivity.
Respect Local Customs 🙏
Be mindful of local sensitivities, especially regarding smoking, and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
Travel Light 🎒
Getting to the island involves ferries, so pack efficiently for easier transit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Koh Chang Ranong is lauded as a peaceful, beautiful island with welcoming locals and stunning natural scenery, particularly its unique beaches and sunsets. However, a significant drawback for some visitors is the widespread prevalence of smoking in public areas, which can detract from the experience for those sensitive to it. The island's limited electricity and lack of ATMs are also points to note.
"The best island I have ever been to! If you are looking for an island to spend quiet and peaceful moments, Koh Chang is totally for you. I have the best experience in my life here. I met so many welcoming locals and experienced travelers and also got to enjoy sunsets by the beach every single day! Sometimes we need to unwind and live a simple life like this. I will definitely go back to visit❤️"
Shampoo T.
"I love this island, especially the amazing hospitality from the locals, but I feel the need to warn newcomers...
✅️ If you are a smoker or believe you are fit and healthy, Koh Chang is your paradise.
❌️ If you are part of a sensitive group—people with health concerns, families with kids, or pregnant women—please read this carefully.
I am a Bangkok resident with respiratory issues who fled the city during the polluted season to work and relax near the sea and nature. Koh Chang was my destination. This was my second time here, but during my first visit, I stayed too briefly to notice one key fact about this island: smokers are everywhere.
Smokers are unavoidable here. Even if you try to stay in your own space, they will be nearby, even when kids are present. From restaurants to the beaches, there is no truly smoke-free space if you're looking for fresh air. I don’t understand how this is possible, given that smoking in non-smoking areas has been prohibited in Thailand since 2008.
As a member of a sensitive group, I asked for kindness and empathy to let me breathe. Some considerate people understood and respected this, but some just responded with rudeness and selfishness, as if it were my fault for being here.
As a Thai citizen, I started questioning why foreigners seem to have the freedom to break laws so easily in my country.
As a human being, it’s heartbreaking that, in 2025, we all know how harmful secondhand smoke is to health, yet this issue persists.
As a Thai who loves my country, I wonder if these smokers who keep returning to Koh Chang and claim to love it truly care about the locals. If their smoking causes health issues for the local people, will they help pay for medical bills or take any responsibility? Access to healthcare isn’t easy for everyone here.
As a world traveler, I have visited over 30 countries, I have never seen a place where people smoke absolutely everywhere like this.
As someone from Bangkok, I envy people who live in places with clean air. We, in Bangkok or northern Thailand, have to spend so much on air purifiers, masks, and medicine just to survive pollution.
As a visitor, I can leave for a better place with fresher air. But the locals can not. Their children cannot. Even the Burmese workers here don’t have much choice but to endure secondhand smoke every day.
As a young Asian woman, I don’t know if I would be treated with more respect if I were older, of a different race, or a different gender—like the majority of tourists here.
I know this review won’t change anything, and I know why. But at the very least, if you are part of a sensitive group and planning to visit Koh Chang, I hope this review helps you make a safer choice."
Nititanita Chen
"Extremely nice and quiet island. Beautiful long beach with the harmony of white and black sand. This island is almost 100% live along with nature. All the resort try to keep the nature as much as possible which that very good for nature. The water is clear and clean. Most of accommodation in this island have allow to use electricity for 3-4 hours per day this is why this island is the perfect place to relax. This island will open for tourist around 6 months per year."
Kanthapohn Saikhao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is a roughly 5-hour bus journey from Bangkok to Ranong, followed by a short ferry ride to Koh Chang. Some travelers opt for flights to Ranong for a quicker, though more expensive, option. +1
While it requires a bit of effort, the journey is part of what keeps Koh Chang Ranong less crowded. The ferry crossing is generally short and straightforward.
Direct options are limited. Most travelers combine bus or van services from major cities like Bangkok with a ferry.
Ferry schedules can vary, especially during the low season. It's advisable to check with local operators upon arrival in Ranong for the most up-to-date times.
You can fly into Ranong Airport (UNN), which is the closest airport. From there, you'll need to arrange onward transport to the ferry terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For the ferry, it's usually possible to purchase tickets at the pier. Accommodation bookings are recommended in advance, especially during peak season.
There are typically no specific entrance fees to the island itself, but ferry tickets and accommodation costs will apply.
Ferries generally operate during daylight hours. It's best to confirm the last departure time from Ranong to avoid being stranded.
While Koh Chang is known for its natural beauty, specific national park fees are not widely reported for this particular island in Ranong province.
Yes, some accommodations are available for online booking, but for a more authentic experience or to secure specific bungalows, direct contact or booking upon arrival might be an option.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Many accommodations on Koh Chang Ranong provide electricity for only a few hours a day, typically in the evening. This is part of the island's charm for those seeking a digital detox.
No, there are no ATMs on Koh Chang Ranong. It is essential to bring sufficient cash for all your expenses, including accommodation, food, and activities.
You'll find beautiful, often secluded beaches with a unique mix of white and black sand. They are generally clean and well-maintained, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
While beautiful, the prevalence of smoking on beaches and in public areas might be a concern for families with young children or those with respiratory sensitivities.
Activities often revolve around enjoying the natural beauty: relaxing on beaches, swimming, exploring the island's nature, and witnessing sunsets. Some videos mention elephants on the island. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are typically found at resorts and local eateries, offering fresh seafood and Thai cuisine. Expect a relaxed, informal dining experience.
While Thai cuisine offers vegetarian options, it's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to the restaurant staff.
The number of restaurants is limited, reflecting the island's quiet and undeveloped nature. Most dining will be at your accommodation or small local spots.
Food prices are generally reasonable, aligning with the island's reputation as a budget-friendly destination.
Some bungalows or accommodations might offer basic cooking facilities, but this is not guaranteed. It's best to inquire directly with your chosen lodging.
📸 📸 Photography
The beaches, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer stunning photographic opportunities. The island's natural landscapes and unique sand formations are also great subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and be respectful of privacy before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beaches and landscapes. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky, especially during sunset.
Many travelers highlight the beauty of the sunsets and the unique sand textures on the beaches as prime photography subjects.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family prioritizes a smoke-free environment, you may want to consider alternative destinations or ensure your accommodation offers a private, designated smoke-free space. The limited electricity hours might also be a factor to consider for families relying heavily on electronic devices for entertainment or comfort.
💰 Budget Travelers
Remember to bring enough cash, as ATMs are not available on the island. This will cover your expenses for food, accommodation, and any activities. Embrace the island's simple lifestyle, including the limited electricity, which is part of its charm and contributes to its affordability.
🧘♀️ Travelers Seeking Peace and Quiet
Be prepared for a slower pace and fewer amenities. The lack of ATMs and limited power are features, not bugs, for those seeking a genuine escape. Enjoy the stunning sunsets and the peaceful rhythm of island life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Koh Chang Ranong: A Traveler's Guide
For those seeking a slightly faster route, flying into Ranong Airport (UNN) is an option. However, this typically involves connecting flights and adds to the overall cost. Regardless of the chosen method, planning your transport in advance is crucial, especially if you're arriving late in the day, as ferry services operate on specific schedules.
Travelers often share tips on booking transport, with some suggesting that purchasing ferry tickets at the pier is usually straightforward. The journey, though requiring some effort, is widely considered worth it for the tranquil paradise that awaits.
The Unique Island Experience of Koh Chang Ranong
The island's beaches are a major draw, praised for their beauty and tranquility. Visitors often describe them as secluded, with a unique blend of white and black sand, offering a peaceful escape from crowded tourist spots.
However, potential visitors should be aware of the prevalence of smoking in public areas, including beaches and restaurants. This has been a point of concern for some travelers, particularly those with health sensitivities or families with young children, as it can detract from the experience of enjoying fresh air.
Budget-Friendly Stays and Island Life
Accommodation on the island often reflects its natural ethos, with some places offering a more rustic experience. This can include limited electricity, as mentioned, and a focus on simple living. It's important for visitors to be prepared for these aspects, as they are integral to the island's charm and appeal for those seeking an escape from modern conveniences.
Given the lack of ATMs, carrying sufficient cash is a critical tip for anyone planning a visit. This ensures smooth transactions for accommodation, food, and any small purchases, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the relaxed island life without financial worries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit