The eastern side of Koh Chang, located in Trat Province and recognized as Thailand’s second-largest island, is notably quieter when set against the more developed western coast. This shoreline runs for about 20 kilometers along the Gulf of Thailand and is shaped by mangrove belts, small-scale fishing villages, and scattered, less visited coves with light golden to grey sand. Areas such as Salak Khok Bay are known for their mangrove waterways, while Tan Mayom is associated with nearby inland waterfalls. The coast faces toward the mainland and Cambodia and has seen limited construction over time.
This part of the island falls within Mu Ko Chang National Park and is overseen by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, which places emphasis on preservation rather than tourism growth. Visitors here are usually those interested in nature, quiet surroundings, or activities like kayaking, instead of crowded beach life. Although less commercial, the area can be reached by road from the west, making it suitable for short visits or longer stays in small eco-style lodgings, where low-impact travel and conservation are generally given priority.
Fun Fact About East Coast Koh Chang
One interesting feature of Koh Chang’s eastern coastline is Salak Khok Bay, which contains one of the larger mangrove areas in Thailand that can still be explored by kayak. The name of the bay comes from the salak palm ( Salacca zalacca ), which grows naturally in the area. At low tide, it is possible to move slowly through narrow water passages, where dense mangrove roots, mudskippers, and birds such as kingfishers are commonly seen. The setting feels more like a quiet forest waterway than a typical island bay, an experience that is relatively rare on many Thai islands.
History of East Coast Koh Chang
The eastern side of Koh Chang has long been occupied by Thai-Chinese fishing families, with settlements such as Salak Phet and Salak Khok forming more than one hundred years ago. These communities depended mainly on fishing, small-scale seafood trade, and the planting of rubber trees and fruit gardens. The name Koh Chang, meaning “Elephant Island,” refers to the island’s outline, while the east coast functioned as a protected anchorage, especially useful during the monsoon months.
For much of the mid-twentieth century, Koh Chang remained remote because of malaria and poor transport links, and daily life was limited mostly to coconut growing and coastal fishing. Road access began only in the 1970s, yet development on the eastern coast stayed minimal. After the establishment of Mu Ko Chang National Park in 1982, the area came under formal protection for its forests and marine zones. Tourism appeared gradually in the early 2000s, mainly through small eco-lodges and mangrove excursions, supported by improved ferry services around 2003. In the following decade, management policies emphasized sustainability, restricting large resorts and encouraging village-based tourism in places like Salak Phet, so that both natural landscapes and local traditions could be maintained.
Things to Do at East Coast Koh Chang
Activities along the eastern coast of Koh Chang are generally centered on nature, quiet movement, and unhurried observation rather than mass tourism. Visitors often explore the mangrove waterways of Salak Khok Bay by kayak, either independently or with local guides who explain the surrounding wildlife and traditional fishing practices; rental and guide fees are usually in the range of THB 300–500 per hour. Than Mayom Waterfall is frequently included in visits to the eastern side of the island. Entry is regulated by the national park authority, with an entrance fee of approximately THB 200, though this may vary slightly by season.
Nearby fishing villages, particularly Salak Phet, may also be explored at a relaxed pace. In periods of dry weather, snorkeling and limited diving excursions to adjacent reef areas are sometimes organized by local resorts. Prices usually fall between THB 1,500 and 3,000, depending on how far the site is and the length of the trip, and arrangements are often made a day in advance. Those seeking quiet beach time often choose less frequented shores like Long Beach (Hat Sai Yao), which remains largely undeveloped.
Light hiking routes also exist, leading to modest viewpoints that look across the Gulf of Thailand toward the Cambodian coastline. Meals are commonly taken at village restaurants serving grilled fish, tom yum soups, and seasonal desserts such as mango with sticky rice, with prices usually between THB 150 and 400 per dish. In addition, short boat journeys to nearby small islands are possible, mainly for picnics and casual bird observation, depending on sea conditions.
How to Reach the East Coast of Koh Chang
Travel to the east coast requires first reaching Koh Chang Island. From Bangkok, visitors usually fly to Trat Airport, which takes around one hour. Ferries from Laem Ngop to Koh Chang operate frequently, with a crossing time of roughly 45 minutes and ticket prices ranging from THB 80 to 120.
For those already staying in Trat town, reaching the pier is simpler. Vans and taxis run regularly and take about 15 minutes to reach Laem Ngop Pier, with fares usually between THB 50 and 100, followed by the same ferry crossing to Koh Chang.
After arriving on Koh Chang, onward travel to the east coast can be done by renting a scooter or hiring a local taxi. Scooter rentals are commonly available for around THB 200 to 300 per day. Taxis from west coast areas such as White Sand Beach generally take 30 to 45 minutes to cross the island.
