Logistics: Getting to Koh Chang
4TH DECEMBER 2019
Getting to Koh Chang from Bangkok
Getting to Koh Chang couldn't be easier! But for your peace of mind and a hassle free journey, here's how you get there!
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1. Government Bus to Ferry Point
We're sure you can pre-book your bus but in true backpacker style we just rocked up to the bus station and hopped on, which always works out cheaper and is so easy. We booked an Uber from our hotel near Khao San Road which took A LOT longer than we expected, make sure you factor in crazy Bangkok traffic!! We were dropped at the door where there was a conductor waiting, he asked us where we wanted to go, booked our tickets for the #999 bus and we hopped on the bus parked right in front of the door. Departure times are 07.45am & 09.00am every day, one-way costs 260Bhat/ person, and takes 5-6 hours to get to the ferry point.
2. Arriving at the Dock
You'll be dropped right in front of the check-in desk where you can purchase your ferry tickets. You simply tell them if you want a single or return (it works out the same price either way, it just means you have your return ticket and can rock up at the ferry point on the Koh Chang side whenever you want, BUT if you miss place things a lot, just get a single), they'll write up your ticket and you'll be on your way. A one-way ticket costs 80Bhat.
3. Shuttle Bus
You'll most likely have to wait around the check-in area for a bit, transport is never on time anywhere. You'll be directed about 100m to a shuttle 'bus' down to the dock. It's not the most luxurious bus (no back wall and wooden benches), but don't worry its only about 3 mins and it's free.
4. The Ferry
They'll most likely position all the vehicles on first (if you're wanting to take a vehicle to Koh Chang it'll cost you about 100bhat per way), which means a bit more waiting around. Once you're ushered on, head upstairs and take a seat, we even did some sunbathing at the front. The journey is only about 30/40 mins, but there are refreshments on board.
5. When you get to Koh Chang
There'll be a rush to get off the ferry as if there's a few people they'll want to get the first taxi jeep! You'll have to wait for the vehicles to be ushered off first, and then there'll be loads of taxis with fixed prices waiting to take you to your hotel/ homestay. The drivers will pack as many people in as possible depending on where you're going. Our stop was the last stop (BangBao) so we sat comfortably up front! When you want to return to mainland, your hotel/ homestay will be able to organise a taxi to take you back to the pier. The ferry runs from 6.00am to 19.00pm. If you want to get the government bus back to Bangkok make sure you're there well in time for either the 14.30pm bus or the 16.30pm bus.
This should be everything you need to know for a stress-free journey to Koh Chang! Now all you need to do is get excited for a taste of real Thailand! Check out our guide for our favourite places to relax in Koh Chang.
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