A Tropical Destination less Travelled, just Waiting to be Discovered
Koh Chang is the second largest island in the Kingdom of Thailand and largest in the 40-plus Mu Ko Chang Marine Park. The archipelago is located in the north eastern corner of the Gulf of Thailand and can claim a wide variety of landscapes. Original rainforest, beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains, crashing waterfalls and colourful coral reefs are all within reach on a sailing holiday charter, as is an abundance of marine life on and in the water.
The Koh Chang base is in a beautiful place and getting there was part of the adventure. Even though Koh Chang seems hard to get to it really isn’t. The transfers were really easy and also the ferry.
Highlights were Koh Rang & Koh Kut. South Koh Kut is not to be missed. These island were a stand out although everywhere was pristine and perfect, and the food was amazing.
Daniel, Australia, January 2025
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Experiencing Koh Chang Archipelago by Charter Boat
The archipelago's main island Koh Chang lies a short ferry ride from mainland Thailand. The nearest airport is at Trat, which has daily flights from Bangkok. Then it's a short bus or taxi ride to the dock and a 30-minute ride on a modern vehicle ferry.
Once on the island, you need to get to the charter base at the small fishing village of Salakpet. Taxis may be hard to come by and it is best to organise transfers when making your boat booking. Transfers can also be arranged between town accommodation and the boat, and from the stores when provisioning.
Provisioning on the island is straightforward as long as you have time on arrival. It is a good idea to spend at least a day on Koh Chang before your charter begins. Makro is the single large store, convenient but with many of its goods traded in bulk. Makro is excellent for buying meat, fresh produce and most provisions. If you find you have to buy more than you'll need of anything, also call at the 7 Eleven Thanks to charterer Daniel for these valuable tips!
Once in Salakpet the appeal of Koh Chang is immediately apparent and a wonderful voyage of discovery awaits. The truth about Koh Chang is that there are so many islands of different shapes and sizes, all with sailing holiday attractions, that deciding which way to travel is the hardest part. Most seven-day itineraries include the islands of Koh Rang, Koh Mak and at the turnaround point of Koh Kut (aka Koh Kood), Each has its own appeal, and along the way a myriad of islets beckon for a stop to lunch and swim.
Sailing Conditions in the Gulf of Thailand
The boat charter season in the Koh Chang islands runs October to April, which with Koh Samui’s alternate season makes sailing in the Gulf of Thailand a year-round activity.
Around Koh Chang the season aligns with the northeast monsoon, and the anchorages facing south are perfect for overnighting. Winds of up to 25 knots can be expected, especially early in the season. From January they tend to ease and become more variable, but there are always good sailing conditions in warm temperatures are comfortable seas.
Late in the season as the northeast monsoon weakens the winds can turn southerly, opening up further options for anchoring in comfort.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Koh Chang
Rating: 5 / 5The Koh Chang Base is in a beautiful place and getting there was part of the adventure. Even though Koh Chang seems hard to get to it really isn’t. The transfers were really easy and also the ferry.
The boat was adequate for the area and the type of sailing required. It was perfectly presented and everything worked.
Highlights: Koh Rang & Koh Kut. These island were a stand out although everywhere was pristine and perfect. The food was amazing. Raymond and team at Island Spirit Koh Chang were amazing, Friendly and super helpful.
Daniel, Australia, Jan 22nd, 2025
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