Dave
Jess
&
Getting there
There are two ways in which you can get to Koh Chang - by road or by air. Either way you have to get the ferry across to the island.
It is recommended that you use the ferry dock of ‘Ferry Koh Chang’, known as Ao Thammachat to most Thais. It takes less time to make the crossing and goes every 45 minutes from 7am to 7pm.
Leaving Bangkok by road you can hire a car, get a private hire minibus, get a public bus or get a shared transfer minibus. Last time we went we were in a shared transfer minibus from the airport, be warned they squeeze as many people in as they can so there isn't much room. You can get a bus from Ekkamai bus terminal in Bangkok but you will need to get yourself to the station. Reveiws say these are more comfortable then the minibuses as they have more room and it's a cheaper option, however, travel is slower,
Driving time from Bangkok Airport to the mainland pier is around 3 and a half to four hours. From the centre of Bangkok add on another 30-45 minutes. The ferry from Trat leaves every 45 minutes. Once you get off the ferry there are plenty of taxi's that will take you to Klong Prao beach. Taxi's are basically pick up trucks with about 10 people sat in the back and luggage stored on the roof!
We are taking a private hire mini bus from Bangkok which we have arranged with the hotel. We can sort this out for you to but be aware it is a minimum of six passengers maximum of 9. Private hire minibus costs in the region of £100 so obviously the higher the occupancy the less you pay. You won't need to get a taxi when you unboard from the ferry as the minibus will take you directly to your hotel.
The nearest airport to Koh Chang is Trat. To fly from Bangkok to Trat is about 40 minutes. The prices are around £150 return which is quite steep when you think a mini bus is probably about £20 each. Also, whilst flight time is 40 minutes you still need to take into account check in and getting from the airport to the ferry dock, the crossing and the transport on the other side.