Trat Airport only has a limited service from Bangkok. It’s not possible to fly to Trat from other destinations in Thailand. Likewise, many visitors my fly to Trat and then decide to head back to Bangkok overland. Or head elsewhere in Thailand for example to Koh Samet or Pattaya. Or even to the Cambodian border. For this road transport is required.
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
Flying to Trat Airport takes under an hour from Suvarnabhumi and is the quickest way to get to Koh Chang. However, as Bangkok Airways own the airport and operate all the flights, prices tend to high. Especially when compared to the prices for budget flights from Bangkok to the north and south of Thailand. Expect to pay 2,500 – 4,000 Baht per person during High Season. Plus transport from central Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi and transport from Trat Airport to Koh Chang.
The cheapest options are buses and minibuses, but they can be slow. These services are reliable but are best suited for people who are on a tight budget or aren’t in a hurry to get to the island. And following the coronavirus scare many visitors may think twice about spending a few hours in a packed bus or minibus with strangers.
A private transfer by car or minibus, is door to door, and is only for you and your partner or friends and family. You can choose the time the driver picks you up and you can choose when you stop on the way for a coffee or snack. Far more convenient than taking the bus and far cheaper than flying. This is a door to door service with no hidden extras.
However, not everyone reading this will have the budget for a Bangkok Airways flight or want to pay for a private transfer. In which case schedules and online booking for tickets for buses and minibuses from Bangkok to Koh Chang are below. Click the links for more detailed timetables and ticket fares.
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 490 7h 30m | |
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| Ferry Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 600 7h 30m – 9h | |
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| Van Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 450–1,290 7h – 8h | |
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| Bus Suvarnabhumi Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 680 7h 10m | |
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| Van Suvarnabhumi Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 700–890 6h 30m – 7h | |
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Private Transfer Prices to / from Koh Chang
The prices are per vehicle NOT per person. Prices are fixed, so everyone pays the same. No advance payment is required. You can pay the driver, in cash, when you arrive at your destination.
Prices include tax, driver, gasoline, expressway tolls and ferry tickets to Koh Chang. (Tickets to Koh Mak or Koh Kood aren’t included. If you’re going to those islands you will be dropped off at the mainland pier where you can buy tickets. )
For transfers by minivan, any additional passengers are charged 100 Baht per person, to a maximum of 7 passengers per minibus.
| To / From Koh Chang | By Car/Van* (Max 2 People) Price THB | By Van (3-4 People) Price THB |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Koh Chang | 4,600 | 5,100 |
| Don Meuang Airport, Bangkok – Koh Chang | 4,800 | 5,300 |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Laem Sok or Laem Ngop (Koh Kood or Koh Mak boats) | 4,200 | 4,900 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Pattaya / Utapao Airport | 3,900 | 4,200 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Ban Phe Pier (For Koh Samet) | 3,700 | 4,100 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Border at Hat Lek (For Phnom Penh) | 3,400 | 3,600 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Aranyaprathet Border (For Siem Reap) | 3,600 | 4,100 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Pailin Border (For Battambang) | 3,400 | 3,600 |
* Note that cars are usually used for transfers for two passengers. But on busy occasions a van might be substituted at no extra cost. If you specifically want a car, please let me know when you book.
** Infant’s or Children’s car seats are 200 Baht each. Maximum of Two per vehicle.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Koh Chang?
From the centre of Bangkok to the mainland pier is around 5 hours. 30 minutes less if you are coming from Suvarnabhumi. 30 minutes more if you are coming from Don Meuang. However, this does depend on traffic in Bangkok and road conditions on the way. Plus how often you decide to stop for a break during the journey.
Ferries depart around every 45 minutes. Drivers always use the ‘Ferry Koh Chang‘ service which is much quicker than the Centrepoint service. The crossing time is around 30 minutes. Once you reach Koh Chang it will be anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour drive, depending on where you are staying on the island.
At peak times, such as New Year , Thai New Year (Songkran, long weekend holidays, the ferries can be very busy. Extra time will be required to allow for any delays, especially if you are leaving the island and have a flight to catch at Trat Airport or in Bangkok.
Who Provides the Transfer Service?
Ian and Mam from the Iamkohchang.com website have been living on Koh Chang since 2003 and have been arranging transfers since 2006. The drivers are mostly based on Koh Chang and many have worked with them for over a decade. The standard of English may vary, but the drivers are trustworthy, safe and polite.
The private minivans used are Toyota Commuter minibuses, best for 3 to 7 people with luggage. In the majority of cases, the private cars used are Toyota or Honda models suitable for 2 Adults or 2 Adults and a baby / toddler.
How do I Book a Private Transfer?
Simple. Please use the form below to send an enquiry. I will reply, usually within a few hours, to confirm the availability and price. Then if you decide you book, just let me know.