Pattaya to Koh Chang: car, ferry and timing
Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s largest islands, with jungle hills, waterfalls and long beaches on its west coast. From Pattaya you can be there the same day: a drive east to Trat province, then a short car ferry across to the island.
The route
The drive from Pattaya to the Ao Thammachat ferry pier in Trat province is about 270 km, through Rayong and Chanthaburi, and takes around three and a half to four hours. With the ferry crossing and the drive to your beach, plan on four and a half to five hours door to door.
The ferry
- Car ferries cross from Ao Thammachat pier on the mainland to Ao Sapparot on Koh Chang.
- The crossing takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Ferries run from early morning until early evening, about 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, every 30 to 60 minutes.
- Tickets are sold for cash at the pier. You do not need to book ahead.
Ferry times change with the season and the weather, so check the current timetable a few days before you travel.
When to set off
To reach the island in daylight, leave Pattaya by late morning. That gets you to the pier in the middle of the afternoon, well before the last ferries. On Friday afternoons and around Thai public holidays the queue for the car ferry is longer, so leave earlier.
From May to October the sea can be rougher and the crossing slower. If you get seasick easily, take something for it before you board.
How far the beaches are
Most hotels are on the west coast, along one road. White Sand Beach is the closest of the main beaches, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from the ferry. Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach are further south on the same road, up to about 50 minutes away.
Getting there with Orange Taxi
Our fixed fares from Pattaya to Koh Chang are for the whole car:
- Toyota Camry, 1–3 people: 3,300 baht
- Toyota Innova, 4–5 people: 3,400 baht
- Toyota Fortuner, 4–5 people: 3,500 baht
- Toyota Commuter van, for larger groups: 4,500 baht
Tell us your hotel on Koh Chang and the day you want to travel, and we plan the departure time around the ferry. Book on WhatsApp, or see all routes on our fare board.