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A Complete Travel Guide to Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

A Complete Travel Guide to Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

| Last Updated: March 2024

Despite the name, lonely could be the last thing you’ll be at Lonely Beach. For starters, the parties in this white sand beach paradise last up to the wee hours, almost daily—and that’s not even the best part!

So, in this guide, we’ll show you why Lonely Beach has become the irresistible beacon for tourism in Koh Chang. Read on to see how this destination fits your travel goals! 

Things to Know

Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66), (039)

Location: Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand

Nearest Major Island: Trat Province (4.8 km)

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Fee: Free

What is the reason behind Lonely Beach’s name?

Lonely Beach is a 1-kilometer beach with pearly white sands and blue waters, a trademark of the best beaches in Thailand. Besides that, it’s a haven for partygoers. 

Lonely Beach was named because years before, the beach was along steep hills and was hard to reach. Today, with a paved road, it has become a backpacker’s paradise making it a vibrant party beach on the island.

Once a largely undeveloped area, it’s now known as a destination with glitzy resorts and amenities. 

Best Time to Visit Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

The best time to visit Lonely Beach is in the middle of January until April. During this period, Koh Chang experiences less rainfall, and the temperature isn’t as hot as in the following months, so you get the ideal beach weather.

However, if you’re into surfing, the best time for the activity is during the monsoon season when you can catch big waves. Lonely Beach isn’t a renowned surfing spot, but surfing is better during the rainy season.

How to Get to Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

Lonely Beach is located on Koh Chang (Elephant Island), 300 kilometers East of Bangkok. 

The only way to get to Koh Chang is by boarding a ferry at the piers in Laem Ngop.

Ferry: Ao Thammachat Pier in Lang Ngop has ferries that take daily trips to Koh Chang, so it’s your best option to get to Lonely Beach. It’s also the pier nearest Trat Airport.

Your drop-off point in Koh Chang will be Ao Sapparot Pier, which is at the northern tip of the island.

Private Bus Transfer-Ferry: You can book a private bus transfer from Trat Airport or directly from Bangkok, which should take you to Centerpoint Pier in Laem Ngop. The bus transfer fee also covers the ferry ticket to Dan Kao Pier in Koh Chang.

Songthaew: Once you’ve disembarked in one of Koh Chang’s piers, find passing Songthaews that can take you to Lonely Beach for about 100 baht per person. This is the only public transport available because the island doesn’t have metered taxis.

Lonely Beach Express: At Entrance 8 of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s terminal building in Bangkok, you can book a non-stop minibus service to Lonely Beach called the Lonely Beach Express. 

This special service will take you to the beach without transferring you to other carriers. It’s also faster than public buses because you’ll only make a few stops at gas stations to refuel and give passengers a toilet break. 

Lonely Beach Express traverses the western rural road in Koh Chang and can drop you off near Siam Beach Resort in Lonely Beach. You must specify your drop-off point when booking this service if you want the bus to stop at any resorts along the way.

Rental Car or Motorbike: Renting a car or motorbike is perfect for getting to Lonely Beach at your own pace. Car rental companies are everywhere in Koh Chang, and one is close to Ao Sapparot Pier.

Driving your vehicle will take you 40 to 50 minutes to reach Lonely Beach.

What to See and Do in Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

Go for a swim at the beach’s warm waters

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Lonely Beach is a great place to go for a swim because of its calm and warm waters. The water is deeper than most beaches in Koh Chang, so you can enjoy swimming even during the low tide.

There are small shops along the beach where you can get beach floaters if you’re not a good swimmer or have kids over. The southern part of the beach is rockier and less suitable for swimming, but it’s a great spot for fishing.

Rent a kayak to explore the nearby shorelines

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Lonely Beach is a must-visit if your goal is to go kayaking in Koh Chang. There are rental kayaks in the shops along the shores, and you can take them to explore the island or its nearby islets.

If you’re traveling with someone, rent a two-person kayak for a fun experience. Keep your eyes peeled for sea eagles flying near the shore and hunting for fish or a sea snake.

Catch the waves at the beach’s sandbanks

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Lonely Beach isn’t an ideal destination for swimming and the family during the monsoon season, but it’s definitely worth visiting for surfing activities. 

The beach has a sandbank, so expect a relatively safe surfing session with no rocks or reefs to worry about – the ideal spot for surfing beginners. Shortboard and longboards are also available for rent at the small shops along the beach.

Have fun swinging at the beach

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If you like swings, Lonely Beach is for you. It has plenty of palm trees lining up next to the shores, so expect to see swings scattered around the area.

It also gives you the perfect chance to set up a hammock. This way, you can take a relaxing nap while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and the pleasant sound of the waves.

Watch Lonely Beach’s beautiful sunset

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Visiting Lonely Beach is a must for its beautiful sunsets alone. This place has one of the most beautiful golden hours you’ll witness from any island in the Gulf of Thailand.

The beach is also full of small bars, so you can go for afternoon drinks with your companions while enjoying the stunning view.

Join the night party at the beach

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Aside from being an affordable destination, Lonely Beach is also a well-known party place in Koh Chang. That’s why the crowds that it attracts are mostly backpackers who are also partygoers.

Expect to hear loud music from the beach bars every night and various fire dance shows. If you’re hoping to meet new drinking buddies, you’ll most definitely find someone who can hold his liquor here.

Book a snorkeling tour to the nearby islets

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Though Lonely Beach isn’t excellent for snorkeling, we can’t say the same about its nearby islets. Thalassophiles on our team say that Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Nok, Koh Pli, and Koh Yuak are among the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Koh Chang.

These islets are rich in marine life, so expect to see schools of fish, coral reefs, sea urchins, and more. Plus, they’re rarely visited by tourists so you’ll have these hidden gems to yourself on most days.

Visit Mu Koh Chang National Park

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Address: 23/7 หมู่ที่ 3 ตำบล เกาะช้าง ตำบล เกาะช้าง อำเภอ กิ่ง Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 39 510 928

Website: https://mukochangnationalpark.com/

Admission Cost: 200 baht (Adults) and 100 baht (Children)

This national park is a must-visit whenever you’re in Koh Chang for its diverse flora and fauna. It’s a great place to observe the local and migratory animals on the island.

Some notable animal sightings in the park include macaques, civets, deer, wild pigs, hornbills, sea eagles, sunbirds, mongoose, king cobras, and more. It’s also home to the endemic Koh Chang frog which was discovered here, hence its name.

However, some were later found to live in Southern Cambodia. There are also seven waterfalls scattered all over the island that the national park manages.

Take a dip at Khlong Chao Waterfall

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Address: เกาะกูด Ko Kut, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 77 445 127

Website: https://mukochangnationalpark.com/

Admission Cost: Free

Khlong Chao Waterfall is worth visiting because it has the perfect balance between beauty and tranquility. Unlike the more popular Khlong Plu or Than Mayom, this place doesn’t get as crowded so you can enjoy swimming in its cool waters in peace.

That also means you don’t have to pay an entry fee to this waterfall since the national park only requires a ticket for their two famous waterfalls. What more can you ask for?

Join a diving tour to the HTMS Chang Wreck

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Address: תאילנד Trat, Natural Bay Pier – Koh Chang, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

HTMS Chang Wreck is a diving spot for a sunken ship 13 kilometers southwest of Lonely Beach. It became an artificial reef, so expect to see plenty of fish and crustaceans residing on the ship’s wreckage.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale shark visiting HTMS Chang Wreck. It’s not a common sighting, so it’ll definitely make your diving experience unforgettable.

Koh Chang Divers is a notable diving agency on the island that offers diving courses and trips to this shipwreck. 

Enjoy the scenic view at Kai Bae Viewpoint

Address: Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

A trip to Lonely Beach isn’t complete without stopping by Kai Bae Viewpoint which is only 2 kilometers north. This place is the most famous viewpoint on the island for a reason — aside from the panoramic view, you get to see the islets west of Koh Chang.

Going here gives you the best chance to capture stunning and scenic photographs. It’s even more beautiful during the sunset, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity. 

Where to Stay in Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

Nature Beach Resort

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Address: Koh Chang, 98 Moo 4 Lonely Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 81 803 8933

Website: http://naturebeachresort.com/

Costs: ฿

Nature Beach Resort is in the heart of Lonely Beach so it’s a solid option if you plan to stay the night on Koh Chang. It’s not a luxury resort but it has a beachside spa center and restaurant so it’s one of the more comfortable accommodations in the area.

Overall, it’s a great place if you don’t want to miss the nightlife at the beach. With direct access to the beach, Nature Beach Resort is a wise choice when you’re on a budget and want to stretch your wallet some more. 

Sea Flower Resort

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Address: Koh Chang Tai, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 82 213 1100

Website: https://www.facebook.com/seaflowerkohchangtrat

Costs: ฿

Sea Flower Resort is one of the more unique hotels near Lonely Beach. It’s a beautiful seaside place with vibrant pink bungalows surrounded by trees and lush garden plants.

It’s also the most affordable accommodation on our list, so it’s worth booking here if you want to stay for several days. Though the bungalows are small, they have air conditioning and hot showers, so the cheap rent price is definitely a steal.

Bhumiyama Beach Resort & Spa

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Address: หาดท่าน้ำ Tambon Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) 

Contact Number: +66 81 860 4623

Website: https://www.facebook.com/bhumiyamakohchang/

Costs: ฿฿

If you want access to more facilities, this beach resort is the place to go. Bhumiyama Beach Resort & Spa has private villas and a large outdoor pool which makes it the most expensive hotel within Lonely Beach.

They even have BBQ facilities if you want to drink with your friends and family over grilled food. You can also book special Koh Chang tours from this hotel’s reception desk.

Siam Beach Resort

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Address: 100/1 Moo 4, Lonely Beach, Ko Chang, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 89 161 6664

Website: http://www.siambeachkohchang.com/

Costs: ฿

Siam Beach Resort is a fantastic hotel with modern and chic-looking rooms. It’s also not that expensive considering it has private pool villas and other facilities most hotels in Lonely Beach don’t have.

This place has the best-looking deluxe rooms within the beach area, so it’s your best option if you want comfortable and modern accommodation. Plus, you have an option of dining on the beach side, a perfect location for a romantic dinner. 

Oasis Koh Chang

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Address: 4/28 Moo 1, Lonely Beach, Koh Chang South, Trat 23170, Thailand, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 10:30 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 77 445 127

Website: https://www.oasis-kohchang.com/

Costs: ฿฿

For those who don’t mind walking an extra kilometer, Oasis Koh Chang is a must-try hotel near Lonely Beach. It’s a nice hotel with exquisite deluxe rooms that have verandas and garden areas.

It’s also the first place to offer a co-working space on the island. That makes it ideal for business travelers and remote workers. Plus, get IG-perfect shots from the  stunning treehouse viewpoint purposely built above the resto. 

Where to Eat in Lonely Beach, Koh Chang

Nature Rocks

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Address: Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 803 8933

Website: https://www.naturebeachresort.com/bar-restaurants/

This restaurant in Nature Beach Resort is a great place for classic Thai dishes. They have an old-school Thai chef so you know the dishes are authentic, albeit toned-down for foreign taste buds.

Their menu includes Western cuisine, so you have plenty of options here. Think salads, pasta, burgers, pizzas, and more. And you can’t beat the view here as this food place is located on the beach with an open view of the sea. 

The CoCo Restaurant & Bar

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Address: เดอะโคโค่, Tambon Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 945 6795

Website: https://the-coco-bar-restaurant-koh-chang.business.site/

The go-to place for fresh seafood in Lonely Beach. It’s a Thai seafood restaurant, so expect to see classic dishes like tom yum soup, tom kha soup, seafood pad Thai, and deep-fried fish.

This place also has a bar so you can get various drinks with your seafood order. And lest we forget, this is a sunset bar noted for stunning views and quality service to take advantage of for you and your special someone from noon to midnight. 

Oasis Koh Chang Restaurant

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Address: 4/28 Moo 1, Lonely Beach, Koh Chang South, Trat 23170, Thailand, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 77 445 127

Website: https://www.oasis-kohchang.com/

The restaurant in Oasis Koh Chang is also worth visiting for its wide selection of Thai and Western cuisine. Its interior is rustic and cozy, and it’s surrounded by lush jungle forest on one side and the ocean on the other.

That means you’ll get a scenic view regardless of where you get seated. The restaurant is also elevated which makes it perfect for watching the sunset with friends or your lovey-dovey. 

Life’s a Beach

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Address: DPT., Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Chang Wat Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 80 016 4917

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066416025369

Life’s a Beach is a small bar along Lonely Beach that also serves Thai food. It has a simple and small dining area so it’s not the most flattering venue on our list but overall, it’s a wise choice if you don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet.

It delivers what you’d expect to get from a humble beach eatery — it serves good food for affordable prices. Of course, along with the cheap food are cheap beers so this place can easily become a magnet for people to hang around. 

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