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Visiting Kai Bae Beach What You Need to Know

Visiting Kai Bae Beach: What You Need to Know

| Last Updated: March 2024

Kai Bae Beach is a testament to how tourism can turn a virtually infertile land by the sea into a goldmine of a travel destination. Enjoy a family-friendly beach to give the best of Thailand a run for the money with all the resorts and amenities you need. 

So if your idea of a perfect beach experience includes sunbathing, kayaking, and island exploration, Kai Bae Beach at Koh Chang has you covered. Read on and let our guide show you everything you need to know to get a headstart.

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

Nearest Major Island: Trat Province (4.8 km)

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 63 669 5416

Admission Fee: Free

Kai Bae Beach in a Nutshell

Kai Bae Beach is a 2-kilometer beach on the island of Koh Chang. Before, it was largely underdeveloped, but starting in the early 80s, a steady flow of tourists has transformed this into a sought-after destination. 
Although small, Kai Bae Beach’s beautiful sand and shore, could end your search for a paradise destination. With a long white sand beach matched with crystal clear blue waters, it offers all sorts of fun and adventure you want under the sun. 

Best of all, it’s a tranquil retreat that’s not as noisy as the nearby White Sand Beach but still has ample amenities that you may find lacking from other beaches. 

Best Time to Visit Kai Bae Beach

February is the best time to visit Kai Bae Beach in Koh Chang because it’s the month with the least chance of rainfall in Thailand. Plus, the temperature during this month is also cooler than the following summer months starting March end. 

Remember, however, that people flock to the beach during this time.

How to Get to Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae Beach is located on Koh Chang island, Trat Province. This province is in the southeastern tip of Thailand and is accessible from Bangkok by bus or plane via the Trat Airport. 

Getting to Kai Bae Beach requires traveling by boat from the ports at Laem Ngop in Trat Province, so this is your starting point.

Ferry: There are Koh Chang ferries in Laem Ngop’s Ao Thammachat Pier with daily trips departing every 45 minutes. Aside from being the better pier in Trat, it’s also closest to the airport, so it should be your best pick. 

From there, the ferries here will drop you off at Ao Sapparot Pier in the northern corner of Koh Chang. Afterward, board a Songthaew for Kai Bae Beach.

Pro Tip:

You can offer to pay the drivers extra if you want them to drop you off at the beach’s entrance instead of the usual drop-off point on the main road. This way, you don’t have to walk approximately 300 meters while carrying your baggage.

Private Bus Transfer: If you’re traveling from Bangkok, you can book a private bus transfer at Mo Chit Bus Terminal or via your flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport. This way, the bus that takes you to Trat or picks you up at the airport can escort you to the pier.

This private transfer already includes your ferry ticket to Koh Chang’s Dan Kao Pier from Laem Ngop’s Centerpoint Pier which means your boarding slot is secured. After arriving on the island, ride a songthaew to Kai Bae Beach.

Pro Tip:

Book a hotel in Kai Bae Beach in advance to get a shuttle transfer that will pick you up from Dan Kao Pier. This should make your journey smoother since you can avoid the hassle of the commute at Koh Chang.

Non-stop minibus service: On the first floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport Terminal Building Entrance 8 to Koh Chang, there’s a non-stop minibus service. They call it the “Lonely Beach Express” because its last drop-off point is in Lonely Beach.

Rental Car or Motorbike: Car rental companies are teeming in Koh Chang, and renting a car or motorbike affords you the best pace in getting to Kai Bae Beach.

What to See and Do in Kai Bae Beach

Swim in Kai Bae Beach’s calm waters

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Kai Bae Beach is a flat beach, so expect the waters to be shallower than other beaches in Koh Chang. It’s also the place to be if you’re looking for a swimming spot without strong waves and currents. 

With this, Kai Bae Beach is particularly great for families with small kids. However, swimming during low tide is not ideal as you’ll find plenty of stones underfoot. 

Enjoy sunbathing on the beach’s white sands

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Kai Bae Beach is a great place for sunbathing because of its fine and warm white sand. You just need to wait for the low tide if you want more space because most of the sands are submerged in water during the high tide.

Also, you have to avoid the northern portion of the beach since it has a stony shoreline.

Watch elephants take a bath at the beach

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Ever seen elephants roam the sands and bathe in seawater? Well, this is actually Kai Bae Beach’s unique side!

These gentle giant residents are from the nearby Kaibae Meechai Elephant Camp and they are guided to the beach on request. If you want, you can have a first-hand experience and arrange to ride the elephants on the beach. 

Kent a kayak and explore the nearby islets

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Because there are nearby islets you can explore, Kai Bae Beach is a good starting point if you want to go kayaking. There are plenty of beach resorts and hotels in the area that offer rental kayaks. 

The nearest islet is only 1 kilometer from the beach so it’s easy to reach and it has a jungle area that we think is worth seeing. Be sure to bring snorkeling gear because these islets are fantastic snorkeling spots.

Dip your feet in the water from the beach’s tree swings

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The palm tree swings on Kai Bae Beach are one of the more unique experiences you’ll have in Koh Chang. Since the high tide swallows most of the beach’s sand, you can dip your feet in the water while swinging.

If you love tree swings and ocean water, this is a must-try. You won’t see this happen on the other beaches of Koh Chang, so it’s something to look forward to!

Witness Kai Bae Beach’s stunning golden hour and blue hour

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Visiting Kai Bae Beach is a must when you’re in Koh Chang, and it’s definitely worth it, thanks to its stunning golden hour and blue hour. It’s even more beautiful with the nearby islets as backdrops which makes it an Instagrammable scenery.

Drop by Kai Bae Viewpoint

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

Operating Hours: 24/7

If you already love the scenery at the beach, the view from Kai Bae Viewpoint will make you fall even harder. Going here gives you the best view of the surrounding islets and mountainscape during sunset.

From this vantage point, you see four small neighboring islands, Koh Yuak, Koh Man Noi, Koh Pli, and Koh Man Nok, not to mention the best view of the sun as it sinks. It’s no surprise this area is the most photographed location in Koh Chang.

The viewpoint is on a hillside approximately 1 km south of Kai Bae Beach. You can reach the area by foot or alternatively you can join a guided tour, take a taxi or a motorbike.

Get a traditional bamboo tattoo at James Tattoo

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Address: 10/1 Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Wednesday – Thursday)

Contact Number: +66 63 080 8845

Website: https://www.instagram.com/james_tattoo_kohcang/

If you love tribal tattoo designs, you’ll enjoy traditional Thai bamboo tattoos, and we think it’s a must-try when you’re in Kai Bae Beach. The tattoo fanatics on our team say it’s a lot less painful than machine tattoos and it heals better.


James Tattoo is the nearest tattoo shop to the beach that offers this service. The artist, however, plies his trade from one beach to another so make sure to connect via social media before coming in for a visit. 

Other tattoo artists also thrive on the island. Here are other options to go for: Best Tattoo (White Sand Beach) and Danny (Lonely Beach(lonely beach koh chang)).  

Book an HTMS Chang Wreck diving trip

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Address: 18/8 Bang Bao Plaza, Bang Bao, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

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

Contact Number: +66 95 505 3875

Website: http://www.kohchangdivers.com/

Koh Chang Divers in Bang Bao is a must-visit if you love diving. Though this place offers diving trips to numerous diving spots south of the island, we recommend booking one for HTMS Chang Wreck.

It’s the most famous dive spot in Koh Chang for a reason – the shipwreck became an artificial reef where you can spot numerous sea creatures. Whale sharks are also known to visit this dive spot, so that’s one thing to look forward to.

Explore 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)

Mu Koh Chang National Park is great for nature hikes and wildlife watching. The nature lovers on our team particularly enjoy visiting this place.

Civets, deer, macaques, hornbills, mongoose, sea eagles, and sunbirds are among the numerous animals you’ll encounter in this wildlife sanctuary. The island is also home to the endemic Koh Chang frog, and we think it’s worth visiting for this critter.

Visit Khlong Plu Waterfall

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

Operating Hours: 8 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)

Khlong Plu Waterfall is the most popular cascade in Koh Chang because of its beautiful stream and refreshing swimming pond. The only downside is that you have to buy a ticket to enter this tourist hotspot.

For the best experience visit the waterfall during the monsoon season when the rains are at their peak especially from October to late December. This way, you can see Khlong Plu Waterfall in all its glory!

Tread the boardwalk in Salak Phet Mangrove Forest

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

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

The boardwalk in Salak Phet Mangrove Forest is definitely worth the 63-minute road trip from Kai Bae Beach. It makes exploring this dense mangrove forest manageable and beautiful.

You can watch fishes and crabs from the safety of the boardwalk so it’s perfect for families with their children.

Where to Stay in Kai Bae Beach

Kai Bae Beach Resort

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Address: 10/5 Hmu4, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 63 669 5416

Website: https://book-directonline.com/properties/kaibaebeachdirect

Costs: ฿฿

Kai Bae Beach Resort has beachfront, poolside, and garden-view bungalows, so there are plenty of options for you.

This is the place to go if you want to be front and center of Kai Bae Beach. Plus, it’s a moderately priced hotel, so expect reliable amenities and good service.

Sea Escape Koh Chang

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Address: 54/24, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

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

Contact Number: +66 63 305 3664

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087579189440

Costs: ฿฿

If you want immediate access to the fine white sand in the beach’s southern portion, there’s Sea Escape Koh Chang. It’s so convenient if you prioritize swimming and sunbathing!

There are also grassy shaded areas within this resort’s garden with hammocks attached to the palm trees, giving you the perfect chance to enjoy a relaxing nap next to the beach.

The Retreat Koh Chang

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Address: 10/7, Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

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

Contact Number: +66 39 619 419

Website: https://www.theretreatkohchang.com/

Costs: ฿฿฿

The Retreat Koh Chang is the place to be if you prefer a truly luxurious experience in Kai Bae Beach. You get top-notch service here, from free Wifi to an on-site restaurant, given its higher-than-most price. 

Plus, this exclusive resort sits in a discreet location near the beach which makes it ideal if you value your peace and privacy. 

Paradise Bungalows

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Address: 98/8/4 Moo 4 Kai Bae Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

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

Contact Number: +66 81 947 3806

Website: http://www.paradisebungalows.net/

Costs: ฿

Paradise Bungalow is a budget-friendly accommodation in Kai Bae Beach, so it’s perfect if you’re staying for several days and don’t want to break the bank. 

Their bungalows are clean and cozy, so you’re not compromising on your comfort by staying here. The catch? You don’t get the same seaside view that other hotels offer, but that’s about it.

Where to Eat in Kai Bae Beach

Khao Kwan Restaurant

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Address: 51/5, Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 

  • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Thursday – Tuesday)
  • 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 803 8933

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

Khao Kwan Restaurant serves eye-catching dishes that you’ll love to share on Instagram. This should be your go-to place for modern Thai food in Kai Bae Beach.

Even its interior blends modern and rustic designs, and it’s such an ideal location as a classy date spot just by the beach.

Mordi E Fuggi

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

Operating Hours: 

  • 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday)
  • 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 89 478 0233

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mordi-e-Fuggi-Breakfast-100063519402753/

If you’re craving Italian food, this is the restaurant for you. It has all the classic dishes you expect to find in an Italian restaurant: spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, and pizza.

They also serve authentic panna cotta, tiramisu, and gelato. Our team’s dessert connoisseurs were amazed by Mordi E Fuggi’s selection of Italian sweets!

Cabana Koh Chang

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Address: 6, 5, Kai Bae, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Thursday – Tuesday)

Contact Number: +66 62 021 3755

Website: https://cabanakohchang.com/

If you love food and great seaside views, go to Cabana Koh Chang. Overall, it’s a great place to get staple Western food in Kai Bae Beach.

Think burgers, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, English breakfast, bagels, and more. They also serve Thai food but expect toned-down flavors for foreign taste buds.

The Ocean Terrace

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Address: The Retreat, Koh Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat, Thailand

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

Contact Number: +66 39 619 419

Website: https://www.theretreatkohchang.com/dining

For the sophisticated, The Ocean Terrace in The Retreat Koh Chang is the best option for an exquisite dining experience. Its Japanese-style interior is charming and it takes the atmosphere to the next level.

The place features an open-air terrace by the sea, so expect to enjoy your food alongside the stunning ocean view. At night, there’s a live DJ which makes this a fantastic date spot in Kai Bae Beach.

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