Koh Chang Seminars
In addition to seminars in Hong Kong we will continue to run yearly residential's in Koh Chang with the opportunity to combine a 5/7 day seminar with daily training over a month period.
Likely during the low season during July-August period.
Those interested to join future Koh Chang seminars please contact directly.
The Island
Koh Chang is where we spent 3 years focused on building our Taiji community. It is the third largest island in Thailand and located on the East side of Thailand. As part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, 80% of the island is considered a natural park. For more information on the island we recommend to check out iamkohchang.
Transportation
Before booking your flight please check with us first to ensure your flight matches the ferry time. Please allow half a day travel from Bangkok. We recommend arriving on an early morning flight (no later then 12.30pm!) and leaving late afternoon (after 3pm) or evening in order to go directly to the airport. Travel time varies depending on private car and public buses.
If you wish to have more time we recommend a flight that arrives in BKK around midnight. As there is little traffic at this time the journey is a lot faster and you will arrive for the first ferry at 6.30am. If your flight is late or delayed then spend a night in Bangkok or Trat.
The Island: Getting There
OPTION 1: PRIVATE CAR/MINI VAN
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK): Best option. Your driver will pick you up directly at the airport and straight to the door of your resort. (฿3200). One way- set price). Car fits 1-3 people (options for up to 10 passengers available). Additional ferry ticket on top (฿90 pp.) You maybe asked to pay the ticket first at the ferry. Trip takes 5-6 hours with stops in between. Pay the driver directly in cash. (Rates may fluctuate during peak periods/holidays)
IMPORTANT
If you are traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport ensure you arrive no later than 12.30pm and in the car by 2pm latest to make the last ferry (6.30pm.) If arriving in Don Muaeng Airport (DMK) please allow extra time and cost as this airport is slightly further.
RECOMMENDATION
We use this taxi company: taxi4youthailand. They offer Sedan car (3200 THB max 3ppl), SUV (3500 THB max 5 ppl) and mini vans (4200 THB max 10 ppl). If you are in Bangkok, they can arrange pick up to your location in half an hour. Contact: +855 933 899 52
OPTION 2: TRAT FLIGHT
BANGKOK-TRAT AIRPORT: Fastest route is to fly from BKK-Trat. From Trat airport it takes around 20 minutes to reach the ferry, 30 minutes for the ferry ride and depending where you are staying another 30 minutes or so to reach your final destination. (1 hour+ .) You can easily get a local taxi or shared minibus when you arrive. (Get one from the main desk outside, it is generally cheaper then the independent drivers). It is a small airport with limited daily flights so local taxis/pick up cars will be waiting. Around ฿280 to the pier (inc Ferry ticket). If your transport only takes you to the pier you will need to pay your ferry ticket (฿90 per person) and grab another taxi (they will be waiting) on the other side.
Taxi Rate from Ferry on Koh Chang: Prices are on the taxi board. It should be 70BHT/pp to Klong Prao based on 10 -12 people in the car. If there are less people or it is low season you may get charged more (100 BHT)
All flights to or from Trat Airport fly only to Suvarnabhumi Airport. ETA from Trat airport to the island: 1 hour+.
BANGKOK- TRAT FLIGHT TIMES
Bangkok- Trat: 12:40 PM | 16:15 PM Trat- Bangkok: 14:15 PM | 17:45 PM
Currently there are only 2 flights in each direction per day. **Please bear this in mind when booking your flights.**
The last flight arrives at 5:15pm and is more than enough time to reach the last ferry. The ferry will wait for the last flight if it is delayed. If you happen to miss it, just spend the night in Trat and catch the ferry over in the morning.
OPTION 3
BUS FROM AIRPORT: Much cheaper then a private car, and easier then public buses. Please note these take much longer (7hrs+) and times are much less flexible. Ideal for those who may be arriving in a group or on budget. You will be switched to a smaller mini bus at some point of the journey before the ferry, and then taken direct to your hotel.
SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK): There is a direct bus from the airport leaving at 7am & 11am everyday. Go downstairs to first floor B1 close to GATE 8, you will see a board/stand for KOH CHANG. DMK Airport is slightly different, so times may vary. On the way back it is very easy to buy the return ticket on the island.
Cost: ฿650 one way | 1200 return)
You can check more info for schedule, prices and booking here
Additional Info on Transport from Trat Airport click here
IMPORTANT
Ferry's from Trat to Koh Chang only operate from 6:30am - 6.30pm (Every hour.) Please take that into consideration when booking your ticket to Bangkok. Getting in to your car well before 2pm should be enough time, but double check with us if you are not sure. Otherwise a night or so in Bangkok can be a nice option before you head over to Koh Chang for the rest of your relaxing trip :)
(All prices are a rough approximation and may vary depending on the period you arrive.)
Other options: There are also good public bus services direct from the ferry point (300-500THB), or shared minibus options on the island (600-1200THB) that are substantially cheaper, but take longer (7-10hrs) Prices include ferry ticket. Great alternative if you have time to explore or on a budget. Times are less flexible and follow a set schedule. This can be a good option on the way back.
For more info:
Nearby Accommodation
Future residentials will likely be located around our original location in Klong Prao. There are plenty of accommodations for all budgets. Below are a few options within walking distance. Please do your own research based on your own requirements. Nearby areas such as Kai Bae or White Sand Beach are also accessible with a taxi or scooter.
Rustic eco friendly place right next to the beach. The place is right on the lagoon, with great views and a couple of minutes walk to the beach. Bungalows are basic but cozy and peaceful with their own individual deck. Ideal for those who wish to be next to the beach. They have a range of bungalows including AC, fans and basic ones in a range of prices. There is a small restaurant (lots of vegetarian options) . Very popular so book in advance.
Price Range: Mid price range.
Nice low-med budget restaurant with outdoor pool, more upscale than Papaya Cottage and around 15 min walk to ours. A simple nice and relaxed environment and good location."400 metres from Klong Prao Beach, offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, a garden and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel features free WiFi and a terrace. All rooms include a private bathroom, while selected rooms offer a balcony and others also have a pool view. The hotel offers a children's playground.
Price Range: Low-mid price range.
Located next door to The Gallery. Owners are nice, Has a pool, nice simple rooms and good value. Great location and they have several other locations in the Klong Prao area.
Price Range: Mid price range.
Located right on the main road corner before turning into our road. About 3-4 min walk to ours. Simple basic hotel. (Comments have been that it is a slightly older hotel.)"The Gallery offers an outdoor pool, a sun terrace and a restaurant. Cosy guest rooms. All private bathrooms are fitted with a shower, a bathtub and free toiletries. Some rooms features a balcony and views as well. The Gallery provides a 24-hour front desk, lifts and laundry service."
Price Range: Mid price range.
"A 10-minute walk from Klong Prao Beach, Boonya Resort offers an outdoor pool, a tropical garden and free WiFi access. Appointed with a fan or air conditioning, the rooms provide cable TV and a private bathroom with a shower. There is also an electric kettle, a refrigerator and a safety deposit box.
Price Range: Mid price range.
One of the older high end resorts in the area. Lush surroundings. Nice place to stay."It offers massage rooms, a beachfront restaurant and 2 outdoor swimming pools. Free Wi-Fi. Rooms have Thai-style décor and wooden furniture. They overlook a tropical garden and include a private balcony, a satellite TV, a tea/coffee maker and a work desk. Thai, Italian and western cuisine can be enjoyed at the Sea Breeze Restaurant, which overlooks the ocean. Guests can also enjoy drinks next to the outdoor swimming pools, or relax at the spa pool."
Price Range: Mid-high price range.
Another popular high end resort in the area. "It offers rooms with private balconies that overlook the Thai Gulf. Located on Klong Prao Beach, this beachfront hotel features 3 dining options and free WiFi. Spacious rooms with modern Thai décor and high ceilings. Each room has a TV with cable channels, and a spacious bathroom with a bathtub. The non-smoking resort boasts a 600-sqm swimming pool and a luxurious spa."
Price Range: High price range.
Located next door to Dewa, a nice boutique option and walkable to us. We have only seen the place from outside but seems to have good reviews. Has a pool, nice rooms and direct beach front connected to ours. Similar price and standard to Dewa/Centara.
Price Range: High price range.
Ideal for those with kids or big adults! Includes outdoor pool and small water park to keep kids entertained. We have not personally visited but seems they have quite decent reviews. Good location in between Klong Prao and Kai Bae.
Price Range: High price range.
The place is high end, beautiful, very secluded and tranquil setting. Some rooms have their own private pool, although there is not a direct beach front to relax on. Some guests have stayed previously. More higher end then Centara and Dewa. However this place is tucked off the main road which involves a long windy road to get there which will take you around 20+ mins on foot. They offer a shuttle bus to take you directly to the main road.
Price Range: High price range.
A nice mid range hotel that some students have stayed in. Nice pool and environment and also includes a spa. Provides free shuttle services to Klong Prao Beach. Fitted with wooden floors, air-conditioned rooms offer contemporary furnishings, blended with traditional Thai motifs. In addition to coffee/tea making facilities and a minibar, they feature a TV with satellite channels and a seating area. Restaurant serves daily buffet breakfast. It also has a library and an internet corner. The pool bar offers light snacks, cocktails and drinks. Guests may exercise in the gym or go for a massage. Alternatively, they can take a dip in the hot tub or arrange for day trips or water activities at the tour desk."
Price Range: Mid price range.
Simple, no frills bungalow located very close by near the elephant camp. Some students have stayed and described as nice and low key at a reasonable price. "Essential Facilities: offers a sun terrace, garden, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy private check-in check-out services, a lounge, outdoor fireplace, and 24-hour front desk."
Price Range: Low-mid price range.
The Island: Moving Around
Moving around the island is easy and most things are within walking distance. However to visit other places some transportation is recommended:
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Scooter: The star of the island, rent it for about 200-250 baht per day and explore the entire island! Available everywhere.
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Bike: Ideal for short distances. (Unless you are a good cyclist!) Bikes are an ideal option, however you won't see many on the island as it is little too hard to get to the South West Coast in this way.
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Taxis: Open cabin pick-up trucks (Songtaews). They get you anywhere you wish for reasonable prices that are more or less set. Wait on the side of the roads and you will see them pass at some point. More details here.
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Car: Rent a car on the island. Ideal if you want to take the family/group around easily.