Koh Kood and Koh Chang are two of eastern Thailand’s most beautiful islands, making island-hopping between them a popular choice for travelers exploring the Trat archipelago. Fortunately, the journey is relatively simple, with several direct speedboat and ferry services operating between the islands.
This guide covers the latest transportation options, travel times, ticket prices, booking advice, and practical travel tips to help you plan a smooth trip from Koh Kood to Koh Chang.
Overview: How to Get from Koh Kood to Koh Chang
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Koh Kood to Koh Chang is by direct speedboat or ferry service.
Most operators offer combined transfer tickets that include:
- Hotel pickup on Koh Kood
- Speedboat or ferry transfer
- Arrival transfer to major beaches and resorts on Koh Chang
Journey Summary
| Route | Travel Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Speedboat | 1–1.5 hours | THB 900–1,000 |
| Direct Ferry | 1.5–2 hours | THB 900–1,000 |
| Via Mainland (Laem Sok) | 3–5 hours | Varies |
For most travelers, direct island-to-island services are the easiest option.
Direct Ferry and Speedboat Options
Boonsiri High Speed Ferries
Boonsiri is one of the most popular operators serving Koh Kood and Koh Chang.
Route
- Ao Salad Pier (Koh Kood)
- Bang Bao Pier (Koh Chang)
- Minivan transfer to west coast beaches
Typical Departure Times
- Around 11:00
- Around 14:00
Schedules may vary depending on season and weather conditions.
Travel Time
- Approximately 1–1.5 hours on the water
- Around 2–3 hours total including hotel transfers
Ticket Price
- Approximately THB 900 per person
Many tickets include transportation from the pier to popular areas such as:
- White Sand Beach
- Klong Prao Beach
- Kai Bae Beach
- Lonely Beach
Koh Kood Express
Koh Kood Express operates direct speedboat services between the islands.
Sample Schedule
| Departure (Koh Kood) | Arrival (Koh Chang) | Duration |
| 09:00 | 10:00 | 1 hour |
| 11:30 | 12:30 | 1 hour |
Schedules are subject to seasonal adjustments.
Ticket Price
- Approximately THB 1,000 per person
Many services include shared transfers to selected resorts on Koh Chang.
Bang Bao Boat
Bang Bao Boat offers another reliable direct connection between the two islands.
Route
- Koh Kood
- Bang Bao Pier, Koh Chang
Travel Time
- Approximately 1.5 hours
Ticket Price
- Around THB 980–1,000 per person
After arrival, travelers can continue to their accommodation via local transport or pre-arranged transfers.
Alternative Route via Mainland
Travelers seeking greater flexibility can travel through mainland Trat Province.
Step 1: Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier
Take a speedboat or catamaran from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier.
Step 2: Transfer to Ao Thammachat Pier
Continue by taxi or minivan to Ao Thammachat Pier.
Step 3: Ferry to Koh Chang
Board the vehicle ferry to Ao Sapparot Pier on Koh Chang.
Advantages
- More departure options
- Useful when direct boats are unavailable
- Suitable for travelers transporting motorcycles or vehicles
Disadvantages
- More transfers
- Longer travel time
- Less convenient for first-time visitors
Typical Travel Day: What to Expect
1. Hotel Pickup on Koh Kood
Most ferry companies provide pickup from resorts approximately 30–60 minutes before departure.
Travelers are transported to Ao Salad Pier, the island’s primary departure point.
2. Check-In and Boarding
At the pier:
- Present your ticket
- Tag luggage for your final destination
- Board the speedboat or ferry
It is recommended to arrive early during busy travel periods.
3. Crossing to Koh Chang
The journey usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Some services may make brief stops at nearby islands.
4. Arrival on Koh Chang
Most direct services arrive at Bang Bao Pier.
Passengers with transfer-inclusive tickets are usually taken directly to major beach areas and resort zones.
Travel Time and Cost Summary
| Option | Total Travel Time | Estimated Price |
| Direct Speedboat | 2–3 hours | THB 900–1,000 |
| Direct Ferry | 2–3 hours | THB 900–1,000 |
| Mainland Route | 3–5 hours | Varies |
For most visitors, direct speedboat services offer the best combination of speed and convenience.
When to Travel
High Season (November–April)
Benefits include:
- Calmer seas
- More daily departures
- Lower risk of weather disruptions
This is generally considered the best time for island hopping.
Green Season (May–October)
Travelers should expect:
- Fewer departures
- Rougher sea conditions
- Occasional schedule changes
- Weather-related cancellations
Always confirm departure times with your operator a few days before travel.
Useful Travel Tips
Prepare for Motion Sickness
Speedboats can be bumpy during windy weather.
If you are prone to seasickness:
- Choose morning departures
- Take motion sickness medication beforehand
- Stay hydrated
Protect Valuables
Luggage is usually stored separately during the crossing.
Keep the following with you:
- Passport
- Phone
- Camera
- Wallet
- Electronics
A waterproof day bag is highly recommended.
Allow Extra Time
Weather can occasionally affect departure schedules, especially during the rainy season.
Avoid planning tight onward connections on the same day.
Traveling with a Motorcycle
Direct speedboats generally transport passengers only.
Motorcycles and vehicles usually need to travel via:
- Laem Sok Pier
- Ao Thammachat Ferry
- Koh Chang vehicle ferry
Final Thoughts
Traveling from Koh Kood to Koh Chang is straightforward and relatively quick, making it one of Thailand’s easiest island-hopping routes. Direct speedboats and ferries operate throughout much of the year and typically include convenient hotel transfers on both islands.
For first-time visitors, booking a direct island-to-island service is usually the simplest option, with journey times of approximately 2–3 hours from resort to resort. During the rainy season, however, it is wise to confirm schedules in advance and allow extra flexibility in your travel plans.
Whether you are heading to Koh Chang’s lively beaches, waterfalls, or jungle-covered mountains, the journey from Koh Kood is an enjoyable part of the adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct ferry from Koh Kood to Koh Chang?
Yes. Several operators offer direct speedboat and ferry services between Koh Kood and Koh Chang.
2. How long does it take to travel from Koh Kood to Koh Chang?
The ferry or speedboat crossing typically takes 1–1.5 hours, while total travel time including hotel transfers is usually 2–3 hours.
3. How much does a ferry ticket cost?
Most tickets cost between THB 900 and THB 1,000 per person.
4. Which pier do boats depart from on Koh Kood?
Most departures leave from Ao Salad Pier on the northern side of Koh Kood.
5. Where do boats arrive on Koh Chang?
Most direct services arrive at Bang Bao Pier on the southwest coast of Koh Chang.
6. Are hotel transfers included?
Many operators include hotel pickup on Koh Kood and shared transfers to major resort areas on Koh Chang.
7. Can I buy tickets after arriving on Koh Kood?
Yes. Most resorts and local travel agencies can arrange ferry and speedboat tickets.
8. Do ferries operate year-round?
Services operate throughout most of the year, although schedules may be reduced during the rainy season.
9. What happens if bad weather cancels my boat?
Operators may reschedule services or offer alternative routes via the mainland, depending on conditions.
10. Can I take a motorcycle from Koh Kood to Koh Chang?
Motorcycles generally cannot be transported on direct passenger speedboats. Travelers usually need to use mainland ferry connections for vehicle transport.
