White Sand Beach Koh Chang

Come to White Sand Beach to experience the best of Koh Chang! White Sand Beach is the most northern of the long sandy beaches that stretch down much of Koh Chang’s west coast. You get a marvelous aerial view of the beach as you descend the steep hill when driving down from the ferry piers. White Sand was the first beach on Koh Chang to experience tourist development, there is an easy transfer to Koh Chang from Bangkok and consequently has the highest concentration of hotels, restaurants, shops, and other such facilities on the island. But this certainly doesn’t mean that the beach is overdeveloped.

The beach itself is a strip of sand around three kilometers long. The far north is more quiet and secluded and lies beyond a large rock, upon which lies Rock Sand Resort. The few remaining backpacker-style bungalows on the beaches can be found in this area. Heading south, there is a steady stream of hotels and bungalows that offer accommodations ranging from mid-range to top-end.

White Sand Beach Guide

Koh Chang has implemented regulations that protect its beaches, ensuring they remain as beautiful and natural as possible. Unfortunately, high-rise resorts have become commonplace elsewhere. Thankfully this is not the case on White Sand Beach; no hotels here exceed the four-story limit set by the authorities that oversee Koh Chang’s beaches. As a result, sightseers visiting White Sand Beach behold a landscape forever untarnished by more conspicuous contemporary structures.

There is little development heading inland from White Sand Beach simply because imposing mountains begin to rise up just behind the sand. All the beach development is therefore strung out along the beach and the road immediately behind it.

Farther south, the White Sand village has spread out beyond the end of the beach, around a bend in the road, and up the following hill. There is some good value accommodation nearby, as well as up a couple of little side roads that lead inland from the main road, with the disadvantage of not being on the beach.

Visit the View Point 

From the viewing point perched atop the beach, you can take in the whole beach in one panoramic view – white sand, glistening waters, and pristine blue skies as far as the eye can see! It’s an awe-inspiring sight, certainly one of a kind experience. Climbing up to this viewing point also offers quite a unique activity. You can climb up the rocks dotted around the beach and witness some incredible views along the way! Truly a must-do when visiting Koh Chang.

There is plenty of decent and good-value accommodation on White Sand Beach, as well as eating and drinking options. As Koh Chang’s main tourist hub, those looking for shopping, amenities, and tourist services should start here for the best choice on the island.

Facilities

Since it is the most developed of Koh Chang’s beaches you can find all kinds of goods and services on offer in White Sand Beach. The road at the back of the beach is thickly populated with shops, banks, exchange booths, and restaurants and bars.

Banks in White Sand Beach

White Sand Beach has branches of Krung Thai Bank, Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn Bank, Thai Military Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, and Siam City Bank. Most of these are open from 09:00-15:30 Monday-Friday. A few, like Krung Thai Bank, keep longer hours and if you need to exchange money you will be pleased to learn that all of the banks have exchange booths in the front that are open much longer, usually through the weekend and until about 20:00 at night.

Shopping in White Sand Beach

The road beside White Sand Beach has scores of little shops that sell t-shirts and beach wear, Thai handicrafts, sunglasses, and all manner of other tourist paraphernalia. Most of these shops sell the same kind of generic stuff. If you’re looking for a more unique gift then Portobellojewellery store (89/7 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, tel: +66 39 551 487, mobile: +66 89 098 3956 (English), +66 81 940 7904 (Thai) at Koh Chang Kacha Resort has an interesting selection.

A number of painting studios will also be happy to reproduce your favorite art masterpieces at bargain prices or produce portraits of your loved ones. For food, we recommend Macro service. Mini Big C is another local supermarket with branches near White sand Beach at 9 Rural Road. There are also no less than four 7-Eleven minimarts.

White Sand Beach has a number of chemists. Of all the businesses on the island, these are the ones that are most likely to rip you off by overcharging you for medicine. Unless you are desperate it is a good idea to compare the prices of two or more chemists. It is also wise to do a quick internet search on any medicines that are proscribed before you take them just to be sure that you got what you asked for. We recommend visiting the Drug Station Koh Chang, as they speak some English.

Communications in White Sand Beach

Many resorts now offer WiFi internet connection as part of their service to their guests. But there are also internet cafes that charge one or two baht per minute for internet usage.

You can buy stamps at V-Mart supermarket and there is a post box here. If you need to visit the post office then you will need to head about two kilometers south of White Sand to the main Koh Chang Post Office.

Other facilities and services in White Sand Beach

If you need to get some clothes cleaned but are reluctant to pay the hotel’s often exorbitant rates then you can find a number of laundry services on the road that charge 20-40 baht per kilogram.

It seems that nearly every shop offers motorbikes for hire, and at around 200 baht per day, prices are reasonable. However, be sure to check any bike that you hire very carefully and if it has any dents or scratches then either change it or make sure that the owner acknowledges that they are there before you set off. It is not uncommon for people to be blamed and charged for pre-existing wear and tear.

There are numerous dive shops around White Sand Beach and Koh Chang is a great place to take a PADI course. You can also book a tour to Koh Chang’s waterfalls. And snorkeling boat trips around the area also offer diverse marine life.

Restaurants at the White Sand Beach

White Sand Beach is the primary entertainment zone for Koh Chang and so has the widest selection of restaurants, bars, and nightlife options on the island. In recent years it is the range of international White Sand Beach restaurants that has really captured the imagination, with Italian, Mexican, Greek, and British pub fare available here.

But that is not to say that authentic Thai cuisine is difficult to find in White Sand Beach restaurants with basic beach shacks offering up green curries and more exclusive eateries dispensing Asian fusion cuisine that will make your heart sing. And when the sun goes down there are plenty of White Sand Beach bars and pubs for getting merry under the stars.

Pen’s Restaurant

Pen’s Restaurant is a fantastic spot right on the beach, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful waves while you savor your delicious meal. Their prices are very reasonable and they have a large variety of tasty food. It’s also a surprisingly quiet place; even if it’s busy outside, inside you can enjoy your meal in peace. I highly recommend Pen’s Restaurant for its excellent Thai food! The cheeseburger with beef is superb, as is the pancake with fresh fruits – just don’t take too long to decide what to eat because the choices are hard to narrow down! Open: 8 AM–10 PM, closed on Wednesday. 1 Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand.

15 Palms

You can lounge on bean bags on the beach or sit on comfy chairs and leather sofas indoors in this tasteful wood-decorated restaurant and bar. Their eclectic menu has all kinds of Thai and international treats and their belly-busting all-you-can-eat buffet, which is served every evening, offers fantastic value for money. Open 08:00-23:00 (daily); 1/2 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, tel: +66 39 551 095, mobile: +66 81 910 5870.

Beach Tango

This beachfront café and bar at Sang Arun Resort is popular for a reason. Lobster, proper beef burgers, Greek salad, potato wedges, kebabs… it’s all good. Open: 09:00-23:00; tel: +66 39 552 111, mobile: +66 81 822 8751.

Bella Vita Italian Restaurant

This small and friendly Italian restaurant in White Sand is set near the road at MOO 4 9/44, KOH CHANG, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand. They make pizza, pasta, and all the classic Italian dishes with imported goods and fresh seafood. Desserts are recommended, especially the tiramisu. Open: 12–10 PM daily.

Sangtawan Resort

Beachfront seafood barbeques are the order of the evening in this White Sand restaurant. Pick your own fish and watch them cook it for you. They also have a full Thai menu and some Western options. Open: 08:00-10:00; 7 Moo 4, T.Koh Chang.

Bars and Nightlife

Sabay Bar

If you are looking for a place to watch a beautiful sunset, Sabay Bar is the place to be. Just south of the city, it’s minutes away from the beach. The cocktails they serve are some of the best: made with locally-sourced ingredients and expertly-crafted recipes. Their food ranges from simple chicken skewers to unique items such as squid tartare that I can honestly say was some of the best we have ever had. They even offer good prices and relaxed atmosphere with their background music.

Open: 2–11 PM daily. Ko Chang, Ko Chang District, Trat 23170, Thailand.

Blue Lagoon Bar

This bar is located at the back of Koh Chang’s own ‘Mini-Pattaya’ area of beer beers to the south of White Sand Beach. The staff is all female and friendly. They also show live sports and there is a pool table, and of course, Connect Four. Open: 16:00 to late; 30/5 Klong Prao Beach, Ko Chang.

Hotels at White Sand Beach in Koh Chang

White Sand Beach is the busiest resort area in Koh Chang, offering a wide range of accommodations from thatched-roof bungalows to up-market resorts complete with state-of-the-art facilities. There is something for everyone on White Sand, although those looking to avoid the crowds would be advised to stay on another beach.

Hotels are offered at extremely reasonable prices and provide all the amenities to ensure you experience the utmost comfort. There are numerous restaurants serving up cuisine from all over the world, while nightlife on White Sand is the liveliest on the island, continuing well into the early hours. Those booking in the June to October low season will find some superb White Sand hotel deals, while even during peak time there are bargains to be found.

Banpu Koh Chang Hotel (from US$48)

This three-star White Sand hotel is in a prime location on a beautiful stretch of beach. All rooms offer sea views and have been crafted using a variety of ceramics and woods. Thai and international cuisine is offered at the restaurant on site, with seafood being the specialty, while there is also an outdoor swimming pool at the resort. 9/11 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Chang Cliff Resort (from US$61)

All rooms come with air conditioning, television, desk, hair dryer, shower, safe, balcony/terrace, and minibar as well as other desired amenities. Laundry service/dry cleaning, room service, and a restaurant are among the extra comforts provided. 16/14 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

MAC Resort Hotel (from US$36)

Rooms come with a bathtub, shower, and LCD/plasma screen television. The hotels offer safety deposit boxes, WiFi in public areas, a restaurant, and tours. Guests can unwind in the Jacuzzi or enjoy a Thai massage. 7/3 White Sand Beach, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Para Resort (from US$25)

Each room comes with a safe, internet access, and complimentary bottled water. This excellent Koh Chang hotel also offers WiFi in public areas, safety deposit boxes, room service, and a car park. A garden and non-motorized water sports are among other amenities, while attentive staff ensures many guests opt to return to the Para Resort. 15/4 moo4 White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Keeree ele Hotel (from US$39)

This hip hotel on White Sand Beach is just 300 meters from the beach and offers a range of tours and activities such as diving, tree-top adventures, and boat trips. Alternatively, relax by the pool which includes a Jacuzzi and waterfall. The brightly colored rooms are fitted with a bath and shower and provide wireless internet access. 9/100 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Koh Chang Grand View Resort (from US$66)

This hotel offers a range of unique and charming guestrooms, each one fitted with contemporary decor and looking onto the ocean or wetlands. The restaurant features friendly, attentive staff, and the resort boasts quality facilities. This White Sand Beach hotel is perfect for those looking to relax in a calm, soothing environment. 9/3 Moo 4, A. Koh Chang, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Koh Chang Kacha Resort (from US$51)

This is one of the largest resorts on White Sand Beach with a hotel and bungalows by the sea and a large new hotel building across the road. It has a swimming pool, an Italian restaurant and all the facilities that you would expect. 88-89, Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Baan Saikao Hotel & Serviced Apt (from US$43)

Rooms have complimentary wireless internet access, a hair dryer, a desk, and a shower, while room service, safety deposit boxes, and tours are among the added offerings at this Koh Chang hotel.  Onsite massages are available for the perfect relaxation therapy. The perfect blend of modern convenience and attentive care is offered at this lovely resort. 7/37 Moo 4 White Sand Beach, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

K.C. Grande Resort (from US$65)

This upscale resort occupies a long stretch of sand towards the northern end of White Sand Beach. It is the first resort that you see from the road coming into the beach from the ferries. Accommodation is available either in a hotel block or in large beachfront bungalows. They have a couple of swimming pools, a spa, and a two-story bar/nightclub. 1/1 Moo 4 Bann Haad Sai Khao, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Paddy’s Palms (15 Palms) (from US$58)

Located a couple of hundred meters up the hill to the south of White Sand Beach, Koh Chang’s first Irish pub has a good-sized hotel out the back. There are two blocks of good-value rooms separated by a garden and swimming pool. There are great views of the mountain from here and of course, you are never too far away from a pint of Guinness. 9/99 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

Keereeta Resort & Spa (from US$27)

This two-story hotel provides rooms all equipped with up-to-date amenities. Non-smoking rooms are available, while air conditioning, a desk, and a hair dryer are in each room. This White Sand hotel also offers a car park, an onsite restaurant, and room service. Recreational and leisure activities such as a pool, spa, and garden add to the hotel’s attraction. 13/14 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang.

So there you have it, everything you need to know about the white sand beach in Koh Chang. I hope this post has inspired you to visit this beautiful place and appreciate its many wonders.

By Andrew Bond