Koh Chang East Coast Day Trip with Local Guide & Boat

Summary

Explore Koh Chang’s Quiet Side: Mangroves, Temples & Beach Bar

Step into Koh Chang’s quieter side on this day trip: take in sweeping views from White Sand Beach, visit sacred shrines with your local guide, glide through Salak Kok’s mangroves by boat or kayak, enjoy lunch in Salak Phet village, and end your day unwinding at Shambala Beach Bar—a mix of moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t realize how different the east side of Koh Chang would feel until we pulled away from the usual crowds. Our driver picked us up right on time—still half-asleep, I watched the island wake up through the window. First stop was White Sand Beach viewpoint. The air was sticky-sweet and salty, and honestly, I almost dropped my phone trying to get a photo (the view is that wide). Our guide, Nok, pointed out fishing boats bobbing below—she said her uncle still goes out before sunrise most days. That stuck with me for some reason.

We stopped at the Chao Po Koh Chang shrine next. There were ribbons everywhere—red, gold, faded pink—and incense drifting in slow curls. Nok explained how locals come here for luck before big life events. I tried to copy her bow but probably looked awkward; she just grinned and handed me a stick of incense anyway. The drive down the east coast felt quieter than I expected—just glimpses of water through tangled green and the occasional rooster yelling somewhere off in the trees.

The mangrove boat trip in Salak Kok was my favorite part of this day trip from Koh Chang. You can pick between a kayak or one of those long wooden boats (I went for the boat because balance isn’t my thing). It’s oddly peaceful gliding under all that green—roots like fingers everywhere, water slapping gently against the hull. At one point our boatman whistled softly and some tiny silver fish jumped; Nok laughed and said it means good luck if you see them. Not sure if that’s true but it felt lucky anyway.

Lunch was at a local spot in Salak Phet—fish so fresh it tasted almost sweet, plus rice and something spicy enough to make me cough (in a good way). Afterward we wandered around Wat Salak Phet temple; Nok told stories about Buddhism here that made me wish I’d paid more attention in school. By late afternoon we landed at Shambala Beach Bar in Klong Son bay—a place I’d never have found on my own. There was music playing low, frozen drinks sweating on the table, and this lazy golden light over everything. Some people swam but I just walked along the sand for ages, not really thinking about much except maybe how quiet it all felt compared to earlier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Koh Chang East Side Highlights

• White Sand Beach viewpoint
• Visit Chao Po Koh Chang shrine
• Boat tour through Koh Chang mangroves
• Explore Wat Salak Phet temple
• Lunch at local restaurant in Salakphet
• Relax at Shambala Beach Bar, Klong Son bay

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Koh Chang east coast tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your day trip experience.

Do I need to choose between a traditional Thai boat or kayak for the mangrove tour?

You can choose either a traditional Thai boat or a kayak for exploring the mangroves in Salak Kok.

Is lunch provided during this day trip from Koh Chang?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant in Salak Phet village.

Will there be a local guide on this tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide throughout the tour.

Are drinks included at Shambala Beach Bar?

You’ll receive one frozen drink at Shambala Beach Bar as part of your tour.

How long does this Koh Chang day trip last?

The tour lasts most of the day—you return to your resort in the late afternoon.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for guests on this day trip.

Are specialized infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with an air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits to White Sand Beach viewpoint and Chao Po Koh Chang shrine, your choice of traditional boat or kayak through Salak Kok’s mangroves with a local guide explaining everything along the way, entry to Wat Salak Phet temple, lunch at a local restaurant in Salak Phet village, bottled water throughout the journey, plus one frozen drink while relaxing at Shambala Beach Bar before heading back late afternoon.