Ko Chang, Thailand 🇹🇭
#2160
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ko Chang is the second largest island in Thailand, located in Trat Province, known for its beautiful beaches and lush jungles. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents on Ko Chang. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 THB ≈ 0.03 USD; ATMs available, but some may charge extra fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and Type O sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | AIS, True Move, and DTAC provide good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash and cards are widely accepted; banks like Bangkok Bank and Krung Thai Bank cater to foreign transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options available through Airbnb, local guesthouses, and resorts. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially, larger establishments accept cards, but smaller vendors prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies have a range of short-term options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Kacha Resort offer budget stays starting from THB 300 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | White Sand Beach area is popular for its nightlife and dining options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Klong Prao Beach offers a quieter atmosphere with access to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Ko Chang Coworking Space is a popular choice for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Shop at White Sand Beach offers good Wi-Fi and a friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes and resorts; keep an eye on community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Ko Chang Expats' host various social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available on the island for convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter rentals for around THB 200-300 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Klong Prao Beach is one of the best and is easily accessible. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways offers flights from Bangkok to Trat Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways and Emirates connect via Bangkok. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island is connected via a ferry service to the mainland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; most travel is by road or ferry. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Transport is mainly by songthaews (shared taxis); no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run regularly from Trat to Bangkok, and ferries to neighboring islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ko Chang Hospital provides standard healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bamboo Wellness offers yoga classes and holistic treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness on the Beach offers basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available; prices around THB 50 for a kilo. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foods delivered through GrabFood and local vendors. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood curry and pad thai, which are a must. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Project offers excellent plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cookies and Cream in White Sand Beach offers sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as the White Sand Beach Night Market for budget-friendly food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Little Grocery stores offer limited delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | White Sand Beach has a vibrant nightlife with bars and beach parties. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Tour Thailand offers local beer tasting experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The White Sand Wine Bar provides a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls at the night market offering local cuisine. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants serve Italian and Mexican dishes throughout the island. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Klong Plu Waterfall and Ao Sapparot are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Local art galleries showcase Thai culture and heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Traditional fishing villages offer insight into local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Salak Phet is a beautiful temple worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ko Chang International Marine Festival takes place annually in November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | White Sand Beach showcases a mix of local culture and tourism. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performance groups occasionally perform cultural shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Dan Khao Market runs every weekend with local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in beach bars during the high season. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists have murals displayed throughout the island. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Thai Cooking Class offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Day offers artwork by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Fisherman Village showcases traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ko Chang has a rich heritage tied to its fishing community. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Koh Wai and Koh Mak are nearby islands with pristine nature. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Chang National Park covers a significant portion of the island. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several bike rental shops offer bikes for exploring the island. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Kai Bae Beach offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Several trails in the national park are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires, especially at Klong Prao. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices and courier services like Thai Post are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and laptop repairs in White Sand Beach. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hotels have ping pong tables for guests. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools offer occasional Thai language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few cafes double as quiet spots for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers often host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; most gaming happens online. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on the island; nearest in nearby cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. THB 85,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = THB 3,400,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. THB 70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = THB 2,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. THB 80,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = THB 4,800,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. THB 60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = THB 3,600,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. THB 75,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = THB 6,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. THB 55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = THB 4,400,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard corporate tax rate in Thailand. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident taxation is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 7%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Thailand has strict rules for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on appraised value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer fee is typically 2% of property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Thailand offers appealing visa options for digital nomads, including the Smart Visa. |