Koh Chang South Hike: 25km to the Island’s Highest Peak

The Koh Chang South Hike is an epic 25km adventure that leads you through dense tropical forest to the island’s summit, passing by pristine beaches and the mysterious ghost ship along the way.

Why I love Koh Chang

I spent a wonderful week on this island, and it quickly became one of my favorites. Koh Chang is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, a marine protected area covering over 650 km² of jungle, waterfalls, and 52 islands established in 1982. The atmosphere is calm, the water is crystal clear, and the jungle remains wild. To truly explore the hidden beaches and waterfalls, I highly recommend renting a scooter.

During my stay, I discovered the Elephant Bay Resort—a real gem for resting by the pool right at the water’s edge.

The Epic 25km Loop: What to Expect

This trail is a serious adventure that takes you from the famous Bang Bao pier to the highest peaks, returning via the wild southern coast. It’s a 25km journey through dense jungle and pristine beaches.

Climbing through the Jungle

The hike starts in Bang Bao. I began the ascent through a lush, dense forest where the sound of exotic birds is your only companion. The path is shaded but the humidity is real. Keep an eye out for monkeys and lizards along the way!

Reaching the Highest Point: Khao Salak Phet

My main goal was the summit of Khao Salak Phet. At 744 meters, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire archipelago. The climb is a challenge, but standing above the shimmering Gulf of Thailand makes every drop of sweat worth it. Khao Salak Phet is officially recognized as Koh Chang’s highest peak, offering panoramic 360-degree views that make it one of Thailand’s most rewarding summit climbs.

Descending to Baan Salak & The Ghost Ship

After the peak, the trail heads down toward the quiet village of Baan Salak. The return leg follows the coastline, passing through the stunning Wai Chaek Beach.

As you saw in the cover photo of this article, the Ghost Ship is an incredible sight to see in person…

This is where I found the famous “Ghost Ship”—a massive, abandoned cruise liner called “The Galaxy” that was once a floating hotel. Update (December 2024): The Ghost Ship was destroyed by fire and has since been dismantled. However, the site remains a fascinating testament to Koh Chang’s quirky history. The mysterious story behind this 7-story concrete ship that closed in 2016 adds to the intrigue of this southern route.

Practical Tips for this Hike

• Safety: Start early (at sunrise) to avoid finishing in the dark, as 25km in the jungle takes longer than on flat ground.
• Water: Carry at least 3 liters. There are no shops in the jungle.
• Navigation: The trail can be faint in some sections. Use the GPX track I provided above.

Getting to the Trailhead

The hike starts at the end of the Bang Bao pier. To get there from other parts of the island, you have two main options:

• Rent a Scooter: This is the most flexible way. Expect to pay around 200-250 THB/day. I usually rent mine directly from Elephant Bay Resort.
• Songthaews (Shared Pickups): These converted pickup trucks act as the island’s bus service. They run constantly along the main road from North to South. Just wave one down and tell the driver “Bang Bao”. Prices are fixed based on the distance (usually 50-150 THB).

National Park Information: This trail traverses Mu Ko Chang National Park territory. While there’s no entrance fee collected on this specific trail, be aware that fees apply at other park locations (200 THB for foreigners). For updated park regulations and safety information, check the Tourism Authority of Thailand – Trat Province.

Heritage & Local Flavors

After a 25km trek, you deserve a proper Thai feast. Since you’ll finish near Bang Bao, don’t miss the chance to eat at the local pier.

• Best Drink: A fresh coconut or a “Cha Yen” (Thai Iced Tea) from one of the small stands near the trailhead.
• The Dish to Try: Look for Pla Pao (salt-crusted grilled fish). It’s fresh from the day’s catch and perfect for recovering proteins.
• Local Vibe: Take a walk to the end of the Bang Bao pier at sunset. Even if it’s touristy, the wooden structures on stilts are a great piece of local fishing heritage.

Conclusion

This 25km loop in southern Koh Chang is more than just a hike; it’s a deep dive into the wild soul of Thailand. Between the steep jungle trails of Khao Salak Phet and the eerie silence of the Ghost Ship, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

This trail has been documented by experienced hikers on AllTrails with an average rating of 4.1/5, confirming its status as one of Koh Chang’s most challenging and rewarding adventures.

Take your time, respect the nature, and enjoy the reward of the views. If you have any questions about the trail or the logistics, feel free to reach out!

Happy Hiking!