Hua Hin to Koh Chang is a drive of about 590 km to the ferry piers at Laem Ngop or Ao Thammachat in Trat, usually 7 to 8 hours by private car. The ferry is separate, or the car can cross on the car ferry on request. The fixed price is confirmed when you book.
Hua Hin to Koh Chang: a full day east
Koh Chang lies in Trat province near the Cambodian border, at the far end of Thailand’s eastern coast. From Hua Hin the car heads north on Phetkasem Road (Highway 4) and Rama 2 Road (Highway 35), skirts Bangkok on the outer ring road, then runs east on Motorway 7 to Chonburi. Chanthaburi comes about two thirds of the way along.
From there the driver follows Highway 344 and Highway 3 through Chanthaburi to Trat and the ferry piers at Laem Ngop and Ao Thammachat, about 590 km in total. On a route this long, an early start is what keeps the day relaxed: leave Hua Hin early and you reach the pier with time to spare for the crossing.
Ferry or car ferry: two ways to cross
You can get out at the pier and ride the vehicle ferry as a foot passenger, then take an island taxi to your hotel. If you would rather stay in the same car to your hotel door on Koh Chang, ask us to include the car ferry; we confirm availability and the price when you book.
Ferry times and fares are set by the operators and change with the season, so check them directly or with your hotel on Koh Chang. We plan the pickup in Hua Hin so you reach the pier with a comfortable margin before the crossing you choose. We confirm the pickup time and route the evening before, and your driver messages you on the morning of travel.
Making a long drive comfortable
Seven or eight hours is a long time on the road, and the right car makes a difference. For this route we recommend the Comfort car, SUV, MPV or Luxury MPV; groups of up to ten travel together in the Van. Child seats are available on request (+300 THB).
The driver plans regular breaks at service areas for food and restrooms, and these are part of the trip. Along the way the driver keeps you updated on the expected arrival time at the pier. With grandparents or small children on board, the driver can stop more often. Tell us when you book and we will plan the stops and timing around everyone in the car.
Other ways to reach Koh Chang
Without a car, the journey usually means a bus or minivan from Hua Hin to Bangkok, a long-distance bus or minivan to Trat, then a local songthaew to the pier. Some travellers fly from Bangkok to Trat airport instead. Every option involves at least one change and careful timing.
A private car runs door to pier, or door to door with the car ferry, with no change on the way. For families or groups, the shared cost compares reasonably with several bus tickets and transfers. On public transport each leg has to be booked and timed separately; with a private car the whole journey is one booking, at a fixed price confirmed before you travel.
Stops and overnight options
You can break the journey at Bang Saen beach or stop for lunch in Chanthaburi, known for its gem market and seafood. Each extra stop is +500 THB. Chanthaburi also has the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and a riverside old town, and Rayong and Chonburi have seafood restaurants close to the route. Your driver can suggest a stop that suits the time of day.
If you would rather not do it all in one day, split the trip with a night in Rayong or Chanthaburi. Send us your plan and we will confirm a price for each part of the journey. Splitting the drive gives you an easy afternoon to look around and a fresh start for the ferry the next morning. The driver helps with your luggage at each hotel.
Pickup and drop-off points
- Hotels in central Hua Hin
- Khao Takiab and Suan Son resorts
- Villas in Hin Lek Fai and Palm Hills
- Drop-off: Ao Thammachat ferry pier, Trat
- Drop-off: Laem Ngop pier, Trat
- Drop-off: your Koh Chang hotel by car ferry, on request
Ready when you are
Tell us the date, time and pickup point. We confirm a fixed price by LINE, WhatsApp or email.
Questions about this transfer
Can the car take us to our hotel on Koh Chang?
Yes, by request. The car can cross on the vehicle ferry and drive you to your hotel on the island. We confirm availability and the full price when you book.
Which pier do you use for the Koh Chang ferry?
Usually Ao Thammachat or the Centrepoint pier at Laem Ngop, depending on the ferry you choose. Tell us the operator and we drop you at the right one.
How early should we leave Hua Hin for Koh Chang?
For a same-day crossing we usually suggest leaving Hua Hin before 6 am. That leaves time for breaks and reaches Trat in the early afternoon.
Do you book the Koh Chang ferry tickets?
No. Ferry tickets are bought at the pier or through your hotel. If you choose the car ferry option, we arrange the vehicle crossing as part of your booking.
