Bang Bao Pier is a vibrant and bustling pier located at the southern tip of Koh Chang, Thailand. Originally a traditional fishing village, it has evolved into a lively hub for travellers, offering a blend of local culture, adventure, and commerce.
Key Features
Adventure: Bang Bao Pier serves as the main departure point for boat trips, diving, and snorkelling excursions to nearby islands such as Koh Wai and Koh Yak.
Village Life & Market: The pier itself is lined with stilted houses, seafood restaurants, and market stalls selling everything from beachwear and handicrafts to diving equipment. It’s a place where you can experience the local way of life while enjoying panoramic views of the bay, especially at sunset.
Tourist Hub: Over the years, tourism has become the main source of income for the area. The pier now resembles an indoor market, bustling with souvenir shops, ticket agencies, and eateries. While much of the original fishing village charm has been replaced by tourism, the area still retains a unique atmosphere, especially outside peak hours.
Culinary Delights: The pier is renowned for its fresh seafood, with many restaurants offering ocean-to-table dishes. It’s a great spot to sample local Thai cuisine with a sea view.
Scenic Beauty: The walkway along the pier offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and surrounding islands, making it a favourite spot for photography and relaxation.
Restaurant options:
1. Ruan Thai Seafood
One of the two largest and most established seafood restaurants on the pier, Ruan Thai is renowned for its fresh seafood, including whole fish, prawns, squid, and shellfish. The restaurant is built in a converted wooden fisherman’s house on stilts over the water, offering a classic Koh Chang dining experience. The menu is extensive, and the best way to order is to choose a whole fish as the centrepiece and add several side dishes to share.
2. Chow Lay Seafood
Located right next to Ruan Thai, Chow Lay is the other major seafood restaurant on the pier. It offers a similar menu and setting, with tanks of live seafood at the entrance and tables overlooking the water. Both Ruan Thai and Chow Lay are popular with visitors. Chow Lay stated “If it swim they have it”.
3. Nongyim Seafood
Nongyim Seafood features an open kitchen and just a handful of tables in a cosy room over the water. It covers all the classic Thai seafood dishes.
4. Buddha View Restaurant
Highly rated for its unique setting and atmosphere, Buddha View offers Italian and seafood dishes. The highlight is the seating area right over the water, making it a memorable spot for a sunset meal.
5. Ido Ido Restaurant Chill Out
Ido Ido is a favourite among both locals and travellers. It’s a bit further from the pier but worth the walk for its authentic flavours and friendly service.
For a more local experience, try the small diners and noodle soup shops on the pier or the cheap and cheerful Thai places near the 7/11 at the start of the pier, such as Poo’s Kitchen. These spots offer quick, tasty meals at budget-friendly prices.
Seafood is the star: Most restaurants specialise in fresh, ocean-to-table seafood.
Order to share: Thai dining is communal—order a variety of dishes for the table.
Atmosphere: For the best views, dine at sunset when the pier is quieter and the scenery is stunning.
How to get here?
From the Ferry Pier to Bang Bao Pier:
Upon arrival at Ao Sapparot Pier (the main ferry terminal on Koh Chang), you’ll find shared taxis (songthaews) waiting. Tell the driver you want to go to Bang Bao Pier. The ride takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on stops and traffic. It will pass all major beaches before getting to the pier.
You can also rent a scooter or car if you prefer to drive yourself. The roads are well-paved but can be steep and and have a lot of curves in some areas.
Island Hopping
Bang Bao Pier is a major departure point for ferries and speedboats to nearby islands like Koh Wai, Koh Mak, and Koh Kood. Tickets can be purchased at the pier or online in advance