Although Bang Bao is not an old fashion style thai fishing village like it used to be, it’s still one of the best spot in the island if you know where to go. Nowadays, Bang Bao pier is the main departure point for the fishing/diving/snorkeling boat trips around Koh Chang, and the main wooden path on stilts leading to the port itself has clearly become a shopping touristic area.
The main pier itself is still charming though, out of the rush hours, when the tourists are running all around the souvenir shops. In the middle of the day it can be a peaceful area, where observing the fishing boats and the workers going and coming, can be a rewarding show by itself if you are a contemplative person.
Regarding the pier and the activities of Bang Bao (boat trips, excellent seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops, etc.), you will find a lot of information on internet : you can have a look at ExploreKohchang. However some secrets are well kept by the Koh Chang community about Bang Bao, so you should go and see by yourself :p
The charm of Bang Bao is out of the main pier, out of the touristic activites. As you can see on this map, Bang Bao is a large area, and spending a few days exploring it is clearly worth it. Only you can discover the untold secrets of the Bang Bao Bay.
Spend a few days exploring it out of the main tracks, forget about your Lonely Planet and create your own opinion — then you will understand why it could be a really good choice for a long rental stay in Koh Chang. We have some exclusive houses to rent on a monthly basis in Bang Bao and some business for sale over there, just feel free to have a look at our offers : from a luxury bungalow on a quiet beach front area to a charming wooden house on stilts (we personnaly had a crush on this one), and many more. Take a look at this resort also : it needs a new owner to take over, and is clearly a profitable one.
The north side of the bay a is a very nice area, still undeveloped and spending a few hours exploring the different paths is a very good idea. You will find there a quiet lifestyle, and you will meet very kind local people living out from the touristic rush of the pier. Moreover, the view is just stunning, and some secrets spots are the most beautiful view points of the island. You will not find any information about them on the internet, and we will not spoil the joy to discover the bay by yourself.
In bulk, you will find there : a world war 2 Thai navy Battle of Koh Chang memorial, a secret wooden pontoon on stilts leading to a hidden way to a jungle small treck, Thai families living in this area for generations, tiny isolated beaches giving stunning views on the whole Bang Bao bay, peaceful landscapes out of touristic usual tracks, etc.
It could be a perfect place to stay on a long term basis if you know where to look. Bang Bao is also an excellent place to take over a business in Koh Chang. We have houses to rent on a monthly or weekly rate in Bang Bao and some houses to buy, we have also exclusive business listed to buy. Take a look at all our real estate offers in Bang Bao Bay.
