Bang Bao

Bang Bao is a fishing community built on a long wooden pier running out into a sheltered bay at the southern end of Ko Chang, with houses, shops and restaurants standing on piles either side of a single walkway and boats moored beneath. It was a working fishing village and still partly is - boats go out and the catch lands here - but the pier is now substantially given over to seafood restaurants over the water, dive shops, souvenir stalls and boat operators running island-hopping trips to Ko Wai, Ko Mak and Ko Kut. A lighthouse stands at the end of the pier. The seafood is the main draw and prices are fair by Ko Chang standards, with fish sold by weight. From May to October the monsoon reduces boat traffic and many businesses close. The walkway is uneven planking with gaps and no rail in places, and the pier is exposed to sun along its length.

What you actually see

• The pier village - houses and restaurants on piles either side of a walkway.
• The working boats - fishing craft moored beneath and landing catch.
• The seafood restaurants - built over the water, fish sold by weight.
• The island boats - departures to Ko Wai, Ko Mak and Ko Kut.

When to go

November to April. From May to October boats reduce and much of the pier closes. Late afternoon and evening for the seafood and the light.

Honest expectations

The walkway is uneven planking with gaps and no rail in places. Heavily commercialised - the fishing village character is partly gone. Extensive low-season closures. Very hot on the pier at midday with no shade.

Nearby

Ko Chang's west coast beaches are north; Ko Wai and Ko Mak are offshore.