Ao Thammachat Pier is the most popular gateway to Koh Chang for tourists traveling by private vehicle, as it offers the shortest and fastest sailing route, with a travel time of only 30 to 45 minutes. The ferries here are large vessels designed to carry heavy vehicle loads, featuring a mezzanine relaxation area for passengers to enjoy the sea breeze and the scenery of the Gulf of Thailand. The management at Ao Thammachat Pier is highly professional, featuring a convenient Drive-thru ticketing point and staff who systematically organize the vehicle queues. This ensures that even on busy tourist days, the ferry rotation remains rapid.

The sailing schedule at Ao Thammachat Pier is highly flexible, typically starting service from 06:30 AM until the final trip at 07:00 PM. The standout feature here is the frequency of departures every 30 to 45 minutes, ensuring travelers do not have to wait long. During public holidays with a massive influx of vehicles onto Koh Chang, the pier employs a shuttle system that departs as soon as the vessel is full to save time for tourists. The service rates are considered excellent value, with private cars charged a fee of only 120 THB per trip and walk-on passengers charged 80 THB each. Tickets can be purchased as either one-way or round-trip.

In addition to the crossing service, Ao Thammachat Pier provides full facilities, ranging from convenience stores and coffee shops to clean restrooms for tourists before boarding. Once the ferry departs from Ao Thammachat, it heads to Ao Sapparot Pier on Koh Chang, which serves as the starting point for the main road that leads easily to White Sand Beach, Klong Prao Beach, and Kai Bae Beach. Choosing to use Ao Thammachat Pier is an option that helps reduce travel time and maximizes your relaxation time on Koh Chang.

• Private Car: From Trat city center, use Highway 3148 (Trat-Laem Ngop) and drive for approximately 12 kilometers. You will encounter an intersection; turn right onto Highway 4006 following the signs for "Ao Thammachat Pier" or "Koh Chang Ferry." Continue for another 5 kilometers to reach the pier.

• Public Transport: From Trat Bus Terminal or the Trat local market, there are specific blue Songthaews (public pickup trucks) on the Trat-Ao Thammachat route. The vehicle will drop you off directly at the ticket booth.

• From Bangkok: You can take a bus or van from Ekkamai or Mo Chit terminals that specifies the destination as Center Point Pier/Ao Thammachat Pier. The vehicle will drop you off directly at the pier.

• Avoiding Long Weekends: During long holidays, it is recommended to arrive at the pier before 08:00 AM or after 02:00 PM to avoid vehicle queues that can accumulate for several kilometers.

• Purchasing Tickets: Vehicle and passenger tickets are separate. For vehicles, a Drive-thru system is used, allowing you to buy tickets right from your car window. Prepare cash to help the queue move faster (scanning payments are currently supported in some spots, but cash is the most reliable).

• Weather Check: During the monsoon season (June–October), although ferries usually operate normally, there may be delays if the winds and waves are very strong. It is recommended to allow an extra hour of travel time.

• Position on the Ferry: If you want beautiful photos, after parking your car, quickly go up to reserve a seat at the upper deck's bow. You will see Koh Chang approaching in a panoramic view.

• Snacks: Red sausages and coffee at the convenience store near the pier are popular "light snacks" for tourists waiting in the car queue.

• Return Trip: When returning from Koh Chang (Ao Sapparot Pier), you should allow at least 2 hours in advance of your bus or flight schedule, as the return queue is usually denser than the departure queue.

Service Rates:

Passenger Fare (Per Trip):

• Adult: 80 THB

• Child (Height not exceeding the specified limit): 40 THB

Vehicle Service Fee (Per Trip - Excluding driver and passengers):

• 4-Wheel Vehicle (Car/Pickup/SUV): 120 THB

• Large Motorcycle (Big Bike): 80 THB

• Standard Motorcycle: 40 THB

• Bicycle: 20 THB

Opening and Closing Hours:

Ferry Timetable: Ferries operate daily with the following standard schedule:

• First Trip: 06:30 AM

• Last Trip: 07:00 PM

• Frequency: Ferries depart every 30 - 45 minutes

Note: During festivals, long weekends, or days with high traffic volume, the pier will adjust to a "Shuttle System," meaning the ferry will depart immediately once full without waiting for the scheduled time to expedite vehicle congestion.