The pier was originally a fishing community built entirely on stilts over the water to minimize land footprint.
The village at the base of the pier is part of a protected bay, which historically allowed fishermen to shelter boats during severe monsoon weather.
Many of the businesses on the pier are family-owned establishments that have operated in the same location for decades.
The lighthouse located at the end of the pier is a primary navigational marker for vessels entering the bay.
The structure of the pier has been reinforced with concrete to accommodate the influx of large dive tour boats while preserving the traditional stilt-house aesthetic.
Bang Bao Pier is a long concrete jetty extending into a sheltered bay on the southwestern tip of Koh Chang. It originally served as a traditional stilt-house fishing village before transitioning into a primary hub for island tourism. The pier functions as the main departure point for scuba diving and snorkeling excursions to the nearby Koh Rang National Marine Park. A pedestrian walkway lined with souvenir shops, seafood restaurants, and convenience stores stretches along the length of the pier. The area retains its original architecture with many structures built on wooden stilts over the water. It serves as a docking site for both wooden tour boats and high-speed catamarans. The surrounding bay provides calm, protected waters suitable for boat mooring year-round.
The red and white lighthouse at the far end of the pier with the bay and mountain backdrop.
Walk to the very end of the pier to reach the lighthouse for the best ocean views.
Compare tour boat itineraries at multiple kiosks before booking your snorkeling excursion.
Bring small denominations of cash for souvenir shopping, as many smaller vendors do not accept card payments.
Booking boat tours with street-side solicitors instead of visiting the official kiosks on the pier; expecting high-end luxury retail.
Boat excursion frequency decreases significantly during the low season when sea conditions are rough.
Dress modestly by covering swimwear before entering shops or restaurants; refrain from loud behavior near residential stilt houses.
