REVIEW · BANGKOK
Private Transfer : KOH CHANG – KOH MAK – KOH KOOD
Book on Viator →Operated by InnViaggi Asia Co. Ltd. · Bookable on Viator
Your island day starts with less hassle.
This private transfer service takes you from Bangkok airports or hotels to Trat province, then lines you up with the right boat connection for Koh Chang, Koh Mak, or Koh Kood. What I like most is the door-to-dock coordination (pickup by van/car, then drop-off at the pier) and the fact that the vehicle is sized for your group so you’re not packed in like a commuter train.
One thing to plan around: the boat ticket isn’t included, and your exact timing will follow boat schedules and traffic.
In This Review
- Key highlights to look for
- Why this Bangkok-to-Trat transfer feels practical
- Morning timing that actually matters (and what you should watch)
- Koh Chang transfer: from Bangkok to your Koh Chang hotel
- Koh Mak transfer: speed boat to Koh Mak, then free taxi to your resort
- Koh Kood transfer: earlier pickup and ferry connection to island hotels
- The return trips: how pickups work on the way back to Bangkok
- Price and value: what $154.41 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
- Luggage, passports, and the small rules that prevent big headaches
- Who this transfer is best for
- Should you book this private transfer?
- FAQ
- Where do pickups happen in Bangkok?
- Is the boat ticket included?
- How long does the transfer take?
- What’s included for Koh Mak and Koh Kood arrivals?
- What’s the group size limit?
- How much luggage can I bring?
- Do I need to provide passport details?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key highlights to look for

- Private car/van sized to your group so you’re comfortable, not crowded
- Dock drop-off so you’re not left wandering toward the right pier
- Morning pickup windows that aim to get you to boats early
- Free taxi on Koh Mak and Koh Kood after your arrival to your accommodation area
- Max 8 travelers, keeping it more like a small private transfer than a group bus
Why this Bangkok-to-Trat transfer feels practical
If your plan is islands in Trat province, your biggest enemy is chaos: taxis that don’t find the pier, delays that eat your morning, and unclear meeting points. This service is built to reduce that friction. You get a private driver and a vehicle that handles the Bangkok-to-dock leg, then you’re dropped at the right departure point for Koh Chang, Koh Mak, or Koh Kood.
The other reason it’s worth your attention is how it handles the “last steps.” For Koh Mak and Koh Kood, you don’t just get onto the boat and stop there. After you arrive, you’re told to use a free taxi to get from your arrival area to your accommodation/resort. That can save time and avoid the awkward moment of figuring out local transport right when you’re tired.
There’s a catch you should respect: the listing is clear that boat tickets are not included. So you’re buying transportation to the pier and handling the ride part, but you’ll still need to budget for the boat crossing separately.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Bangkok
Morning timing that actually matters (and what you should watch)
The transfer is scheduled with early morning pickup windows because boats tend to run on fixed times. For Koh Chang and Koh Mak, you’re looking at pickup around 8:00 to 8:30 am from Bangkok hotels or the airport. For Koh Kood, pickup is earlier, around 7:30 to 8:00 am, which makes sense if they want you at the ferry in time for the first reliable departure.
On the return trip, the pickup time depends on when your boat brings you in, and that’s normal for island travel. If you’re connecting to a flight, you’ll want to make sure the service has your flight details so they can align your pick-up window with your travel needs.
Also keep this in mind: the transfer duration is listed as about 5 hours, but it’s approximate. Traffic in Bangkok can be unpredictable, and island-side transfers can add minutes. The good news is that because this is private transport, you’re not stuck waiting behind a whole busload of people.
Koh Chang transfer: from Bangkok to your Koh Chang hotel

For Koh Chang, the plan starts with pickup from your Bangkok hotel or either airport (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang). From there, your driver takes you to the cross-ferry area using a combination of van/car travel and ferry crossing (the transfer description refers to cross ferry pier by van/car). The point is simple: you’re not navigating the intercity parts yourself.
Then the service doesn’t just drop you at a pier and wish you luck. It’s described as ending with transfer to a hotel in Koh Chang. That matters because Koh Chang accommodations can be spread out, and the island taxi situation can vary depending on where you’re staying.
Two practical tips to make this leg go smoothly:
- Have your hotel name and address ready in advance, since pickup goes to your Koh Chang hotel.
- Keep your luggage within the limit (more on that below), so loading stays fast.
If you like structure and you’re trying to start your island stay without delays, this Koh Chang routing is a good match.
Koh Mak transfer: speed boat to Koh Mak, then free taxi to your resort
Koh Mak is handled a bit differently. Pickup is again from Bangkok around 8:00 to 8:30 am, then the transfer moves you to the pier for a speed boat. That’s a key detail: speed boats usually feel quicker and more direct than slower ferry options, which can make arrival feel less like a chore.
After you arrive on Koh Mak, the service includes a helpful extra step: you’re instructed to take a taxi to your resort/accommodation, and that taxi transfer is described as free. In plain terms, you’re not stuck figuring out local transport when you’re arriving for the first time.
One thing to consider is that Koh Mak arrival logistics can still vary based on where your resort is located. The free taxi helps, but you’ll want your accommodation details correct so the driver knows where to go. If you’ve ever wasted 20 minutes on the wrong pickup turn in a foreign country, you already know why that accuracy matters.
Koh Kood transfer: earlier pickup and ferry connection to island hotels
Koh Kood requires an earlier start. Your pickup from Bangkok hotels or the airport is listed around 7:30 to 8:00 am, then you go to the pier for a ferry to Koh Kood. After you arrive, the service includes a free taxi to your accommodation.
This timing difference is worth planning for. Ferry departures tend to have less flexibility than you’d wish, and the earlier pickup helps you land in Koh Kood with less risk of missing connections. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to keep mornings calm (not sprinty), this structure is a win.
From your side, what you need is simple: make sure your accommodation name and location are clear. Because the taxi is part of the included experience for Koh Kood arrivals, the smoother your address details, the smoother your end-of-transfer.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bangkok
The return trips: how pickups work on the way back to Bangkok
Going back to Bangkok is designed to match boat timing. For Koh Chang, the service describes pickup from your Koh Chang hotel and then transfer to a hotel in Bangkok or to the airport, using van/car travel plus cross-ferry routing.
For Koh Mak, you’re picked up from the Pier Leam Ngob to Bangkok airport or hotel. The pickup time depends on your boat time, so you’ll want to share your boat schedule details.
For Koh Kood, pickup is from your Koh Kood hotel and then it’s transferred to Bangkok hotel or airport, again with pickup time depending on boat timing.
The practical value here is that you’re not trying to coordinate transport at the last minute on the island. The service is built to handle the “get back into Bangkok” portion as a single package, which is especially helpful if your flight time is fixed.
Price and value: what $154.41 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
At $154.41 per person, this transfer can be good value if you want private, scheduled logistics without DIY stress. What you’re paying for is the Bangkok-to-pier transport by private vehicle plus a driver, tailored to your group size (up to 8 travelers total).
What’s not included is the boat ticket. So think of the price as the land and coordination portion. If you add boat tickets on top, your total day cost will rise, but you still avoid the hidden expenses of lost time, wrong-route taxis, and waiting around in the wrong place.
Also look at the “time cost” angle. A private transfer doesn’t just save money, it saves decision fatigue. You’ll spend less mental energy figuring out where to go and more energy actually enjoying your island day.
If you’re traveling with family or a small group, private transfers often start to feel like the sane choice rather than the fancy one.
Luggage, passports, and the small rules that prevent big headaches
This is the kind of transfer where details matter. You’re allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag per traveler. If you have oversized or extra items (surfboards, golf clubs, bikes), there may be restrictions, so it’s smart to ask ahead of time.
You also need to provide passport information for everyone: name, number, expiry, and country. On top of that, you’ll share pickup data like flight time (when relevant) and your accommodation details, plus passenger names in full. It’s not a big glamorous step, but it helps the driver and operator match you correctly.
One more good-to-know: service animals are allowed.
If you want your morning to run smoothly, prep these items early. The whole point of a private transfer is that it’s supposed to feel effortless. This is how you keep it effortless.
Who this transfer is best for
This fits well if:
- You want a private, air-conditioned ride to start your island time without navigating Bangkok transport.
- You care about dropping off at the right dock and then continuing to your accommodation.
- You’re traveling with up to 8 people and want the vehicle sized to your group.
It may be less ideal if:
- You prefer to build your own schedule and don’t mind figuring out pier transport.
- You’re traveling with unusual oversized gear and you didn’t confirm luggage rules first.
And if you’re the kind of traveler who likes things organized and calm in the morning, this will feel reassuring. The overall service tone is about being attentive, organized, and ready when you need to move.
Should you book this private transfer?
I’d book it if your priority is getting from Bangkok to Koh Chang, Koh Mak, or Koh Kood with minimal stress. The included driver and private vehicle take away the most annoying part of island travel: the handoff between city transit and boats.
I’d think twice only if you’re trying to squeeze everything into a super tight schedule and you haven’t planned for the boat ticket and timing. Since the boat ticket isn’t included and the exact schedule follows traffic and boat departures, you’ll want to keep your day flexible enough to work with real-world timing.
If you want an island vacation that starts with less guesswork and more relaxation, this is a solid choice.
FAQ
Where do pickups happen in Bangkok?
You can be picked up from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, or Bangkok hotels.
Is the boat ticket included?
No. The transfer includes land transport and the driver, but boat tickets are not included.
How long does the transfer take?
The duration is listed as about 5 hours (approx.), and it can vary with traffic and the time of day.
What’s included for Koh Mak and Koh Kood arrivals?
After arriving on Koh Mak or Koh Kood, you’re directed to use a free taxi to reach your accommodation/resort.
What’s the group size limit?
This service has a maximum of 8 travelers.
How much luggage can I bring?
You’re allowed up to 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag per traveler. Oversized items may have restrictions.
Do I need to provide passport details?
Yes. At booking, you need passport name, number, expiry, and country for all participants.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes. Service animals are allowed.
































