Koh Si Chang Island

Among Koh Si Chang's main attractions are beaches with crystal clear waters, stunning sunsets, and outdoor activities like snorkeling, biking, and kayaking. Restaurants on the island always have a steady supply of fresh seafood such as crab, squid and shrimp.

Koh Si Chang's only town at the northeastern tip of the island with its narrow streets and colorful little houses. Since private cars are not allowed on the island, traffic is very sparse. The island can be reached from Si Racha district in Chon Buri province in about 45 minutes.

Despite being a small island, Koh Si Chiang has a number of historical sites, temples, beaches and lots of natural beauty. The close proximity and hardly any transportation make exploring the island a comfortable affair.

Koh Si Chang has several beaches with generally clear water. A sandy beach with some rocks, Tham Phang beach on the West coast is the island's largest beach. Rent outdoor chairs with parasols as well as kayaks. Some restaurants serve simple Thai dishes and drinks. Usually the beach is quiet, except on weekends and Thai holidays. Around the island are a number of smaller, even quieter beaches with little or no facilities.

In the center of the island between Tham Phang beach and the old town is the Wat Tham Yai Prik Buddhist temple and meditation center. A staircase flanked by Naga snakes leads up to the ornate building. From here you will have great views of Koh Si Chang, the surrounding islands and the Gulf of Thailand. Up the hill a little higher is a very large golden Buddha. Picture sitting overlooking the small town and sea.

Just north of town and the Tha Lang pier where the ferry arrives is a Chinese temple known as Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine, or "Temple of God the Father on the Big Mountain". The shrine dedicated to the soul is housed in one of the many caves. Going back many centuries, the temple is said to have been founded by Chinese merchants who crossed the island by boat. During the Chinese New Year, the temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over Asia.

Near the Chinese temple, a little higher on the hill is a replica of the Buddha's footprint housed in the Sala, a Thai-style open house. Besides, on a rock there is a small golden pagoda. Thai people come here to pay their respects to Buddha's footprints. Although the climb is quite steep with more than 500 steps requiring quite a bit of effort, the views of the old town, the port and the Gulf of Thailand are great. The stairs to the Sala begin behind the Chao Pho Khao Yai Temple.

Below the east coast of Koh Si Chang is the Judhadhut Palace, built by King Chulalongkorn around 1890 as a summer residence for the Royal Family. When the island was briefly occupied by the French in 1893, the palace was abandoned. The main building, Vimanmek Mansion, built entirely of teak, was dismantled and rebuilt at Dusit Palace in Bangkok.

Some of the structures still remain include the beautifully restored green Ruen Mai Rim Talay building and the wooden Atsadang Bridge, the pier where the King's boats dock. The palace's gardens with ponds, wide walkways and seaside location make for a relaxing walk.

Within the palace complex is Wat Atsadang Nimit, a Buddhist temple located on the hill south of the palace. The temple is a blend of European and Thai architectural styles. A white Thai stupa stands at the top of a church-like building with Gothic arched windows inlaid with stained glass. The palace is open daily, admission is free.

A short walk towards the hills from Wat Atsadang Nimit is Kho Noi Viewpoint, which offers great views of Koh Si Chang, the sea and surrounding islands all the way to the mainland.

One of the smaller islands of Koh Si Chang is Koh Khang Khao, a very small island located just to the south, with a nice sandy beach and good snorkeling. To get there, rent a boat at the pier. Rate will be around 1,500 to 2,000 Baht for half day or full day.

To get to Koh Si Chang, take a ferry from Si Racha town in Chonburi province. Ferries depart from the pier just south of Surasak Montri Park and arrive at Tha Lang Pier on Koh Si Chang. The trip takes about 45 minutes, the fee is 50 Baht per person one way.

Si Racha town is more than 90 km from Bangkok International Airport and about 30 km from Pattaya. Since private cars are not allowed on Koh Si Chang, a tuk tuk is the ideal means of getting around the island. Large version Tuk Tuk that can seat 5 people is rented for a full day tour around the island for around 250 Baht. Many of the drivers can provide a tour of the island's highlights. Motorbikes can be rented for 300 Baht a day from most hotels or at the ferry terminal.