Koh Si Chang Tourist Attractions

For an island of such a small size, Koh Si Chang has enough to offer to its visitors – from several low-key but still pleasant and uncrowded beaches to a couple of worth-visiting temples and amazing viewpoints. This is why the island remains one of the favourite weekend destinations for the Bangkokians and Sri Racha and Pattaya dwellers.

Chilling out on the beach

Even if the only Koh Si Chang’s beach is far from being as beautiful as those you can find in the most popular seaside destinations in the country, the advantage of Koh Si Chang is that there are never too many people by the sea. The water is clear, clean and shallow, without the usual motorboat traffic that makes impossible or at least dangerous to venture further away into the sea.

The most popular and easy to reach is Haad Tham Phang on the southwestern side of the island. Here you’ll find umbrellas and sunbeds to rent, a few restaurants for a lunch break, and shower facilities (THB20) to take a shower and change after bathing. Kayaks and snorkelling gear are available for rent as well.

Probably the most beautiful beach on the island, Haad Tham Saai, is visible and accessible only during low tide. The steep 130 steps which lead from Siripitsanu Bungalow close to Wat Tham Yai Prik are totally worth the effortr and if you’re lucky you’ll get a chance to get amazing pictures of one of the monks meditating on the cliffs facing the Gulf.

Haad Saai Kaew is the most secluded beach on Si Chang. About 500 m south of the Palace, you’ll find a steep stairway leading down to the beach. There are no signs and it’s easy to miss the beach, so you might want to ask for directions when you’re in proximity. Always completely deserted, it looks a lot more like what you expect from an island in Thailand; white sand and crystal clear water. There are no facilities of any kind there, so do do bring drinks and snacks if you’re planning to spend some time on the beach.

Snorkeling and diving

Koh Si Chang is not a world-class destination for any of these two activities, but as it is probably the closest islandto Bangkok featuring some corals and a decent diversity of marine creatures it’s still worth a try if you a passionate about underwater world.

On a good day you can end up seeing turtles, giant clams, morays and plenty of corals and smaller fishes. The best spot to snorkel on Si Chang is off Haad Saai Kaew, or you can rent a boat to go to one of the nearby islands like Koh Khaang Khaao and Koh Thaai Taa Muen. For diving boats contact Pan and David Restaurant (167 Asdang Road).

Some royal history – Rama V Palace

Built in 1890 as the royal summer residence, the palace was abandoned just four years later after the royal owners realized how easy it was for the hostile navy to get to Koh Si Chang. What is left now has been perfectly restored and makes for an interesting couple-of-hours visit. Located in the southeastern part of the island, the palace is easily accessible on foot or by tuk-tuk.

The palace is open every day except Monday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Chinese Temple and Buddha’s Footprint

Located on top of the hill on the northern side of the island, the Chinese Temple features the highly revered shrine of the Father Spirit which attracts thousands of Chinese devotes during the Chinese New Year every year. Ask the locals the right number of joss sticks to light when you approach the shrine; it will bring you good luck. Another 100 meters bring you to the famous Buddha’s Footprint; don’t be too excited though, since this is not a real footprint but just a replica of the Sri-Lankan original. The effort to get there will be rewarded anyway with breath-taking views of the island and the surrounding sea often busy with huge ships plying the waters to and from Laem Chabang port.

To our tasting, the best view is in summer or late spring when dozens of fire-red Flame Trees are in full bloom, adding bright colours to the deep blue sly and sea.

Wat Tham Yai Prik meditation centre and Yellow Buddha

Right in the middle of the island, Wat Tham Yai Prik is a simple temple where meditation is taken seriously. You can ask one of the monks to guide you around and you will be taught some basic knowledge about Buddhism. If you’re into meditation, feel free to go there to practice and for the most serious ones multi-day courses can be arranged on site.

Immediately north of the temple, the giant Yellow Buddha is the most recognizable image of the island and the first thing you will see when you approach Koh Si Chang from Sri Racha. Keep walking past the statue and you’ll find yourself at a viewpoint opening to the western side of the island – spectacular and rather unusual.