Home button

Koh Si Chang

Koh Si Chang is just over 100 km from Bangkok and 12 km off the coast of Chonburi Province's Si Racha, where the ferry runs from. The Island is a weekend getaway spot for people living in Bangkok.

A good way to orient yourself is to take one of the reasonably priced tours offered by the Samlor (3 wheeled carts) drivers after you disembark from the ferry. Your resort can help you arrange fishing and diving trips as well as day trips to some of the nearby Islands.

Beaches: There are a number of beaches on Koh Si Chang with nice sand and clear water. Hat Tham Phang is in the middle of the west coast. It is the main beach and has the most facilities including kayak and other beach equipment rentals. There is also a restaurant and bungalows for rent. Hat Sai Kaew is a fairly secluded beach on the east coast just south the old Royal Palace. The Palace also has a small beach.

Nearby Islands: You can rent a boat to take you over to any of the nearby Islands to go snorkelling or exploring. About 1 km to the east of the northern tip of Koh Si Chang is the small Island of Koh Kham Yai where a small fishing community is located. Koh Kang Kao is a small island 1 km south of the southern tip of Koh Si Chang. It has a small resort as well as good snorkelling and fishing.

Diving and Snorkelling: Diving and snorkelling trips can be arranged from town or your resort. There are some reefs off nearby Islands. If you can, bring your own mask.

Fishing: There are lots of options when it comes to fishing here. You can bring your own gear or rent it and fish off a pier, a cliff, a beach or in the deep sea. Reasonably priced charters can be arranged from your resort.

Kayaking: Rent a kayak on Hat Tham Phang and go explore the coast with its sea caves, rocky outcrops, secluded bays and nearby Islands.

Sichang Healing House: If you are feeling a little stressed or unenergetic then you should visit the Sichang Healing House. The massage and herbal treatments rival those anywhere in the country and the setting is very peaceful. Lessons are available along with Thailand made herbal products for sale.

Royal Summer Palace: Construction started on the Palace in 1890 by King Rama V and was abandoned in 1894 due to its unsafe location during hostilities with the French. In 1900 the main part was taken to Bangkok where it can be seen today as Vimanmek Palace. Definitely check it out in Bangkok before coming. The grounds of the Palace are a nice place to have wander around and perhaps have a picnic. Look for the beach below the cliffs.

Si Racha Tiger Zoo: We never made it here as the park was suffering from a bird fly epidemic that had jumped to the tigers. Sadly over 80 tigers died as a result of the virus. The park has had many other recent scandals and hopefully with all the media attention, has cleaned up its act. These beautiful tigers are such endangered creatures that it would be nice to have somewhere respectable breeding them. The park is located a short distance inland from Si Racha.

Chinese Temple: To the north of the piers you will find this old Chinese temple that attracts many Chinese visitors. Climb the hill and you will come to Buddha's Footprint and a great view of the area including Si Racha on the mainland.