Ko Sichang is a district (amphoe) of the province Chonburi, Thailand. It is located about 3 hours by boat from Pattaya. It consists of the island of Ko Sichang and its adjoing islands. Ko Sichang is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 12 km away from the western shore of Si Racha district.
Ko Sichang History
Town on Ko Sichang King Rama IV, Rama V and Rama VI came to island for their rest. King Rama V had initiated to construct the first palace for royal home-stay in summer. The palace was named "Phra Chuthathut Palace", after his son who was born on this island. This royal residence was abandoned in 1893 after the French occupied the island during a conflict with Thailand over which country would control neighboring Laos. In 1900, the palace was torn down and reassembled in Bangkok, now named Vimanmek Palace.
The island was originally a minor district (King Amphoe) under the Mueang district of Samut Prakan Province. Becoming effective on January 1 1943 it was reassigned to the Si Ratcha district of Chonburi[1]. On July 4 1994 the minor district was upgraded to a full district
Ko Si Chang is a small island near Si Racha, population 4,500.
While the beaches are not as enjoyable as those on islands further east and south, such as Ko Samet, tourists can explore the remains of a former royal palace which was built as a summer retreat for King Chulalongkorn. The royal residence was abandoned in 1893 when the French occupied the island during a conflict with Thailand over who would control Laos.
Get in Ko Si Chang harbour
Situated in the Gulf of Thailand 12km offshore from Si Racha, its proximity to the shipping lanes has made it a convenient anchorage for dozens of barges which transship their cargoes to lighter boats for the trip up the Chao Phraya to Bangkok. Boats to Ko Si Chang leave hourly from the pier in Si Racha, taking about 40 minutes to make the trip. Price: 60 baht per person each way (as of August 3, 2008)
Get around Ko Si Chang
Motorcycle buffs will be intrigued by the strange motorcycle samlors peculiar to Ko Si Chang, three wheeled motorized rickshaws with outrageously powerful automobile or Harley Davidson engines. These once roamed the streets of Bangkok but were banished to Si Racha years ago. They can be hired for about 60 baht an hour to take visitors on a tour of the island.
Attractions in Ko Si Chang
Also of interest is the large cave known as Tham Saowapha which is said to extend over a kilometer into the limestone interior of the island. Another cave, the chimney-like Tham Chaprakong gives access to the view from the top of the hill. Other caves on the island are home to meditating hermits, so visitors should take care not to cause any disturbance. Also on the island is San Jao Phaw Khao Yai, a venerable multi-level Chinese temple high on a cliff with a spectacular view back toward the mainland.
Get around Ko Si Chang
Motorcycle buffs will be intrigued by the strange motorcycle samlors peculiar to Ko Si Chang, three wheeled motorized rickshaws with outrageously powerful automobile or Harley Davidson engines. These once roamed the streets of Bangkok but were banished to Si Racha years ago. They can be hired for about 60 baht an hour to take visitors on a tour of the island.
Attractions in Ko Si Chang
Also of interest is the large cave known as Tham Saowapha which is said to extend over a kilometer into the limestone interior of the island. Another cave, the chimney-like Tham Chaprakong gives access to the view from the top of the hill. Other caves on the island are home to meditating hermits, so visitors should take care not to cause any disturbance. Also on the island is San Jao Phaw Khao Yai, a venerable multi-level Chinese temple high on a cliff with a spectacular view back toward the mainland.
Eat at Ko Si Chang
Pan and David's - a good mix of Western and Thai food. The green curry is simply just heavenly, the homemade ice cream and smoothie will keep you coming back for more. The eatery at the beach is also very good as well with reasonable prices.
