Koh Si Chang
เกาะสีชัง · Chonburi Province
Population
5K
Budget / Month
$311
Internet
25 Mbps
Best Season
November to February (cool and dry)
About Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang sits in the upper Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Sri Racha, offering an easy and affordable escape from Bangkok without the long journey to southern islands. Despite its proximity to the capital, the island remains remarkably untouristy — most visitors are Thai weekenders and foreign travelers are still a novelty.
The main attraction is Phra Chudadhuj Palace, a former summer retreat of King Rama V. The wooden palace was relocated to Bangkok in 1901 to become the famous Vimanmek Mansion, but the stone foundations, ceremonial halls, and landscaped grounds remain as an atmospheric hillside park with panoramic Gulf views. The colorful Chinese temple of Chao Pho Khao Yai perches on the central hill with ornate shrines connected by steep stairways and tunnels.
The beaches are modest compared to southern islands — the water is not crystal clear due to nearby shipping lanes. But the island's appeal is cultural rather than beach-oriented: royal architecture, fishing communities, Chinese shrines, and the gentle pace of a Thai island that tourism has not yet transformed.
Historical Note
Koh Si Chang served as an important anchorage for trading ships during the Ayutthaya period and became a royal summer retreat for King Rama V in the late 19th century. The island was briefly occupied by French forces during the 1893 Franco-Siamese conflict.
Best time to visit: November to February (cool and dry)
At a Glance
Thai Name
เกาะสีชัง
Province
Chonburi
Region
Eastern
Population
4,500
Area
7.9 km²
Elevation
72 m
Postal Code
20120
Airport
BKK
Local Language
Central Thai
Cost of Living
budget
/month11,200 THB
~$311 USD
comfortable
/month25,000 THB
~$694 USD
luxury
/month39,500 THB
~$1,097 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 40 | 80 |
| Restaurant meal (seafood) | 80 | 200 |
| Coffee | 40 | 60 |
| Beer (bottle) | 60 | 90 |
| Water bottle (1.5L) | 15 | 20 |
| Pad Thai | 50 | 80 |
| Seafood dinner | 150 | 400 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | 400 | 800 |
| Mid-range hotel | 800 | 1,500 |
| Best hotel on island | 1,500 | 3,000 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (round trip) | 100 | 100 |
| Samlor (island taxi) | 40 | 80 |
| Scooter rental (day) | 200 | 300 |
| Bicycle rental (day) | 50 | 100 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Massage (1 hour) | 200 | 300 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
13% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cooler, dry weather. The island is accessible year-round as the ferry operates daily. Weekdays are quieter; weekends see more Thai visitors.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 22 | 10 | 65% |
| Feb | 32 | 23 | 10 | 64% |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 30 | 66% |
| Apr | 35 | 26 | 50 | 70% |
| May | 34 | 26 | 150 | 76% |
| Jun | 33 | 26 | 130 | 76% |
| Jul | 32 | 25 | 140 | 76% |
| Aug | 32 | 25 | 160 | 78% |
| Sep | 32 | 25 | 200 | 80% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 180 | 78% |
| Nov | 31 | 23 | 40 | 68% |
| Dec | 30 | 22 | 10 | 65% |
Things to Do
Phra Chudadhuj Palace Ruins
พระจุฑาธุชราชฐาน
Former summer retreat of King Rama V with stone foundations, ceremonial halls, and landscaped hillside grounds offering panoramic Gulf views.
Chao Pho Khao Yai Chinese Temple
ศาลเจ้าพ่อเขาใหญ่
Colorful Chinese temple perched on the island's central hill with ornate shrines connected by steep stairways and tunnels.
Tham Phang Beach
หาดถ้ำพัง
The island's best beach on the west coast. A small arc of sand with reasonable water quality for swimming.
Circumnavigate by Scooter
Rent a scooter and tour the island's mostly paved roads with scenic viewpoints, temples, and fishing villages.
Sunset at Yellow Buddha Viewpoint
Standing Buddha statue on a hilltop with panoramic Gulf of Thailand views. One of the island's most photogenic spots.
Fresh Seafood Lunch at the Pier
Pier-side restaurants serving fresh seafood including the island's famous crab fried rice at local prices.
Food & Dining
ข้าวผัดปู
Khao Pad Pu
Crab fried rice — the island's signature dish using fresh local crab. Fragrant and rich with generous crab meat.
100-180
Pier-side restaurants
ปลาหมึกทอด
Pla Meuk Tod
Deep-fried squid with crispy coating, served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
80-150
Seafood restaurants near the ferry
หอยทอด
Hoy Tod
Crispy mussel pancake with egg and bean sprouts. A popular street food throughout the eastern seaboard.
60-100
Street stalls near the pier
ปูนิ่มทอด
Pu Nim Tod
Deep-fried soft-shell crab, crispy outside and tender inside. A seafood delicacy at local prices.
120-200
Seafood restaurants in the pier area
Food Streets
- Pier-side restaurant row
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
800 - 1,500
THB / night
Luxury
1,500 - 3,000
THB / night
Studio /mo
4,000 - 8,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
5,000 - 10,000
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Limited accommodation. No luxury options exist. The island is small enough that location matters less than on bigger islands. Best as a day trip.
Getting There from Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Airport Code: BKK
Bus to Sri Racha + ferry
1.5-2 hours bus + 45 min ferry
170-230 THB
Drive to Sri Racha + ferry
1.5 hours drive + 45 min ferry
Fuel + 50 THB ferry THB
Getting Around
Samlor (motorized three-wheeler)
WidespreadThe island taxi. Negotiate fare before riding.
40-80/trip
Scooter rental
LimitedBest for exploring. Some hills.
200-300/day
Bicycle
LimitedAvailable but the island is hilly in parts.
50-100/day
Neighborhoods
Ferry Pier Town
Small Thai island townThe main settlement with restaurants, shops, mini-marts, and most guesthouses. The commercial heart of the island with a lively weekend market atmosphere.
Best for: Day trippers and convenience seekers
Tham Phang Beach Area
Quiet local beachThe western coast around the island's best beach. A few resorts and restaurants in a quieter setting close enough to walk to the pier.
Best for: Beach time and relaxation
Festivals & Events
Chinese New Year
ตรุษจีน
Major celebration at Chao Pho Khao Yai temple with parades, firecrackers, and traditional performances.
Vegetarian Festival
เทศกาลกินเจ
Chinese-influenced vegetarian festival with special food offerings and ceremonies at the Chinese temple.
Practical Info
Hospital
Small health clinic; serious cases by ferry to Sri Racha Hospital (45 min)
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai only at most places. Very limited English — this is a Thai-oriented destination. Google Translate camera is useful.
Drinking Water
Bottled water only.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Tourist police 1155, Emergency 191
Day Trips
Sri Racha
Mainland seafood town with a Japanese community, fresh seafood markets, and Sri Racha Tiger Zoo.
Pattaya
Beaches, nightlife, and shopping on the eastern seaboard's main resort city.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Si Chang worth visiting?
Yes, for a quick affordable Bangkok escape with historical interest. Not a beach paradise — visit for culture, food, and authentic Thai island atmosphere.
Can I visit as a day trip?
Yes. Leave early morning, bus to Sri Racha and ferry across. Explore the island in 4-5 hours and return the same day.
How is the beach?
Modest. Tham Phang Beach has decent sand and swimmable water, but this is not a crystal-clear tropical island. Shipping lanes affect water clarity.
Do they speak English?
Very little. This is primarily a Thai-visitor destination. A translation app and basic Thai phrases help greatly.
Are there ATMs?
Yes, near the ferry pier. Unlike more remote islands, basic banking is available.
How long should I stay?
One day is sufficient for main sights. An overnight stay lets you enjoy the quiet evening atmosphere and catch sunrise.