Si Chang Island : Cholburi, Thailand

Sichang Island (Koh Si Chang, Ko Sichang) is a small island on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is the closest island to Bangkok and can be reached after an hour's drive to Siracha followed by about 45 minutes ferry. Largely ignored by foreign tourists it is a great place for a peaceful beach holiday.

How to Enjoy Sichang Island

Being so close to Bangkok the island is a popular weekend and holiday retreat for Thais. This means you have a choice of two experiences: you can join the weekend crowds and enjoy more shops being open and a more lively night-life; or go during weekdays and relax on an almost deserted beach.

 

Getting to Sichang Island

A ferry service to Sichang Island leaves the port at Siracha once an hour and takes about 45 minutes, depending on weather conditions. The last ferry out to the island leaves at 20.00, but note that the last trip back to the mainland departs at 18.00. Also notice that there are two ferry companies operating but they do not share a timetable so you may see two seemingly different schedules. The buses leaving the Eastern Bus Terminal near Bangkok airport and heading towards Pattaya will stop at Siracha. Alternatively, a taxi from Bangkok will be faster and still reasonably priced for tourists.

Accommodation on Sichang Island

The Sichang Palace Hotel is the only proper hotel on the island with a snooker room, swimming pool and night club but, like most of the island, is rather quiet during the week. The island also has plenty of clean and comfortable guesthouses, and you can even sleep right above the main beach. As bookings will need to be done by email or telephone it is a good idea to pick a guesthouse where you are sure they speak English, unless, of course, you have a Thai companion. If you are likely to stay for a week then book a couple days of accommodation in advance then have a scout around as you may well find something more to your liking. Many Thai guesthouses are not on the internet so you will only discover them on location.

 

Getting Around Sichang Island

There are two ways to explore the island of Sichang: hire a motorbike for about 200 Baht per day; or use the services of a tuk-tuk driver. It is possible to get a tour of the whole island for about 250 Baht, stopping off at any interesting locations. This is a good way to get a feel for which parts of the island you wish to visit again. As always, make sure that a full price is negotiated before setting off. It is also advisable to take down the phone number of your driver and your guesthouse. Sichang Island is small but it is easy to get stranded, especially as night approaches and most drivers head into town. Mobile reception is generally good but there are blind-spots so check your signal strength before venturing into anywhere secluded.

Eating on Sichang Island

Sichang Island is famous for its seafood, especially squid, lobster and prawns. If you have barbecue facilities you may wish to buy fresh squid at the early morning market near the pier. Prices vary depending on how much has been sold to the mainland but are still very low considering the quality. The squid is succulent and sweet and the locals enjoy it with their own local chilli sauce, or nam phrik. If you're feeling in the mood for some international cuisine then Pan & David's restaurant offers excellent food at reasonable prices and with a great wine list for a place so far from the tourist trail.