Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Koh Si Chang
- Where is Koh Si Chang?
- How to Get to Koh Si Chang
- What to See and Do in Koh Si Chang
- Spend the day at Hat Tham Phang
- Visit Phra Chudathut Ratchathan Palace
- Rent a motorbike and explore the island
- Check out the Buddha footprint at Mondop Roi Phraphutthabat
- Stroll around Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine
- Tour Chonlathassathan Marine Museum
- Hike to Khao Noi Viewpoint
- Ride boat to Koh Khang Khao
- Where to Eat and Drink in Koh Si Chang
- FlowerBlue Coffee & Bistro
- Rabiang Talay Sichang Restaurant
- Baan Kun Tuad
- Where to Shop in Koh Si Chang
- Eleven
- Atara Mall
- Robinson Sri Racha
- Where to Stay in Koh Si Chang
- Yellow House Koh Si Chang
- De’ Anchor
- Novotel Koh Si Chang
- FAQs about Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang is an underrated gem close to Pattaya with its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. This small island district is a patchwork of beautiful beaches, relaxed hiking trails, dramatic viewpoints, reef-filled snorkeling spots, and more.
Its town center, sprawling with cozy hotels, restaurants, and local shops, makes it an attractive option for people who want a dialed-down version of their chaotic city life.
Simply put, Koh Si Chang is the perfect middle ground offering modern luxury and natural serenity.
Where is Koh Si Chang?
Koh Si Chang is located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of west Chon Buri Province. It’s approximately 12 kilometers west of Si Racha District.
How to Get to Koh Si Chang
Ferry: You can only get to Koh Si Chang by riding a ferry at the Koh Loy Pier in Si Racha District. That’s why you must first ride a bus to this pier from Bangkok’s Mochit Bus Terminal.
These ferries depart every hour starting at 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
What to See and Do in Koh Si Chang
Spend the day at Hat Tham Phang
Media credit: sasipong_hongsachart9297
Hat Tham Phang is the most popular beach in Koh Si Chang for good reason. Its palm-fringed beach area is perfect for picnics and you’ll find lines of local food stalls selling numerous seafood dishes and drinks.
This beach is also a great swimming spot because of its shallow and calm waters. Plus, it has shops renting kayaks, banana boats, paddleboards, and jet skis so you’ll enjoy various water activities.
Visit Phra Chudathut Ratchathan Palace
Media credit: ningiji
Pha Chudathut Ratchathan Palace, also known as King Chulalongkorn’s Summer Palace, is an important historical site and also one of the most popular attractions in Koh Si Chang.
This residential palace was used by King Rama V and the royal family. Its main feature is the traditional Thai-style building where the royal family used to stay when visiting the island during summer.
Inside, you’ll find vintage furniture pieces and framed photos of the royal family and various scenic spots on the island. You can also walk around the property to find a beautiful landscaped garden, an artificial pond, and a white bell-shaped stupa.
Rent a motorbike and explore the island
Media credit: auntikaaa
Renting a motorbike or scooter is the best and most popular way to get around Koh Si Chang. With a rental two-wheeler, you can circle the island freely and soak in the ocean breeze along its numerous coastal roads.
Motorbikes and scooters are also convenient to rent since they’re available at the pier and most of the island’s hotels.
Check out the Buddha footprint at Mondop Roi Phraphutthabat
Media credit: megu_marumaru
Mondop Roi Phraphutthabat is popular among tourists and locals who frequent Koh Si Chang. It’s a gorgeous hilltop temple offering a stunning view of the island’s town center, especially at night with all the pretty town lights.
However, it’s also an important religious site because it enshrines a replica of Buddha’s footprint. This sacred relic is usually surrounded by flower bouquets devotees leave as offerings.
Stroll around Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine
Media credit: n.h0128
Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine is a striking Chinese-style shrine known for its sweeping staircase adorned with an oriental dragon along its handrail. This place is also packed with numerous oriental motifs, from red hanging lanterns to painted pillars and floors.
The shrine also has several prayer areas with Buddha images, Chinese deities, and oriental dragon statues. Plus, there are large censer cauldrons where visitors can light incense sticks while praying.
Tour Chonlathassathan Marine Museum
Media credit: mam_v_mam
Chonlathassathan Marine Museum is a family-friendly attraction in Koh Si Chang.
This place is particularly great for families with small children because it has numerous water tubs and aquariums full of fish, turtles, sea urchins, and other marine animals.
They also have a massive fossilized Bryde’s whale, taxidermied turtles, model boats, and various seashells on display. The photo spots around the museum are also a plus.
Hike to Khao Noi Viewpoint
Media credit: angunkang
Khao Noi Viewpoint is a great hiking spot for nature lovers. This scenic vantage point has a chic wooden viewing deck offering a panoramic view of Koh Si Chang’s town center and the surrounding lush forests.
We also like the hiking trail to this viewpoint because it’s paved and straightforward, perfect for casual tourists. You’ll also come across numerous orchid trees and the bell-shaped stupa in Asdang Temple along the way.
Ride boat to Koh Khang Khao
Media credit: suchai_mai
If you’re looking for an excellent snorkeling spot, ride a boat to Koh Khang Khao. This small island in the south end of Koh Si Chang District is known for its white sandy beach and reef-filled waters.
Snorkeling here gives you the best chance to spot corals and various tropical fish species. It’s also a great place to fish, so be sure to bring fishing equipment.
Also, If you don’t want to hire a boat, you can get to this island with a rental kayak or jet ski.
Where to Eat and Drink in Koh Si Chang
FlowerBlue Coffee & Bistro
Media credit: mangopieow
Address: 217 Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 81 305 5544
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast
FlowerBlue Coffee & Bistro is a chic food spot offering some of the more reasonably priced breakfast and brunch options in Koh Si Chang. We’re big fans of their charming jungle-themed interior with cutesy animal figures and plushies for decor.
We also like their loaded pan-fried egg breakfast set with sunny-side-up eggs, cocktail sausages, pasta, rose-shaped ham, and more. They also have an excellent selection of hot and iced coffees, teas, and smoothies.
These drinks also go well with their cakes and baguette sandwiches. Their cute and friendly dogs that welcome you are a big plus.
Rabiang Talay Sichang Restaurant
Media credit: beerku_67
Address: National Highway 4046, Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 85 833 3686
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood
If you crave good seafood, Rabiang Talay Sichang Restaurant is a solid option. It’s also a seaside restaurant, so expect a stunning view of the Gulf of Thailand and Koh Si Chang’s pier and lighthouse from its rustic open-air dining area.
This restaurant also specializes in traditional Thai seafood dishes, from tom yum goong to stir-fried squid with salted egg, goong pad nam prik pao, tom kha goong, and more. But our favorite is their signature roasted shrimp with salt and chili.
The shrimp is cooked perfectly and the roasted chilis provide authentic Thai flavors and spiciness. Their stir-fried blue crab curry is also a must-try.
Baan Kun Tuad
Media credit: m.minimiu
Address: 2 Moo 2, Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 82 889 5439
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours:
- 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Saturday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast and lunch
Baan Kun Tuad is a charming cafe and restaurant with a homely rustic interior. This place is best known as an affordable snack and breakfast spot in Koh Si Chang, so its menu mostly consists of appetizers and breakfast sets.
But they also serve Thai stir-fried dishes and pasta, so it’s also one of the best lunch spots on the island. We particularly like their traditional stir-fried basil with pork or chicken.
The portion is good and the price is one of the cheapest you’ll find in Koh Si Chang.
Where to Shop in Koh Si Chang
7-Eleven
Media from 7.eleventhailand
Address: Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 80 906 6962
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 24/7
Good to know: Good for families and art fans
Website
The 7-Eleven in Koh Si Chang is the best place to shop for travel essentials and snacks during your trip. It’s also close to Tha Lang Pier so you can drop by as soon as you arrive at the island.
Here, you can buy packed meals, wrapped snacks, and drinks. They also sell daily essential products like cosmetics, toiletries, socks, and more.
There’s also an ATM outside so you can withdraw some cash for your trip.
Atara Mall
Media from ataramall
Address: 222/6 Si Racha Nakhon 3 Road
Phone: +66 85 593 1978
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for daily supplies
Atara Mall is the nearest shopping mall to Koh Loy Pier in Si Racha, so it’s a great place to drop by before you ride the ferry to Koh Si Chang. It has a supermarket where you can shop for various food supplies and household essentials.
You’ll also find stores selling cosmetics, clothes, home improvement goods, etc. Our favorite is the MaxValu retail store which sells affordable grocery items and daily essentials.
Robinson Sri Racha
Media credit: central_group
Address: 90/1 Sukhumvit Road, Si Racha District
Phone: +66 38 771 001
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Robinson Sri Racha is a large shopping mall near Koh Loy Pier, perfect if you plan to buy various items for your Koh Si Chang trip. It has a wide range of domestic and imported retail stores, so you’ll mostly find the products you want.
You can also find numerous kiosks and stalls selling more affordable items than the mall’s larger chain stores. Plus, there’s a supermarket, so you’re covered for groceries, household essentials, and more.
This mall also has a large food court and a cinema, so you can eat or watch movies anytime while shopping.
Where to Stay in Koh Si Chang
Yellow House Koh Si Chang
Address: 71, 1, Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 89 042 5819
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 1 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for families and ocean views
Yellow House Koh Si Chang is a scenic cliffside hideaway on the island’s west end. Their spacious rooms have large beds, sofas, mini-fridges, and en-suite bathrooms, so you get everything you need for a comfortable stay.
They also have private cliffside balconies with chairs and tables where you can relax, have outdoor cookouts, and soak in the refreshing ocean view. In fact, it has one of the best views among the hotels on the island, especially during sunset.
Some rooms also have extra bed options, perfect when traveling with your family.
De’ Anchor
Media from deanchorsichang
Address: Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 61 645 6888
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
De’ Anchor is a chic upscale hotel offering airy minimalist rooms and modern amenities. It’s also along the Gulf of Thailand, so you get stunning and unobstructed ocean views from your room’s window.
They also have separate seaside bungalows for couples who like more privacy. We also like their modern outdoor pools with numerous sunbeds and dramatic direct ocean views.
But their biggest selling point is their complimentary breakfast and pick-up service from Si Racha. That means you don’t have to pay for the boat ride to Koh Si Chang!
Novotel Koh Si Chang
Media from novotel.sriracha
Address: 333 Tha Thewawong Subdistrict
Phone: +66 33 265 888
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
If you want to enjoy the ultimate privacy, Novotel Koh Si Chang is your best option. This is the only hotel on the island’s north end, so you don’t have to worry about huge tourist crowds while staying here.
Plus, we like their spacious airy rooms with modern interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows. They also have villas with private balcony pools overlooking the Gulf of Thailand and Si Racha, so expect dramatic night views.
You also get private beach access which is great if you like to swim in peace. This hotel also offers a convenient boat service connecting it with the Novotel branch in Si Racha.
