Visiting the island of Koh Si Chang
A visit to the island Koh Si Chang it's worth it. To clear up a misunderstanding, it is not about the famous island of Koh Chang.
The island can be reached by boat from Sri Racha after a 50-minute trip. This island was already chosen as a summer residence by King Chulalongkorn, but was briefly interrupted by the French occupation in 1893 due to a conflict over Laos.
However, the island is much older and was visited by Chinese navigators and traders. Against the rocks and in a cave they erect the Chao Pho Khoa Yai Shrine, this place is deeply respected by the Thai people and people of many other nationalities. This shrine is in Chinese style and several small caves are used for meditative purposes. The view from this place is overwhelmingly beautiful.
The island has several interesting and religious places. The Phra Judhadhut Palace of King Chulalongkorn is located in a beautifully landscaped terraced garden with very whimsical trees and the green wooden house by the sea. Further on is a "sacred" tree brought by the cousin of the king from India around 1892. A viewpoint of over 320 meters can be reached via a well-developed walking route.
Another Wat worth mentioning is the Tham Yai Prik. The large Buddha image can be seen from the boat. This is also built against the rocks and uses several small caves. The story goes that in a vision, King Chulalongkorn's wet nurse, named Prik, revealed this cave to Thavaro and he used it for meditation. Her photo was only found in 1998 and the name Prik was used for this Wat. The Wat has its own vegetable garden and initially rainwater was used as drinking water. The temple has much more interesting information, which can be read in a folder.
Although the island Koh Si Chang with its 5000 inhabitants is not big, it contains enough interesting places to visit.
The visit to the island was organized by NVT Pattaya.
– Relocated in memory of Lodewijk Lagemaat † February 24, 2021 –
I found out that this and the adjacent small island were previously called 'The Dutch Islands', and Koh Si chang 'Amsterdam' : “The British diplomat John Crawfurd visited the islands in 1822 during the mission described in his book Journal of an embassy from the Governor-General of India to the courts of Siam and Cochin-China: exhibiting a view of the actual state of those kingdoms. He reports that Francis Buchanan-Hamilton called the islands of Ko Sichang District the “Dutch Islands”, and Ko Sichang itself as “Amsterdam”, due to frequent visits by ships of the Dutch East India Company during the 17th century.” See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ko_Sichang_District
we have been to Koh Si Chang. A small island with indeed some sights and a small piece of beach, actually a bay.
Our brother-in-law ( Rob Strik ) has lived there for 15 years. He used to be a marathon runner and walked around the island 3 times a day. He went to the island for his rest, there were almost no vacationers.
Who knew Rob. send a message back.
Is that ferry to Koh Si Chang a car ferry? Or is it only accessible as a day tourist?
I have not seen a car ferry, but bath vans are driving around.
Moreover, the “roads” are narrow and winding.
The various sights are less than 10 minutes (bathbus) from each other and
continue walking on this beautiful island.
Mistake! Should be: baht bus
I've been there too, but it wasn't a car ferry. Have been there 2 nights and then you have seen it. Renting a scooter on the island is enough.
Crossing for pedestrians only. There are plenty of parking options at the Ferry departure point.
Immediately upon arrival, possibilities are offered for renting Scooters, cheap including petrol. But beware, it is often bad material that is offered. There are also some shops and small restaurants. In a few hours you have actually seen it. It's something different, but I wouldn't want to stay there for 2 days.