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Koh Si Chang:

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Koh Si Chang is a beautiful island, located only an hour (two hours by bus) south of Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Pattaya (click here to go to Google Maps). It is not a major tourist destination because, just off the island's coast, is a deep water port that harbors large cargo ships and barges waiting either to sail up the Chao Phraya River or on to ports throughout the world. Despite this, a trip to Koh Si Chang makes for a great day out, full of wonderful views and rich Thai history. The ferry to and from Koh Si Chang leaves from a pier on Koh Loi, a small island off of the industrialized city of Siracha.

Phra Judhadhut Palace Park
Historically, the island was frequented by the Great Beloved King Rama V (1853 - 1910) and his children. King Rama V was made famous in the western world by the Hollywood movie "The King and I", but he is most noted for abolishing slavery, establishing schools, hospitals and road systems and generally modernizing Thailand. King Rama V once had a palace called Vimanmek, built on the island, but when a French invasion was feared, the palace was dismantled and moved to the grounds of the Dusit Palace in Bangkok. Known simply as the Teak Palace, Vimanmek is the largest teak palace in the world. Today it is a museum and for those interested in Thai history, a wonderful place to visit. The picture below shows the old foundation of the palace in Koh Si Chang, which is all that remains. The grounds of the old palace are still wonderful - full of beautiful gardens and historical features.

Wat Asdangnimitra
Wat Asdangnimitra is within the Phra Judhadhut Palace park area. You can find it situated at the end of a well maintained footpath that winds its way through the park. As you can see from the photos below, the temple is built on a hilltop, which provides truly wonderful views of the grounds of the palace and the sea.

Khao Yai Spirit Shrine

Sitting on the shoulder of the mountain on the northern end of the island is a shrine to the god Khao Yai, who it is said, protects the island. The shrine is connected by a footpath and many stairs to a replica of the Buddha's Footprint, believed to have been brought to the island by King Rama V.

The Buddha's Footprint
Unfortunately, during my visit the shrine to the Budda's Footprint was being renovated. However, this hardy traveler did get to see a breathtaking panoramic view of the port and surrounding ocean.

Luang Por Leung Mountain View Temple and Cave
Half way up the mountain in the center of the island, is a huge golden Buddha sculpture with two other smaller ones standing nearby. These statues are pretty impressive and can easily be seen from the port below. The statues mark the location of a cave that is traditional used for meditation. The cave houses a number of Buddhist and Hindu images.

The Temple site is well worth the hike because it offers a wonderful panorama of the port and pier.

Chong Isariyaporn (Khow Khad) - ocean view park
There is a wonderful park on the western side of the Island, specifically built because of the views it offers of the rocky coastline.

Koh Loi
Many Thai people who live on or near Koh Si Chang make their living by fishing the rich deep waters surrounding the small island of Koh Loi. Koh Loi is home to a public park and Sea Turtle Garden, and on the southern side there is Temple that houses a small shrine to the god of the local fishermen. The island is a great place to enjoy nature and breathe in the fresh sea air. This area is a great place to end your visit to Koh Si Chang because it also offers some spectacular views of the setting sun.