Koh Si Chang: The Royal Island Off Si Racha
About 12 km off the coast of Si Racha, around an hour from Pattaya, Koh Si Chang is a small, peaceful island with a fascinating history. In the 1890s, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) chose it for a royal summer retreat, and the island still keeps the charm of those days: the gardens of a royal palace, Chinese shrines in the cliffs, hilltop temples with sweeping views, a colourful fishing village and a quiet sandy cove. With no private cars allowed, Koh Si Chang offers a slow, authentic island day, far from the crowds.
What to Do on Koh Si Chang
Phra Chudadhuj Palace
The former royal summer palace of King Rama V is now a museum set in beautiful seaside gardens, with historic buildings, pavilions and the photogenic Atsadang Bridge stretching over the sea.
Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine
Nestled in the cliffs north of the pier, this colourful Chinese shrine, said to have been founded by Chinese sailors centuries ago, houses sacred caves and offers panoramic views over the island and the sea. A long stairway leads further up to a shrine of the Buddha's Footprint, with an even more spectacular view.
Tham Phang Beach
The island's main beach is a small cove on the west coast, with clear water, simple seafood restaurants, beach chairs and kayaks to rent. Usually quiet during the week.
Viewpoints and Sunset
On the west coast, the Chong Khao Khad viewpoint overlooks the sea and the rocky cliffs, one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset.
The Fishing Village
The island's only town, near the pier, is a maze of narrow lanes, colourful houses and small seafood restaurants, perfect for a relaxed lunch.
How to Get There
By car to Si Racha: about 40 minutes from Pattaya to the Koh Loi pier in Si Racha.
By ferry: regular ferries leave from Koh Loi pier throughout the day. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.
On the island: private cars are not allowed. Explore the island by large local tuk-tuk with a driver, ideal for a tour of the main sights, or by scooter.
Practical Information
Location: about 12 km off Si Racha, Chon Buri
Access: by ferry from Si Racha
Getting there: about 1 hour 30 minutes in total from our villas in Soi Pattaya Land, including the ferry
Good to Know
Leave early: take a morning ferry to enjoy a full day, and always check the time of the last boat back.
Dress respectfully: cover your shoulders and knees to visit the palace, the temples and the shrines.
Comfortable shoes: some viewpoints and shrines are reached by long stairways.
More history than beach: the island is ideal for culture, views and seafood, with one main swimming beach.
Weekdays are quieter: the island gets busier at weekends and on Thai public holidays.
Our Concierge Team at Your Service
Staying in one of our villas or hotels? Our Concierge Team is here to help you plan the perfect day trip to Koh Si Chang: private car with driver to Si Racha, ferry times, tuk-tuk tours of the island and the best seafood restaurants. Our team keeps discovering new places to make every stay even better.
Just send us a message on WhatsApp, Line, WeChat, Telegram or KakaoTalk at +66 976 500 500.
Where to Stay in Pattaya
PATTAYA LAND offers a selection of private pool villas in Soi Pattaya Land, near Walking Street, with different capacities to suit couples, families and groups of friends.
Prefer hotel services? Our hotels in Pattaya offer a 24-hour front desk, room service and all the comfort of a hotel stay.
A royal island in the morning, your private pool at sunset. You Only Live Once.
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On the way to Koh Si Chang, discover:
Bang Saen Beach: Thailand's favourite local seaside escape
Khao Kheow Open Zoo: a large open zoo in the hills of Bang Phra
Laem Chabang International: 27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus, near Si Racha
Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn: the most popular island beach near Pattaya
Conditions and services may change. Please check before your visit.