Koh Si Chang Pattaya Funtown

Koh Si Chang is a small island closest to Bangkok which can be reached within an hour drive and 45 minutes ferry. This island is not popular amongst foreign tourists but only Thais. Haad Tham Phang or Collapsed Cave Beach is the most popular beach on the island. Other beaches are smaller, more secluded. The island is linked together with narrow roads. The coast of the island is lined with rock cliff and cave. It is also a home to Wat Yai Prik which is a Buddhist meditation temple built on the limestone hill and there is also a grounds of King Chulalongkorn’s Palace built in 1890 and abandoned in 1893 after the occupation of France during a conflict with Thailand over which country would control Laos.

Koh Si Chang has a lot to offer besides the nice beaches to swim. The following activities can be fun and worth checking out.
– Samlor Tour is a great activity to explore the island. They can take you to different sightseeing points of the island.
– Boat trips around Koh Si Chang and its surrounding islands
– Fishing
– Walking and biking
– Snorkeling and kayaking

Chong Issariyaphon – The Royal Decorations Gap (Chong Khao Khat)
Chong Issariyaphon lies in the back of the island. The gap can be seen from the boat in the sea. It looks like a separating line in the hill. It is a perfect lookout for the sunset. The beach below is scattered with round pebbles which were influenced by the wind. King Chulalongkorn had the royal pavilion built here. It affords a 360 degree view, also used as the King’s planetarium.

Assadang Bay (Hat Tham Phang)
Assadang Bay(Hat Tham Phang) is situated in the west of the island. The bay is beautifully curving with fine white sand beach and clear water. The north of the bay is where Chakrabongse Point lies. The layers of rocks jut out into the sea. It is a great spot to enjoy fishing and watching the sunset.

The Chudhadhuj Palace
Built in the reign of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, as the royal summer residence, the Chudhadhuj Palace is beautifully landscaped. The compound comprises of Vadhana Building, modified in European style, Phongsri Building, an octagonal hall, Abhirom Building built in combination of Thai-European style. There are also seaside wooden bungalows, a pool, a pond, a pier and a lighthouse.

The Pagoda and Prayer Hall of Wat Assadang Nimit
Situated on top of the hill, Assadang Nimit Temple sits behind the Chudhadhuj Palace. King Chulalongkorn, Rama V had the temple built in 1892 to replace Wat Plai Laem. The Lankan-style pagoda is built on the top of the prayer hall. It is decorated in Gothic style. The skylights are decorated with stained glass. The holy bodhi tree has been brought from Bodh Gaya in India is planted here. From the pagoda, a breathtaking panoramic view of the palace area and the seascape can be seen.

The Yellow Buddha, Wat Tham Chakrabongse
The cave was discovered by His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanart during his convalescence. There is a reclining Buddha inside this small cave. Over the cave on the hilltop is where a large yellow Buddha stands.

Wat Chudhathit Dhammasabharam Voravihan
Wat Chudhathit Dhammasabharam Voravihan is located in the North of Koh Sichang, on the hill facing the sea, with a view of Ko Kham Noi and Ko Kham Yai. King Chulalongkorn, Rama V had the temple established in 1892 in honour of His Royal Highness Prince Chudhadhuj Dharadilok. The gable of prayer hall features fine stucco and the paintings of the ten major former lives of the Lord Buddha are place in the interior. The Sukhothai style Buddha in Subduing Mara gesture is situated inside.

Wat Tham Yai Prik
Wat Tham Yai Prik is cave temple situated on the hill and is also a meditating centre. The environs is quiet and peaceful. The cave is sandstone. There are 3 main meditation halls, Sila (precepts), Smadhi (concentration) and Panya (intellect). The pagodas of the 4 important Buddhist sites in India and Nepal and the Statue of Luang Pho Prasit Thavaro, who initiated the temple are also situated there. Wat Tham Prik is one of the spot for a panoramic view of the island.

The Holy Footprint
The replication of the Holy Footprint is situated above the Shrine of Chao Pho Khao Yai, on the hill in the north of the island. The footprint is 1 meter long, built from the stone from Bodh Gaya in India. A holy relic is also enshrined here. The sunset, the seascape and Ko Kham Yai are spectacular from this point.

The Shrine of Chao Pho Khao Yai
The shrine is on the hill in the north of the island. The cave is made into religious site with Thai and Chinese architectural style. The temple is visited by both Thai and Chinese residing in Thailand and travelling from abroad. It features the statues of the Chinese deities. This is a captivating point for a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding islands.