Unknown and Unloved: Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang: Thailand’s Most Underrated Island (Where You Might Accidentally Relax)
Oh Koh Si Chang, not to be confused with Koh Chang, Ko Sichang, or “Wait, is that the one near Pattaya?” Yes, it is. But trust me, it’s not what you think.
Koh Si Chang is not the wild party island. It’s not the scuba capital of the world. It’s not even particularly Instagram-famous (yet). It’s just... nice. Which, in Thailand, is like saying “this beach doesn’t come with a side of techno and regret.”
It’s the island you go to when you want peace and quiet, a little history, and the feeling of discovering a secret spot even though it’s literally just a couple hours from Bangkok.
Beaches: All Two and a Half of Them
Tham Phang Beach – The main beach. It’s small, sandy, swimmable, and shockingly uncrowded. There’s even a bar or two nearby, in case you suddenly remember your vitamin Beer-B complex.
Tiny secret coves – If you’re adventurous (read: willing to walk or scooter over rocks and pray to the map gods), you’ll find quiet little rocky spots that feel like your own private sea cave scene from The Beach, minus Leo DiCaprio.
Where to Stay: Sleepy Chic or Sleepy Basic
Let’s manage expectations because this isn’t a luxury island. Your options are:
Budget (Under 1000 baht) – Basic guesthouses with fans, friendly locals, and possibly the hardest mattresses known to humankind. Comes with free dog chorus at 2 a.m.
Mid-range (1000–2000 baht) – Cute bungalows, A/C, clean sheets, sea views. Basically everything you need to feel like a peaceful, well-adjusted adult who isn’t trying to shotgun a Red Bull vodka on a Tuesday.
High-end (ish) – A few boutique spots exist if you’re into ocean-view balconies and pretending you’re here for a writer’s retreat. (You’re not. But it’s a vibe.)
How to Get There from Bangkok: Faster Than Your Morning Commute
This is where Koh Si Chang wins gold.
Step 1: Get yourself to Sri Racha (yes, like the hot sauce). You can take a bus, van, or taxi. Vans from Ekkamai or Mo Chit take about 2 hours and cost 150–200 baht.
Step 2: Head to the Koh Loy Pier in Sri Racha and hop on a ferry (50 baht, about 45 minutes). It’s not luxury, but neither are tuk-tuks, and we survive those just fine.
Step 3: You’re there. No all-day journey, no overnight bus trauma, and no need to figure out a ferry schedule that looks like it was written by a drunken octopus.
Getting Around: Tuk-Tuks, Tricycles & Scooters With Opinions
Tuk-tuks (the weird 3-wheeled kind) – Unique to Koh Si Chang, these mutant motorcycle taxis are part scooter, part golf cart, part fever dream. Expect to overpay a little and love it anyway.
Scooter rental – Around 300 baht/day. Perfect for exploring the island’s hills, temples, and minor existential crises at scenic viewpoints.
Walking – Totally doable. The island is small enough that you can wander without Google Maps or with, depending on your trust issues.
Nightlife: Spoiler Alert — There Isn’t Any
This is not a party island. Repeat: not a party island.
But here’s what is available:
Beer by the beach.
That one bar near the pier playing Thai love ballads.
The sounds of waves and distant karaoke.
Your own personal introspective monologue under the stars.
It’s the kind of place where you fall asleep at 9 p.m. on purpose. Wild, I know.
Daytime Activities: The Relaxed, Surprisingly Historical Edition
Visit the old royal palace grounds – King Rama V used to vacation here back when “vacationing” didn’t involve infinity pools. There’s a beautiful seaside pavilion, cool walking paths, and actual Thai history that isn’t being screamed over by tour groups.
Hike (or tuk-tuk) to Buddha’s Footprint – Great views, good vibes, and a gentle reminder to stretch occasionally.
Chinese Temple on the hill – Gorgeous, colorful, slightly spooky in the best way. The kind of place you go to make a wish or take dramatic photos while pondering your destiny.
Fishing, swimming, or just sitting like a satisfied gecko – This island rewards stillness. And naps.
Final Thoughts: Koh Si Chang Is For People Who Are Over the Noise (and the Hangovers)
Koh Si Chang won’t blow up your social media or your liver. There are no fire dancers, no all-you-can-snorkel boat tours, and no EDM beach bangers.
What it does have is charm, calm, and a rare kind of authenticity you won’t find on more tourist-thirsty islands. It’s where you go to actually unplug or to write your novel, delete your dating apps, and finally read that book you’ve been “currently reading” for the past three years.
Come for the quiet. Stay because nobody’s yelling “WOO!” next to you at 3 a.m.
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