Ko Si Chang
Just to the north of the Gulf of Thailand is situated the small rocky island of Ko Si Chang. The island may be is not the best of the Thai islands, but it has two huge advantages. It is little known, even by Thais, and it is the closest place you can reach from Bangkok if you need sea and sand for a few days. A 45-minute ferry journey from the coastal town of Sri Racha brings you to the island’s one small town dominated by a brightly painted Chinese temple, reached by a long flight of steep steps. Photo by: spacehelmetboy
The best way to explore the island is to hire a motor bike called samlor. Your driver will tour the island with you, waiting while you visit the various sights, and even allow you a few hours at the island’s best beach. The main sight there is Rama V‘s palace and grounds. The gardens are lovely, linked ponds are shaded by ancient frangipani trees, and stone steps lead to balustraded terraces. Four wooden villas, fronting the sea, house various displays and historic photographs. Photo by: stefangrudza
There are several places in which to spend your break, and plenty of places in which to eat scrumptious fresh seafood. The main beach is rather small, but the water is turquoise in colour, clear as glass and fabulous for swimming. Tourists are surprisingly few, most just come for the day, and the island is calm and quiet - just what you need if you’ve been in Bangkok for a while. Photo by: Gabypacu
When to go: November to April for the least rain. Population: 4,500. How to get there: By ferry from Sri Racha. You should know: Ko Si Chang and Sri Racha are close to a deep-sea port and you will see huge numbers of barges waiting to unload you as you sit on the ferry. Don’t be put off, they don’t affect the island or the water around. Photo by: araeoflight1410
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