The basic guide to Koh Sichang (Koh Si Chang, Ko Sichang) gives an overview of how to get to the island, find accommodation and generally settle in. Now it is time to explore the island properly.
Beaches on Koh Sichang
Haad Tham Phang, or Collapsed Cave Beach, is the most popular beach on the island, with clear water, umbrellas and deck-chairs for hire and numerous restaurants offering modestly priced food and drink. One major advantage of visiting an island popular with Thais, but with few foreign tourists, is that the prices of most things have not been inflated. For those feeling adventurous there are other smaller beaches scattered around the island but make sure to pack some food and drink. In all cases it is advisable to keep the phone numbers of tuk-tuk drivers and your guesthouse and to organize a time to be picked up. This is especially true if you wish to linger over a sunset as even on Tham Phang Beach drivers will disappear back into town unless they are guaranteed passengers.
Sightseeing on Koh Sichang
If you're feeling restless chilling out on the beach doing nothing then there are a few sightseeing spots. You can hire a driver for about 250 Baht to take a tour around the whole island. This will give you a feel for the layout of Koh Sichang as well as finding those places where you wish to return later for a longer more relaxing stay.
Rama V Palace Grounds
Koh Sichang boasted the summer residence of King Rama V who built a palace on the island to help protect the shipping lanes to Bangkok. Sadly, as it became obvious that the summer capital itself was vulnerable to attacks from the French navy, it was torn down around 1900 and rebuilt as the Vimarn Mek in Bangkok. The ornamental gardens are styled in a fusion of European geometry and Asian naturalism. Many smaller buildings have been renovated, such as the elegant Chedi, and the grounds make a pleasant afternoon stroll with a small café offering much needed refreshments. At the entrance to the palace grounds is a marine biology research centre with a small museum dedicated to marine life around the island.
The Shrine of the Father Spirit
North of the harbour is a Chinese Temple known as Saan Chao Pho Khao Yai, or Shrine of the Father Spirit of the Great Hill. Discovered way back during Ming Dynasty China it still attracts thousands of Chinese pilgrims during the Chinese New Year. The Father Spirit is a large rock inside the shrine cave that has naturally worn into the shape of a human figure. Although climbing up the steps to the shrine can seem like hard work in the afternoon sun, the visitor is rewarded with some cool air inside the shrine cave itself. This natural air-conditioning attracts many locals who wish to hide from heat of the day.
Buddha's Footprint
Further up from the Chinese temple are some meditation cells for monks and then after 505 steps there is a wonderful panoramic view of the harbour and the stretch of water to the mainland. Here there is a shrine dedicated to the Buddha's Footprint, reproduced in 1891 from a Sri Lankan original. Make sure to ring the bell three times to let the mountain spirits know you've arrived! This tour of the Chinese temple and Buddha's Footprint is recommended early in the morning when the air is still fresh and the sunrise spectacular.
Richard Mankiewicz - I write on a wide variety of topics from the broad perspective of the relationship between the arts and sciences. The aim is to break down ...
