Somewhere on Koh Sichang

We used this place as our base for exploring Koh Sichang Island on this trip.

This review will introduce you to one of the most attractive accommodations on Koh Sichang, as well as ... picturesque spots around the island.

I have been to Si Chang for a long time. It has changed so much since my last visit.

I can't remember anything. The upside of forgetting so much is that everything seems like a new place to visit. Hehe.

My faint memory of that time is of taking a boat to the island, then carrying a backpack and tent, and walking through the scorching sun across the island to Tham Phang Beach.

The island also features a Skylab car and a large Chinese shrine near the pier.

That was thirty years ago, ho ho ho. Long enough to forget, wasn't it? This time, I'm going to take beautiful pictures of every beautiful corner of Koh Sichang.

Our plan is to stay overnight on the island to allow ample time for photography, especially during the beautiful morning light.

Travel

The usual point of departure for ferries to Ko Sichang from Sri Racha district has been Ko Loi. However, Ko Loi is currently closed for renovations and is expected to remain closed for approximately two years.

The pier has recently been closed for a few months. Therefore, the boarding point will be moved to Charoen Pier, which is near Ko Loy. You can check the location on the map.

Koh Sichang is located just 12 kilometers from the mainland, with a travel time of approximately 50 minutes.

The ferry to the island costs 50 baht per person.

Ship Schedule

Sriracha – Koh Sichang 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Ko Sichang - Sriracha 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

**Ferry schedules may vary, but rest assured, there are frequent departures to Koh Sichang throughout the day, with ferries leaving every hour from morning till evening. No need to worry about transportation!**

Disembarking at the pier, how to proceed to the island?

Regardless of whether you choose to stay at Somewhere Koh Sichang or elsewhere, the most convenient way to travel from the pier is to take the Skylab car to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can also conveniently take a taxi or motorbike taxi.

Rent a motorbike for your island adventure. Skylab and motorbike rentals are readily available at the port.

This is a list of all the photo stops I made on my motorcycle trip around the island. I visited over ten spots in two days and one night. The list is in numerical order, but I didn't actually visit the places in that order. 1. Chinese Lighthouse 2. Khao Yai Shrine 3. Footprint of the Buddha 4. Khao Khad Viewpoint 5. Laem Chakpong 6. Tham Phang Beach 7. Atsadang Bridge 8. Green Wooden House 9. Watthana House 10. Phongsri House 11. Square Pagoda 12. Pagoda of Wat Atsadang 13. Khao Noi Viewpoint

First, let's drop off our bags at Somewhere.

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We arrived at Somewhere, just 750 meters from the pier. I rented a motorbike with a sidecar. I put one of my bags on the lap of the passenger in the sidecar and the other between my legs. The route was easy, driving out of the pier.

Continue straight past the 7-Eleven. At the third intersection on the main road, turn left. You will reach your destination shortly. Please refer to the map above for further guidance.

Somewhere on Koh Sichang

Find accommodation and settle down for sightseeing.

With only 20 rooms available, advance booking is highly recommended. However, walk-ins may be possible on weekdays.

Hotel website: www.somewherehotel.com

While we wait to check in, let's start with the first photo stop on Koh Sichang.

This distinctive lighthouse is visible from the moment the boat approaches the island. As you step onto the island, you will find it on your left-hand side. This charming Chinese-style lighthouse can also be seen from other vantage points on the island.

This is the balcony of the room.

Vintage style with light and airy blue and white tones.

Upon checking in around noon, the sun was blazing. Therefore, we planned to explore the area on motorbikes later in the afternoon when the sun had subsided. For now, the best option is to relax in the cool air conditioning and take a nap in the room.

Pool view from the balcony.

Before going to bed, I realized I hadn't eaten lunch yet. So, I decided to have lunch at the hotel restaurant. I was too lazy to ride my motorbike in the sun to find food.

Open from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Services are available even for non-hotel guests.

A simple lunch of my favorite dish, stir-fried minced chicken with basil and a fried egg.

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In the late afternoon, when the sun was setting and the wind was calm, we woke up and were ready to go on an adventure. We rode our motorbikes out of Somewhere, turning left and heading south on the main road of the island. However, we were going in the opposite direction of the port.

A short 850-meter ride brings you to the Palace District, the former royal residence that now houses the Phra Chuthathut Rajathan Museum on Ko Sichang. This area offers numerous photo opportunities.

The image depicts a sandy beach, lush vegetation, and rocky outcrops, with a classic white vintage bridge serving as a backdrop. After parking our car in this area, we will begin our journey by walking towards the bridge. The walk is a short one, only about a hundred meters.

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As you walk to the left, the sea stretches before you. Looking back towards Somewhere, you can see the prominent Chinese lighthouse from this spot. To the right, there are rows of chairs for resting, and behind the chairs is a grassy field.

The wind gracefully played with the leaves, and the late afternoon sun cast a beautiful diagonal light.

Asdang Bridge

This location is ideal for portrait photography. The wooden bridge features two pavilions, one on each side. On the bank behind one pavilion, Kham Yai Island, one of the eight satellite islands of the Si Chang Archipelago, serves as a picturesque backdrop.

After spending some time on the bridge, I continued walking. Just a hundred meters from the bridge, I came across another great spot for taking photos.

A green wooden house by the sea

Another image is this one, taken in the evening with the light shining as you can see, illuminating the back of the building. The front corner will also be in shadow, as you can see. Try planning a shot.

From the green wooden house, if you look towards the mountain in the southwest direction, you will see a white pagoda. It stands out prominently. I would like to walk up there to take a picture, but I am not sure how far it is and we have already planned that...

I plan to set up a camera to capture the sunset on the west side of the island near the Khao Khad gap. I'm worried I won't make it in time, so I'll leave the pagoda for now and come back tomorrow.

The moon appears 14% larger than usual and 30% brighter.

Above the horizon, in the same direction as Laem Chabang on the Si Racha side, very beautiful, very large.

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the landscape, we mounted our trusty motorbike and sped towards our designated rendezvous point. With time ticking away, we were determined to witness the celestial spectacle of the setting sun.

**Khao Khaad**

Alternatively known as the Isariyaphon Bridge.

The distance from Wang to Khao Khad is 2.2 kilometers, taking less than ten minutes to travel.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a scenic viewpoint pavilion. We set up camp there and captured some breathtaking photos. After taking in the stunning views, we relaxed for a while before riding our motorcycles back to our accommodation.

The sky was not yet completely dark when I returned to my accommodation, still bathed in the twilight glow.

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Order two or three dishes to eat.


The beverages included Fruit punch and Blue Curacao Italian Soda.

After a satisfying meal, it's time to rest. I need to sleep early because tomorrow, before dawn, I have a special mission: to set up a camera to capture the Super Moon setting over the water. The moon will set about half an hour before sunrise.

I don't want to miss this opportunity.

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The hallway leading to the rooms is perfect for those who love a bright, retro style that is easy on the eyes.

The room faces northeast. On the second floor, you can see the sea. In the morning, when you open the window and stand on the balcony, you can enjoy the morning light and watch the sunrise.

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Bathroom supplies.

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A trapezoidal mirror with a distinctly Thai style.

And then it was time for the exciting moment. I rode my motorcycle from my accommodation since around 4:30 AM. I had a full 7 hours of sleep, having gone to bed at 9 PM. I rode my motorcycle back to the same place.

To the place where the sun sets in the evening, the mountain pass is broken.

The Super Moon that rose in the west as the sun set is now setting as the sun prepares to rise, taking turns.

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The sky gradually turned red, and the hope of capturing the Omega Moon melting into the sea was dashed. However, it was still a fulfilling experience to witness the supermoon in all its glory, from 4:30 am to 5:30 am.

Two hours of pure wonder, a silent observation, alone with myself. No people, just the smooth expanse of the sea, the bright moon, the rocky cliffs, and the ever-twinkling stars.

The bright light of the streetlamp cuts across the path of the fading moon, creating a scene of stark contrast and unexpected romance.

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As the first light of dawn broke, I made a quick U-turn, abandoning my planned return to the guesthouse. Instead, I raced towards the mountains, determined to set up my camera at a high vantage point. At that moment, the only place that came to mind was the sacred Phra Phutthabat footprint.

Assuming the road leads to a high point, but it was still too dark to see clearly, I rode past the entrance without noticing. I continued riding until I stumbled upon this place instead.

**Grandfather Mountain Shrine**

He hastily parked his motorbike and ran up the stairs, setting up his tripod here. The golden light was already touching the horizon over there. Oh, beautiful!

I captured dozens of photos, an abundance indeed. I switched lenses constantly, marking another emotional peak, following closely behind the moonlit shots. The beauty, oh, the beauty! I adore them.

A view of Laem Chabang from the Khao Yai Shrine on Ko Sichang


The Chinese lighthouse is stunning from this angle at this moment.

Suddenly, I remembered that I should hurry back to the Atsadang Bridge on my motorbike, where we took photos of the light yesterday. I wondered playfully what it would be like if the sun rose right through the middle of the bridge! Oh, how wonderful and beautiful it would be!

The sun did not rise at the expected angle from my vantage point on the Ahtasang Bridge, despite the three-kilometer journey from the courthouse. I had rushed down the stairs, hastily stowed my tripod, and sped to the palace on my motorbike, arriving just as the gates opened at six o'clock.

I quickly ran to the other side, where I saw the moon rise last night. There it was, rising like a big goose egg. I quickly changed lenses to shoot through the bushes because I thought I wouldn't be able to run in time.

The light is getting stronger and stronger.

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The shot was taken while moving, and now there is no need to spread the legs. There is plenty of light. Finally, I broke through and stood at the same point where I took the picture of the moonrise yesterday. Laem Chabang Pier is back in sight, but this time...

The sun is a round orb, and my heart desires to arrange a corner for the sun to hang from a giant pulley used to lift container ships. But the sun has already risen too high.

The excitement of the sunrise was short-lived. As I prepared to ride my motorbike back to my accommodation, I realized I had forgotten that the golden hour for photography would soon begin after the sun had risen above the horizon.

The golden light bathed everything around me in a beautiful glow. I continued taking photos, capturing the green wooden house I had posted earlier. I then walked on, capturing other points of interest in the palace grounds that I had missed the previous evening.

Vattana House

Turning back from the Vatanna House at the pond, you will find a staircase. At this point, I was so inspired to take pictures that I couldn't stop. Everywhere I looked, there was something worth capturing. It reminded me of the white pagoda on the mountaintop that I had seen the day before.

Following the sign, I decided to walk up the stairs. The sign indicated that the destination was approximately four hundred meters ahead.

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After walking for more than a hundred meters, I came across a round building.

Phuang Sri House

The building's design features a spherical base that extends up to the roof, with a small additional layer on top. However, the light only reached the roof, so I took a few photos and moved on.

Before reaching the white pagoda, on the right side, we encountered an old pagoda with a sign that read:

Square Pagoda

Continuing my descent, I stopped to take a few more photos. Near the square pagoda, a sign indicated the presence of a nearby "stone bell." I searched for a long time, trying to find a rock shaped like a bell, but I couldn't find it.

Aṣṭāṅga-kṣema-nimitta Pagoda

The photo is not very white because I was capturing the golden light.

After photographing the white pagoda, I noticed a path that seemed to continue. A sign indicated a scenic viewpoint just over two hundred meters ahead, so I decided to follow it. The path gradually ascended the hill, but the walk was leisurely and not steep, resembling a stroll through a garden.

Another spot for taking pictures.

There is an observation tower, requiring a short climb up some stairs. This point is approximately fifty meters above sea level, offering panoramic views. The view faces east, making it a potential sunrise viewing spot, if access is permitted. However, I am unsure if access is currently allowed.

The western view is obstructed.

From this vantage point on the hill, you can see the white spire of the Ashtangakanimit Pagoda, which we just visited for photos.

The path continues, but I decided to turn back. I had already walked a long way and was feeling tired and hungry.

Enjoying a hearty bowl of pork congee with a soft-boiled egg for breakfast, a staple in my morning routine. A sprinkle of pepper and a dash of sauce elevate the flavors to new heights. This delicious meal was made possible by the breakfast coupons provided by my accommodation.

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The photo depicts a charming ship anchor, with the balcony offering a similar view. The view encompasses the hotel's swimming pool and the vast expanse of the sea.

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After taking a one-hour nap, I continued my motorbike journey around 10:30 am. There were still other places I wanted to photograph before returning home.

Cape Chakraphong

Situated on the western side of the island, this open seafront offers a tranquil escape from the bustling atmosphere of the eastern coast. The view from the pavilion at the head of the curve before descending to Tham Phang Beach captures the essence of the cape, stretching out into the distance.

The distance from the hotel to here is 1.9 kilometers by motorbike.

Looking to the left from the same vantage point, a small bay with a white sand beach comes into view. This is known as Ao Atsadang, and the beach is called

Some call it Tham Khao Phang Beach, but I'm not sure why. Judging from the name, there must have been a cave that collapsed. The sun is strong and the angle of the light is quite glaring at this point. It seems difficult to take a beautiful picture of this beach from this spot.

The best time to take photos would be in the afternoon to capture the light. Riding a motorbike down to the beach would also provide a good angle with the beautiful sea. However, it is currently too hot and sunny, making it unbearable. Feeling exhausted from the sun, I decided not to ride down.

Instead, enjoy the panoramic view of the shimmering seawater from this scenic pavilion and continue your journey.

Another destination I was determined to visit. Early this morning, I got lost while riding my motorbike, but I ended up exactly where I wanted to be.

The Footprint of the Buddha

The trailhead is located on the same mountain as the Khao Yai Shrine. While it is possible to hike up from the shrine, we opted to ride a motorbike instead due to the moderately steep incline. The trail is narrow and winding, so caution is advised. At the end of the trail, there is a parking area.

And then walk up the stairs a little further.

A large bell, a white-painted pavilion, and modern Thai-style architecture.

Let's stop by to pay respects to the footprint of the Buddha. It will bring good luck.

This pavilion offers a panoramic view of the island from a high vantage point. However, it is not the highest point. To reach the highest point, you will need to continue walking uphill. There is a path, but it may be difficult to find and the walk is likely to be quite long. As mentioned before, the sun is very strong, so be prepared for the heat.

Therefore, it is not possible to walk. At present, we can only find a shaded place to stand. In addition to the pavilion, there are also small old stupas. There are small stairs beside the stupa, which is a path for walking up from the shrine.

This high-angle view offers a panoramic vista.

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Looking south, one can see Koh Sichang on both sides of the sea. However, in retrospect, I am glad that I got lost on my motorbike this morning, because the angle of the photo here is not as good as the one with my legs spread at the Khao Yai Shrine.


I have completed all the locations I had planned. I had planned to visit ten locations for photography, but I ended up visiting more than ten. In fact, if I had explored more, I could have visited more than twenty locations. It was a relaxing and enjoyable photography trip.

A delightful trip to Koh Sichang, where I captured numerous stunning photos and experienced a relaxing getaway.

After relaxing at the hotel for a while, I left a little late as it was a weekday and the hotel was not full. In the picture, I am planning where to set up my camera to take pictures of the supermoon on my way back to Bangkok.

That day happened to be a full moon, which also coincided with the Loy Krathong festival.

See you again on the next trip with beautiful pictures that I have captured for you, along with various information.

#chonburi#ko sichang island
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