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Travel log September 2016

Hello again, Pan is back with a travel review for those on a tight budget.

Last Sunday, while Pan was at the car shop to refill the air conditioner, she was looking at the mechanic working under the bright sun.

A peculiar sensation arose, a tingling in my hands and feet, as if the car was urging me to take it somewhere to test the newly refilled air conditioning. Coincidentally, a friend messaged me around 10 am to chat. We discussed our desire to visit an island, initially as a casual conversation. However, unexpectedly, we decided to make it a reality. The only constraint was the late hour, necessitating a nearby destination. As if by divine intervention, Koh Sichang popped into our minds like bubbles in boiling water. We gave our friend half an hour to prepare before embarking on our spontaneous adventure.

This time, there were four of us in total, filling the car perfectly. The reason we had to gather all four of us was none other than to split the cost. Haha!

We are traveling on a budget. ;)



For travel

From Bangkok, take Bang Na - Trat Road to Chonburi Province, heading towards Bang Saen (you will reach the right-hand turn to Bang Saen Beach at kilometer 104). From the entrance to Bang Saen Beach, drive straight for approximately 13 kilometers until you reach Robinson Sriracha shopping mall. Turn right at the mall and drive straight for about 2 kilometers to Ko Loi Pier. You have arrived at your destination.



Parking is available at the Chinese temple.

The place is spacious and convenient. As soon as you park your car, a three-wheeled vehicle will be waiting to take you to the pier. The fare is 20 baht per person.

The distance is not too far, so you can choose to walk.



Pan's journey from Bangkok to the pier took approximately two hours. Arriving at 12:30 PM, she had to wait for the next boat, which departed at 1:00 PM.

Let's discuss the sailing schedule.

The ferry departs every hour, with the last departure at 8pm. The last return ferry departs at 7pm.

The ferry to the island costs 50 baht per person. While waiting for the ferry to depart, there are food stalls at the pier where you can grab a bite to eat. After a short wait, the ferry departed. It's worth noting that the ferries here are remarkably punctual, which is fantastic.

It took almost 45 minutes to arrive. I saw the islanders' village from afar.

I have arrived at approximately 13:45. This means that I only have about 5 hours to spend on the island.

Before boarding the last ferry at 9 pm to cross to Sriracha.

Both Sichang and Ko Loi piers offer food vendors selling snacks and refreshments. Additionally, various car rental services are readily available at both locations.

Car rental prices

Three-wheeled sightseeing vehicle

250 baht for 4-5 people. Take a tour of the main attractions on the island.

Motorcycle with full tank of gas

80 baht per hour, 250 baht per day, 300 baht for overnight stay.



Arriving at the island in the early afternoon with limited time, Pan and her friend opted to rent two motorbikes for a more immersive and time-efficient exploration. Equipped with a map and a sense of adventure, they set off under clear skies and sunshine, with a refreshing breeze keeping the heat at bay. The air was pleasantly humid, making for a comfortable ride.

Koh Sichang is not very big, so you can travel around the island in just a few hours. This is based on the map I saw earlier. There are 10 main tourist attractions.

• Grand Shrine of Khao Yai

• Footprint of the Buddha

• Isariya Bhorn (Khao Khad) viewpoint for watching the sunset.

• Ao Atsadang (Tham Phang Beach) is suitable for swimming or relaxing on a canvas bed.

• Cape Chakraphong

• Equestrian statue of King Rama V

• Ashtang Bridge, a popular pre-wedding photo shoot location.

• A wooden house by the sea

• Phongsri Building

• Wat Atsadang Nimit

There are also smaller tourist attractions scattered throughout the local communities. Please read the signs for more information.



Pan loves this spot on Koh Sichang. Look at their roads, their houses, and those trees! Everything blends together perfectly. Pan really wants a house in the mountains. Waking up there must be amazing. Taking in the fresh air... ahhhhhhhh.

Let's explore the attractions on this island. Pan started the journey from the pier, turning right at the intersection of 7-Eleven to visit the Khao Yai Shrine first.

We will then continue along the road until we have circled the entire island.

Pay respect to the Buddha for good luck before climbing. The shrine of Chao Por Khao Yai and Kuan Yin. I parked the car below and walked up the stairs, which I don't know how many steps there are, but it was a good workout.

Exhausted, but the view from up here makes it all worth it.

Another highlight was the cool breeze. After enjoying the view for a while, we continued our journey to the nearby Phra Phutthabat footprint.

The view from here encompasses the entire island, similar to the view from the Khao Yai Shrine. However, the perspective here is higher due to the steep climb up the mountain.

The steep descent made our hearts skip a beat, like riding the Super Splash at Dream World. After paying our respects at the replica of the Buddha's footprint, we continued our journey.

However, "lording it over" in this context refers to indulging in food. After all, it was past noon and I hadn't had lunch yet.



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There is a recommended restaurant, a som tam and grilled chicken restaurant. It is located on the side of the road, on the way to Khao Kha Khad. It is not far from the descent from the Buddha's footprint. There is no name for the restaurant, and it seems that only local people eat there. The camera pans in, and there are no tourists at all.

If you see a restaurant that looks like this, you can park your car and have lunch. Imagine yourself sitting under a tamarind tree, picking up sticky rice and dipping it in southern papaya salad.

To the right, a flock of mother hens and chicks can be seen. To the left, mountains are embraced by lush green trees. A cool breeze blows.

The most important thing is the price, which is very cheap. A dish costs only 40-50 baht and you get a lot of food. That meal, which included waterfall salad, papaya salad, grilled chicken, and various other dishes, cost only 290 baht for four people.

With full bellies, the group set off, following the map. The next stop was Khao Chong Khad, but they decided to save it for last to catch the sunset.

Continuing past, head towards Phra Luang and Tham Chakrapong.

A large, gleaming golden Buddha statue. Pan worshipped and prayed. After that, she explored the cave under the pavilion.

The Chakraphong Cave is a small cave that requires visitors to descend a flight of stairs. At the end of the stairs, there is a Buddha statue that visitors can pay their respects to.



After paying respects at the temple, Pan continued along the road, heading towards Atsadang Bridge, a popular spot for taking photos.

In close proximity, there are recreational gardens where, as is well-known, Kings Rama IV, Rama V, and Rama VI visited for leisure. Notably, King Rama V ordered the construction of the first royal residence on the island, serving as his summer palace. Within the gardens, there are various beautiful buildings showcasing a blend of Thai and Western architecture.

And there's this angle too.

Oh, it's Pan's friend. ^^



After taking photos, we are ready to move on to the next tourist spot. Let's ride out of Chonlathasathan and turn left. We will head to Tham Phang Beach.



This beach is suitable for swimming and relaxing on a beach towel. Food and restrooms are readily available. However, the beach is not very large.

Regarding cleanliness, I would give it an average rating. The water is suitable for swimming. However, I did not visit during peak season, so I cannot imagine how crowded it would be then. One advantage of this beach is that you do not have to pay for seating. The canvas tents are free of charge.

Continuing from Hat Tham Phang, turn left and drive straight ahead. You will soon reach Laem Chakpong.

This is the most beautiful panoramic view on the island. The reason I like it is because the cape is a hill with cliffs, trees, and grass growing all over it.

The strong wind blows against my face. Whoosh! I love it!

The golden hour was in full swing around 4 pm, casting a beautiful light that perfectly complemented the cool poses and fun photo shoot.

Lost in a daydream of gracing the cover of a magazine, I was abruptly jolted back to reality by my friend's urgent reminder. It was almost 6 pm, and we were at risk of missing the breathtaking sunset at Khao Chong Khad. With newfound urgency, we embarked on our journey, eager to witness the celestial spectacle.

Upon arrival,

Walking along the mountainside bridge to reach the sunset viewpoint, only to find a film crew there. Oh no!

I've captured as much as I could.

The old man stood fishing on the edge of the cliff, and finally the sun dipped below the horizon. Pan then rode back to the pier.

The last ferry to Ko Loy leaves at 7:00 PM sharp. Tickets for the last ferry cost 60 baht each.

Safe travels to everyone in Bangkok.



Summary of expenses

The round-trip cost of NGV gas from Bangkok to Si Racha is 200 baht.

Round-trip expressway toll: 160 baht

Boat fare for 4 people: 440 baht

Motorcycle rental fee for 2 motorcycles: 500 baht

The total cost of food is 300 baht.

This donation will not be included.

Total 1600 Baht

An average of 4 people, each paying 400 baht.

Fill your water bottle from home to save money.



A brief trip to Koh Sichang in just over 5 hours.

The trip was enjoyable, tiring, and filled with joy. If I have the chance to visit Koh Sichang again, I would definitely consider staying overnight.

Enjoy your journey, everyone.

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