Ko Si Chang: King Rama V’s Island
A quiet island off Si Racha where the kings of Siam spent their summers: a royal palace by the sea, a white hilltop temple and a Chinese shrine with views over the Gulf.
Tour overview
Ko Si Chang is a small island without mass tourism, a short ferry ride from Si Racha. In the reign of King Rama V it was a royal summer retreat, and the restored palace grounds, the stone bell and the round white chedi of Wat Asdang Nimit still tell that story. You explore the island by private tuk-tuk with your guide, stop for a seafood lunch, and climb to the colourful Chinese shrine of Chao Pho Khao Yai for the view over the Gulf of Thailand before the ferry back. The tour runs from Bangkok as a full day, or from Pattaya and Jomtien with a shorter drive.
Scheduled stops
- •Ferry from Si Racha
- •Phra Chudadhut summer palace
- •Wat Asdang Nimit and the stone bell
- •Seafood lunch
- •Chao Pho Khao Yai Chinese shrine
Ko Si Chang itinerary (from Bangkok)
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Hotel pickup in Bangkok
About 1 hour 45 minutes to Si Racha.
Ferry from Si Racha
About 45 minutes across to Ko Si Chang.
Royal summer palace
By private tuk-tuk: the Phra Chudadhut palace grounds, Wat Asdang Nimit and the stone bell.
Seafood lunch
The meal is not included in the standard tour price and is available on request.
Chao Pho Khao Yai shrine
A Chinese shrine on the hill with views over the Gulf of Thailand.
Ferry back to Si Racha
Return crossing to the mainland.
Return to Bangkok
Start of the drive back.
Estimated arrival at your hotel
Around 18:30, depending on traffic.
Photo gallery
Photos: Supanut Arunoprayote (CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Anutara (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons) · Khunmoohan (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons) · ekeidar (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Frequently asked questions
Can the tour start in Pattaya or Jomtien?
Yes. Si Racha is about 45 minutes from Pattaya, so the day runs from about 08:00 to 17:00, from 9,700 THB for 2 guests. Mention it in your message.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The vehicle, the driver and the guide are only for your group (1–8 people). Larger groups on request.
What happens if the sea is rough?
Safety comes first: if the ferry does not run or the sea is rough, we move the tour to another day or suggest a different programme.
What is included?
The return ferry and the private tuk-tuk on the island are included. Lunch is not included and is available on request.
What is included
- Licensed local English-speaking guide.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls and parking.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Bangkok, or in Pattaya and Jomtien.
- Return ferry Si Racha – Ko Si Chang and a private tuk-tuk on the island.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- The ferry and the tuk-tuk on the island are included.
- The price shown is for the tour from Bangkok; from Pattaya or Jomtien it starts at 9,700 THB for 2 guests.
- Lunch is not included in the standard tour price; it is available on request.
- Price for the whole private group, VAT included.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly for temples: shoulders covered, trousers or skirt at least knee-length.
- Bring motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive on boats.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.