Koh Si Chang
A lived-in island off Si Racha, 40 minutes by public boat, with a royal summer palace museum, a cliffside Chinese shrine and a Thai weekend feel.
Details
- Address
- Tha Thewawong
Tours that include Koh Si Chang
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Si Chang.
Why go, and how to do it well
Koh Si Chang is the island Thais go to for the weekend, off the port town of Si Racha about 40 kilometers north of Pattaya. Unlike Pattaya's tour islands, people live here, the ferry is a public wooden boat, and the attractions are as much history as beach. The Phra Chudadhuj Palace Museum, a royal summer palace from the reign of King Chulalongkorn, sits in gardens above the sea, and the Chinese shrine of Chao Pho Khao Yai climbs the hill north of the harbor with views over the shipping lanes.
Hat Tham Phang is the main beach, with deck chairs, kayaks and seafood restaurants, and the island is small enough to see in a day by the motorized samlors locals call skylabs, or by rented scooter. It is a good change of pace from Pattaya and quiet enough to stay a night in one of the small guesthouses.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Koh Si Chang
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Koh Si Chang.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Koh Si Chang, round out your day in Pattaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Tha Thewawong
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Islands
Check Island Closures
Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Koh Tachai close mid-May to mid-October. Some smaller islands reduce ferry service in monsoon season. Always verify schedules before planning your route.
Snorkel Gear Is Cheap to Buy
Rental gear is often scratched and ill-fitting. Buy a decent mask and snorkel at a Big C for 300–500 THB — cheaper than two days of rentals and much more hygienic.
Bring Cash to Smaller Islands
ATMs on smaller islands like Koh Kood, Koh Mak, and Koh Yao charge high fees and sometimes run out of cash. Withdraw enough on the mainland before heading over.
Koh Si Chang: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Si Chang worth visiting?
Koh Si Chang holds a 4.5★ rating from 425 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated islands in Pattaya.
When is the best time to visit Koh Si Chang?
The best months to visit Pattaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – October (rainy, rough seas).
Where is Koh Si Chang located?
Koh Si Chang is at Tha Thewawong, in Pattaya. Getting around Pattaya: Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes); Grab (widely available).
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