Things to do in Ko Si Chang
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Tham Yai Phrik Vipassana Monastery
The Buddhist Tham Yai Phrik Vipassana Monastery is built around several meditation caves running into the island’s central limestone ridge, and offers fine views from its hilltop chedi (stupa). Monks and mâa chee (nuns) from across Thailand come to take advantage of the caves’ peaceful environment, and foreigners wishing to sample monastic life are also welcomed. Studying at the monastery is free of charge (phone ahead to make sure there’s room and bring your passport), but you’ll be expected to follow the monastery’s strict code of conduct. Whether you visit for an hour, or stay a month, leave an appropriate donation (roughly equivalent to basic food and lodging if st…
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Hat Tha Wang Palace
At the western end of the island (2km from the pier), you can visit Hat Tha Wang Palace. The carefully managed lawns are a prime picnic spot for visitors from Bangkok, who share the gardens with foraging white squirrels. The palace was once used by Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) over the summer months, but was abandoned when the French briefly occupied the island in 1893. The main throne hall – a magnificent golden teak structure known as Vimanmek Teak Mansion – was moved to Bangkok in 1910. The Fine Arts Department has since restored the remaining palace buildings.
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San Jao Phaw Khao Yai Chinese Temple
The most imposing sight on the island is the ornate San Jao Phaw Khao Yai Chinese Temple. During Chinese New Year in February, the island is overrun with Chinese visitors from the mainland. This is one of Thailand’s most interesting Chinese temples, with shrine caves, multiple levels and a good view of the ocean. It’s east of the town, high on a hill overlooking the sea.
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Wat Atsadang Nimit
Overlooking Hat Tha Wang is a large white stupa that holds Wat Atsadang Nimit, a small, consecrated chamber where Rama V used to meditate. The unique Buddha image inside was fashioned more than 50 years ago by a local monk. Nearby is a stone outcrop wrapped in holy cloth, called Bell Rock because it rings like a bell when struck.
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Pan & David Restaurant
With free-range chicken, homemade ice cream, French-pressed coffee and excellent Thai dishes, the menu can't go wrong. Phoning ahead for a booking is recommended. The restaurant is 200m from the palace.
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San Jao Phaw Khao Yai
The most imposing sight on the island is the ornate Chinese temple, dating back to the days when Chinese traders anchored in the sheltered waters. During Chinese New Year in February, the island is overrun with visitors from the Chinese mainland. There are also shrine caves, multiple platforms and a good view of the ocean. It's east of the town, overlooking the modern-day barges waiting silently in the sea.
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Cholatassathan Museum
Just before you reach the palace, this aquatic museum has a few marine exhibits and a dash of English-language signage. The touch tank is interesting because Thais stand around remarking about which animals are delicious to eat. The Aquatic Resources Research Institute conducts coral research here.
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Si Chang Healing House
Offers massage and beauty treatments (400B to 800B) in a garden labyrinth opposite Pan & David Restaurant.
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Tham Saowapha
Near Wat Atsadang Nimit a large limestone cave, Tham Saowapha, plunges deep into the island. Have a peek inside if you’ve got a torch.
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Wat Tham Yai Phrik
This Buddhist monastery is built around several meditation caves running into the island's central limestone ridge and offers fine views from its hilltop chedi (stupa). Monks and mâa chee (nuns) from across Thailand come to take advantage of the caves' peaceful environment. Someone is usually around to give informal tours and talk about Buddhism; you can also arrange multi-day meditation retreats.
reviewed
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Phra Chudadhut Palace
This former royal palace was used by Rama V (King Chulalongkorn) over the summer months, but was abandoned when the French briefly occupied the island in 1893. The main throne hall – a magnificent golden teak structure known as Vimanmek Teak Mansion – was moved to Bangkok in 1910.
What remains today are fairly subdued Victorian-style buildings indicative of the king's architectural preferences. Ruen Vadhana and Ruen Mai Rim Talay contain historical displays about the king's visits to the island and his public works programs, including a lecture to the local people on Western tea parties. Up the hill is Wat Asadang Khanimit, a temple containing a small, consecrated cham…
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Lek Tha Wang
Near the entrance to the palace, this famous restaurant is where Thais go to eat conch and other shellfish. For the rest of us, there's always đôm yam gûng (spicy and sour prawn soup) and fried fish.
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Hat Tham Phang
On the southwest side of the island, Hat Tham Phang (Fallen Cave Beach) has simple facilities with deckchair and umbrella rental. Swimming isn't recommended but you can soak up all the sun you desire.
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