Discover Thainess: The Island Of Yesteryear

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The Island Of Yesteryear – Koh Si Chang

Bangkok is well-placed for any individual seeking an island vacation; Ko Chang is just a couple of hours’ drive away, popular Koh Samet can be reached in a morning and even islands; such as, Phuket and Samui are just an hour’s air travel. But these are a little too far for excursion or perhaps weekends, if you wish to explore the local tourist attractions.

That’s why I’ve always felt Koh Si Chang, simply off the coastline of Chon Buri to be best for anybody desiring an island break without the hassle. It’s simple to reach and you can see the sights in a day and still have time for the beach. And there are relaxing guesthouses around the port if you do remain overnight.

But the main draw is Si Chang’s drowsy vibe and small-town charm that other Thai islands lost long ago, in the drive to bring in travelers.

Getting to Si Chang is easy thanks to regular mini-vans to the port of Sri Racha. When you show up, it’s worth having a look around. Since of the many Japanese companies based in the location, companies cater specifically for Japanese expats– every 2nd shop is a sushi bar and most indications remain in Hiragana.

Boats to Si Chang leave per hour and aren’t for the faint-hearted. Initially glance, they seem rickety and most are overloaded with day-trippers bring fishing gear. Sri Racha is close to Laem Chabang deep sea port, so there’s a great deal of shipping and the ferryboat boats frequently weave between the larger vessels.

Jump ashore at Si Chang’s bustling pier and you’ll be offered (in the laid-back island method you’ll discover how to appreciate) a Tuk-Tuk. These aren’t the confined and view-blocking Bangkok versions, but large four-seaters with space to stretch out. It’s less expensive to take the exact same motorist if you wish to see the sights.

If you’re just right here for a beach break, the island’s finest area is the bay of Tham Phang, on the west coast. There is a nice stretch of sand and protected swimming with no annoying jet-skis. I want to spend the day sitting under the beach umbrellas eating fresh crabs or barbequed shrimps, but there are other tourist attractions if you can leave your deck-chair.

And it’s worth checking out Si Chang. Regardless of being small, the island plays its part in Thai history. Thailand is justly pleased with having actually never been colonised, however Si Chang was quickly taken control of by the French in 1893 throughout a battle over control of Lao PDR. Till then, the island had actually been a getaway for King Rama V the Great, who developed his teakwood house right here: the Manthatratanarote Royal Mansion.

After the Gallic attack, the Mansion was taken down and rebuilt in Bangkok where it’s now much better understood as Vimanmek Palace. However the beautiful landscaped gardens are still undamaged and reveal it has to have been a remarkable place in its heyday with welcoming bathing pools under the trees, made up like natural grottos. While only the structures of the palace are still in location, the strong teak homes King Rama V the Great developed for people to recover from disease still stand, with grand views of the Thai coast.

Walk out on the good-looking wooden pier and you can see dozens of international ships at anchor. It seems little has altered since the 17th century when the island was called Amsterdam due to the big number of vessels coming from the Dutch East India Company.

Do visit the vast Chinese temple on capital understood as San Chao Pho Khao Yai, with its colourful dragons, magical murals and ancient statues. An adorable cable television car is there to take you up the hillside; it didn’t appear to be running during my last visit– I found the operator at the top of the steps enjoying a snooze.

Additionally above the temple is a replica of a Buddha Footprint in its own shrine. The view from the top will take your breath away, if there’s any left, as it’s a laborious climb. Leading tip: there is a back roadway to the leading where your motorist can drop you off. The antique was brought from India by Prince Damrong Rajanuphab in 1892 and is now a trip site.

When remaining overnight, I took pleasure in the sunset views from the Tham Phang point prior to going to the old town to eat. There are seafood locations by the roadside cooking newly captured fruit and vegetables. There’s no nightlife on the island, other than viewing the locals wandering round chatting in their pyjamas. It seems a long way from partying Pattaya, down the coast. But for me, this little piece of yesteryear offers the perfect break.

Ko Si Chang Info:

Boats from Koh Loi pier, Sri Racha leave every hour, the very first being at 07:00 hours. and the last leaving at 20:00 hours.
Buses to Sri Racha go from the Eastern Bus Terminal or you can get mini-buses from Victory Monument.

Hotels

Charlie’s Bungalows (http://ift.tt/1Dtdwxy) provide clean modern-day cottage set around a positive courtyard. (Tel: 085 1913863).

Dining

Pan and David’s offers lovingly ready Thai and global dishes as well as run a website (www.ko-sichang.com) that has great info on the island. (Tel: 038 216 075)