Ko Si Chang is a small island, reached after a 40-minute ferry ride from Koh Loy Pier in Sri Racha. The island has royal connections being the summer residence of King Chulalongkorn (Rama IV) from 1889. The royal pavilions were relocated following the French navy incursion in 1893, but eventually the remaining buildings were renovated and opened to the public in the extensive grounds of the Phrachudadhuj Palace Museum in 2004. The first stop on an itinerary is an ornate Chinese Shrine, Chao Po Khao Yai, which looks down on the harbour from the tiered cliffside caves. Next is the temple high up on a promontory, Mondop Roi Phra Phutthabat. Built by Rama V, it features a replica Buddha footprint. On the west side of the island is the picture-postcard sandy beach, Hat Tham Phrang. With limited accommodation and evening options, Ko Si Chang appears to be happy to position itself for local tourism only. 

Above and Below: Atsadang Bridge, built in 1891.

Above and Below: Hat Tham Khao Phrang beach.

Above: Tha Lang Pier on Ko Si Chang. Below: Koh Loy Ferry Pier in Sri Racha

Above: The ferry threads its way through huge ships moored offshore servicing Sri Racha's industrial port. This one loading barges likely heading for Bangkok and the interior via the Chao Phraya river.