One Day Trip to Koh Sichang: Explore the Island in a Morning and Evening Roundtrip

The hot season is here, so it's time for a beach trip! However, for those who don't have much time to travel, the beaches near Bangkok are an attractive option, and there are many places to visit. For example, on this trip... I will take you on a trip to the beach near Bangkok at Ko Sichang, Chonburi Province. It's an easy trip that takes only one day, with a morning departure and evening return. I want to say that... the sea here is just as beautiful as the sea elsewhere!


9:00 AM. Departure!

Ko Sichang is located in Chonburi Province. Most people prefer to drive their own cars to visit the island because it is easy to do so and it doesn't take long. It is close to Bangkok. However, there are some people, like me, who prefer to use public transportation. For this trip, I took a van from Bangkok to Ko Loi Pier (the pier to Ko Sichang) for a very affordable price of 100 baht. Today, it seems like we left a bit late. If you want to have a full day trip, I recommend leaving early in the morning. Once you get on the van, you can take a nap and rest. It takes about 1.30 - 2 hours to reach Ko Loi Pier. On the way there, the van will drop you off at the pier. However, on the way back, it usually doesn't pick you up at the pier (it doesn't come back to pick you up). You have to take a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi to the bus stop outside, which is not too far away.


11:00 AM Depart for Koh Sichang by boat

The van stopped at the pier to Ko Sichang, where ferries depart every hour. The fare is 50 baht, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. Ideally, plan to arrive at Ko Sichang early in the morning and take the 9:00 AM ferry to maximize your sightseeing time. Returning around 5:00 PM ensures you are not returning too late, making it easier to find transportation back to Bangkok. I arrived just in time for the 11:00 AM ferry, avoiding any wait. The ticket office also offers motorbike rentals, which can be booked in advance or rented on the island. The prices are similar, but since the friendly lady at the counter was so persuasive, I decided to book my motorbike right there at the pier. I will pick it up later at the Ko Sichang pier.

As you sail, you'll be surrounded by a seascape teeming with vessels of all sizes, from small boats to massive ships. The tranquil atmosphere of the ocean will leave you feeling utterly relaxed.

After a short journey, we arrived at Ko Sichang. As soon as we disembarked from the boat, we were surrounded by people offering to rent us motorbikes, accommodation, or skylabs to tour the island. The atmosphere around the pier was bustling. Near the pier, there is the "Shrine of the Great Mountain Lord", which requires a climb up some stairs. Not only can you pay respects at the shrine, but it also offers a beautiful view of the island community. If you walk a little further, you will reach the "Footprints of the Buddha", another scenic viewpoint.

  • If you prefer independent travel, you should rent a motorbike for 250 baht/day (300 baht/overnight). A map is provided. You can book your motorbike at the Ko Loi pier before boarding the boat and pick it up at the Ko Sichang pier. Someone will be waiting to deliver the motorbike to you at the pier. However, if you don't know how to ride a motorbike, there are skylabs available for hire (standard price). They will take you to four key points around the island for half a day, including the Apsatthan Bridge, Khao Khad Gap, Tham Phang Beach, and the Shrine of the Great Mountain Lord. The advantage of skylabs is that they have umbrellas to protect you from the sun, so you won't get too hot. If you ride a motorbike yourself, the sun will be scorching, and you'll definitely sweat. The distances between the various attractions around the island are not too far, so you can easily visit them all.
  • Although the Ko Sichang pier is very crowded and chaotic, once you venture a little further into the island, it becomes noticeably quieter. Similarly, during the day, the tourist attractions are busy, but in the late afternoon and evening, the tranquility returns. (This is because most tourists visit for the day and don't stay overnight.) If you do stay overnight, most accommodations or resorts offer free pick-up and drop-off services for guests from the pier (included in the accommodation price).

If you have time, I recommend spending a night here. You'll experience a different atmosphere, especially in the morning and evening when there are fewer people around. During these times, the tourist attractions are quiet and peaceful, allowing you to take beautiful photos with a romantic ambiance.


12:00 PM. Asdang Bridge

A short motorbike ride from the pier brings you to the first landmark, the Atsadang Bridge. This iconic bridge is a must-see for visitors to Koh Sichang. From afar, you can see the beautiful white wooden houses stretching out into the sea.

During holidays or festivals, many tourists visit Koh Sichang and the Aphaset Bridge. (However, foreign tourists are rarely seen.) If you want to take photos without people, you may need to wait for the right moment. Or, if you prefer to travel with fewer people, try visiting on weekdays. It will be peaceful and relaxing. On a clear morning with no rain, you will see a beautiful sea with small and large boats floating in the middle of the sea, creating a beautiful scene for taking photos. The atmosphere around the Aphaset Bridge also hides a romantic atmosphere that you have to experience for yourself. And near the Aphaset Bridge, there is the "Phra Chuthathut Rajathan," the only palace on an island in Thailand. It was built during the reign of King Rama V.

Ko Sichang is one of the 24 stories that tells of ... "Wherever there is the love of a great man, there is always the power of love. This island is full of stories of love. It is said that... those who want to add sweetness to their lives should come together in the morning to fill themselves with the power of love with the first light of day at the end of the Bridge of Love. And when the sun sets, go and make a wish in the middle of the Khao Khad."

One in 24 stories that doesn't just ask us to believe... but asks us to see!


13.00 น. Lunchtime at Auntie Noi Seafood!

After spending about an hour on the island, it was time for lunch. When visiting an island or the sea, fresh seafood is a must-try. There are many fresh seafood restaurants in the area, but I highly recommend "Auntie Noi Seafood". Every time I visit Koh Sichang, I always stop by. They offer a wide variety of fresh seafood at affordable prices. The restaurant is conveniently located between the pier and the Atsadang Bridge.

**Fresh seafood from the sea** can be ordered according to your preferences, whether it be boiled, fried, steamed, or grilled. Everything is guaranteed to be delicious and will surely satisfy your taste buds. **Especially their signature dipping sauce, it's truly exceptional!**

2:00 PM. Tham Phang Beach: This beach is open for swimming!

It is worth noting that... Unlike most beaches on Ko Sichang, where rocky shores and cliffs dominate the landscape, Hat Tham Phang offers a dedicated swimming area. This beach provides all the amenities expected at a typical tourist beach, including sun loungers, inflatable tube rentals, and restaurants. The descent to Hat Tham Phang is quite steep, so exercise caution when driving in this area. En route to Hat Tham Phang, picturesque meadows provide an ideal backdrop for stylish photo shoots.

The frangipani trees can be found all around the island, and this is the perfect setting for taking pictures.


3:00 PM Enjoy a coffee break and escape the sun

On Koh Sichang, there is a cool coffee shop to escape the sun and enjoy the cool air conditioning. It's called Blue Flower Cafe and is located between the ferry pier and the Apsadang Bridge. We decided to stop in for a quick break from the sun, as our trip was all about relaxing and taking it easy.

Initially, I was craving iced coffee, but I changed my mind when I saw the vibrant colors of the drink at the table next to me. I decided to follow their lead and order a refreshing beverage to try.


4:00 PM. Enjoy the view at Khao Khad Viewpoint

Continue your journey to the final destination of this day trip at Khao Khad Viewpoint, which is said to be... a stunning sunset spot. However, you can visit this viewpoint at any time to enjoy the panoramic views. The atmosphere is pleasant, and the views extend as far as the eye can see.

This natural rock archway features a bridge extending towards a promontory below. The constant breeze and abundance of rocky outcrops create an ideal habitat for various aquatic creatures. A pathway leads to the tip of the promontory, but the distance may be challenging for some. For those who prefer a less strenuous option, enjoying the scenic views from above is highly recommended.


5:00 PM. Departing Koh Sichang, bidding farewell to the island!

It was a shame to have to leave before sunset. To see that view, I would have had to stay overnight, as I mentioned earlier. I rushed back to catch the boat I had planned for, the 5:00 PM departure.

  • Boats back to the mainland leave every hour. It's important to time it right, because if you miss one, you'll have to wait another hour. Arriving 15 minutes before the boat leaves is ideal. Don't take the late evening boat, around 5:00 PM. It'll be difficult to find transportation back to Bangkok, and you won't arrive too late.
  • When you arrive at the pier, return the motorbike. Returning it is simple: park it, return the key, and they won't even check the vehicle or fuel level. Then buy your ticket and wait nearby. You can board the boat when it's about to leave. If you stay on the boat for too long, you might get seasick.
  • After taking the boat back to the mainland… The van ticket you used on the way there will have a phone number on it. Try calling them to see if they can pick you up at Koh Loy. If they can't, take a motorcycle taxi or tuk-tuk to the bus stop, which isn't far away. After calling and finding out that I had to take a motorcycle taxi to the van, I rushed to find a taxi when the boat docked at Koh Loy to take me to the van stop to return to Bangkok.

If you have time or feel hungry, there are restaurants and shops at Ko Loi Pier where you can buy souvenirs. This trip is a one-day trip to Koh Sichang, which can be easily done in one day if you don't eat too much. This whole trip will cost less than 1,000 baht!

Adventure Tourism | CHAILAIBACKPACKER

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