Tour Code: ET-SCH3D

Koh Sichang

3 Days / 2 Nights

The Beaches:

There are only a few beaches on Koh Sichang; the nearest one is right in front of the old Palace area. However, if you go to the western side of the island there is a small hidden Beach, which is by far the best on the island. It offers canvas deck chairs and umbrellas, inner tubes, snorkels, masks and kayaks for rent. At the beach you will also find a modest restaurant with excellent food (more information will follow with the booking confirmation).

The Food:

Koh Sichang has many small and cozy local restaurants with delicious Thai food. For excellent seafood, don't miss out on the beach restaurants on the western side of the Island. For both international cuisine, fantastic Thai food and, not to forget, the best home made ice cream (try the vanilla!), there is another special restaurant on Koh Sichang (More information with the booking confirmation).

The sights:

Built as the summer residence for King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) around 1890, the Judhadhut Palace was abandoned in 1894 after the death of Crown Prince Vajirunhis. Hostilities with France in 1893 had already shown how vulnerable the summer capital on Koh Sichang was to a modern navy. The main building was taken to Bangkok about 1900, where it is now known as the Vimarn Mek Palace. Several of the remaining structures have been restored. A walk through the gardens and up the hill under century-old frangipani trees can be a delightful way to spend an hour or two, especially in the late afternoon.

• Wat Tham Yai Prik, a peaceful meditation temple where monks and nuns lead their holy life away from the busy world.

• Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine of Buddha on a northern hill of the island, some 192 meters above sea level from where you can observe the island in all its glory. 

• Mondop atop Buddha's Footprint replica installed by King Rama V on a hill from where you get another glorious view of the island.

• The Assadang Nimit Temple in which a pagoda has been built atop a Western style domed church.

• Take a small trip around the island and visit the center and the southern part which look completely different than the mainland.

Note: More information on the specific locations of the sights will follow with the booking confirmation)

Day 1: From Bangkok to Koh Sichang

Depart by train** from Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok at 06.55 and arrive at Sri Racha at 10.15. Continue from the train station further by local transportation to the fresh market. Onwards to Koh Loy which is a tiny island close to Sri Racha Beach, linked to the mainland by a bridge. The island has a public park and a Sea Turtle Garden on lush grounds covering an area of around 3 rai (4,800 sqm). Lunch at a local restaurant on Koh Loy. Early afternoon by ferry from the pier at Koh Loy to the island Koh Sichang which takes about 45 minutes. Check in at the Sichang Palace hotel.

In the afternoon, go by  the unique three-wheeled taxi scooters to visit a Chinese temple and enjoy the view point from the top of the mountain. Visit the Meditation Center at Yai Prik Cave and learn a little about buddhist practices. Visit the former Summer Palace of King Chulalongkorn, one of the most beloved Kings of Thailand. Overnight at Koh Sichang.

**PLEASE NOTE: Train 283 from BKK to Sri Racha operates only Mon-Fri.

* Meal: Lunch
* Hotel: Sichang Palace

Day 2: Koh Sichang

Free day on the island at your leisure. We recommend to hire one of the unique three-wheeled taxi scooters for a trip around the Island. Overnight at Koh Sichang.

* Meal: Breakfast
* Hotel: Sichang Palace

Day 3: Koh Sichang

* Meal: Breakfast

Hotel website:

http://www.sichangpalace.com

Package includes:

• All transportation as per program
• All admission fees as per program
• Train ticket BKK-Sriracha
• 2 nights accommodation in shared twin room
  
• Meals: 2 BF, 1 L
• English speaking guide on the 1st day

Package excludes:

• Beverages during meals
• Other personal expenses.