Ko Sichang

Ko Sichang (Koh Si Chang), a small, rocky island in the Gulf of Thailand just 12 kilometers off the coast of Si Racha in Chonburi Province, is a remarkably un-touristy gem just a 90-minute journey from Bangkok, an island of royal history, Chinese cave shrines, unusual tuk-tuk-style 'skylab' taxis, and a slow-paced fishing village atmosphere that feels a world away from mainland Thailand. For centuries, Ko Sichang was considered the maritime gateway of the Kingdom of Thailand, where large ships from Europe, India, and China would anchor to transfer cargo into barges bound for Bangkok and Ayutthaya, a historical role still visible today in the enormous cargo vessels anchored offshore. The island's most storied landmark is the Phra Chudadhuj Palace (Sichang Palace), built in 1892 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) as a royal summer retreat; although briefly occupied by French forces during the Franco-Siamese Crisis of 1893 and subsequently abandoned, the restored palace gardens and iconic wooden Atsadang Bridge create a hauntingly beautiful historical site. The Chao Pho Khao Yai Chinese Shrine, built into cave chambers on a hill above the pier, draws thousands of Chinese pilgrims during New Year celebrations. With no private cars allowed on the island, skylab taxis and foot travel give Ko Sichang a charmingly unhurried character unlike any other Thai island.