Blue Sea Blue Sky At Koh Si Chang

Located some hundreds kilometre east of Bangkok, Koh Si Chang is the most well known and biggest island in Chonburi Province. The island has been in a tourist map since the early 20th century. Covering an area of 18 square kilometers, it is surrounded by small islets; namely Koh Kham Yai, Koh Kham Noi, Koh Prong, Koh Ran Dokmai, Koh Sampan Yeu, Koh Kang Kao, Koh Yai Tao, and Koh Tai Ta Meun.

The geography of the island consists mostly of hills and a few small beaches. There is no resource of fresh water on the island. Thus, the locals have water transported by boat from the shore. The highest point of Koh Si Chang is on a hill north of the island, approximately 192 metres above sea level. It undoubtedly offers the best outlook of the island.



The island welcomes more tourists during weekend as passenger boats from Charin pier in Sriracha District disembarks at Tewawong pier (or Tha Lang). From this pier, ones could get to other parts of the island by local taxi.


Despite a large number of tourist arrivals, the main source of income of islanders comes from fishery. Therefore, we can see simple and traditional lifestyles of islanders here. The most important attractions on the islands are old European style buildings that are remnants from the early 20th century when King Rama V took refuge here during summer. Nowadays, there are a few small hotels on the island.

Chonburi

Chonburi (Thai: ชลบุรี) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Rayong. To the west is the Gulf of Thailand. It is heavily industrialized and underpinned by shipping, transportation, tourism, and manufacturing industries, and second to only Bangkok in economic output.

From historical evidence, Mueang Chon Buri has been settled since the Ayutthaya period. Originally, it comprised of many small towns such as Mueang Bang Sai, Mueang Bang Pla Soi, and Mueang Bang Phra. Later, King Rama V combined these towns together into Chon Buri province.

The province is located at the Bay of Bangkok, the northern end of the Gulf of Thailand. A mountain range stretches from the north-west to the south-east of the province, while the fertile plains of the north were long used for farming. In Laem Chabang in the south of the province is one of the few deep-water harbours of Thailand.

Until the 1960s Pattaya was a small fishing village, but during the Vietnam war the American troops had a base nearby, and Pattaya became a popular R&R location. The city grew quickly and became the prime tourist location in Thailand.