Ko Sichang

Ko Sichang sits in the Gulf off Si Racha, ringed by the anchored cargo ships waiting to load at Laem Chabang, which is the first thing you notice. Rama V built a summer palace here in the 1890s - Phra Chudadhut - with a set of villas, gardens and a temple on the hillside, but abandoned it in 1893 when French forces occupied the island during the Franco-Siamese crisis over Lao territory. The main teak throne hall was later dismantled and moved to Bangkok, where it stands as Vimanmek. What remains on the island is the terraced foundations, garden structures, a white stupa and Wat Asdangnimit on the hilltop, all free to walk. The island also has small beaches, a Chinese temple in a cliff cave, and a viewpoint. Motorised samlors - three-wheelers with sidecars - are the local transport and drivers run island circuits. It is a quiet day trip from Bangkok rather than a resort.

What you actually see

• The palace ruins - terraces, garden structures and foundations from the 1890s.
• The 1893 abandonment - the French occupation that ended its use.
• Wat Asdangnimit - the hilltop temple and white stupa.
• The samlors - the sidecar three-wheelers used as island transport.

When to go

November to April. Ferries run frequently from Si Racha through the day. A day covers the island. It is quiet on weekdays and busier with Thai visitors at weekends.

Honest expectations

The main throne hall is in Bangkok, not here - what remains is foundations and garden structures. The water around the island is industrial with cargo shipping anchored offshore. Beaches are small and not the reason to come.

Nearby

Si Racha is on the mainland; Pattaya is south.