Discovering Sri Racha & Ko Sichang

Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard on the Gulf is most likely to get people thinking of heading from Bangkok to spend time in Pattaya. However, as I discovered when my brother and family visited us, there are many more places to enjoy along that stretch of coastline. Sri Racha and Ko Sichang were certainly worth visiting in July 2023.

Trying to Accommodate Everyone

It is never easy when someone gets in touch to say they are thinking of visiting Thailand and ask for suggestions on where to go. I mean, it depends on what they want to see and do, whether they’ve been before, their age, and how long they'll stay. With so many options, it’s wise to consider the above before deciding.

In this case, my younger brother Nick was coming with his wife Rachel and their 17-year-old son, Stan. None of them had been to Thailand before. They were coming for over two weeks, with the added caveat that Rachel is a vegetarian and Stan is vegan.

Naturally wanting to fit in as much as possible without ridiculous amounts of travelling, my wife Taew and I suggested picking them up at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday afternoon and heading straight to the coast in our car. The original plan was Bang Saen, but a motor race around the town ended that idea, as all hotels were full. After sending ideas online, we decided on Sri Racha.

Discovering Sri Racha

It would be a first for us too, adding to the intrigue. The drive down gave our guests a quick eye-opener. They were astonished and a little concerned by how the Thais drove on the motorway. We wisely chose Somerset Harbourview Hotel, with quality rooms, a good location and an outdoor pool.

The evening was spent trying to find things on the menu for everyone along the pier at Teab Ta, a restaurant and craft beer bar, as the rain began to fall. We ended up taking a walk and buying beers at 7-Eleven before enjoying the hotel’s comfort while Taew got to know her relatives.

Finding somewhere serving a Western-style breakfast wasn’t easy as we walked along the seafront the following morning. A café serving coffee and cake was the best option before we drove to Bang Saen to show the family around, including Khao Sam Muk so they could see wild apes up close.

An Interesting Day

We spent a leisurely few hours stopping for lunch on the beach and at another seafront coffee nearer our base, with a shopping expedition in Central Sri Racha also thrown in. After a rest, we decided to explore Sri Racha and see if anything was happening on a Monday night.

Quite a few well-paid workers from the nearby port of Laem Chabang live in Sri Racha. Many of the bars and restaurants aren't really suited to family tourists. One street had several establishments with young ladies looking to attract trade. It was a bit embarrassing, especially when Taew innocently mentioned that Stan seemed to enjoy it.

We found somewhere slightly more suitable and ate at a nice traditional local restaurant, which everyone seemed to enjoy. It was an interesting day all told.

Discovering Ko Sichang 

While Taew and I offered suggestions, we wanted the others to tell us what they wanted to see and do, so we could help make it happen. We were heading up to Minburi, in Bangkok’s eastern suburbs, for a few nights and planned to break the journey in Chachoengsao in the late afternoon.

A ferry across to Ko Sichang seemed like a good way to fill in a few hours. We found a parking space at the end of Surasak Montri Bridge, where the ferry departed. It cost 60THB each (£1.35), and the journey took 45 minutes. Some services, like the one we departed on, are boarded by ladder.

Once on the island, I thought we would walk around, perhaps have a coffee and return, but my good lady had a better plan. She spoke to a shopkeeper who phoned a couple of tuk-tuks to take us on an island tour for 500 THB per vehicle. We weren’t to be disappointed.

Attractions Aplenty

Among the attractions we saw around the undulating island, with some breathtaking views, were Cape Khao Khat, Isariyaporn Channel, Cape Tham Phang and its hidden beach, and Chao Pho Khao Yai Chinese Shrine. Our drivers were excellent, stopping at all the right spots for photos before dropping us off at the pier ready for the ferry back. Fortunately, it was a far larger vessel with easier access.

We enjoyed a pleasant stop at a regular café on the sea road in Chonburi before heading back towards our break on the way to the capital.

Maybe a Return?

Both Sri Racha and Ko Sichang provided us with memories and the possibility that at least two of us might return, not least to spend some lazy time on that hidden beach.

If you enjoyed this story, feel free to check out my YouTube Channel, where I share videos about everyday life in Thailand, local football, and travel across the country.

Thanks for reading.