About an hour and a half bus ride from Bangkok is the seaside town of Si Racha, which is the launching point for the ferry ride to the closest big island to Bangkok called Ko Sichang.
The ferry leaves from a tiny island called Ko Loi, connected by bridge to the mainland and the location of a Thai-Chinese Temple.
The ferry ended up jam packed (it was a Thai Public Holiday) and it took about 45 minutes to get to Ko Sichang
It is not your normal island ferry trip as it takes you past Bangkok's deep water port, Laem Chabang and through the parking area for hundreds of cargo ships.
As the island comes into view you notice that it is quite hilly.It relies on rainfall for its water supply as there is no natural water source on the island of population 4500.
The island was once home to the summer palace of King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, and was built in 1890. It was abandoned a few years later when it was realised that it was an easy target for an invading navy. The palace was moved to Bangkok where it is known now as the Vinmamek Teak House, a popular tourist spot. A memorial to the King is shown below.
In the palace grounds is also Wat Asdangkhanimit, a unique white conical temple.
There are a couple of beaches on the island but they are not as beautiful as the other Thai islands. The shots below show Hat Tham Phang.
The Yellow Buddha is quite a sight on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
At the other end of the island is the Buddha Footprint, which also gives a great view of the harbour.
It is located above the Chinese Temple, Saan Chao Pho Khao Yai.
The harbour is the centre of life for the residents of Ko Sichang and full of colourful boats.
John, you are certainly making the most of your last weeks in Thailand. Very pretty place. Did not like the horrible yellow of the enormous Buddha.
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