Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ko Chang & Eastern Seaboard Highlights
Beachcombing and jungle trekking on
Ko Chang
(
Click here
)
Floating the day away on the crystalline waters of
Ko Kut
(
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)
Swimming with the fishes in the gin-clear coves of
Ko Wai
(
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)
Cove-hopping on pretty
Ko Samet
(
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)
, so close to Bangkok but so far away
Strolling the old city and watching the gem traders in
Chanthaburi
(
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)
Kicking back in
Trat's
(
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) atmospheric wooden shophouse quarter
Avoiding Bangkok's hustle and bustle with a day trip to peaceful
Ko Si Chang
(
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) and a layover in
Si
Racha
(
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)
Admiring the modern masterpiece of Pattaya's
Sanctuary of Truth
(
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), an elaborately carved testa-
ment to the artistry of Buddhism and Hinduism
Dining on seafood beside the sea everywhere - the principal reason Thais travel to the beach
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Si Racha
POP 68,292
A subdued seaside town, Si Racha is a mix of a traditional fishing village and modern in-
dustry. Waterfront condo towers eclipse a labyrinth of rickety piers, while the container
ships docking at the Laem Chabang port share the shipping channels with wooden, multi-
coloured fishing boats.
Thai towns are adept at disguising themselves so that they resemble each other. Si
Racha, though, is more international than most, thanks to the Japanese car manufacturers
based nearby. There are many sushi joints here, as well as Japanese-style bars, and on
weekends the impeccably maintained health park is full of Japanese expats jogging and
throwing baseballs around.
But Si Racha is most attractive for what it doesn't have; there are no girlie bars or traffic
jams and precious few foreign visitors, allowing you to enjoy a taste of small town Thai
life.
Best of all, Si Racha is the gateway to the peaceful little island of Ko Si Chang. Once a
royal retreat, the island feels like an extended fishing village, only with a palace and some
impressive temples scattered around it.
