There is lots to see on the island, including the Phra Chudhadhuj Palace Museum, just to the south of the pier. The museum was constructed to act as a summer residence for King Rama IV during the hot season and there is a private beach and pier in front of the building with an Atsadang bridge stretching out into the ocean, a ‘Panya’ style Thai palace, a ‘gingerbread’ style wooden building and an octagonal pavilion and the ‘Ruen Apirom’ residential quarters. The Atsadang Nimit Temple which sits atop a nearby hill is built in a contemporary style with both Thai and Western influences and features a pond, well, pier and lighthouse as well as a sacred Boddhi tree within the grounds. There’s also a Thai-Chinese style ‘Chao Po Khao Yai’ shrine located inside a cave near the summit of the peak to the north of the pier and visitors who make the climb up to pay their respects are rewarded with resplendent views down over the village beside the cliff and the shimmering ocean. The ‘Mondop Roi Phraphutthabat’ Buddha Footprint can also be found closer to the peak, where King Rama V originally ordered its construction. and there are a few more great viewpoints located just beside the relic. A boat trip around the rear side of the island reveals an inlet known as ‘Issirayaporn Pass’ and the nearby Wachirawut Bridge which snakes alongside the coast, making a convenient walkway from which to watch the sun set over the island. The beach features a series of large, eye-catching round boulders. This area was previously the site of King Rama V’s residential pavilion, and an imposing golden Buddha image remains at the mouth of the Chakkapong Cave. The Island’s western flank is where Hat Tham Khao Phang beach lies. This wide stretch of fine sand has water that’s clear and calm enough for swimming and there is an affordable selection of accommodation and dining options nearby. Ferries to Ko Si Chang also stop at Ko Kham Yai, a small fishing community located just in front of the pier. Ther
