A slower island just up the coast
Koh Si Chang is a small island in the Gulf, just off the town of Si Racha, north of Pattaya. It feels a world away from Walking Street: a fishing town by the harbour, small beaches on the far side, the remains of an old royal summer palace and a Chinese shrine on the hill with wide views over the ships waiting offshore. People go for a quiet night or two, or for a long day of exploring by tuk-tuk and on foot.
The island itself is the easy part. Getting a group, a cool box and the weekend bags to the ferry is where a private van helps. Public transport from Pattaya to the pier means a bus or songthaew, then another ride across Si Racha with everything you are carrying. In a van you load once at your hotel, and the next time you lift your bags is at the water's edge, with the island already in sight across the bay.
From your hotel to the Ko Loi ferry
The boats to Koh Si Chang leave from the pier in Si Racha near Ko Loi, a little islet joined to the town by a causeway. From Pattaya the drive is usually under an hour, and your driver takes you straight to the pier area so you can walk to the boat with your bags. Ferry times can change, so check the current schedule before you book and tell us which boat you want to catch. We set the pickup with enough margin that you are not watching it pull away.
- Tell us the ferry you are aiming for, not just the date
- Keep a little cash for the ferry and for getting around on the island
- Pack light if you can — you carry your own bags on and off the boat
- The sea can be choppy on windy days, so leave some slack in your plans
Booking the ride back from the pier
Most people book a Van Pattaya to Koh Si Chang drop-off and a separate pickup at the pier for the day they come back. Give us the ferry you expect to be on and we will have a car waiting on the Si Racha side. If the boat runs late or you decide to stay another night, just message the same chat and change the time. Same-day returns and waiting time are priced in chat before you go.
Every price is for the whole vehicle, tolls and fuel included, with no deposit — you pay the driver in cash after the ride. A couple can take a sedan; a group of friends with bags and snorkel gear is far more comfortable in the Toyota Commuter van, nine seats and room for eight bags. The fixed price for your van Pattaya to Koh Si Chang transfer is confirmed in chat before the trip.