Koh Si Chang with Kids – A Hidden Island for Family Fun in Thailand
If you’re craving an authentic slice of Thai island life that’s peaceful, not overrun with tourists, and surprisingly perfect for little ones Koh Si Chang with kids might just become your new favourite getaway.
Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, just a short hop from Bangkok, Koh Si Chang (sometimes spelled Koh Sichang) is the kind of place that still feels like a secret. It’s not your typical white-sand, party-all-night Thai island. Instead, it’s chilled, local, and bursting with charm. And the best part? It’s totally do-able with kids.
Think tuk-tuk rides around the island, calm beaches with gentle waves, and intriguing historical sites that feel like an adventure playground. Whether you’re homeschooling on the go or simply looking for a peaceful escape from city chaos, Koh Si Chang with kids ticks so many boxes: it’s educational, affordable, and incredibly welcoming to families.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know for planning a fab family trip to this underrated Thai island.
Getting To Koh Si Chang
Koh Si Chang is located just off the coast of Sri Racha in Chonburi province, yep, the same Sri Racha made famous by the spicy sauce, though it’s actually a lovely, family-friendly town. It’s around 90 minutes from central Bangkok to the pier by car (or about 2.5 hours by train or minivan), making Koh Si Chang with kids a brilliant weekend escape or a slow travel stopover.
Here’s how to get there:
- From Bangkok: Most families opt for a Grab taxi or private transfer to Koh Loy Pier in Sri Racha. It’s super straightforward and costs around 1,000–1,500 baht depending on traffic.
- Public Transport: Trains from Bangkok to Sri Racha are super cheap but a bit slow. Vans run regularly from Ekkamai or Mo Chit stations, just ask for Sri Racha.
- Ferry to the island: The local ferry from Koh Loy pier to Koh Si Chang takes 40 minutes, runs every hour (roughly), and costs just 50/60 baht per person. Kids under 5 are often free.
Pro tip: The ferry ride itself is part of the adventure. Sit on the upper deck for fab views and sea breeze (though keep little ones close, it’s open-sided and salty!).
Is Koh Si Chang Okay With Kids?
Koh Si Chang with kids suits families with children of all ages, from toddlers who want to paddle in calm waters, to tweens curious about history and Thai culture.
There aren’t big flashy resorts or kids’ clubs here, but the laid-back pace and low crowds make it ideal for:
- Ages 1–12: Safe beaches, gentle walks, ice cream stops, and tuk-tuk tours.
- Strollers: Tricky in places due to bumpy paths, but a baby carrier is a good shout.
- Toilets & baby changing: Basic, especially at the beach and around Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine. Bring wipes and hand gel.
- Accessibility: Not the easiest for wheelchairs, but many paths are flat. Locals are helpful and will lend a hand if needed.
Overall, Koh Si Chang with kids is a safe and friendly island where children are treated like royalty. Expect big smiles, cheek pinches, and extra help from strangers every time you’re juggling bags and babies.
What to Do in Koh Si Chang With Kids
Let’s get to the good stuff! What can you actually do on Koh Si Chang with your little tribe?
Here’s what a family day (or two!) on the island could look like:
Explore Phra Chudadhuj Palace Grounds
This stunning seaside palace was built by King Rama V as a summer retreat and now serves as a historical park. The grounds are sprawling and fun to explore, imagine wide lawns, pagodas, ocean views, and peacocks strutting about. It’s stroller-friendly and offers loads of shady picnic spots.
- Don’t miss the little museum, which has cool artefacts and vintage royal photos.
- Great place to burn off energy and teach the kids about Thai history without it feeling like a school lesson.
Tuk-Tuk Tour Around the Island
There are no taxis or Grab here, just colourful tuk-tuks with open backs and padded benches. You can hire one for around 250–300 baht for a 1–2 hour tour of the island. Kids love the ride, and the drivers usually know all the best scenic stops, including:
- Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine – a beautiful cliffside Chinese temple with jaw-dropping views.
- Buddha’s Footprint – a short hike leads to a panoramic lookout (older kids will love it).
- Rama V Bridge – a quirky photo stop and peaceful walk.
Walk the Asdang Pier
You’d be surprised how much entertainment a long wooden pier can provide when you’re travelling with kids. Located just behind the palace grounds, Asdang Pier is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. It stretches out over the sea and is great for a post-lunch stroll or a pre-nap wander.
There’s usually a gentle breeze, lots of fish to spot in the water below, and the occasional local fisherman to say hello to. It’s a simple pleasure but sometimes that’s all you need.
Bring your camera: it’s ridiculously photogenic, especially with the royal buildings and gardens behind you and the sea sparkling ahead.
Hike to the Island Viewpoints (with a snack bribe)
Koh Si Chang has a couple of fab little lookouts that feel like mini-adventures for kids:
- Buddha’s Footprint Viewpoint is the most popular, but also a bit of a leg workout.
- For an easier option, try the Leam Chakrapong Cape viewpoint a short scramble with big payoff views over the cliffs.
You won’t need hiking boots or any fancy gear, but closed-toe shoes and some water are a good shout. And maybe a promise of an ice cream afterwards.
Wander the Local Streets and Markets
While Koh Si Chang isn’t a buzzing tourist spot, that’s actually what makes its town centre so charming. Let the kids wander (within reason) through the sleepy lanes, spot chickens roaming about, and peek into local shrines and corner shops.
There’s a small market area near the ferry port where you can grab fruit, snacks, and souvenirs. It’s also a chance for the kids to practise their “sawadee ka” and flash some smiles.
Visit Wat Tham Yai Prik (Temple Cave Adventure)
This one’s for the curious little explorers, a unique temple built into a cave that’s cool, shaded, and totally unlike anything they’ve probably seen before. It’s not massive, but it’s got that slightly mystical, Indiana-Jones-for-kids vibe.
There’s a big seated Buddha, carvings, and little nooks to poke around in just make sure they’re wearing shoes that grip (it can be slippery in rainy weather). And as always, be respectful: it’s a functioning religious site.
Talu Cave
This one’s for your little adventurers and mini explorers Talu Cave is a natural rock tunnel carved straight through a rugged limestone hill on the western side of the island. It’s not a deep, spooky cave situation (don’t worry, no headlamps required), but more like a short tunnel with a serious wow factor. You walk through one side and emerge on the other to epic ocean views and crashing waves.
The path is uneven and rocky, so best suited for confident walkers (probably 5+), or younger kids in a carrier. The surrounding boulders are perfect for climbing, pretending to be pirates, or simply scrambling about while you soak in the sea breeze.
It’s not buggy-friendly, but it is a fab spot for a mini-adventure. Bonus: it’s usually nice and quiet, even in high season ideal if you’re craving a break from the beach scene.
Chonburi Marine Conservation Centre
This small but meaningful conservation centre is a bit of an under-the-radar gem, perfect for a short, low-key visit with the kids. The Chonburi Marine Science Centre (sometimes just called the Marine Conservation Centre) is focused on preserving Thailand’s marine biodiversity think sea turtles, coral rehabilitation, and educational displays that are just engaging enough for curious kids.
There’s a touch tank area with starfish, a few aquarium displays showing local marine life, and even a turtle pool where you can spot rescued sea turtles before they’re released. It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful and a great way to sneak in some marine education without stepping foot in a touristy aquarium.
The staff are friendly (though not always fluent in English), and entry is usually free or by donation.
Hit the Beach – Tham Phang Beach
This is the beach to visit on Koh Si Chang with kids. It’s small, sheltered, and has super soft sand with barely any waves, perfect for paddling, digging, and just being a beachy little human.
Facilities include:
- Shady loungers for rent
- Beach cafes serving noodles, smoothies, and fresh coconuts
- Kayak rentals (for the brave-hearted mums and dads!)
You can easily spend half a day here, especially if you arrive early to avoid the midday heat.
Best Time to Visit Koh Si Chang
The best months to visit Koh Si Chang with kids are November to February when the weather is cooler and dry. But even in the off-season, rain usually comes in short bursts, so don’t rule it out.
Avoid Thai public holidays if you want to dodge crowds.
How Long to Spend in Koh Si Chang
A day trip from Bangkok is doable, but we highly recommend staying overnight. It gives you time to slow down, watch sunset at the palace, and avoid rushing the ferry schedule. We personally stayed at a hotel in Si Ratcha and took the boat over for a full day out.
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do with Kids in Thailand
So, why should Koh Si Chang with kids be on your Thai bucket list?
Because it’s real. It’s slow. And it’s so much easier with children than the bigger islands. There are no massive tour buses, no high-rise hotels, and no rowdy backpacker bars. Just real Thai island life, warm locals, and space to breathe.
You can swim in safe waters, learn about royal history, climb temple steps, eat noodles by the sea, and hop in a tuk-tuk all in the same day. It’s budget-friendly, stress-free, and super family-welcoming.
And that mix of authenticity and accessibility? It’s rare. Koh Si Chang with kids is one of those places you’ll talk about long after the trip ends.
Where to Eat in Koh Si Chang
- Pan & David – Western-Thai fusion with comfy seating, high chairs, and the best garlic bread on the island.
- Chaba Café & Gallery – Stylish little spot with great coffee and lovely mango sticky rice.
- Sea View Restaurant – Basic setup but unbeatable ocean views and fresh grilled fish.
Treat Time – Local Ice Cream & Smoothies
There are cute cafes dotted across the island, but some of the best treats come from the little roadside stalls and beach shacks. Coconut ice cream, mango shakes, Thai pancakes—they’re cheap and cheerful and hit the spot after a morning of adventuring.
Parking in Koh Si Chang
If you’re driving to the pier, you’ll find secure parking at Koh Loy Pier for around 60 baht per day. Safe and convenient.
Day Trips from Koh Si Chang with Kids
If you’re spending a few days on Koh Si Chang and fancy a change of pace (or your little ones are getting island cabin fever), you’ve got a few fab day trip options worth exploring. While Koh Si Chang itself is pretty compact, it’s well-positioned for easy boat-and-land adventures even with kiddos in tow.
Here are a few top picks for day trips from Koh Si Chang with kids:
Sri Racha – Turtle Conservation & Mini City Fun
Getting there:
Hop on the ferry from Koh Si Chang Pier to Sri Racha Pier – the ride takes about 45 minutes and costs around 50 baht per adult. Ferries run regularly, and the crossing is generally calm (just bring snacks for the ride!).
Why it’s great for kids:
Sri Racha is a bustling mainland town with a handful of family-friendly stops. The big hit here? The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre at the Royal Thai Navy Base (you’ll need ID to enter, but it’s free and well-maintained). Kids can see turtles at different life stages and learn about ocean protection in a relaxed setting.
If you’re in the mood for more action, Harbour Mall has indoor play zones, air-con, and food courts – the ultimate backup plan for rainy days.
Khao Kheow Open Zoo – Safari-Style Animal Fun
Getting there:
From Sri Racha, it’s about a 30-minute taxi or Grab ride to Khao Kheow Open Zoo. You can combine this with the ferry trip from Koh Si Chang, making it a solid full-day adventure.
Why it’s great for kids:
Unlike many zoos, Khao Kheow is sprawling and open-plan, with loads of space to roam and get up close to animals in more natural habitats. There are elephant feedings, giraffe platforms, and even a kid-sized tram ride through the safari zones. Pack snacks, hats, and water, it’s a big place with not a lot of shade.
Great for: toddlers to tweens, animal lovers, and those willing to put in a bit of travel effort for a fab day out.
Pattaya (If You’re Feeling Brave!)
Getting there:
It’s a bit of a mission but doable – ferry to Sri Racha, then about an hour by taxi or Grab to Pattaya. If you’re already planning to move on from Koh Si Chang, it makes a logical next stop too.
Why it’s great for kids:
Pattaya’s not just for partygoers – there are plenty of family gems hiding in plain sight. Think: Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark (now rebranded as Columbia Pictures Aquaverse), Pattaya Sheep Farm, or the Upside Down House for silly photo ops. That said, it’s best for slightly older kids who can handle a full-on day of sightseeing and activity-hopping.
Top tip: If you’re doing Pattaya with little ones, choose just one attraction and build in lots of snack stops and downtime.
FAQs About Visiting Koh Si Chang with Kids
Is Koh Si Chang suitable for young children and toddlers?
Yes, it’s surprisingly great for little ones! The island is quiet, slow-paced, and super chill no hectic traffic or big crowds. Tuk-tuks are the main transport option, which kids usually love, and places like Tham Phang Beach and the palace grounds are stroller-friendly. Just bring your own nappies and baby supplies, as shops are limited.
How long should we stay on Koh Si Chang with kids?
A one- or two-night stay is perfect for families. It’s close enough to Bangkok or Pattaya for a quick island escape, but staying overnight gives you time to enjoy the beach, take a tuk-tuk tour, and explore places like the palace or Talu Cave without feeling rushed.
Are there medical facilities on the island?
There’s a small hospital and a few pharmacies for basic needs. For anything major, you’d need to head back to Sri Racha or Bangkok. Always travel with a basic first-aid kit and any medications your kids might need better safe than sorry!
Is the island pram/stroller friendly?
Mostly, yes. The roads are hilly and a bit bumpy in spots, but the palace grounds, beach boardwalk, and some local restaurants are accessible enough. If you’ve got a compact or all-terrain stroller, bring it along but baby carriers are often easier for short hikes or temple visits.
What should we pack for a trip to Koh Si Chang with kids?
Keep it simple and tropical! Essentials include:
- Swimsuits and sun hats
- Reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent
- Water bottles and snacks
- Lightweight stroller or baby carrier
- Nappies and wipes if you’ve got babies/toddlers
- A light jumper for breezy ferry rides
Are there kid-friendly places to eat on the island?
Totally! While there aren’t huge chains or fast-food joints, most local restaurants and beachfront cafés are casual and welcoming to kids. You’ll find fried rice, noodles, grilled chicken, and fresh fruit everywhere. Some even have high chairs just ask!
Can we use a car seat on the island?
Not really. Tuk-tuks are the main transport and don’t support car seats. For safety, try to limit long rides and always hold little ones securely. If you’re doing the ferry to/from the mainland with a car seat, bring a lightweight, portable one you can carry easily.
Is Koh Si Chang safe for families?
Very much so. It’s a small, laid-back community with a friendly local vibe. Just take standard safety precautions like you would anywhere else: watch kids around the water, use sun protection, and keep valuables secure.
Why Koh Si Chang is One of the Best Underrated Places to Visit with Kids in Thailand
Koh Si Chang with kids is an absolute win especially if you’re craving an island escape that’s laid-back, budget-friendly, and doesn’t involve long-haul ferries or plane rides. It’s got all the magic of Thai island life without the chaos of the big-name spots.
Whether you’re building sandcastles at Tham Phang Beach, cruising around in a tuk-tuk like royalty, or wandering the peaceful palace grounds pretending you’re in a period drama (just me?), this island strikes that perfect balance of adventure and calm. It’s small enough to manage with little ones, but packed with just enough to keep everyone entertained for a day or two.
If you’re based in Bangkok or Pattaya and looking for a super doable island trip that doesn’t require a week off or a logistics spreadsheet, Koh Si Chang with kids is a total hidden gem. It’s authentic, charming, and way more family-friendly than you might expect.
So go on… grab the sunhats, pack some snacks, and hop on that ferry. Koh Si Chang is waiting to show your family a slower, simpler slice of Thailand.
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