So, although we roamed a lot the night before , we still didn’t know about the pier from where ferry to the island went. We hired a TukTuk to drop us at the place. Turned out that the pier was the same place where the fair was going on the previous night and because of traffic, they didn’t take us even though there were 10 minutes left to the last ferry.

The first ferry to Koh Si Chang starts at 6 a.m. and then leaves every hour for 50 Baht per person. We took 7 a.m. one. The boat was small and crowded but I forgot everything, the moment I realized that the place I’m sitting at is filled with Japanese people who are going for fishing. Oh boy! For all 45 minutes journey + waiting time, I could hear Japanese. I couldn’t approach them. But it was really good to listen to and actually understand quite a few words 🙂

Anyways, so the ferry takes about 45 min to 1 hour to reach the destination. As soon as you set foot on land, you’re pestered by TukTuk drivers and motor bike renters to hire them to see the island. TukTuk driver was asking for 250 Baht for 2 hours for 4 places including beach. I mean, how can you enjoy the places, when you’ve a strict time limit on you? Also, we had half a day, that means around 6-8 hours. You can’t spend rest of your time on beach only.

And it wasn’t a place for motorbike. We had hired motorbikes in Koh Chang because that was big and difficult to cover on foot, not to mention the roller coaster ride like roads. So we weren’t in favor of motorbikes either. We had plans to go on foot from the starting.

But this one TukTuk driver was really persistent and followed us a bit. Somehow, we were able to leave him behind but realized that the Palace was too far to go on foot on the slanted roads, so ultimately we hired a TukTuk for 250 Baht for 5 hours. The person showed us four places – Chinese Temple, SeaView Point, The King’s Palace and at last beach.

First we went to the Chinese temple known as Saan Chao Pho Khao Yai, or Shrine of the Father Spirit of the Great Hill. There are a lot of small temples around the main temple. The temples are based in a cave and there are a lot of stairs – LOT OF! But it’s worth it! Also, one needs to light the incense sticks that too right no. (which is generally written over pots) and then strike the musical instruments – bells, drums etc. etc. in correct no. The caves are really imposing. Many have stuck their wishes on the walls of the temple too. Now I think about it, I should’ve done that too…..

Best part I find about the temples here is that there is no restriction in clicking photos in or outside. I finally saw a Korean currency note too. And the dragons! I love dragons!! All in all, the place is peaceful and beautiful. At the top, you’ll indeed feel on the top of the world. And if you really decide to walk down the island, then, the temple is very near to the starting point. So, don’t get allured by the people trying to convince you to hire them. But if you want to see just the main attractions of the island, do go for TukTuk taxi.

Here are the pics-

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