A guide to relaxed getaways at Novotel Marina Koh Si Chang

Koh Si Chang is an underrated Thai Island that has charming coastal landscapes and is easy to get to from Bangkok. All you have to do is take a 90 minute drive to Sriracha, where you can hop on a boat at Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang Thailand’s private pier to the island. As you cruise along, you’ll be treated to views of the cobalt-blue ocean and, well, some cargo ships here and there. But once you reach the island, you’ll find yourself in paradise.

Although Koh Si Chang is one of the closest islands to Bangkok, it’s still under the radar of many international tourists. Sure, it may lack the beach clubs and parties typical of Thai islands, but it does offer its own gentle charm. Its breathtaking scenery, historical landmarks, and relaxed vibe will whisk you away from the chaos of city life without the crowds.

Below, we’ve created a quick guide to relaxed getaways at Koh Si Chang with Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang Marina Bay.

Where to stay: Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang Thailand

Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang is a unique dual-location hotel in Thailand that opened its doors in 2020. With only 40 rooms, the Koh Si Chang location feels private. And it’s probably the most enviable place to stay on the island. Each room at this hotel has that dreamy, airy tropical feel, with natural elements in the design, as well as large windows and balconies where you can sit and take in the beautiful ocean views.

You’ve got several room options to pick from at Novotel Marina Koh Si Chang. The Sea View Deluxe is roomy and comfy, filled with natural light, and offers those gorgeous views—ideal for couples. But if you want more privacy or if you’re travelling with family, check out the beachfront pool villas. You can soak up those beautiful ocean sights while relaxing in your ownprivate plunge pool right by the sea.

When you’re not relaxing in your room, there’s plenty to do at the hotel. You can cool off in the big outdoor pool, catch some rays on the sun loungers nearby, unwind at the spa, grab a bite at the restaurant, or get your sweat on at the fitness centre. Moreover, there’s a Kids’ club for the little ones to enjoy.

Thanks to its location, Novotel Marina Koh Si Chang is the perfect base to explore the rest of the island. From the hotel, the top four hidden gems of Koh Si Chang, including Chao Pho Khao Yai, Buddha Footprint, Phra Chuthathut Palace, and Chong Khao Kad, are very easy to access.

How to get there: A quick drive and boat ride

There is a range of options available to get to Koh Si Chang. However, the best choice depends on your starting point, budget, and comfort preferences. If you’re in Bangkok and travelling with family or have a lot of luggage, consider taking a taxi or booking a private transfer. This is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach your destination. Alternatively, if you enjoy driving, renting a car is another good option. You’ll have the added flexibility to stop along the way or explore at your own pace.

In order to reach the island, you must first reach Sriracha in Chon Buri. The journey from Bangkok to Sriracha typically takes about 1.5 hours.

Once you arrive in Sriracha, head over to the Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang. If you’re staying at this hotel, you can easily jump on their speedboat service. The speedboat service is available upon request and comes with a small fee, but it makes your trip smoother.

How to get around: Motorbikes or tuk-tuks

You can easily rent a bike or tuk-tuk right at the Novotel Marina Koh Si Chang front desk. Motorbikes are great choices if you want to zip between the hotel and the tourist attractions. The island’s hilly landscape offers fantastic riding opportunities, and even those new to motorbiking will find most roads manageable. However, tuk-tuks provide a more leisurely way to explore the island if you don’t have a licence or driving experience.

What to do: Adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences

Koh Si Chang is a stunning island, so it’s a must to carve out some time for exploration. If you’re feeling lost about what to see, Novotel Marina Koh Si Chang offers day tours that show off the best spots on the island. If you don’t want to worry about planning your itinerary, you can choose between a half-day or full-day tour, and they’ll transport you to popular attractions using their shuttle bus or Songthaew.

Here are the most popular activities and attractions around the island:

Relax on Haad Tham Phang Beach

No island escape is complete without a day at the beach, and Haad Tham Phang Beach is the perfect spot for that. Nestled on the western side of Koh Si Chang, this is the island’s only sandy beach.

It may be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with its peaceful vibe. The beach is rarely crowded, so you can relax without distractions. The stunning blue-green water is perfect for you to swim in. You can even wade far out from shore at low tide. If you love snorkelling, you may also do it on the northern part of the beach.

For those looking for some fun on the water, a kayak rental kiosk is conveniently located right on the beach. Paddle your way through the gentle waves and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. In addition, there’s a small shop on the beach where you can buy cold beers to sip while relaxing in the sun.

Take a look at Buddha’s Footprint

If you love hiking and you’re interested in learning about Buddhism, you can trek up a mountain to see a replica of Buddha’s footprint, which was placed there by King Rama V. Not too far from the Buddha’s footprint, there’s a bell tower where you can take turns ringing the bell yourself. Give it three good rings to let the spirits know you’re there to show your respect. And before you head back down, don’t forget to drop a few baht into Buddha’s footprint for some extra good luck. Our tip is to come here in the morning to catch the beautiful sunrise.

See Phra Chuthathut Palace

For some more history and beauty, visit Phra Chudat Hut Ratchathani Palace. This palace was once a summer residence for King Rama V. However, it fell into disrepair after the brief French occupation of the island in 1893.

One of its highlights, the Vimanmek Teak Mansion, is an impressive golden teak structure that was relocated to Bangkok in 1910. Today, it proudly sits in Dusit Gardens as a stunning representation of Thai architecture. While the main mansion is gone, you can still explore several Victorian-style buildings surrounded by lush gardens. And at the forefront lies Tha Wang Beach, which provides picturesque views and access to Atsadang Bridge, stretching out over the sea.

Visit Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine

Koh Si Chang is a place full of culture and history. A fantastic spot to experience this is the Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine. Perched on a hill, this serene red temple features elements from both Chinese Buddhism and Hinduism. You can reach the top by either climbing the stairs or riding in a cable car that transports you up. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the fishing village and pier below.

Chong Khao Kad

Want to immerse yourself in nature? Then Chong Khao Kad is a must-visit destination. This spot offers breathtaking views and a chance for some adventurous hiking over rugged rocks. One of the highlights is a small gazebo perched on a cliff to the left, which provides an incredible vantage point over the sparkling blue ocean. You can also find various small shelters along a narrow path that starts from the parking lot, although these offer less impressive views. Moreover, there’s a bridge that leads along a scenic path by the water’s edge.

For those seeking a magical experience, this location is renowned for being one of the best places to catch a sunset on Koh Si Chang. Therefore, plan your visit for late afternoon to witness this unforgettable sight.

Indulge in spa treatments

After spending a whole day exploring Koh Si Chang, you deserve a treat. Pamper yourself with some amazing spa treatments at In Balance Spa, Novotel Marina Koh Si Chang’s on-site spa. They specialise in classic Thai spa treatments designed to soothe your mind and detoxify your body.

You can find a wide variety of treatments at In Balance Spa, including anti-ageing facials and salon treatments like waxing. They have an extensive selection of massages and reflexology options as well. For the ultimate rejuvenation experience, we recommend the In Balance Signature Package. This three-hour treatment includes your choice of body scrub, an Aromatherapy Relaxation Massage, and a Beautifying Facial that lets you pick between a Crème Mask or a traditional Thai Herbal Facial. It’s the perfect way to recharge yourself.

Unwind by the pool at your hotel

Spend your days lounging by Novotel Marina Ko Si Chang’s inviting outdoor pool. With comfortable sun loungers and stunning views of the ocean, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with a good book and let the world around you fade away. When the tropical heat becomes too much, dive into the refreshing water and feel the coolness envelop you. You can float while watching the gentle waves roll in along the shore. Feeling thirsty? Treat yourself to a refreshing drink from the poolside bar. Whether it’s a chilled cocktail or fresh juice, you’ll love sipping on something delicious while soaking in the sun.

Book your stay at Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang today with the Thaiger Go Stay 2 Pay 1 package. Available from June 5 to October 31, 2024, you have two easy options to choose from. Option 1 allows you to stay for two nights while only paying for one night. On the other hand, option 2 lets you book two rooms but pay for the price of just one room – perfect if you’re travelling with family or friends. Both options include breakfast!

You can book directly through the Novotel Marina Sriracha & Koh Si Chang website.

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