Ko Sichang has many beaches, all with cleaner, clear water than any mainland beach in the northern Gulf.
By far the biggest, best
and most popular is Haad Tham Phang (Collapsed Cave Beach).
There you'll find all the conveniences a tourist could want,
minus jet skis. Other
beaches are smaller, more secluded and often pristine. None
of these places has lifeguards, but the drop-off is very gradual
at all the beaches, and the surf is seldom any threat.
In the names below, we've left out the word "haad"
or "beach", which is necessary when asking directions.
Tham Phang |
Thaa Wang |
Tham Saai |
Saai Kaew |
Bat Island (Ko Khaangkhaao) |
Tham Phang (Collapsed Cave) Beach
is far the most popular on the island.
As the picture shows, it boasts canvas deck chairs and umbrellas,
inner tubes, snorkels and masks, and kayaks for rent. A few meters
inland you'll find a modest restaurant, bungalows, and facilities
for a shower and change after your swim.
Samlor fare from the market area is about B80 each way, an expensive legacy from the days when the road was a very rough dirt track. It's worth extending the ride out to the end of the point where the cave is, and coming or going, ask to take the road over the hill by Wat Tham Yaai Prik, which offers some spectacular views.