Many people are captivated by Pattaya, but Chonburi also boasts Si Racha and the famous Khao Sam Muk, known for its monkeys. Today, we invite you to explore a different side of Chonburi.
That morning, we woke up at 5 AM and left home at 6 AM to catch the ferry to Koh Si Chang, which starts running at 8 AM. No worries if you miss the first one; the ferry departs every hour, with a fare of only 50 baht. The weather that day was fantastic. Upon arriving on the island, we took a “songthaew,” a local car, straight to Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine.
You might wonder why we went there—it’s because we wanted to pay respects, release the year’s obstacles, and seek blessings for the new year. Once at the top, we followed our family’s annual tradition of eating vegetarian food at Wat Chao Pho Khao Yai. My mother believes that having one vegetarian meal reduces animal slaughter for one meal, which is a good deed (a personal belief). Afterward, we bought incense, candles, and offering sets to pay respects to all the Buddha images at the temple. An essential part of the visit is drawing a fortune stick and placing our wallets against the image of Chao Pho Khao Yai for blessings. After completing our rituals, we bought tickets back to Koh Loi for lunch.
Tips and Recommendations for the Ferry Ride to and from Koh Si Chang:
- Sit on the upper deck for more comfort and better views.
- Be prepared to take a tuk-tuk for convenient travel around the island.
- Before leaving, don’t forget to try grilled items like squid, fish, and shellfish along the way—they’re delicious and help support the local folks in the area.
Lunch Recommendation:
Before heading back, we recommend having lunch at ‘Pa Auan’s Order-Any-Dish’ restaurant. This hidden gem is well-known among Chonburi locals for its excellent dishes like stir-fried mantis shrimp with basil and crispy pork belly. Enjoy delicious food at reasonable prices—a must-try!
If you’re searching for a specialty coffee shop in Chonburi, we highly recommend “Hidden Lab.” This café sources its coffee beans from various roasters, offering a wide selection for coffee enthusiasts. The coffee is delicious, and the views are splendid, complemented by refreshing soda drinks for non-coffee drinkers. The ambiance resembles that of an old hotel, featuring a unique attraction—an old deserted swimming pool, which adds to its charm. However, there’s a rule: each person must purchase a drink to take photos at the pool.
Visit to Khao Sam Muk:
After savoring our coffee, we proceeded to Khao Sam Muk’s highest point to pay respects to Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk. Local tradition holds that this deity favors kites, so we annually offer them for prosperity in career and life. As hunger struck, we indulged in the delectable vegetarian fare available, especially relishing the spicy and delicious stir-fried morning glory. Following our meal, we ventured to the viewpoint area to observe and feed the monkeys—though caution is advised, as they can be aggressive.
Ending the Day at Bluefin Restaurant:
Our day concluded with a memorable dinner at Bluefin Restaurant, renowned for its romantic seaside atmosphere, fresh seafood, and live music. While prices are on the higher side, the quality and taste justify the expense. During birthday celebrations, they even offer a cake and a live performance of the birthday song. After dinner, we checked into GO Hotel Si Racha at Central Si Racha—a strategically located hotel between Bang Saen and Pattaya, serving as an ideal base for further exploration.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we embarked on a journey to explore Si Racha’s vibrant coffee culture, visiting three fantastic spots that had caught our attention.
Our first destination was U Café & Bakery. This charming café boasts a beautiful rooftop with stunning views. While the coffee, with its chocolate base, was average, the bakery items stole the show. The blueberry cheesecake, in particular, is an absolute must-try. Don’t leave without indulging in this delightful treat!
Next, we made our way to Way Coffee House, a cozy and homey spot beloved by locals. The interior is designed to evoke a sense of comfort, complemented by coffee that also features a chocolatey note. However, the standout here is their fried bananas. Moist and sweet, they are coated in a crispy batter with sesame seeds—a truly mouthwatering delight.
Our final stop was Laguna Cafe, a hidden gem offering a Hawaiian-inspired ambiance in Si Racha. This café not only serves excellent coffee but also provides refreshing food options and fresh fruit juices. The atmosphere and photo opportunities here are exceptional and should not be missed.
Each café offered a unique experience, from breathtaking views and cozy atmospheres to tropical Hawaiian vibes, ensuring there was something special for every coffee enthusiast to enjoy.
After enjoying the views and our coffee, it was time to check out. Before heading back, we stopped to refuel both our car and ourselves at a pork rice shop located at a PTT gas station. We highly recommend trying the crispy pork rice dish, priced at 59 baht. If you want to add Vietnamese sausage, it’s 75 baht. The best part is they offer an unlimited buffet of vegetables, chili paste, rice, and soup, but it’s advisable to take only what you can finish. For those who prefer pork over seafood, like us, this place is a must-visit.
Finally, it was time to say goodbye. We returned home with wonderful memories, enjoying a 2.5-hour journey back filled with happiness and contentment.
