The island has a fascinating history, with a deep Chinese influence in the culture and architecture; it was formerly used as a summer palace for Thai royalty, and was once occupied by the French in a struggle with Thailand over the occupation of Laos. The attractions on the island are not necessarily worth the trip alone, but they're charming once you get here – Phra Judhadhut Palace, the remains of a royal palace for King Rama V surrounded by a terrace garden, a green ‘wooden house by the sea', the statue of a yellow buddha on a cliff, Saan Chao Pho Kao Yai, a Chinese-style Buddhist shrine in a blinged out cave, and above, a mountaintop shrine protecting the buddha's oversized footprint. The tuk tuk drivers are well-versed in the tourist circuit, and can take you around the perimeter of the island, stopping at each sight. To fully experience the island, rent bikes or motorbikes for a self-guided tour, and you could circle the island in under an hour.