Sattahip

Sattahip (สัตหีบ) is a district and town on the Gulf of Thailand coastline at the southwest tip of Chon Buri Province. It is a small fishing town that has hosted a large Royal Thai Navy and Marine Corps base for decades. The town is named after a revered Buddhist monk, Luang Pho I, whose statue resides at Wat Sattahip.

Sattahip district is twice the size of Bang Lamung district but has a much smaller population, meaning there is abundant land. This has led to the construction of many large tourist attractions — water parks, botanical gardens, and cultural sites — which are marketed as Pattaya attractions to visitors staying in nearby Pattaya. The area has a tropical climate with a cool season from November to February being the most pleasant time to visit. Domestic tourists come primarily to pay homage to Luang Pho I and to enjoy the beaches and parks.

By Plane

U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP IATA) is adjacent to Sattahip district, just east of the town. It handles charter flights and some scheduled services. Buses and taxis connect the airport to Sattahip town and Pattaya.

By Train

A 3rd-class train runs weekdays only between Bangkok Hualamphong station and Sattahip. The fare is just 37 baht for the 4.5-hour journey. The train departs Bangkok at 06:55 and arrives after 11:00. The return departs Sattahip at 13:35 arriving in Bangkok after 18:15. No service on Saturdays or Sundays.

By Car / Road

Sukhumvit Road (Hwy 3) runs through Sattahip, with regular buses from Bangkok's Eastern (Ekamai) bus terminal. Buses heading to Rayong, Chanthaburi, or Trat can drop you on Sukhumvit Road. From Pattaya, white songthaews run south along Sukhumvit Road to Sattahip for 20 baht. By car, Sattahip is about 2 hours from Bangkok via Hwy 7.

White baht buses (songthaews) run along Sukhumvit Road and connect to Pattaya for 20 baht. For beaches and attractions inland, you will need your own transport — motorbike rental or a hired taxi. The town centre is walkable.

• Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and Resort — A sprawling botanical garden with themed sections (orchid garden, palm garden, bonsai, cactus, heliconia), a zoo, butterfly garden, daily cultural and elephant shows. Garden only 100 baht, with shows 500 baht. Located on Sukhumvit Road at km163.

• Wat Yanasangwararam Woramahawihan — A temple complex built in 1976 for the Supreme Patriarch, featuring international pavilions, a replica of the Buddha's footprint, a large chedi with relics, and a royal agricultural training centre.

• Laser Image of Buddha on Khao Chi Chan Cliff — A 130 m tall and 70 m wide Buddha image in the subduing Mara posture, laser-etched into a cliff face in 1996. Contains a relic of the Lord Buddha within the chest.

• Anek Kuson Sala (Wihan Sian) — An art gallery in Chinese architectural style with precious antiques including a large white jade Kwan Yin statue, terracotta soldiers, and ancient pottery. 50 baht. Daily 08:30-17:00.

• HTMS Chakri Naruebet — Thailand's offshore patrol helicopter carrier anchored at Chuk Samet Deep Seaport. Free entry. Daily 08:00-16:00. International visitors must write to the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet in advance.

• Turtle Conservation Centre — Run by the Royal Thai Navy, breeds sea turtles and educates visitors about their conservation. Daily 08:00-17:00.

• Wat Sattahip (Wat Luang Pho I) — A temple with a life-size statue of Luang Pho I, set on a 200 m crescent beach with a naval museum and monument. Daily 06:00-21:00.

• Beaches — Hat Sai Kaeo (beautiful navy-supervised beach), Hat Nang Ram (200 m beach with pine trees and a shrine), and Hat Thian Talay (900 m beach alternating with rocks, good for sunset views).

• RamaYana Water Park — One of Asia's biggest water parks with 21 water slides, a 600 m lazy river, a double wave pool, and a floating market. 590-1,190 baht. Daily 10:00-18:00.

• Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark — A themed water park with 13 water slide attractions and shows featuring Cartoon Network characters. 1,290-1,690 baht. Daily 10:00-19:00.

• Amara Watersports — Paddleboard and windsurfing equipment rental and lessons on Na Jomtien beach. Operating since 1978.

• Bang Sa-re fishing village — A traditional fishing village 16 km south of Pattaya, with a deep bay for angling and beachfront dining.

• Chong Samaesan Village — A village offering fishing opportunities and boat charters to nearby islands. Bungalow accommodation available.

The Glass House in Na Jomtien is a beautifully designed restaurant on the beach (11:00-24:00). Numerous seafood restaurants line the coast at Bang Sa-re and along Sukhumvit Road. Local specialities include fresh-caught grilled fish, squid, and prawns. The fishing village of Bang Sa-re has several rustic seafood eateries.

Beachfront and waterside bars serve cold beer and cocktails. Fresh young coconut water is available everywhere. The Silver Lake Vineyard in the area offers wine tasting in a scenic setting. Bottled water is safe and widely available.

• Budget: Bungalow accommodation at Chong Samaesan village and basic guesthouses near the navy base from 300-600 baht.
• Mid-range: Hotels along the Na Jomtien beach area from 800-1,500 baht.
• Upscale: Beachfront resorts near Na Jomtien and Bang Sa-re, from 2,000-5,000 baht.

Mimosa Pattaya (The City of Love) is a shopping mall designed as an antique French village with photo opportunities and a ladyboy show (50-300 baht). Local markets sell seafood, Thai snacks, and naval memorabilia.

• Pattaya (20 km north) — Major beach resort with nightlife, shopping, and attractions.
• Rayong (30 km east) — Coastal province with fruit orchards and quiet beaches.
• Ko Samet (ferry from Ban Phe, Rayong) — Popular island with white-sand beaches.
• Chanthaburi (60 km southeast) — Gem-mining town with waterfalls and Catholic cathedral.
• Si Racha (35 km north) — Gateway to Ko Sichang.