Whenever I search for Thai beaches in Google, the topmost result will either be Pattaya or Phuket. These two beaches are so popular that they are the only beaches where foreigners go to. Many tourists don't know that there are other beaches in Thailand that can are also gems but less costly than Pattaya and Phuket.
One of the beaches that are below the radar of foreigners is the Bang Saen Beach in the City of Chonburi. This beach is the closest beach from Bangkok and it was said that it is just an hour drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Please go Bang Saen page of WikiTravel for detailed info on going to this beach.
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Bang Saen Beach |
I was fortunate to be brought to Bang Saen Beach (for free, yey!). The travel is work related though so I didn't got the chance to wade in the sea.
I can say Bang Saen Beach is not the typical high-end beach that have great facilities. What it has are simple souvenir shops, food stalls and chairs to laze away the day. The lack of these high-end features is a plus, however, because it made many things in Bang Saen Beach less expensive.
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Another plus is the absence of the “prostitution” bar and clubs that are typically found in Pattaya. Thus, this place is perfect for family getaway.
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The beach is almost deserted by people when we went there during a weekday. My office mates said that Bang Saen Beach becomes crowded during weekends because many Thai families flock the place.
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The beach is OK but I found better beaches in Koh Samet Island (I will post about that in the future). The sea is also dirty and I saw some plastic wrappers and other refuse floating around. I hope that the administrator of the beach ensure the cleanliness of the area.
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There are many things to do in Bang Saen Beach and you can read some of the events at Bang Saen Beach website. I saw paddle boats during my visit. Too bad that I didn't have the time but I really want to try it and challenge my office mates for a race. Too bad, work first before pleasure.
Souvenir shops can also be found in the place. I visited many of the shops but they don't have the ref magnets that I wanted.
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We immediately left Bang Saen Beach after we finished our work. My hope of wading in the sea vanished. So sad.
Well, if you're a tourist who want to try beaches that are cheaper than Pattaya or Phuket, I suggest that you go to Bang Saen Beach.
ang pino ng sands. i have a friend in pattaya. this place looks interesting ;-)
ReplyDeleteWow, may friend ka pala sa Pattaya? Ano siya, Pinoy din?
Deletewell mejo plain ung beach wala maxado tao which is para sakin ee swak na swak
ReplyDeletemas gusto ko ung ganyan lang
at isa pa ung mga kasama mo ang mas mahalaga kaysa sa lugar
astig nung shell curtains
May tama rin yung sinabi mo MeCoy. Pero mahalaga din yung lugar. Kasi kung gusto mo nga yung kasama mo pero hindi naman gusto ng kasama mo yung lugar then nakakasira din ng mood minsan.
Deletei guess this is more relaxing than other crowded beaches di ba...
ReplyDeleteYes Bluedreamer.
Deleteparang hindi din sya naiiba sa mga beaches na meron tayo dito no?
ReplyDeleteYes. Tama ka Bluedreamer
DeleteThat's nice. Always best to avoid those tourist traps, over-commercialised. Not authentic, very pretentious.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you STP.
DeleteThanks for sharing about this beach! I did not even know it existed! I want a beach without many tourists and this might just be the place if I go during the weekdays I suppose : )
ReplyDeleteYes Foong. This is the best place for you to visit because it is also near Bangkok. Weekday visit is perfect for you since there are few people because the Thais are either at work or in school.
DeleteI though Thai beaches always had white sand. Interesting, though.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Phuket, the ex-BF (now the Husband) and I were supposed to go there in a few years back. But we changed our minds since it was just after the tsunami. Medyo natakot pa kami but now, we're definitely having second doubts na since we have the Little One already. Kakatakot lang. =)
Actually, Phuket is prone to tsunamis because it is near Sumatra Island. This island has a lot of earthquakes. So I suggest that you to other beach na lang.
DeleteNasa Singapore po kayo di ba Ate Tin. Yan daw ang bansa na walang lindol at safe mula sa tsunami.
similarly, the beach has the perennial problems we have too here. It still boils down to getting townsfolk to do their part in eco-tourism and preservation. Ganun naman talaga dapat if they wanted to enjoy nature and tourism as a destination, whether in Thailand or in the Philippines.
ReplyDeleteCorrect. It is the townspeople who should act to ensure that their beach is clean, Wends. Unfortunately, many people don't care as long as they earn money.
DeleteIs there any places around to go diving or go on fishing trips? I think it would be fun to catch some of the red or sea crabs.
ReplyDeleteHello Mr Philthy.
DeleteI have no idea about fishing or diving at Bang Saen. I searched the Net and found this link: http://www.asiatradingonline.com/fishingbangsaen.htm
Maybe that website can help you.