LAEM CHABANG (BANGKOK & PATTAYA)

If you are wondering where Laem Chabang is, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Rather than a destination itself, Laem Chabang is a port facility that serves as a gateway to various points of interest in Thailand. Notably Bangkok, 80 mi/ 128 km to the north, and Pattaya, located 15 mi/ 24 km to the south. Given the far distances, cruise ships often have an overnight stay so travelers have the opportunity to maximize their time. 

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It is important to note that there are multiple docking berths within the facility. The most common ones for ships are the A1 Terminal and the A3 Terminal. To avoid miscommunication with taxis and prearranged tours, be sure to note which terminal you are in. 

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Pattaya is the closest city of interest, and has earned itself a negative reputation as a destination for sex tourism. While the seedy-nature of Pattaya is inescapable, the city has been transforming into a more family friendly beach town and there are some points of interest suited for all ages.  The Floating Market and the Sanctuary of Truth are unique Thai travel experiences, and you can click HERE for more options.

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If you are planning a trip to Bangkok, account for a 2.5 hour drive each way depending on traffic. This is a chaotic, lively city of 8 million people with a greater metropolitan population of 14.5 million people. While there is public transport in the form of an overhead BTS system, often the most efficient use of time is to hire a driver for the day who will take you to the various sights. Consider booking a driver online to save time and money. Once in Bangkok, many of the popular attractions are close together, including the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, the Pak Khlong Flower Market, and the National Museum. 

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Out of Laem Chabang, it is also possible to access the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, which is located 117 mi/ 189 km north of the cruise port, or 50 mi/ 80 km north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, and is a unique archaeological site with palaces, temples, statues, and monasteries.  

Laem Chabang is your gateway to a memorable Thailand travel experience, and we highly recommend taking full advantage of the overnight stay to make the most of it!