Hotels in Sattahip

Introduction

Sattahip is a district in Chonburi Province, next to popular tourist destination Pattaya In the south of Thailand. It consists mainly of sea side, where it is heavily controlled by the Thai Navy, as that's where their Naval Base is located. It is a popular destination for a short weekend trip from Bangkok as it is only about A2 hour drive from Bangkok. However, it is not that common of a spontaneous vacation destination due to the need to book in advance for many of the accommodations there. However if you are willing to do a bit of planning, there are numerous beautiful, clean, well-maintained beaches including Toie Ngan Beac, Dong Tan Beach, and Nangram Beach. Other attractions that may interest visitors are temples and the Sea Turtle Conservation Center.  As of 2014, this district had a population of 157000 people.

In Thai, “satta” means seven, while hip means a box or a barrier. Therefore, Sattahip means “the 7 barriers” which are the islands that protect the coast of the district. Sattahip is still today, the largest navy base in thailand. People can go see ships anchored at the pier, including famous ones such as the HTML Chakri Narubet, the Pinklao, the Naresuan, the Tapi, the Chaophraya, the Rattanakosin and the Similian. On National Children's Day, visitors may go on board the HTMS Chakri Narubet for a guided tour of the ship.

The general vibe of this location is that of a sleepy beach town. The gorgeous landscape with white sand beaches, green blue oceans, and backdrop of mountains makes it a beautiful place to spend the weekend. Often frequented by travelers looking for a quieter, more relaxed time than nearby Pattaya, Sattahip is a perfect place to relax, read a book, soak up the sun, or just nap on the beach. However, there is still plenty to do in this district including historical monuments, temples, and the ocean.

History of Sattahip

The recorded history of Sattahip begins with a woman by the name of Jang, who owned a lot of land in the Sattahip district. Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Son of King Rama V, was  sent to create a royal navy base at Sattahip.  He felt that the location was perfect and strategic because of the many small islands that protected it from the wind and waves.  Therefore he reached out to Jang and she donated the land that the prince needed to him.

Surrounding Environment

Pattaya

A good day trip for those who want some nightlife or a bit more excitement than a beach town can be found in Pattaya. Pattaya is full of international tourists and can cater to all kinds of travelers, from families, to couples wanting a romantic getaway, to backpackers who want to enjoy nightlife.

Rayong

Rayong is often known for Ban Phe pier who is a travel hub for those heading to Koh Samed, one of the best islands in this area. However, Rayong is also known for its many industries, from chemicals, to fruit production for pineapples, mangosteens, oranges and durian.

Koh Khram Yai

A completed undeveloped island off the coast of Sattahip, it feels like you’ve washed up in a shipwreck when you arrive here. The geography of the island makes it incredibly hard to develop, due to the fact that it’s covered in sharp rocks. However, the advantage to this is that the island is incredibly secluded, and the chance of running into hoards of other tourists is almost negligible. You can get a boat for the day to take you from Sattahip.

Hotels

There are a variety of accommodations in Sattahip. This includes a large range of budgets, amenities, and how close to the beach you are located.

One D Homestay

One D Homestay is the perfect place for you and your family to relax on your vacation. Located only about five kilometers from the Thai Royal Navy base, it is t an ideal location to explore the city of Sattahip.  This homestay features family houses for 4, 5, 6 or 12 persons, making it an ideal place to have small get togethers. Amenities include Wi-Fi in public areas, air conditioning, a terrace  to relax on, refrigerator to store food, TV, shower and an outdoor pool.

Rimpu Hill Resort

Located only four kilometers from the Thai Royal Navy base, 11 kilometres from the nearby beautiful botanical gardens, and 5km from the Plutaluang Navy Golf Courses,   Rimpu Hill Resort is the perfect place to make home base here in the south of Thailand. The amenities here include the following:  Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop, restaurant, air conditioning, access to laundry facilities, TV, and above all, a helpful and warm staff that is ready to  help you make the best of your holiday.

The Anchor Homestay Sattahip

The Anchor Homestay in Sattahip is the ultimate in convenience to explore this wonderful town. Only four kilometers from the Plutaluang Navy Golf Course,  four and a half kilometres from Silver Lake, 4 kilometers from the tropical botanical garden, and less than five kilometers from Buddha Mountain, it doesn't get much more convenient than this.

Sandy Home Sattahip

Offering rooms  for up to 10 people, this is the perfect place for a family to stay and still have plenty of space. Buddha mountain is only 6 kilometers away and the Navy Golf Course is also 6 kilometers away, making this a convenient location with plenty of attractions for the whole family. Rooms include a TV, shower, internet, and air conditioning. This is the perfect place for those looking for a comfortable yet budget-friendly accommodation.

Transportation

By plane

Though often mentioned as Pattaya Airport, U-tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport is officially situated in Sattahip. There are no commercial flights available between U-Tapao and Bangkok, but there are flights to Ko Samui and Phuket (served by Bangkok Airways).

Getting out from the airport:

There are minibuses going to Pattaya, costing THB 200-250 per person. You can also use metered taxis, which may cost THB 750 (including tolls). Journey may take up to 30 minutes.

By train

Bangkok and Sattahip are connected by the Eastern Line, with Sattahip at the end of the line . The only train is no. 283, departing from Bangkok at 06:55 and arriving at Sattahip at 11:20. This train runs daily.

From Pattaya, there are train on weekdays serving between Pattaya and Sattahip. The trip will take 40-50 minutes for THB 6 (3rd class only). Schedule is on 10:18, arriving at Sattahip at 11:00.

Although you are usually able to buy the tickets right before boarding the Train, on weekends and holidays there may be a  shortage of tickets.  Therefore for weekends and long holidays, it is recommended that you buy tickets from the train station a day or more prior to your date of departure.

By bus

There are buses from Bangkok (Ekamai Bus Terminal) to Sattahip directly. The 3-hour-trp to Sattahip may cost THB 113 (1st class), departing at 04:00, 0500-20:30 every 50 minutes.

Getting around in Sattahip

Songthaew

Songthaews  are a common way of travelling in Thailand. They consist of a modified truck bed with benches opposing each other, and a roof on top. The fares are paid per person, and you ask for the fair before jumping on board. These trucks will make many stops, dropping off passengers as they reach their destination. Although not the most efficient way of traveling, they are a good way to get around quickly and without breaking the bank.

It might cost you THB 10 to 30 depending on the distance to go around Sattahip. The songthaews are also possible to be rented as taxi for around THB 100 (with prior negotiation).

Taxi

You can hop on any taxis in Sattahip.  Always ask for the meter in a taxi, although some drivers will not want to use the meter. And that case, they will ask for a flat fare. Fares are almost always negotiable,  and this is a common practice in Thailand so make sure that you better!

Motorbike

Motorbikes are a common way to get around in Thailand as well. Motorbike taxis can be found wearing colored vests with numbers on them. motorbikes are sometimes the most efficient way to get around when there is traffic all the traffic is not too common in Sattahip due to its mellow and relaxed nature.  you may opt to rent your own motorbike to get around so that you do not have to follow anyone else's schedule. If you choose to do this make sure that the rental place you are renting from is legitimate and has good reviews online. some places will require that you give up your passport which you may not be willing to do. Some places will accept copies of your passport as well as a cash deposit and others will accept an alternate form of ID such as a driver's license from your country.

Attractions

Dong Tan Beach

Located just next to the market, Dong Tan TipBeach is lined with palm trees, white sand beaches, and is generally more mellow than some of its surrounding neighbors.  it is often more of a local beach as opposed to a tourist one. Beachfront activities include massages, sunbathing, and just here relaxing.

Opening hours: sunrise to sunset, daily
Entrance fee: free

Nang Ram Beach

Nang Ram Beach is a 300 meter stretch line by palm trees and is one of the main tourist destinations of Sattahip. Due to the fact that it is under the care of the Thai Navy, the beach is incredibly clean and has a shrine dedicated to Kromluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, the Father of the Royal Thai Navy.

Opening hours: sunrise to sunset, daily
Entrance fee: free

Buddha Mountain

A Buddha the size of a cliff, at 109 meters wide and 70 meters tall, this is truly a spectacle not to be missed in the Sattahip area. There’s a beautiful cliff in front of the Buddha with a large field, making it a picturesque garden to relax, worship, or simply appreciate the architecture. This site is open from 06:00 to 18:00 daily. There is no entrance fee to visit. However, tourists are advised to wear respectable clothing (covered shoulders and knees) as it is custom to dress appropriately in front of the Buddha in most of SE Asia.

Opening hours: sunrise to sunset, daily
Entrance fee: free

Activities

Sea Turtle Conservation

Located into Navy’s Surface to Air and Coast Department General Headquarters, this animal conservation center is a delight for the whole family. Visitors can learn about the different stages of turtle life as well as more fish in the aquarium. There are turtle ponds so that visitors can see the various stages of turtle life, as well as the different types of Thai sea turtles. The conservation center was set up in 1954 and thousands of turtles have been rescued since then, with the ultimate goal to return them to the sea when they’ve recovered or grown up.  

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, daily
Entrance fee: free for Thais and foreigners

HTMS Chakri Naruebet

The Patrol Helicopter Carrier, named by the King of Thailand, was constructed in Spain. At 182 meters long and 30.5 meters wide, this impressive ship is approximately 11 stories high. However, visiting this ship as a tourist may require a bit of work, as it is only available to Thai nationals. Foreigners can visit the ship with prior written approval from the Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet.

Opening hours:  daily from 8am to 4pm. Closed Wednesdays from 08:00 to 12:00.

Travel Tips

• Bring your passport - due to the control of the royal Navy, security is heightened here more so than other areas in Thailand. Therefore it is always a great idea to make sure that you have at least a copy of your passport with you at all times.

• Nightlife - as previously noted, Sattahip  it is not quite the vacation destination for the partier. However for those who would like to go out for dinner and drinks, Ban Chang  about ten kilometers away from the city center is  a good place to spend a relaxed evening.

• ATMs -  many of the ATM's in Thailand give you your cash first, and then your card after. Therefore many tourists often leave the ATM card in the machine since they are in a rush and most western ATMs dispense the card before the cash. It's not the easiest task getting a replacement ATM card when on vacation here in Thailand so make sure you don't lose your card.