Sattahip
Sattahip, former U.S. air force and navy base and today home to the Thai navy, is situated about 30 km (19 mi.) south of Pattaya. This typical Thai small town has no notable sights. There are plans to expand the deep sea harbor thereby increasing
its importance as an import and export center. Jungle covered mountains, beautiful beaches and rocky headlands are characteristic of the countryside around Sattahip. In comparison with Pattaya it is relatively peaceful here; tourist development is, of course, beginning to creep in. The small fishing village of Ban Pala near by has fine sandy beaches.
By car: Highway 3 from Pattaya (30 km (19 mi.); from Bangkok 180 km (112 mi.)).
By bus: from Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal.
During the Vietnam war squadrons of B-52 bombers, among others, were stationed at the U Tapao air force base. The base was not disbanded until the 1980s when the Thais cordially requested that the Americans withdraw. The airfield has since been used for both civil and military purposes; because of the importance of the south-east to tourism it is planned to expand it into an international airport.
A wide promenade runs along the beach. The late afternoon is the best time to visit the fishing harbor and fish market when it is at is liveliest. The wat in the town center is of no particular interest.
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