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.
18 km (11 mi.) north of Sattahip the new seaside resort of Bang Sare (beaches, bungalows, hotels) has developed over recent years near an idyllic fishing harbor (good restaurants). From here a visit to the rugged island of Koh Khram, which has a beautiful bay on the north side, is recommended. Farther north towards Chanthaburi are the resorts of Sim Wong Village and Sonprasong Beach.
South-east of Sattahip on the extreme tip of a peninsula is the picturesque fishing harbor of Chong Samae San, called Chong for short. Boat trips depart from the bay sheltered by rocky promontories to beautiful islands with snow-white beaches. Some are privately owned, others belong to the naval base. Those which can be visited are Koh Ai Raet, Koh Samae San, Koh Chang Klua, Koh Nang, Koh Chan and Koh Chuang, and Koh Rong Khon.
The old naval base established around 1920 (its outline can be seen from the coast road) was modernized several years ago. The deep water allows large warships to dock and in the civilian harbor large cargo ships. Thailand has never been a great seafaring nation, the Thais are more suited to inland and coastal waters.