Laem Tan

Laem Tan marks the northern end of Bang Saen beach in Saen Suk, Chonburi — a rocky point jutting into the Gulf of Thailand, not a swimming beach. A paved deck and small seating garden sit right on the boulders, giving a wide view across the water, and it costs nothing to visit at any hour.

The point is built from stacked rocks rather than sand, with pathways down to the lower boulders for a closer look at the water — some sections get slippery when wet, so watch your footing. Locals fish off the rocks in the evenings, and the deck fills with people angling for the sunset over the Gulf. Casuarina trees shade the seating areas further back from the water, cutting the worst of the afternoon heat. On weekends a walking street of food vendors sets up nearby, selling grilled seafood, som tam, and the usual Thai beach-town snacks; on weekdays it’s quieter, mostly local retirees and the occasional angler.

Bang Saen is Chonburi’s answer to a weekend beach escape from Bangkok, about a two-hour drive southeast, and Laem Tan gets busiest in the late afternoon and early evening when day-trippers who spent the day on the main beach walk up for the view before heading home. Midday is close to empty aside from a handful of photographers chasing the rock formations in harsher light.

Insider Tip: Arrive 30-40 minutes before sunset to get a seat on the deck before the after-work and weekend crowds arrive — it fills up fast once the light starts turning gold.

Watch out: The rocks near the waterline are uneven and slick with sea spray, especially after rain. Stick to the paved deck if you’re wearing sandals rather than picking your way down to the lower boulders.

Roadside parking is available near the point, and casual seafood restaurants including Kruakangwan sit within walking distance. For the monkey troop that’s often confused with this stretch of coast, head to Khao Sam Muk, the hill just north of Laem Tan, rather than expecting them here. Laem Tan itself sits a short drive from central Bang Saen.