A Brief Visit to Sattahip, Chonburi Province - Home To The Royal Thai Navy
A Gorgeous Sunset over Sattahip, Chonburi Province
Last week, I was invited to Khun Senee’s belated farewell party and it has given me the opportunity to see parts of Sattahip in Chonburi province . The trip was organised by Khun Suchada and staff from the IT department. We spent a memorable night singing our hearts out at the Royal Thai Navy Club and visited some places of interest around Sattahip. Karaoke singing has always been hugely popular amongst Thais.
Karaoke singing has always been hugely popular amongst Thais
Sattahip is a district (amphoe) located at the southern tip of Chonburi province, about 30km from the tourism centre of Pattaya. To the south and the east is the Gulf of Thailand. The Sattahip Naval Base is the largest base of the Royal Thai Navy and is home to the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, the Navy’s sole aircraft carrier. It was my first experience on board a battle war vessel.
Chuk Samet Deep Seaport at Sattahip, Chonburi
HTMS Chakri Naruebet (เรือรบหลวงจักรีนฤเบศร) with a 28-meter wide runway
Most of the islands around Sattahip have white sandy beaches and crystal clear water as compared with Pattaya. Island such as <Koh Kham is managed by the Royal Thai Navy is open for day visits by the public. It is advisable to carry a bottle of insect repellent with you 
For years, the Royal Thai Navy has collaborated with private and non-profit organisation to protect and conserve the marine envirnoment. The objective of the Marine Turtle Conservation Centerat Sattahip is to create love and the preservation awareness towards Thai sea turtles. Thousands of sea turtles are released to celebrate HM The King’s birthday each year.
Koh Kham, Sattahip (Chonburi Province)
Releasing sea turtles (Marine Turtle Conservation Center,Sattahip)
Besides the navy vessels, there is a large number of fishing boats dotted along the coastline. Squid fishing is a big business in Thailand. In the village, squids and anchovies are laid out and left to dry naturally in the sun. You may also visit clown fish farms to find little Nemo and feast on sumptuous seafood and other local delicacies before heading back to Pattaya.
Squids are left to dry naturally in the sun
Dried anchovies (Sattahip, Chonburi)
To me, the sunny island Koh Kham and the Marine Turtle Conservation Center is worth a visit and Sattahip is a good place to shop for cheap Navy gear and apparel.
Sunset over Sattahip (Chonburi province)
