Located 80 mi/125 km south of Bangkok, Laem Chabang is Thailand's largest and busiest industrial port, handling millions of tons of cargo each year. Chances are good that anything coming or going from Thailand by sea, including a growing number of cruise ships, will pass through Laem Chabang.
There isn't much to see or do at the cruise terminal or the immediate vicinity, which is very industrial. As such, most passengers head directly to Bangkok; air-conditioned buses are usually provided by cruise companies. If you prefer to go it alone, taxis or car services are readily available.
Those wary of making the two-hour journey, which can be a long day trip and an honest nightmare in traffic, might enjoy the nearby beach resort of Pattaya, 15 mi/24 km south. Golfers may prefer to visit the Laem Chabang International Country Club, a lush, first-class golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Phone 03-837-2273. http://www.laemchabanggolf.com.
If your cruise is embarking from Laem Chabang, you may wish to fly into Bangkok a few days earlier to explore the capital. Taxis, cars and buses between Bangkok and Laem Chabang can be easily arranged. The drive should takes around two hours, but allow plenty of extra time for traffic.
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