The starting point of this super chill trip was that we wanted to travel but had a limited budget. We also wanted to have a super chill experience, but our time was also limited. So we chose this place: Saensuk, a small fishing village in Sattahip.
Day 1
We started our journey late Sunday morning, taking a van from Ekamai Bus Terminal to Sattahip (Km.6) for around 155 baht. At the drop-off point, we hopped on motorbike taxis for another 50 baht each to reach our accommodation.
We stayed at Baan Rim Talay, a beachfront guesthouse with basic but comfortable rooms for 800 baht per night. The view, however, was spectacular, with the sea and mountains right before our eyes. The weather was perfect, despite being monsoon season, and we were prepared for the occasional rain.
Arriving around 2 pm, we inquired about nearby beaches and were recommended Haad Nam Sai. We rented motorbikes and headed there, only to find it closed. Disappointed but undeterred, we decided to buy seafood instead. Asking for directions along the way, we eventually found a market. The small village made it easy to navigate, and getting lost simply meant asking for help.
With our seafood in hand, the evening approached. This is where Baan Rim Talay truly impressed us. The guesthouse had a platform extending over the sea, offering a perfect spot to enjoy our meal while listening to music, feeling the cool breeze, and admiring the stunning view. It was simply magical.
DAY 2
We arranged to meet our friend at the hotel and asked them to take us to the pier to go to Koh Saemsar at 7:30 AM. However, when we arrived, we had to call them back to pick us up almost immediately because there was a sign saying that snorkeling was canceled that day due to low tide. We were a little disappointed, so we made a new plan to go the next day. It was raining that day, so we stopped to buy food and went back to our room to wait for the rain to stop. We went out for a walk as I mentioned, our accommodation is by the sea. And as they said the sea level would be low, it was really low! 555555 You can see it in the pictures. We took the opportunity to walk down to the beach. It was so beautiful. We didn't dare to swim because there were so many corals. So we took some pictures and felt that it was worth it for the day. But it wasn't the best because when you come to the sea, you have to swim, right? After we finished taking pictures, the hotel staff told us that they would take us snorkeling nearby in the evening. We were okay with that, but when it was time to go, we couldn't again. 55555 The water was murky! 55555 We didn't give up. We rented a car and went to Haad Sai. It was already getting late, but there was still time to swim. (The beach closes at 6:00 PM.) If you go, don't forget to wear a helmet. If you don't wear one, you can't enter. Did I wear one? No! 555555 We gathered our courage and asked a nearby restaurant to borrow one so we wouldn't waste time, and they let us borrow one. We were so happy! The auntie was very kind. And today we got to swim to our heart's content. The waves were very strong. I personally like it. It's like a private beach. There were very few people. (Weekday) If you like privacy, this is the place for you. I recommend it. The waves are strong.
Day 3
Although we were scheduled to check out today, we decided to visit Koh Samet before heading back. We negotiated with the hotel owner and were allowed to check out late at 4:00 PM for an additional 400 baht. We left for the pier at the usual time of 7:30 AM. Tickets went on sale around 8:00 AM (300 baht) and the boat departed at 9:00 AM. While waiting for the boat, we ate, took photos, and prepared water and snacks, although we ended up not eating them. The boat ride was fast, taking less than half an hour to reach the island.
Upon arrival, a military officer briefed us on the available activities, which mainly included diving, hiking, and a glass-bottom boat tour. We opted for diving that day. After the briefing, a shuttle took us to the diving beach, Hat Look Lom. We were impressed by the secluded and beautiful beach. Luckily, the weather was perfect with sunshine, white sand, and stunning views. There was even a volleyball court for larger groups.
The military officer instructed us to sign in for diving and provided lockers for our belongings. A diving instructor then taught us how to use the snorkel before we headed out to explore the coral reefs. As we visited during the monsoon season, the water was a bit murky, but we still managed to see some coral and fish.
Unfortunately, I started feeling seasick and returned to shore. Thankfully, there were medications, instant noodles, and a shower room available. I changed my clothes and felt better after resting, taking a shower, and enjoying some delicious instant noodles. We then explored the island, took photos, and relaxed until our return trip at 1:30 PM.
Although it may seem like a short visit, we felt it was the perfect amount of time. We returned to the hotel and prepared for our departure. We took a blue songthaew back to the van terminal for Bangkok, which cost 20 baht per person.
The total cost is 2500 baht per person. / Wherever we go, let's help keep it clean. / This trip was photographed with a mobile phone. / The trip was super chill. If you're looking for a place to visit near Bangkok, this is the place to be. It's super chill. Let's go!
Salinee Laja
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:18 AM