Bang Saen, a tourist destination that has never been quiet or faded from memory, has remained popular from the past to the present. It can be said that when it comes to the summer sea, Bang Saen is one of the top choices for people living in Bangkok. I had the opportunity to relax in Bang Saen for a night, so I wanted to explore some tourist attractions and restaurants in the area. That morning, I drove leisurely from Bangkok early in the morning, taking the Burapha Withi Expressway, but I had to face heavy rain all the way until I was near Chonburi City. The rain started to subside as if it knew I had to stop by a beautiful check-in point.

Khao Bang Sai Temple

This temple is located before reaching Chonburi city, about 3 kilometers past the bus terminal. Prepare to turn left into the temple. Wat Khao Bang Sai is a third-class royal monastery of the Thammayut Nikaya sect, located in Bang Sai sub-district, Mueang Chonburi district. The temple is peaceful, shady, and clean. It features European-style buildings from the reign of King Rama V. Originally, it was an abandoned temple built during the Ayutthaya period but had fallen into disrepair. Later, Phraya Pichit Chonlaket, the governor of Chonburi, rebuilt Wat Phra Phutthabat Bang Sai during the reign of King Rama V.

This temple features a staircase leading to the mountaintop, where a pavilion houses the revered footprint of the Buddha. The path is shaded by the branches of towering trees, offering a cool and serene atmosphere. At the foot of the mountain, there are European-style buildings dating back to the reign of King Rama V. Further along, you'll find the main hall housing the revered Luang Pho To statue and the bell tower. At the summit, there are two Buddha footprints and a small building nearby containing a reclining Buddha statue. The panoramic view from the top offers a breathtaking vista of the coastal road and the 84th Anniversary Chaloem Phra Kiat Bridge. The sunset from this vantage point is particularly stunning.

The 84th Anniversary Chaloem Phra Kiat Bridge

The coastal road of Chonburi city, or "Saphan Chonlamarak Withee 84th Anniversary Bridge", starts from Bang Sai Subdistrict Municipality to the Sailboat Roundabout in Mueang Chonburi District, a distance of approximately 4 kilometers. Leaving Wat Khao Bang Sai, passing the Military Veterans Welfare Office, prepare to turn right at the first traffic light onto Phichit Road. After a few hundred meters, there is a sign indicating a right turn to Bang Sai Subdistrict Municipality. Drive straight ahead and turn left at Bang Sai Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital. Drive straight ahead through the park and you will see the coastal road ahead.

This 17-kilometer road, when completed, will connect Bang Sai to Ang Sila. The road will be surrounded by the sea on both sides, with houses built along the shore interspersed with mangrove forests. On the other side, there will be a viewpoint for watching the sunset, with fishermen's huts lined up, resembling Pakpra in Phatthalung Province. The road will pass through the Tha Ruea Plee fishing market, but it was closed when I visited, so I couldn't stop by.

Center for Nature Study and Mangrove Forest Conservation for Ecotourism

From Chaloem Margawithi Bridge, drive through the Sailboat Roundabout and turn left onto the Old Hospital Road. Turn right onto Phraya Satsajja Road and continue for approximately 4 km. Turn right at the Plappla Intersection onto the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization Road. After approximately 750 meters, turn left onto Naratmontrisawet Soi. After another 750 meters, you will find the center on your left-hand side. Parking is available on the side of the road.

The Nature Education and Mangrove Forest Conservation Center is a collaboration between government and private organizations to conserve the last remaining mangrove forest in Chonburi Province, covering an area of only 300 rai. The center serves as a learning resource and promotes ecotourism.

Along the 2,300-meter-long nature trail bridge of the center, you will encounter the diverse nature of the mangrove forest, including various species of mangrove trees and aquatic animals. Along the way, there are underwater bio-huts, suspension bridges, and information boards about mangrove forests at regular intervals. Tourists will receive both knowledge and enjoyment. This mangrove forest study center is rich in various species of mangrove trees, such as large-leaved mangrove, small-leaved mangrove, black taboon, white taboon, black sam, white sam, red porang, white porang, lampun, and many other plants. It is also a habitat and breeding ground for various aquatic animals, including black tiger shrimp, giant freshwater prawn, oyster, cockle, fiddler crab, mangrove crab, moonfish, white snapper, walking fish, and various birds.

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Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University

The Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University, also known as the Marine Science Museum or the familiar "Bangsaen Aquarium", is a must-visit tourist attraction in Bangsaen, Chonburi. To get there, exit the center and return to the Plappla intersection. Drive straight through the intersection onto Phraya Satta-Kiri Road. After about 2 kilometers, you will reach the main road, Sukhumvit Road. Turn right and drive for about 4 kilometers. You will see the Bangsaen BU sign. Turn right at the intersection and enter Bangsaen Beach Road. Drive straight for about 10 kilometers. You will see the intersection in front of BU. Turn left after a few meters and enter the parking lot. You will see the dolphin fountain in front of you.

The exhibition is divided into two main floors. Outside the institute, there is a display of the skeleton of a baleen whale that died in Thai waters. The first floor features marine animals such as small fish that live along coral reefs, including clownfish, anemonefish, moray eels, jellyfish, pufferfish, and sea anemones. Further inside, there is a section dedicated to fish that live in the deep sea. This is a popular attraction for tourists, as it features large fish in large glass tanks, such as groupers, stingrays, manta rays, and many other large fish species. I did not go up to the top floor, but I was told that it is a marine science museum. The first part is a permanent exhibition in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, focusing on his royal initiatives in natural resource restoration, conservation, and fisheries science. The next section showcases marine life, including plankton, sponges, and squid. Finally, there is a section on marine ecology and marine animals that are closely related to the way of life of Thai people. This section includes displays of fishing tools and fishing boats, as well as a seashell museum.

**Fried minced pork with crab meat - Sweet sticky rice**

A Culinary Adventure near Nong Mon Market

After spending an hour exploring the wonders of the aquarium, my stomach began to rumble, signaling the need for a delicious lunch. As I exited the building and found myself on Sukhumvit Road, I decided to venture towards Nong Mon Market in search of a satisfying meal.

However, fate had a different plan in store for me. As I scrolled through social media, a captivating post showcasing a renowned local eatery caught my eye. Unable to resist the allure of culinary excellence, I promptly set my GPS towards this hidden gem, located just a short distance from the market.

Following the directions, I turned right at the Wat Tal Lom intersection, approximately one kilometer past Nong Mon Market, and ventured into Soi Netdi. After a brief drive of 300 meters, I arrived at a bustling scene filled with eager customers and enticing aromas.

The first stop on my gastronomic journey was Mae Wannee's crab cake shop. The aroma of freshly fried crab cakes, boasting a generous filling of pure crab meat without any fillers, proved irresistible. I couldn't resist indulging in a box of these delectable treats, both for immediate enjoyment and to take home for later.

Next, I stumbled upon Mae Niyom's sticky rice stall, where the familiar sight of traditional Thai desserts like mango sticky rice, khanom chun, and chaeng lon greeted me. The sight of mango sticky rice offered at a tempting price of 40 baht for three trays was too good to pass up. The taste lived up to its reputation, offering a perfectly balanced sweetness.

Continuing my exploration, I encountered a novel innovation: bite-sized sticky rice served in shot glasses. This convenient and trendy presentation offered a delightful twist on the classic dessert.

As I continued my culinary adventure, I couldn't help but marvel at the vibrant atmosphere and the abundance of delicious options available. From the succulent crab cakes to the innovative sticky rice shots, this unexpected detour offered a delightful and memorable experience.

Noodle Shop in Front of the University

After stopping by the souvenir shop for snacks, drive for about 50 meters and turn right onto Mab Mayom Road. Continue straight for about 800 meters without turning. You will come to a three-way intersection. The noodle shop is on the right-hand corner of the intersection. Park across the street at the Nam Wan dessert shop, which is owned by the same people. When we arrived, the market was already closed, so there were relatively few people, which was good because we had the opportunity to explore the shop. The shop is a two-story building with a fence around it. The decor is vintage, with mismatched old wooden furniture and chairs. The walls are bare concrete, giving it a dilapidated look, but it is decorated in the style of an old Chinese restaurant. In the middle of the shop, the ceiling has been opened up to reveal the second floor, where there are Chinese lions hanging. On the walls, there are graffiti-style paintings of Chairman Mao and the Great Wall of China. The shop's logo is designed in the same style as the Note Udom shop, using the owner's face as a symbol.

Let's take a look at the food menu. There is a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including rice and noodles. What makes this place special is that they add "ngoh" (rambutan) to their noodles. However, the "ngoh" is actually minced pork mixed with glass noodles and shaped into balls, which resemble rambutans when cooked. I secretly added some shrimp rolls that I bought to the tom yum noodles I ordered, and it went well together. I suggest that the restaurant consider adding shrimp rolls to their menu as well. The overall taste of the food is quite popular, so much so that you hardly need to add any seasoning. The restaurant is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Sweet sticky rice with mango

After a satisfying savory meal, we crossed the street to indulge in sweet treats at the sister establishment. This charming café and dessert haven offered a delightful array of cakes, ice cream, toasted bread, bingsu, and more. The ambiance was serene, enveloped by the lush canopy of a towering tree that the café was ingeniously built around. Patrons could choose between the cozy indoor seating or the refreshing outdoor area.

Let's take a look at the food. The ordering process at this restaurant is a bit like self-service. Find a table, look at the menu, tick the items you want, and then take it to the cashier. Pay for your order and then take it to the counter. The staff will then bring it to you. After ordering your food, you can walk around and take photos while you wait, as there are many photo opportunities. The desserts here look delicious. I ordered pancakes with ice cream as a topping, as well as toast, and finished it off with a hot coffee to wake me up. If you come during peak hours, you will have to wait a long time for your food. The restaurant is open from 12:00 to 23:00. The clientele is mainly Burapha University students and general tourists.

Temple of Blissful Heaven - Land of Hell

Note: I have translated the sentence into English while maintaining the original tone and structure. I have also avoided using personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and unnecessary details.

The next stop is "Hell," which may sound scary, but it actually includes both "Hell" and "Heaven" zones. However, people seem to prefer visiting "Hell." Perhaps it serves as a reminder to avoid wrongdoing. To get there, start from the aquarium at Burapha University and drive down the road towards the beach for about 800 meters. Then turn right onto Bangsaen Road 2 and continue straight for about a kilometer before turning right into Soi 19. Drive for another 500 meters and you'll reach "Hell." The initial part features sculptures depicting the life of Buddha, but as you enter "Hell," the sky darkens, the wind picks up, and it feels like rain is about to fall. The eerie atmosphere and the feeling of goosebumps while taking pictures prompted me to leave without visiting "Heaven," as the rain was approaching.

Wonnapha Beach

Drive back along the original route from Bangsaen 2 and enter Bangsaen Lower Road to reach the starting point at Wonnapha Beach. This allows for a scenic drive along the beach. Wonnapha Beach is adjacent to a fishing village. At the park, you can witness the daily lives of fishermen setting out to sea. Further along the beach, to the right, is a relaxation area where people can spread out mats and enjoy the view from the sidewalk in the evening. This area is characterized by rocky outcrops and is not suitable for swimming, making it a peaceful and uncrowded spot.

Bang Saen Beach

A two-kilometer drive from Wonnapha Beach leads to Bangsaen Beach. I can't recall the last time I strolled along Bangsaen's sandy shores; it must have been at least 20 years ago. In terms of beach activities and relaxation on canvas loungers, Bangsaen today is not much different from the past. However, the beach's cleanliness and the sand have changed significantly. My vivid memory of the past is of a beach teeming with tiny seashells and much cleaner sand.

Laem Taen

A popular spot for relaxation after Bangsaen Beach, where tourists enjoy the sunset breeze. There are canvas beds or you can bring your own mat to sit and chill. It's a pity that there is a lot of garbage washed in by the water in this area, and there are unfinished constructions jutting out into the sea, making the scenery in this area look rather dull. Further to the right, you can see the view on Khao Sam Muk.

Three Peaks Viewpoint

The scenic view from this viewpoint remains as beautiful as ever, but what has changed is the lack of maintenance by the authorities. The restrooms are abandoned, and garbage is scattered along the roadside due to the recklessness of people who lack awareness. The sight of monkeys on the hill rummaging through garbage for food reflects the multifaceted challenges of developing sustainable tourism destinations.

Hermit's Pavilion

Located on Khao Sam Muk, drive along Bangsaen Beach past Laem Taen for about 2 kilometers. There will be signs along the way. Inside the Rishi Shrine, there are statues of deities for people to worship and ask for blessings. Inside the pavilion, there are Rishi Narot and Chao Mae Thaptim. Around it, there are various statues such as Chao Mae Kuan Im, Shiva, Krishna, Uma, Hanuman, Phra Sangkachai, and many other sacred objects. The place is quite peaceful and shady.

Ang Sila Fish Market

A seafood market offering fresh and processed seafood at affordable prices, suitable for souvenirs or home cooking. Located at the curve opposite Chonratchatdamrong 2 School. From Bangkok, drive along Sukhumvit Road towards Pattaya. Big C Extra will be on the left. Turn right at the Ang Sila traffic light. Continue straight until you reach a curve. The Ang Sila Market will be on the right. You can park your car in the seaside parking lot near the market.

For accommodation, if you are visiting Bangsaen and want a quiet place to stay, I recommend Sikkhara Placho Resort. It is a peaceful location with a private beach, about 3 kilometers past Nong Mon Market. You can see more information at this link: Sikkhara Placho Resort.

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#bangsaen#wonnapha beach#burapha university marine science museum#chonburi mangrove forest study and conservation center#chonburi#tourist attraction#thailand#sightseeing and photography#car#public bus
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