Holding hands with your partner while camping on the sandy beach of Haad Sai Kaew.
A Short Getaway to Sai Kaew Beach
This was a quick 2-day, 1-night trip to a nearby destination, just a 2.5-hour drive from Bangkok on the Motorway heading towards Pattaya. However, our goal wasn't the bustling city of Pattaya. From there, we drove for another 20 minutes to Bang Sare, with Sai Kaew Beach as our final destination.
Located within the grounds of the Chumphon Naval School, Sai Kaew Beach is a military zone with specific regulations. We exchanged our IDs at the entrance before driving to the ticket booth. Entry fees are 50 baht for Thai citizens and 100 baht for foreigners. With tickets in hand, we continued driving towards the beach, enjoying the scenic views along the way, especially the stunning ocean vista on the right side with Pattaya's high-rise buildings in the distance.
Upon reaching the beach, we approached the military personnel stationed there. They informed us that the bungalows were fully booked, but we clarified that we were there to camp. The camping fee is 50 baht per tent if you bring your own, or 300 baht to rent one from them. After paying the fee, we were free to choose our camping spot, except for the grassy area. We found the perfect spot and set up our tent, enjoying the process despite some initial struggles. Camping is allowed from 5 pm to 8 am.
For dinner, we drove to Bang Sare to buy seafood, as cooking or making fires on the beach is prohibited. You can either bring your own food or order from the beachfront restaurants. With our meal secured, it was time to relax. We had the entire beach to ourselves, enjoying a delicious dinner under the starry sky with the sound of waves crashing against the shore. It was a truly magical experience, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Around 10 pm, we took showers in the provided restrooms, which were reasonably comfortable. Then, we retired to our tent, lulled to sleep by the rhythmic sounds of the waves and wind.
Waking up at 6 am, the first thing we did was open the tent door and jump into the refreshing sea. The water was clear, and the sand was white, making it a beautiful spot despite not being as pristine as the islands on the Andaman coast. However, for a location so close to Bangkok, it felt like a little slice of paradise.
After swimming, we showered, changed, and took some photos to capture the memories. By 8 am, a staff member reminded us to pack up our tent. With everything packed, we headed back, stopping at the 4 Regions Floating Market for lunch before returning to Bangkok.
This trip was all about experiencing the joy of camping by the sea. It was a worthwhile experience, and I encourage anyone who enjoys traveling to try it out. Happiness is all around us, and it can be found without breaking the bank.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read about our journey. I hope it inspires some of you to pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and head out on an adventure. Remember, the world is vast and waiting to be explored. Happy travels!
Hand in hand with your lover on a trip
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Sunnylife Journey
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:25 PM