Laem Chabang The Cruise Gateway to Bangkok, Thailand
Cruising in the South China Sea is becoming increasingly popular which normally includes one or two ports of call in Thailand.
Thailand is one of the most advanced and open nations in Southeast Asia, once known as Siam. It is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the north, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast and Malaysia on the south along the isthmus. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, and tourists are welcomed with open arms by these friendly people.
Where Your Ship Docks
Most cruise ships dock at the port of Laem Chabang on the Gulf of Thailand, a full hour and a half south of Bangkok, the nation’s capital.
Smaller ships can dock at Klong Toey on the Chao Phraya River, on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Terminal facilities at Laem Chabang
This port is located along the southeast coast and serves primarily as a working industrial port. While there are supposed to be facilities being developed to include a terminal, as of early 2023 there is not much available for cruise passengers.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Disembarking – This is a working industrial port without a cruise ship pier. Disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway design and a steep ramp or even stairs can be encountered. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a difficult time disembarking.
Port City Characteristics – This port is a working port providing a number of obstacles to walking out. Usually taxis and vans are allowed onto the docks which helps if you have a destination in mind. Outside the port wheelchair infrastructure is typical of large Asian cities. The waterfront and near port area has moderate inclines in sidewalks but the city itself can be more difficult. Intersection crosswalks may have curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.
Transportation
The main reason for cruise ships docking at Laem Chabang is to visit Bangkok. There are a number of options available to get into the city but it is about a 100 mile trip. The good news is transportation options are reasonably inexpensive. Getting into Bangkok by taxi takes about two hours and should cost about $40 each way. While there is bus service costing about $7.50 each way it’s a challenge. We’ve known people that tried to use the buses and eventually gave up trying to catch the right bus and eventually hired a taxi.
Local Taxi companies include:
Sriracha Taxi Phone +66 92 958 1732
Grab Taxi at website grab.com
P.T. Taxi Service at website pttaxiservice.com Phone +66854449035
Cherry Taxi Service at website cherrytaxiservice.com Phone +66841205646
Hiring a car and driver is another popular option especially if you’re traveling with a group but you should book in advance. Car hires can be arranged and purchased online at 12go.asia and start at $70 each way with a number of vehicle types available. Phone 086 165 4696 or email to bangkoktaxi@gmail.com
The roads and highways in Thailand are very well maintained and if you want to go it alone and see some of the countryside there are good car rental services. One rental company near to the port that comes highly recommended is:
Take it Easy Bike & Car Rental
Address: 329/48, Soi Pattaya New Plaza, 50m off 2nd Road, Opposite Soi 7 – Soi 8, Central Pattaya, Pattaya 20150 . Phone: 089 007 7804 Rental cars can be arranged ahead of arrival for pick up at the port through their web site above.
Hertz also has a rental office in Laem Chabang and cars to pick up at the port can be reserved on the Hertz web site.
On our last visit we were on a cruise that spent two days in Laem Chabang. After some research we pre-booked a private tour through Travel Hub. They picked us up at the port and took us straight to Bangkok where we spent a busy day with a night in a Bankok hotel. Early the next morning we headed out into the country to see more sights and ended up at the port with plenty of time to spare.
We’ve also been amazed with Thailand’s highway rest stops that are usually lined with a half dozen or more American franchises and Thai businesses.
Currency
Thailand uses the Baht at an exchange rate to the U.S. Dollar of one Baht equals about 3¢. While most credit cards are welcome if you are going to spend a day or two in Bangkok it is recommended that you exchange for currency for local Baht.
Attractions
The capital city of Bangkok is the big attraction, with the best place to start being the Grand Palace grounds. This is the central sightseeing attraction in the city, and it’s overwhelming in its historical significance and stunning architecture. The grounds are packed full with royal palaces, temples, and history, the highlight is Wat Phra Kaeo, Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A relic within this temple is said to be a piece of bone from the Buddha himself. While there you also visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn and it measures 135 feet long. Allow a number of hours to do the Grand Palace grounds. In addition try and fit in a visit to the famous Wat Po and Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn rising above the Chao Phraya River. Another popular attraction is seeing the city from the river and on the canals with numerous options.
Thailand is also famous for floating markets where goods are sold from boats. Originally developed when rivers and canals played an important role in daily life, most floating markets operating today serve primarily as tourist attractions.
One unique market outside Bangkok is the famous Maeklong Railway Market. It is located in a congested town and sits right on an active train track. As trains approach vendors pull back their awnings and displays with only minutes to spare and are right back in business as soon as the trains pass. A unique experience as you stand there with train traveling only inches away.
While there are tons of cultural and historic attractions to see in Bangkok and the people are remarkably polite and friendly be aware of con artists; they frequently prey on tourists. Though the cruise port is a good distance from the city, venturing into the the city to see the sights is something that shouldn’t be missed.
The Intentional Travelers 