Day Trip to Bangsaen Beach and the Aquarium

Bangsaen Beach in Chonburi Province is one of the most accessible and budget-friendly seaside escapes from Bangkok. On my latest trip, I refined the itinerary with some additional stops and practical tips that I’m excited to share.

Getting There by Train

We started the day by boarding Ordinary Train No. 283 from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Station, which made it easy for my group of four to find seats together. Boarding at the terminal station ensures you can choose your preferred seating.

• Ordinary No. 283: Departs at 6:55 am and arrives at Chonburi Station at 9:48 am. Tickets cost only 23 baht for adults and 12 baht for children.
• If you want to arrive an hour earlier, take Special No. 997, which departs at 6:45 am and arrives at 8:36 am. Tickets for this train are 170 baht per person with air-conditioned seating. But you must book in advance.

Arrival at Chonburi Station

Once we arrived at Chonburi Station, we found red songtaews (shared trucks) waiting outside the station to take passengers to popular destinations, including Bangsaen Beach and nearby attractions like the Bangsaen Aquarium.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Songtaews operate on a shared basis, with a flat fare of 40 baht per person, regardless of whether you get off at the beach or somewhere closer, like the aquarium.
2. When boarding, let the driver know your destination. For the aquarium, simply say the English word “aquarium.” The beach is the last stop.

The ride to the aquarium took about 15 minutes, and it’s another five minutes from there to the beach. If you’re in a group or prefer privacy, you can rent the entire songtaew or take a motorcycle taxi. There is also an option to book a Grab car.

Stop at Bangsaen Aquarium

This time, we decided to stop at Bangsaen Aquarium (Institute of Marine Science) before heading to the beach. The aquarium was surprisingly impressive, with two large buildings featuring a variety of marine life.

Highlights:
• The fish feeding session at 10:30 am is a must-see!
• The exhibits are well-maintained and educational, making this a great activity for families with children.

Ticket Prices:
• Foreigners: 220 baht (adults) / 120 baht (children)
• Thais: 80 baht (adults) / 40 baht (children)

Tip: If you have a work permit or pink ID card, you can get the Thai price.
MAP: Bangsaen Aquarium

From the aquarium, you can walk to the beach in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can flag down any passing red songtaew, which will take you to the beach for 12 baht per person. We opted for a Grab, which cost 75 baht for a short, comfortable ride.

Bangsaen Beach Activities

Bangsaen Beach was absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. There’s plenty to do here, whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure:

• Watersports: Try a banana boat ride or rent jet skis for a thrill.
• Relax on Deckchairs: Rent a deckchair with an umbrella and table. Food and drink vendors will bring your order directly to your spot.
• Cycling: Rent a bicycle or tandem bike to explore the beach promenade.
• Dining Options: The beachfront is lined with air-conditioned restaurants and cafés, perfect for escaping the heat.

If you’re planning to extend your trip, there are hotels along the beachfront catering to all budgets, from simple guesthouses to more luxurious accommodations.

MAP: Bangsaen Beach

Returning to Chonburi Station

To head back to Chonburi Station, the songtaew queue is located at the roundabout near Bangsaen Beach, close to the promenade. The drivers recommend being at the queue by 2:00 pm, as the last songtaew to the station departs at 2:30 pm. Cost is 40 baht per person. Children also.

MAP: Songtaew Roundabout

This time, we chose to take a Grab instead, which cost 135 baht for the four of us. The songtaew would have been 160 baht total, and so Grab was faster, cheaper, and more convenient.

Train Options for the Return Trip

We caught Ordinary Train No. 284, which departed Chonburi Station at 3:21 pm and arrived at Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) at 6:25 pm. You can get off earlier if you like. For example, Asoke Station for MRT Phetchaburi Station or Phayathai Station for BTS Phayathai Station.

For those wanting more time at the beach, the Special Train No. 998 departs from Chonburi at 5:03 pm, giving you an extra 90 minutes of beach time. Tickets for this train cost 170 baht per person, and advance booking is required.

Travel Tips

1. Board at Hua Lamphong Station to secure your preferred seats, especially if traveling in a group.
2. Stop at Bangsaen Aquarium for a fun and educational activity before heading to the beach.
3. Grab is Widely Available: It’s a convenient alternative to songtaews for short trips.
4. Stay Overnight: If you have extra time, consider turning your day trip into a two-day getaway. The beachfront has a range of hotels suitable for different budgets.
5. Plan Your Return: If taking the songtaew, arrive at the queue by 2:00 pm to ensure you catch the last ride back to Chonburi Station.

MAP LINKS:
📍Bangsaen Aquarium
📍Bangsaen Beach
📍Songtaew Roundabout (for return)

Bangsaen Beach is an excellent destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning guest, the mix of activities and budget-friendly travel options makes it a fantastic getaway from Bangkok.

Have you been? Share your experience in the comments below!