Introduction
After a crazy end to the last tour, it was obviously right to take a pause especially with so much COVID about. Nothing was attempted for three days but on the fourth I had to get some shopping done as time was running out. That opened another opportunity to go out the following day, a day I really couldn't ignore for it was my companion's birthday. Fortunately, the tea leaves we're spread favourably and we made plans not just for the day but for the following day also which meant a stopover.
Day 1, Thursday 1st December - Sattahip
Making Tracks.......Just after 10am on Thursday morning we departed heading in the direction of the coast. To make this day work as a day of celebration and relaxation I would have to delete from my mind any thoughts of lengthy visits to attractions. Having said that, I ask for a change of route so we could pass through Chachoengsao to stop at the train station there. It seems rude of me to ask to stop at the railway station here at this time and for my reward I receive absolutely nothing. However, the change of route isn't entirely a waste of time. Moving further through Chachoengsao, Katoon locates a temple beside the Bang Pakong River and although it isn't actually planned, it provides the perfect opportunity for her to pray and receive a monk's blessing at Wat Saman Chan on her birthday.
Wat Saman Chan.......Wat Saman Chan has a number of large distinctive images but I fail to understand their significance as there is no information available in English. I take it that Katoon's visit here is for good luck and when I also get a blessing and a votive from a monk, I guess that extends to me as well.
Food for Thought at the Bank.......Now, before we start hauling in the distance between us and our final destination there are a couple of things to attend to while here as good opportunities arise. I've been trying to get to a branch of Bangkok Bank for quite some time to get a replacement ATM card but I'm out of luck as at this bank it seems that the details they have about me is from my old passport and that one I haven't brought with me to Thailand. Something that works much better though is right next door which provides us with lunch.
Bleu Marine Sattahip.......We now head South into Chonburi province where in Sattahip district we will spend the night. By 4:00pm we are completely settled in at Bleu Marine Sattahip where I have to say we strike lucky. This is a modern comfortable hotel with everything we need. Although this accommodation is not right on the coast, 15 minutes from it is hardly going to be an issue but being near the coast is the reason why we're here. Dinner looking out across the ocean is good enough for any occasion. Despite no urgency to venture out we decide to head for that special dinner to reach the coast before dark and a restaurant recommended by reception called Jae Pu.
Samaesan.......Samaesan is a peninsula in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province measuring two to three kilometres wide with similar depth. Off the coast here is the popular Samaesan Island. There is also a well-known seafood market here and of course a number of resorts to cater for visitors. We reach Jae Pu without difficulty and understand why it was recommended. To enhance popularity every restaurant needs a theme and the theme at Jae Pu is a mixture of the Wild West and the 1950s America. This adds to the options to take photographs.
Shootout at Jae Pu.......As regards the meal we don't go right over the top as has happened before but nevertheless crab fried rice, battered prawns, fish tomyam and fried vegetables will be more than enough. As I take in the scene, I realise that Samaesan is a far cry from Pattaya not that far away and I know which I prefer. While this area appears to be a little gem tucked away, I wonder for how long since this area is due to expand rapidly with the expansion of the U-tapao airport and its roadway and high-speed rail links. But let's just sit and relax and enjoy the meal as the sun sets. In keeping with the more relaxed atmosphere, we don't spend ages here and prefer to head back to pleasurable Bleu Marine.
Next Page.
After a crazy end to the last tour, it was obviously right to take a pause especially with so much COVID about. Nothing was attempted for three days but on the fourth I had to get some shopping done as time was running out. That opened another opportunity to go out the following day, a day I really couldn't ignore for it was my companion's birthday. Fortunately, the tea leaves we're spread favourably and we made plans not just for the day but for the following day also which meant a stopover.
Day 1, Thursday 1st December - Sattahip
Making Tracks.......Just after 10am on Thursday morning we departed heading in the direction of the coast. To make this day work as a day of celebration and relaxation I would have to delete from my mind any thoughts of lengthy visits to attractions. Having said that, I ask for a change of route so we could pass through Chachoengsao to stop at the train station there. It seems rude of me to ask to stop at the railway station here at this time and for my reward I receive absolutely nothing. However, the change of route isn't entirely a waste of time. Moving further through Chachoengsao, Katoon locates a temple beside the Bang Pakong River and although it isn't actually planned, it provides the perfect opportunity for her to pray and receive a monk's blessing at Wat Saman Chan on her birthday.
Wat Saman Chan.......Wat Saman Chan has a number of large distinctive images but I fail to understand their significance as there is no information available in English. I take it that Katoon's visit here is for good luck and when I also get a blessing and a votive from a monk, I guess that extends to me as well.
Food for Thought at the Bank.......Now, before we start hauling in the distance between us and our final destination there are a couple of things to attend to while here as good opportunities arise. I've been trying to get to a branch of Bangkok Bank for quite some time to get a replacement ATM card but I'm out of luck as at this bank it seems that the details they have about me is from my old passport and that one I haven't brought with me to Thailand. Something that works much better though is right next door which provides us with lunch.
Bleu Marine Sattahip.......We now head South into Chonburi province where in Sattahip district we will spend the night. By 4:00pm we are completely settled in at Bleu Marine Sattahip where I have to say we strike lucky. This is a modern comfortable hotel with everything we need. Although this accommodation is not right on the coast, 15 minutes from it is hardly going to be an issue but being near the coast is the reason why we're here. Dinner looking out across the ocean is good enough for any occasion. Despite no urgency to venture out we decide to head for that special dinner to reach the coast before dark and a restaurant recommended by reception called Jae Pu.
Samaesan.......Samaesan is a peninsula in the Sattahip district of Chonburi province measuring two to three kilometres wide with similar depth. Off the coast here is the popular Samaesan Island. There is also a well-known seafood market here and of course a number of resorts to cater for visitors. We reach Jae Pu without difficulty and understand why it was recommended. To enhance popularity every restaurant needs a theme and the theme at Jae Pu is a mixture of the Wild West and the 1950s America. This adds to the options to take photographs.
Shootout at Jae Pu.......As regards the meal we don't go right over the top as has happened before but nevertheless crab fried rice, battered prawns, fish tomyam and fried vegetables will be more than enough. As I take in the scene, I realise that Samaesan is a far cry from Pattaya not that far away and I know which I prefer. While this area appears to be a little gem tucked away, I wonder for how long since this area is due to expand rapidly with the expansion of the U-tapao airport and its roadway and high-speed rail links. But let's just sit and relax and enjoy the meal as the sun sets. In keeping with the more relaxed atmosphere, we don't spend ages here and prefer to head back to pleasurable Bleu Marine.
Next Page.
Chachoengsao Railway Station, Mueang Chachoengsao, Chachoengsao Province
Wat Saman Chan, Ban Pho, Meang Chachoengsao District,
Chachoengsao Province
Bang Pakong River, Meuang Chachoengsao District, Chachoengsao Province
Jae Pu Restaurant, Chong Samaesan Village, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province