Bang Saen - Favorite Weekend Beach Getaway of Bangkokians

Bang Saen: The Beach Getaway Where Bangkokians Go to Pretend They’re on Vacation

Let’s be real. When you think of Thai beaches, Bang Saen doesn’t exactly come to mind. It’s not as pretty as Phuket, not as wild as Pattaya, and definitely not as Instagrammable as Krabi. But that’s exactly why it’s perfect. This is where tired Bangkok office workers, university students on a budget, and couples who can’t afford a real romantic getaway come to pretend they’re at the seaside. And guess what? It’s actually kind of awesome.  

Why Bang Saen? (Because You’re Cheap and Lazy)

- It’s only 90 minutes from Bangkok – No flights, no overnight buses, just hop in a bus or van and boom, you’re "at the beach."  

- It’s gloriously unpretentious – No influencer wannabes doing yoga poses at sunrise, just regular people eating grilled squid and getting mildly sunburned.  

- The food is stupidly good – This is a seafood lover’s paradise, minus the tourist markups.  

What to Do (Besides Questioning Your Life Choices)

1. Bang Saen Beach – The Main (Sort Of) Attraction

- The sand is brown, the water is not crystal clear, and the waves are barely there, but hey, it’s a beach!  

- Rent a beach chair (50 THB), order some som tam, and watch local uncles and teens alike swim in jeans and a t-shirt (because Thailand).  

- Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday unless you enjoy sharing sand with half of Bangkok’s population.  

2. Bang Saen Night Market – Where Calories Don’t Count

- Grilled scallops, fried mussel pancakes, crab fried rice, and enough seafood to make your doctor nervous.  

- Try hoi tod (crispy oyster omelet) from one of the old-school stalls, it's deliciously life-changing unless it contains salmonella.

3. Laem Tan – The "I Want to Feel Fancy" Spot 

- A little peninsula with cafes, seafood restaurants, and almost nice views.  

- Perfect for pretending you’re in a travel vlog while sipping overpriced iced coffee.  

4. Burapha University – For the Young (or Young at Heart) 

- The campus is weirdly scenic, and the canteen food is legendary (and dirt cheap).  

- If you’re single and under 30, this is where you might find a date who isn't on the game (no guarantees).  

5. Ang Sila – The Quirky Fishing Village Next Door

- Famous for its stone mortar and pestle market (yes, really).  Great and cheap souvenirs were it not for the fact that they weigh a tonne.

- Try khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo) and fresh seafood so cheap you’ll cry.  

Where to Stay (If You Must)

- Budget (500-800 THB/night) – Basic guesthouses near the beach. Don’t expect luxury, just a bed and a fan.  

- Mid-Range (1,000-2,000 THB/night) – Decent hotels with pools because you will need to rinse off that beach sweat.  

- Splurge (2,500+ THB/night) – The few "resorts" that exist, mostly for Bangkok couples trying to rekindle their dying romance.  

How to Get There (It’s Embarrassingly Easy)

- Minivan from Victory Monument or Ekkamai (90 mins, ~120+ THB) – The most popular option. Just ignore the driver’s questionable overtaking skills and pray if you're religious.  

- Drive (1.5 hrs from Bangkok) – Ideal if you want to stop at random roadside seafood shacks along the way.  

- Bus (If You Love Pain) – Slower, hotter, and recommended if you enjoy staying alive.  

Final Verdict

Bang Saen is the beach trip you take when you technically want to go to the beach but don’t actually want to put in any effort. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s 100% real Thailand; no postcard-perfect nonsense here.  

Now go eat some grilled squid, dip your feet in the questionable murky water, and enjoy the fact that you didn’t have to sit on a plane for hours to get here. Bang Saen might not be paradise, but it’s your kind of paradise.