Bang Saen beach and the monkeys of Khao Sam Muk
The beach where Bangkok families go at weekends, a hill full of monkeys and a fishing village famous for fish cakes.
- Area
- Day trips
- Start from
- Pattaya
- Distance
- about 45 km north
- Time needed
- 1 day
- Best season
- All year
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Car, bus towards Bangkok, Grab
- Tickets & rules
- None
Why go
Bang Saen is a classic Thai beach town, more local than Pattaya, with rows of deckchairs, inflatable rings and seafood vendors.
At its northern end, Khao Sam Muk is a small hill with a shrine and a large population of monkeys. The views are lovely, and the monkeys are entertaining, as long as you keep your belongings close.
Nearby Ang Sila is a fishing community known for stone mortars and fish cakes.
The beach promenade is lined with food stalls, and in the evening families picnic on mats under the trees. It feels like a Thai summer holiday from decades ago.
The story
Khao Sam Muk is named after a legend of two lovers, Sam and Muk, who jumped from the hill rather than be separated. The shrine on the hill honours the spirit of Muk.
Bang Saen became a seaside destination for Bangkok residents in the mid-twentieth century and has kept a relaxed local feel.
Ang Sila is known for its granite mortars, used for making som tam and curry pastes. The craft has been passed down for generations in the community.
Bang Saen also has the Wonnapha beach area and the Burapha University campus, giving the town a young, lively feel.
Getting there
Drive north on the motorway or take a bus towards Bangkok and get off at Bang Saen.
The drive takes about an hour from Pattaya depending on traffic.
A suggested plan
- MorningAng Sila market and fish cakes.
- MiddayKhao Sam Muk viewpoint.
- AfternoonSwim and relax at Bang Saen beach.
Where to stay
Day trip from Pattaya.
Good to know
- Weekdays are quiet; weekends are full of families.
- Try the local dessert khao lam (sticky rice in bamboo).
- Rent a deckchair and umbrella from vendors.
- Ang Sila's stone mortars are a famous local craft and make good souvenirs.
- Don't carry food openly near the monkeys; they snatch bags.
- Traffic on the coast road is heavy on weekends.