Luxury living, peace and tranquility in Pattaya? /

International travel has resumed and barrier-free borders have become a reality, so it’s time for all of us to start planning, booking and getting excited about our next travel adventures. For some that means returning to a favorite destination, to relive and rekindle those holiday vibes, for others who may be looking for a ‘new’ destination to explore, enjoy and add to that list of favorite places .

As you read this, you will probably think that Pattaya is definitely not a ‘new’ destination, at the same time wondering where to find peace and tranquility in a city known for partying, entertainment and nighttime economy. Well, we have a suggestion for all you Thailand lovers out there, somewhere that doesn’t draw the attention of the acclaimed islands and beach resorts we’ve all heard of, but can offer everything that luxury travel enthusiasts crave.

The local villages and deserted beaches of Sattahip, Jomtien and Bang Saray to the east of Pattaya can be reached in about two hours from Bangkok on a brand new highway, making it easily accessible for anyone living in the capital, or for international travelers who do. want to hop in a taxi at the airport and be on the beach in less than two hours. Sounds good? After our recent (and first) trip to the slightly sleepy, but certainly beautiful part of Thailand, we’d like to tell you some of the reasons why we’ll be returning in the not too distant future…

Easily accessible from Bangkok

Only a two hour taxi ride from Bangkok is a big plus for us. We took a cheap taxi straight from the airport and loved the convenience and simplicity of this option. There are also buses from the city and the airport, and for those who have a little extra time and like an adventure, you can take the train, which arrives at the postcard Yansangvararam Station, less than three hours after leaving Bangkok the perfect travel experience.

Enjoy the beautiful and quiet beaches

If beaches with rows of sunbeds and crowds of people aren’t your thing then Bang Saray has you covered. Enjoy your time on this beautiful and quiet beach where it is easy to escape the crowds as there are simply no crowds. On weekends, expect Thai families enjoying their own special place, with a handful of local expats and tourists, meaning Bang Saray beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. During the week it might just be you, a traditional fishing boat and a trio of local dogs on the expansive and rustic beach.

Checking into a luxury resort

During our time exploring the area, our first stop was the beautiful Sea Sand Sun Resort and Villas and we were quite impressed. Not only did the staff team welcome us as part of their extended family, but they went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. Our Pool Villa Suite was simply stunning and made leaving very difficult, in fact even getting out of bed was difficult as it was oh so comfortable. And as for the private pool, well that provided the icing on the cake of our delicious cake. If you combine the super friendly staff team with the wonderful luxury villa, it is not difficult to understand why we enjoyed our stay so much.

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Check in at another luxury resort

We also stayed at the sublime MASON which offers guests a selection of state-of-the-art luxury villas, all with their own private swimming pool. This design-led resort is located on the coast between Bang Saray and nearby Pattaya, but trust us when we say that guests staying at MASON can expect peace, tranquility and a sophisticated luxury experience during their stay, without the crowds and nightlife that is ‘alive’. Pattaya is known for. We loved our beachfront Grand Pool Villa, which offered panoramic ocean views from the expansive poolside sundeck. It was beautifully appointed, with stylish furnishings and a wonderfully comfortable bed, while the technology in the villa included a 49” Smart TV, personal wine cooler and Marshall Bluetooth speaker which we certainly made the most of.

Rent a modern and stylish apartment

For those looking to extend their stay, or prefer the privacy and flexibility of an apartment on their next vacation, there are a number of excellent options available. Of those we visited, our favorite would have to be the modern and stylish ‘Mirage Condominium’ where the sunset views from the rooftop pool were simply breathtaking. Contact the professional team at Bang Saray Property, the leading agency in the region, and they will help you find your dream vacation home away from home. And if you’re starting to fall for this serene stretch of Thailand’s coast, they can also guide you through buying your own dream home.

Visit Buddha Mountain

If you can drag yourself away from the beach, your luxury resort or your apartment, the Buddha Mountain (known locally as Khao Chi Chan) is an iconic attraction for locals and tourists alike. Carved into the side of a limestone cliff, the 100m high image of Buddha is certainly impressive and well worth a visit.

Visit the Nong Nooch Gardens

Just a few miles away from Khao Chi Chan is the beautifully manicured Nong Nooch Gardens, a private botanical garden spanning over 600 acres that opened to the public in 1980. The award winning gardens are supposedly impressive but unfortunately we saw they still offer an ‘elephant show’ which is something we would never support so we didn’t visit. Let’s hope that in the not-too-distant future the only elephants calling Nong Nooch home are the statues guarding the entrance…

Explore the old town and fishing village

Considering that the urban sprawl of Pattaya is only 15 km away, you will be pleasantly surprised that the old town and fishing village in the heart of Bang Saray offers a generous slice of Thai tranquility. Expect to see colorful fishing boats, shophouses, pagodas, shrines, and noodle stalls as you wander the quiet streets. Enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Thai fishing village as you decide where to stop for a coffee, beer or local snack. Simply put, Bang Saray is a million miles from what Pattaya has to offer, despite being right along the coast, therefore providing the perfect destination for those who enjoy a relaxing and chilled holiday.

We loved our first trip to this beautiful part of the coast of Thailand and will definitely be back. It’s the perfect option for those looking to escape the busy city for a long weekend, while also making an excellent holiday destination if you want to enjoy your next luxury travel adventure without the crowds. And for those considering retiring to this part of the world, it might just have everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Paul Eyers is founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.

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