All cruise ships dock at the dedicated Terminal A1 — you walk off the gangway directly into the terminal building. Pre-arrange all transport; there is nothing within walking distance.
💡 Pro move: Public buses exist but are impractical for a single cruise day. Private transfers pre-booked online are cost-effective split among a small group.
All cruise ships berth at the purpose-built Terminal A1 — no tendering required.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines | Terminal A1, Laem Chabang International Terminal📍 | Docked |
Two worlds await: Bangkok's ancient grandeur (2 hrs away) or Pattaya's quirky temples and beaches (40 min away) — pick based on your ship's port hours.
The essential Bangkok day: Grand Palace and the dazzling Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), then Wat Pho's 46-metre gold reclining Buddha and its renowned massage school. Add Wat Arun across the river for the iconic spire.
Find Bangkok temple tours →Day trip to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Siam's ancient capital — crumbling prangs, headless Buddhas, and riverside temples that predate Bangkok by 400 years.
Find Ayutthaya tours →An extraordinary all-teak temple rising 105 metres from the sea cliffs of Pattaya, covered floor-to-ceiling in intricate hand-carved Hindu and Buddhist motifs — still under construction after 40+ years.
Find Sanctuary of Truth tickets →Thailand's famous floating markets make for a vivid half-day: vendors in wooden boats selling fresh fruit, pad thai, and souvenirs on the canals. Damnoen Saduak is the classic; Tha Kha is quieter.
Find floating market tours →From Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, speedboats reach Koh Larn in 15 minutes — clear water, white sand, snorkelling, and parasailing. A good option when Bangkok feels too far.
Find Koh Larn tours →Sprawling botanical garden near Pattaya with manicured topiary, orchid collections, and daily Thai cultural shows including elephant performances and traditional dance.
Find Nong Nooch tours →Laem Chabang itself is unwalkable — all walks are at your destination (Bangkok or Pattaya).
Pattaya Beach Road runs the length of the bay — good for a casual walk with ocean views, beach bars, and street food. Best for orientation; the beach itself is crowded.
📍 Open in MapsStart at Tha Tien pier near Wat Pho, walk to the Grand Palace entrance, then return to the pier for a cross-river ferry to Wat Arun. Classic Bangkok on foot.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Metered public taxis available at the port gate to Pattaya city center (~26 km, ~28 min). Most reliable option for nearby destinations.
Both apps work in the area but drivers cannot enter the secure port zone. Walk to the main port gate and book from there. Uber no longer operates in Thailand.
Pre-booked private car or van with fixed pricing, tolls included. Recommended for families or groups; companies like Oriental Escape and Kiwitaxi offer port-approved service.
Bangkok is ~120 km away (1.5–2 hrs). Pre-book a private sedan or van — fares include tolls and port entry fees. Ride-hailing to Bangkok runs ฿1,800–฿2,200 from the gate.
Most cruise lines offer a shuttle bus to Pattaya or organized "Bangkok on Your Own" day packages. Convenient and port-approved; book through your ship.
Upcoming cruises that call at Laem Chabang, Chonburi, Thailand. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.