Laem Chabang, in Si Racha district of Chonburi province on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is Thailand's largest deep-sea port. Cruise lines market it as the gateway to Bangkok. The capital, about 130 km north-west, has the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun and Wat Pho on the Chao Phraya River, plus floating and night markets and a renowned street-food scene.
Closer to the port, the resort city of Pattaya offers beaches, nightlife and the hand-carved teak Sanctuary of Truth. Si Racha, just north, is a seafront town known for its seafood, its chili sauce and the island temple at Ko Loi. Ships start and end Southeast Asia cruises here as well as making day calls.