Khao Takiap Pier

Two very different reasons to come here. One is functional, since this is where the daily ferry to Pattaya leaves from, and the setup is exactly what that sounds like. Ticket office, security screening, a waiting area. Nothing more. The other reason is that Takiab Bay is a genuine fishing village, boats coming and going, and people quite happily sit here for hours doing nothing at all. Parking isn't a problem. Local operators run fishing charters and boat trips out of here, and the reviews from people who've been out with them are warm about the skippers.

Behind it all is Khao Takiap hill, which gives you the ocean view from higher up if you fancy the climb. Monkeys own that hill, so keep food out of sight and don't carry anything loose in your hands. If you want the pier at its calmest, come early, before the heat sets in and before the ferry crowd arrives.