Ao Bang Tabun

Ao Bang Tabun is a shallow bay at the mouth of the Bang Tabun River in Bang Tabun Subdistrict, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province, on the upper Gulf of Thailand. Known for its extensive cockle, mussel and oyster farms, mangrove fringes and stilted seafood restaurants, it is a traditional fishing community rather than a swimming beach. The bay is notable for aquaculture landscapes, birdlife and views across mudflats at low tide.

Visitors can expect a working fishing bay with wide mudflats exposed at low tide, wooden piers and stilted seafood restaurants extending over the water, and rows of bamboo poles marking cockle and mussel farms. The shoreline is lined with mangroves and fishing boats. There is no sandy swimming beach. Visitors can walk along piers, observe aquaculture operations, take small boat trips through the estuary and mangroves, watch coastal birds, and dine on fresh seafood while viewing the Gulf.

Ao Bang Tabun has long been a fishing and aquaculture community at the Bang Tabun River estuary. For decades it has been a center for cockle and mussel farming in the upper Gulf of Thailand, with livelihoods based on estuarine fisheries, salt farming in the wider Ban Laem area, and mangrove-related resources.

The bay reflects the coastal fishing culture of Phetchaburi Province, with stilted houses, fishing piers and family-run seafood restaurants. Local cuisine centered on cockles, mussels, oysters and other shellfish is central to community identity and visitor experience.