Container gateway · Thailand
Port of Laem Chabang
Laem Chabang is a container gateway on the Gulf of Thailand in Thailand (Southeast Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Thailand
- UN/LOCODE
- THLCH
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Waters
- Gulf of Thailand
- Coordinates
- 13.08°N, 100.88°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 8.9 million TEU (2023)
- Local name
- แหลมฉบัง
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 630 nm
About the port of Laem Chabang
Laem Chabang, on the eastern seaboard about 130 km south-east of Bangkok, is Thailand’s main deep-sea port and serves the industrial zones of Chonburi, Rayong and the Bangkok region. It is linked to Vietnam by frequent direct intra-Asia services and by road through Cambodia or Laos.
Laem Chabang is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Laem Chabang handled approximately 8.9 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam is connected by frequent short-sea and feeder services, typically with several sailings a week and transit times of a few days; ATIGA and RCEP preferences apply to much of this trade.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) → Laem Chabang | 630 | 1–3 days |
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Laem Chabang that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Thailand that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: ATIGA, RCEP. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Laem Chabang
Where is the port of Laem Chabang?
Laem Chabang is in Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand, in the Southeast Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Laem Chabang?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Laem Chabang is THLCH. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Laem Chabang?
On a typical routing from Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City), the sea distance is about 630 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 1–3 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
How big is the port of Laem Chabang?
According to published rankings, Laem Chabang handled approximately 8.9 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Laem Chabang?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Laem Chabang?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Laem Chabang through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.