Archive for February 1st, 2010

Getting around on Ko Samet

The island has only a single road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt trail. A pick up truck offers a passenger service to the desired beach. The fee depends on negotiation, ranging from 20-100 baht each. Chartered service to get around the island costs between 200-1,500 baht.

Attractions on Ko Samet and Nearby

Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.

Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin

Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin islands are some 600 metres north of Ko Kudi. With coral reefs, tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at the port in Ban Phe.

Tranquil beauty Ko Kham island of Ko Kham island

Ko Kudi

Ko Kudi or Ko Kut island is on the east of Ko Samet, six kilometres from the mainland. Ko Kudi totals an area of 63 rai. A nice beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khangkhao and Ko Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the island offers a tent for rent at 200 baht per person/ night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. For more information, call Tel. 0 3865 3034, or in Bangkok at Tel.0 2561 2919 and 0 2561 2921.

Ko Thalu

Ko Thalu island located some 6 kilometres east of Ko Kudi.The island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Ko Thalu is a habitat of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles.

Quiet Beach Of Ko Thalu

Tourists visiting Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, Ko PlaTin and Ko Thalu should rent a boat from Ban Phe or Ko Samet. They should prepare food and water, as there is neither facilities nor food supplies available on such islands.For more information, please contact Ireland Tour co., Ltd., Tel. 0 3865 3055-9.

Klaeng(District)

Suan Wang Kaeo Park

Suan Wang Kaeo Park is about 38 kilometres from Rayong town. The park is on the beach road, 11 kilometres from Suan Son. Forest and garden, beach and beautiful bay characterize the park. Houses, tents and bicycles are available for rent. The entrance fee is 10 baht for adults and 5 baht for children. The park opens daily from 7 a.m. till 6 p.m. For more information, please call Tel. 0 3863 8067 – 8 or 0 2259 4150 – 1.

Laem Mae Phim

Laem Mae Phim beach is without large waves, the beach is nice for swimming. Restaurants and bungalows are available along the beach. Laem Mae Phim is 48 kilometres from Rayong town. Via Sukhumvit Road, you can access the beach by turning right at kilometres 259.5, 263 and 268.

Sunthon Phu Monument

Sunthon Phu Monument was built to commemorate Sunthon Phu, a leading poet in the early Rattanakosin era, two centuries ago. There are statues of Sunthon Phu and characters from his famous literature. The monument is located on the Klaeng-Laem Mae Phim Road, five kilometres from Laem Mae Phim.

Wat Saranat Thammaram

Wat Saranat Thammaram temple is built in 1945. The temple houses a main Buddha image imitated from the famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in Phitsanulok province. Four major pagodas surround the Ubosot. They include Phra Pathom Chedi, Phrathat Phanom, replica of Bodh Gaya, and Phrathat Chaiya. The temple is located one kilometre off Sukhumvit Road, turn left at kilometre 265.

Mu Ko Man

Mu Ko Man comprises of three islands: Man Nai, Man Klang, and Man Nok.

Ko Man Nai island is the location of the turtle conservation station initiated by Her Majesty the Queen. The project conserves the breeding of hawksbill turtle and olive turtle. Tourists can make a visit from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Various bays are good for relaxing such as Ao Ton Makham, Ao Hin Khot Ya, Ao Kongkang, and Ao Na Ban, which have also coral reefs. Ko Man Nai is five kilometres from Laem Mae Phim. Rental boat is available at Laem Mae Phim or Ao Makham Pom. The boat trip takes 30 minutes to the island. For more information about the turtle conservation station, call Tel. 0 3861 6096 and 0 3865 7466.

Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok islands have beautiful beaches which make the islands a nice place to relax. Private-owned resorts are also available.

Ban Chang(District)

Hat Phayun and Hat Phla are two beautiful beach located 32 kilometres from Rayong town. Phla Beach, only three kilometres from Phayun Beach, is a quiet beach with a shady sea pine forest. Various hotels and bungalows are available for tourists.

Ban Khai(District)

Supattra Land Orchard is open for the public to witness its fruit variety such as durian, rambutan, mango, grape, star fruit and longan. During harvest season, from April to June, the orchard organises an orchard trip to explore the farm by car and enjoy fresh fruits for 30 minutes. The trip costs 120 baht each. The orchard is open daily for tourists from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Accommodation is available. For more information, call Tel. 0 3889 2048 – 9.

Khao Chamao(District)

Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park was established in 1975, covering an area of 52,300 rai. This lush forest with a great variety of flora and fauna is the watershed of the Prasae River. The national park has two nature trails for tourists to explore herbs and animal behaviour. The trails are two kilometres and three kilometres long, respectively. To explore the trail, registration at the tourist centre is required in advance. Admission is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Houses and tents are available for tourists. Pitching a private tent costs 30 baht per person/night. For more information, please call the park at Tel. 0 3889 4378 or National Park Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760.

How to get there: The national park is 71 kilometres from Rayong town. Follow Sukhumvit Road and turn right at the Khao Din Intersection, kilometre 274. The national park is 17 kilometres away.

Attractions in the national park

Namtok Khao Chamao or Namtok Khlong Nam Sai is a crystal clear waterfall is one kilometre before the national park. The waterfall comprises seven levels, stretching for three kilometres. The large pond called Wang Matcha, is a habitat of brook carp.

Pha Sawan is a viewpoint located at 1.5 kilometres from the national park headquarters. On the way, visitors can explore nature. Contact the national park staff first.

Namtok Khlong Pla Kang waterfalls are three kilometres from the headquarters. Ferns and orchids grow well in this lush forest.

Namtok Khlong Hin Phoeng is a small waterfall is actually in Chanthaburi province, ten kilometers from the headquarters. Water runs all year round. Nature lovers can enjoy wild flowers around the waterfall.

Khao Wong ia a flat region surrounded by many limestone mountains. The amazing mountains have a total of 80 caves inside. This is also a habitat of mountain goat.

Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine houses the statue of Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, founder of Thailand’s modern navy. He is much honoured by the people of Rayong. Turn right at kilometre 274 off Sukhumvit Road, the shrine is 10 kilometres away.

Nikhom Phatthana(District)

Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herbal Park is located on 60 rai of area in the maintenance centre of the PTT Public Company Limited on Highway 3191, 25 kilometres from Rayong town. The park grows various kinds of herbs as well as conducts research. Visitors are welcome everyday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Group visitors should contact in advance at Tel.0 3868 1827 – 30.

Activities

Taphong Bike Route

Bikers can explore agro-tourism in Tambon Taphong with a homestay service. The Subdistrict Administration Organisation of Tambon Taphong offers a tour package including accommodation and meals at 400 baht per person/night. Call 0 3866 4053 for more information.

Golf

Rayong is one of Thailand favorite golf destination, where you can play golf all year round. The wonderful courses are invariably located close to Rayong’s major tourism destination, ensuring you can enjoy your golf and have a good holiday at the same time. So if you want to bring your family along, they are assured of lots of activities and interesting places to visit. There are several golf courses in Rayong.

Driving Range (Mueang Rayong )

Amazing Rayong Driving -528/4 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Nuen Phra Tel: 0 3861 8643, 0 1313 5668

Vac-Vac Driving Range 65/5 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Noenpra Tel: 0 3860 8008 Fax: 0 3880 7090.

V.J. Star Dust Driving Range-385/3 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Noenpra Tel: 0 3880 7090.

Mab Kha Golf Mab Kha-Mabtapud Industrial Estate Road, Tambon Mabtapud Tel: 0 3868 1573.

Poly Golf-2/15 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Ta Pradu Tel: 0 3865 5055.

Sri Mueang Golf- Near Sri Mueang Park, Adulyathamprapat Road Tel: 0 3861 1934.

Horse Riding (Mueang Rayong)

Slo Bunny Mae Rumphung Beach Road Tel: 0 3889 8623.

Horse Riding (Klaeng)

Orchard Park Riding Club 99/1 Moo 7, Songsalung Tel: 0 3861 7397.

Scuba Diving Service

Rayong

Rayong is one of the locations to enjoy your diving, in order to experience an underwater adventure of a lifetime. There are several diving club:

Mueang

Dive Club Rayong International Diving School Chok Dee Square, Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 1629 6513, 0 1611 5057 www.diveclubrayong.com.

Ao Prow Resort 292/2 Moo 2 Tambon Phe, Samet Island Tel: 0 3865 1134-5 Fax: 0 3865 1962 Bangkok Office: 0 2438 9771-2 Fax: 0 2439 0352.

Klaeng

Ko Nok Resort Ko Mun Nok Tel: 0 3866 1136.
Ray Divers 267/136-7 Maptaput New City Tel: 0 3860 7480 Fax: 0 3860 7481.

Boat Rental(Mueang Rayong)

Island Tour Ko Samet-280/108 Moo 2 Ban Phe Pier Tel: 0 3865 1999, 0 3865 1351 E-mail: islandtour1999@hotmail.com Service: Speed Boat from Ban Phe and Samet Island to Islands.

The Toy Tour-236/4 Moo 3 Tambon Krum Tel: 0 3863 8146 Service: Speed Boat from Mae Phim Beach to islands.
Chok Mana Tour Tambon Phe Tel: 0 3865 1531.
Sai Kaew Villa Ko Samet Tel: 0 3861 5852-3.
Rier Leus (Mongkol Tambon Phe Tel: 0 3865 1901.
Rier Sang Samoot Tambon Phe Tel: 0 3865 1364.

Events and Festivals

Rayong Fruit Festival (Mueang Rayong)

In May of each year, Rayong’s fruit reaches its peak season. The venue for celebration is always changed between Mueang and Klaeng districts.

Rayong Fruit Festival

Tourists can enjoy floats decorated with fruits, fruit contests, beauty contests, as well as fruit and seafood fair.

Sunthon Phu Day(Mueang Rayong)

Sunthon Phu Monument

Organised on June 26 of each year at Sunthon Phu Monument, Klaeng district, to honour the great poet. Exhibitions and plays from his poetry will entertain visitors.

Changing the robe for Phra Chedi Klang Nam

The annual traditional event is held during the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, or in November. The robe blanketing around the pagoda in the middle of the Rayong River, in Mueang district, will be changed. Meanwhile, the people will celebrate the event along with the Loi Krathong Festival by boat racing and many kinds of local entertainment.

Thot Pha Pa Klang Nam (Waterborne Robe Offering Ceremony)

During the Loi Krathong Festival of each year, or on the full moon night of November, people living near the mouth of the Prasae River will prepare a monk’s robe at the pier. After completing the ceremony on the boat, a monk will come to get it. Normally, the robe offering ceremony is held at the temple. This special tradition has been inherited for over a century.