Introductions

On the east coast of Thailand, 179 kilometres from Bangkok, modest beaches dotted around Rayong province are tranquil paradises for sea lovers who wish for hideaway places near to the capital.

Mun Klang Island

Months of monsoon allow lush forest as well as fruit orchards to cool down from the heat of the day, and give produce during May of each year, so fruit lovers always travel here for various tasty fresh tropical fruits, particularly durian, rambutan and mangosteen. After the end of the monsoon season in late October, the crystal clear water of Rayong along its hundred kilometre-long coast embraces to welcome all visitors.

History

During the late Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was being razed to the ground by the invading Burmese, Phaya Tak led a troop of patriots, broke through the cordon of besieging troops and marched to Rayong in order to build up his navy before proceeding on to Chanthaburi. Because of his courage and bravery, the soldiers and local population anointed him as “King” in Rayong. Once he had built up sufficient troop strength, Phaya Tak who later became King Taksin of the Kingdom of Thonburi returned to Ayutthaya, routed the Burmese and set up a new capital in Thonburi.

King Taksin, during a short stay in Rayong he built a navy, and then went on to Chantaburi to collect his arms to fight back against the Burmese. There is a shrine in Rayong where local people pay respects to Taksin.

Maps

Click here to download Rayong-Tourist-Map.pdf

Click here to download Rayong-City-Map.pdf

Administrative Divisions

The province is subdivided in 8 districts These are further subdivided into 58 sub-districts and 388 villages.

1. Mueang Rayong
2. Ban Chang
3. Klaeng
4. Wang Chan
5. Ban Khai
6. Pluak Daeng
7. Khao Chamao
8. Nikhom Phatthana

Rayong Adminsitrative Divisionsd

Geographical Locations

Covering a total area of 3,552 square kilometers, Rayong borders Chonburi Province on the north and the west, the Gulf of Thailand on the south, and Chantaburi Province on the east. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations. Although the north is hilly, the province consists mostly of low coastal plains. Several islands in the Gulf of Thailand belong to the province, including the popular tourist destinations, Ko Samet, Ko Mun and Ko Kodi.

Boasting indispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.

Weather

The climate of Rayong is tropical with a mean temperature of 28.9° C. The best months to visit are between November and January when there are relatively cool, dry breezes from the northeast. During this winter period the temperature ranges between 19° and 30° C, with humidity of 60%. The weather is hot in February, March and April, sometimes reaching 42° and averaging 38° with 70% humidity. From late May until October the southwest monsoon prevails, bringing ferocious afternoon downpours which usually only last for an hour or so. September is the rainiest month. During monsoon season the temperature averages 32° with humidity regularly reaching 90%.

Communications

By Car
From Bangkok, driving to Rayong is very easy.

1. By Sukhumvit Road, Highway 3, you can drive via Bang Pu, Bang Pakong, Bang Saen,Si Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip, Ban Chang to Mueang district of Rayong. This route is a total of 220 kilometres.

2. By Bang Na-Trat Road, Highway 34, you can drive through Bang Phli and Bang Bo districts of Samut Prakan province before entering Highway 3 at kilometre 70 in Bang Pakong. Then continue the same direction as the first route. The route is a total of 220 kilometres.

3. By Highway 36, you can drive on the second route till kilometre 140, in Bang Lamung, and turn left to Highway 36. Rayong is 70 kilometres away. This route totals 210 kilometres.

4. By Highway 344, from Chon Buri, you can drive through Ban Bueng, Nong Yai, Wang Chan, to Klaeng district of Rayong. This route is180 kilometre in distance, suits those who are going to visit attractions in Klaeng orcontinue their journey to Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Rayong is 42 kilometres away by Highway 3.

5. By Highway 7, from Phattanakan Road, you can drive to Chon Buri then use Highway 36 to reach Rayong. This route is a distance of 175 kilometres.

By Bus

Buses leave the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai to Rayong and its districts via many routes. You can select to go to Rayong, Ban Phe, Klaeng, Laem Mae Phim, Map Ta Phut, or Prasae. For more information, Tel. 0 2391 2504, Rayong Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3861 1379. Rayong Tour Co,Ltd., private-owned bus, operates a faster bus service via Highway 7. For more information, Tel. 0 2712 3662 or Rayong branch at Tel. 0 3886 1354 – 5, Cherdchai Tour Co.,Ltd., Bangkok, Tel. 0 2391 2237, Rayong branch, Tel. 0 3867 4144. Buses serving Rayong are also available from the Northern Bus Terminal Tel. 0 2936 1216, 0 2936 0199.

Places of Interest

The Shrine of King Taksin the Great is located in Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon, Taksin Road, with a huge tree of 300 years old at the front.

Statue of King Taksin

Folklore says that King Taksin the Great tied his elephant to the tree while leading the troops to Chanthaburi for retrieving the Kingdom of Siam from Burmese occupation.

The shrine houses a statue of King Taksin the Great.

How to get there: From Mueang distirct, take Sukhumvit Road for 200 metres and turn right at the Taksin intersection into Taksin Maharat Road.

Wat Pa Pradu

Wat Pa Pradu located on Sukhumvit Road in Mueang municipality, this ancient temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period. The temple was honoured as a royal temple in the year 1990. The wihan houses a large reclining Buddha image, 11.95 metres long and 3.60 metres High. Unusually, the reclining Buddha image lies on its left-hand side. The image was first built outdoor and the Wihan was built later in 1981.

Reclining Buddha of Wat Pa Pradu

How to get there: The temple is accessible by two routes. The first route: From Mueang district, take Sukhumvit Road via Rayong Hospital and Wat Pa Pradu School, then turn left into Pa Pradu Road to reach the temple. The second route: From Highway 36, bypass road, turn right to Chantha Udom Road at Ko Loi Intersection. Through Mueang district, turn right into Sukhumvit Road and follow the first route to the temple.

City Pillar Shrine

City Pillar Shrine is located on Lak Mueang Road, this shrine was first built of wood. Then it was replaced by a concrete construction with Chinese characteristics. The old city pillar was formerly in front of the shrine. A new one was later set up with a four-porched shelter. A celebration is held annually during the Songkran festival in mid – April.

Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum

Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum is located in Wat Ban Don, exhibiting a hundred Nang Yai shadow play characters, or Nang Yai, which is a large piece of leather carved and painted into different characters.

Nang Yai shadow play characters.jpg

Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum

Aged over 200 years, these characters were brought from Phatthalung in 1988.

Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum

For the Nang Yai performance, please contact 3 days in advance. Tel. 0 5087 0235, 0 9831 6053.

Phra Chedi Klang Nam

Phra Chedi Klang Nam is an island in the middle of the Rayong River, two kilometres south of downtown near the mouth of the river. A pagoda is situated on an island. It is a landmark for the crew to indicate that they are reaching Rayong province. On the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month, a celebration will be held to change the robe covering the pagoda. Boat races and the Loi Krathong Festival will be celebrated here.

Phra Chedi Klang Nam-rayong

Si Mueang Park

Si Mueang Park is called Ko Klang by the people of Rayong , this park totalling an area of 70 rai is located behind the city hall.

Si Mueang Park

Si Mueang Park

This place was once used for the execution of prisoners and now it has been rebuilt as a park for people to enjoy. At the front of the park is a famous Buddha image of Rayong, Phra Phuttha Angkhirot.

Hat Laem Charoen beach

Hat Laem Charoen beach near the mouth of the Rayong River, five kilometres south of downtown, is the nearest beach from Rayong. Tourists love to enjoy the sea and seafood for dinner at Laem Charoen Beach, which is also a famous place for its fish sauce. Hat Saeng Chan beach is some seven kilometres from Rayong town, connecting to Laem Charoen Beach. The Saeng Chan Beach is a nice sandy beach where tourists can enjoy swimming and dining. Lots of restaurants are available for selection.

Hat Mae Ramphueng – Ban Kon Ao beach

Hat Mae Ramphueng – Ban Kon Ao beach is some 11 kilometres from Rayong town. Make a right turn on Sukhumvit Road at kilometre 229 and head for Mae Ramphueng Beach which stretches for 12 kilometres.

Ban Kon Ao -beach

There are various accommodations for tourists along this clean beach. The beach road, 10 kilometres long, leads to Ban Kon Ao local fishery village.

Khao Laem Ya

Khao Laem Ya is a sea side hill. Following the beach road, a bit beyond Ban Kon Ao, one can reach the seaside hill

Khao Laem Ya beach

From the sunset viewpoint, it is possible to see Mae Ramphueng Beach and Ko Samet.

Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park

The 670 rai area is the headquarters of the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park.

Admission fee is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Accommodation is available. Camping is allowed. Tents are available for rent at 300-400 baht per person/night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. For more information, call the National Parks Headquarters at Tel. 0 3865 3034, the National Park Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760.

Rayong Aquarium

Rayong Aquarium Located in the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Centre , Ao Ban Phe.

Rayong Aquarium

The aquarium keeps various kinds of beautiful fish and sea plants. The centre conducts study, research and testing regarding marine biology and behaviors of marine life. A large aquarium with a tunnel allows visitors to see various beautiful fish as well as economic-related creatures living in the mangrove forest such as cuttlefish, crab, giant clam, and horseshoe crab.

Rayong Aquarium Glass Tunnel

The outdoor aquarium also houses various marine lives. The turtle pond houses hawksbill turtles, olive turtles, and leatherback turtles. The fish pond houses large species of fish. Visitors can witness the real underwater world in a special pond that houses starfish, anemone and sea cucumber. Various fishery tools in miniature are also displayed. The Fossil Museum exhibits stuffed and extinct animals as well as a display of rare animals such as humpback dolphin and Irrawaddy Dolphin. Seafood products are available on sale outside the building.

The Rayong Aquarium is open from Wednesday to Friday during 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and on weekends from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Group visitors should call in advance. Tel. 0 3865 3741, Fax. 0 3865 1763.

Sopha Botanical Park

Sopha Botanical Park is 32-rai park is decorated with many kinds of trees, particularly Thai flora mentioned in literature. In the compound, three traditional Thai houses on stilts of nearly 100 year old exhibit ceramics from various periods as well as prehistoric pottery from Ban Chiang World Heritage Site. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. till 4.30 p.m. except on Thursday. Admission costs 50 baht. Tel. 0 3865 1688 for more information.

How to get there: The park is located close to the road to Ban Phe, 17 kilometres from Rayong town. Turn right from Sukhumvit Road at kilometre 238 and keep going for 200 metres. The park will be on your right.

Ban Phe

Ban Phe is a small port town offers a boat service to Ko Samet. In the fish market, many shops offer local seafood products such as fish sauce, sun-dried cuttlefish, dried shrimp, etc.

Ban Phe pier on wooden stilts

Another view of Ban Phe

How to get there: Turn right off Sukhumvit Road at kilometre 231 and keep going for 5 kilometres or turn right at kilometre 238 and keep going for 3 kilometres.

Suan Son

Suan Son is just four kilometres from Ban Phe, 29 kilometres from Rayong town. Many kinds of pine along with local trees make the beach road shady.

Drink Stall at Suan Son

Beutiful beach at Suan Son beach

The nice beach of Suan Son allows visitors to enjoy swimming.

Restaurants and accommodation are available for visitors. For more information, call the National Park Department at Tel. 0 3865 2163, 0 2561 4292 – 3.

Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park

Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park is located in Ban Phe, 20 kilometres from Rayong town, the park totals an area of 81,875 rai comprising land, sea and islands. Its major attractions include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and Samet Archipelago. The most famous island is Samet where many private-owned bungalows are available. The park has three nature trails; namely, Ko Samet, Ko Kudi, and Khao Laem Ya. On each route, visitors can enjoy nature as well as beautiful view points.

Admission fee: adults 200 baht, children 100 baht each.

The national park offers houses and tents. Pitching your own tent costs 20 baht per person/night. For more information, call Tel. 0 3865 3034 and 0 3865 2136 or the National Park Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760.

Ko Samet

People believe Ko Samet that this is the miracle island in Thai classical literature by Sunthon Phu. Ko Samet is quite a famous beach attraction of Rayong, for both Thai and foreign tourists. The island is 6.5 kilometres offshore of Ban Phe, Mueang district. Forest remains blanketing up to 80% of the total area of 3,125 rai. Tourists should be careful of storms in the monsoon season during May to September.

Beutiful evening view of Ko Samet beach

How to get there: Four operators; namely, Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week.

For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat (0 3865 1508) offers a shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120 baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe Boat (0 3865 1902) also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service from Ban Phe runs from 8.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the return trip from Samet, the boat leaves at 10.00 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12 people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking service on the main land is available.