Районг, Таиланд
General Overview
Rayong Province is famous among tourists for its
interesting destinations and exciting activities. There are
three distinct attractions on this coastal province, the
first is beautiful white sandy beaches both on the mainland
and islands. The second is the variety of
delicious seafood
at reasonable prices, and the last but not least is regional
fruit such as pineapples, durians, rambutans.
Moreover, long traditions and customs including the way of
the local people's life are also attractive. Don't let the
chance pass by without going inside the heart of Rayong and
you will find it is a very wonderful trip. Many experiences
and impressive moment will happen here, at Rayong Province.
Rayong is located at the east coast of Thailand, about 220
kilometres from Bangkok on Highway No.3 or 179 kilometres on
Highway No.36. The total area is 3,552 square kilometers.
Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains
interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and
fruit plantation. Administrative, it is divided into Muang
Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang
Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana
sub-districts.
Topography :
In general the geography of Rayong is marked by a
series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts
of land under forest, rubber and fruit plantation. Offshore,
there are many islands which are well-known by the tourist, such
as Ko Samet and Ko Mun.
Location :
Rayong is located in the east coast of Thailand on
the northern shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand, about 179
kilometers from Bangkok.Rayong has an extensive coastline
stretching for approximately 100 kilometers, and some 3,552
kilometers square in area, and is divided into 6
administrative districts and 2 sub-district.
To the north and the west they
are bordered by the province of Chonburi, the east by
Chanthaburi Province and the south by the Gulf of Thailand. The
total population of the province is about 508,398 persons. (In
1996)
Climate :
The climate is tropical, generally warm and humid
with abundant rainfall, average temperature is around 28 C. The
best months are November through February.
History :
Rayong was mentioned in the Thai history during the late
Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was razed to the
ground by the invading Burmese. At this time Phraya Tak, later
to become King Taksin of Thonburi, led a band of patriots and
broke out through the cordon of besieging troops who
has surrounded the capital.
Then he made this way towards the
coast stopping in Rayong to build up his navy before proceeding
on to Chantaburi. Because of his courage and bravery, the
soldiers and local populations anointed him as "King" in Rayong.
Once he has built up sufficient troop strength, Phraya Taksin
returned to Ayutthaya and routed the Burmese and set up a new
capital in Thonburi.
Distances from Rayong Town to Other Destinations :
Muang
District :
Map
Ta Phut
Sang Chan Beach
Hat Mae Ramphueng
Ban Kon Ao/Kao Laem Ya
The Sobha Botanical Gardens
Suan Son Park |
15
kilometres
8 kilometres
11 kilometres
22 kilometres
17 kilometres
23 kilometres |
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Klaeng District :
|
Suan
Wang Kaew
Hat Laem Mae Phim
Statue of Sunthorn Phu
Khao Chamao Waterfall
Khao Wong Cave
Ban Phe District
Ban Khai District
Pattaya
Chon Buri
Trat Province
Chanthaburi Province
U Taphao Airport
Ban Chang District |
38 kilometres
38 kilometres
48 kilometres
71 kilometres
78 kilometres
19 kilometres
12 kilometres
65 kilometres
98 kilometres
110 kilometres
180 kilometres
35 kilometres
28 kilometres |
By Car
Route No.1
Sukhumvit Road (Highway No.3) : Starting from Bangkok pass
Bangpu District, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha
District, Pattaya, Hat Jomtien, Sattahip District, Ban Chang
District then arrive in the centre of Rayong Province. The
total distance is 220 kilometres.
Route No.2
The main and popular route, Bangna-Trat Road (Highway No.34)
: Turning off Highway No.3 at Chaloem Nakorn Toll Plaza,
pass Bang Phli and Bang Bo District of Samut Prakan Province
and join again with Highway No.3 at km.70. The total
distance is 220 kilometres to arrive Rayong Province.
Route No.3
Start from Bangkok and go along Highway No.3 to Banglamung.
Then turn off Highway No.3 at km.140 and start on Highway
No.36 to Rayong, a distance of 70 kilometres.
Route No.4
Taking Highway No.344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) at Chonburi town,
pass Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and finish at Klaeng
District, Rayong Province. The total distance (Ban Bung-Klaeng)
is 100 kilometres. (Bangkok-Chonburi 80 kilometres)
This route is suitable for those who like to go sightseeing
in Klaeng District and Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park
or pass through Chanthaburi Province.
Route No.5
Go along the Motorway from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet
District, Bangkok to Pattaya (120 kilometres) and then take
Highway No.36 for about 50 kilometres to Rayong.
By Air
As a new destination for tourist, Bangkok Airways
operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Samui island to
Rayong-U ta pao international Airport. For more information
contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel :(662) 265 5555 or
travel agencies in Rayong.
By Bus
Rayong is gateway from the easthern to the north and the
north-easthern. Therefore, there are many regular buses
service to Bangkok and other province such as Chiang Mai.
Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai. For more information, refer to
the bus Schedules Leaflet.
Attractions :
Within Town
and Nearby
Located on the
grounds of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon. The
Phra Chao Tak Sin Shrine marks the site where he and
his follower once made camp. Within the shrine is a
standing statue of the great king. The 300 year old
Satu tree (genus Parkia) is believed to be the very
tree he once tethered his elephant.
The ancient Wat
Pa Pradu on Sukhumwit road houses a 12 metre
long Reclining Buddha. Unlike other reclining
statues, it lies on the left instead of the usual
right. Originally unsheltered, a Wihan was built
over it in 1981.
The City Pillar
Shrine on
Lak Muang Road in town consists of two buildings of
Thai and Chinese styles.
At the end of Taksin
Maharat Road and with a right turn into Samut
Khongkha Road, Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat
Pak Nam is about two kilometres south of town.
It features an ancient - metre-high white Chedi on
an isle in mid-Rayong River. No one knows who built
it but during the olden days when waterway was the
main mode of transportation, the chedi served as a
symbol of Rayong signifying to the boatmen that they
had arrived at the town. Celebrations are held in
the full-moon day of the 12th lunar month with
ceremonies, boat races and other entertainment.
Suan Si Muang
is a public park in town centre behind the city
pillar. It houses the highly revered Phra Phuttha
Angkhirot, the town's principal statue.
Five kilometers from
town at Tambon Paknam, Hat Laem Charoen is a
seaside area popular with townspeople who come to
enjoy the scene and the seafood.
Hat Saeng Chan,
seven kilometers from town at Tambon Paknam, is
connected to Laem Charoen beach and also suitable
for swimming. Food shops and accommodation
facilities available.
About 12 kilometers
from town with a right turn Km. 229 of Sukhumwit
Road is Hat Mae Ramphung, a 12 kilometers
long beach on the way to Ban Kon Ao, a small fishing
village. The beach is clean with gentle slopes
suitable for swimming. On the shore are several
bungalows.
A little further
from Ban Kon Oa on the beach road to Khao Laem Ya
covered with small shrubs and with a cape jutting
into the the sea. Along one side of the hill is
along stretch of beach where the headquarters of the
Khao Laem Ya Samet islands national Park is located.
The Sopha
Arboretum is
located near the entrance into Ban Phe about 200
meters off highway No. 3 at Km. 238. The extensive
grounds are home to various flowering plants. A 100
years old Thai-style wooden structure houses
porcelain ware form various eras, particular of the
Ban Chiang style. Open daily except Thursday between
8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Tel: (038) 651688.
A turn at between
Km. 231 and Km. 238 leads to Ban Phe which is
about 19 kilometers from the township. A major
fishing community of the province, it is also the
main embarkation point for the ferry to Ko Samet. On
sale are popular fresh and dried seafood as well as
other local products.
Located in a
national park, Ko Samet is a highly popular
destination of Rayong. Blessed with lovely scenery
and beaches, it is easily accessible. There is a
considerable range of different accommodation
facilities to choose from.
Triangular-shaped,
most of the land area is forested with beaches
dotting intermittently on the north and east sides
of the island. The south side tapers into the sea
with small isles of rocky formation off-shore
serving as habitat and egg-laying grounds for
seagulls.
Ko Samet is 6.5
kilometres off Ban Phe and can be visited virtually
the whole year round. Exception is during the
Monsoon season mostly in May. It is recommended that
you make sure of the weather before setting out.
From
Ban Phe are ferry services throughout the day. The
trip takes about half an hour. Fares range from 40
baht to Hat Sai Kaeo and 50 baht to Hat Wong Duen.
Getting from one place to another on the island is
popularly on foot, but there are also land or sea
transport serving between beaches.
Some
6 kilometres off-shore is Ko Kudi which is to
the east of Samet. To the northeast are white, sandy
beaches and popular viewing points. Off its northern
tip are several coral rich small islets.
Suan Son about 4 kilometres further from Ban Phe
along the beach front road, offers areas shaded by
verdant pine trees. The scenic beach is eminently
suited for relaxation and swimming. Accommodations
and food shops are also available.
Klaeng District
Wang Kaew is a recreational park and resort
located some 11 kilometres further from Suan Son on
the beach road. There are accommodation facilities
and a well-landscaped park. For more information
call (038) 638 067-8 or 259 4150-1 (Bangkok).
Laem Mae Phim can be reached either from
Sukhumwit Road taking a right turn at Km. 259.5, 263
or 268 or continuing for a little over 1 kilometre
from Wang Kaew on the beach road. It is a popular
site for relaxation and snacks.
Five
kilometres further on from Laem Mae Phim on the
beach road (Highway No. 3145) is the Sunthorn Phu
Memorial commemorating one of Thailand's top
poets. The bard, native of Rayong by birth, produced
his literary works during the early part of
Rattanakosin Era some two hundred years ago, Phra
Aphai Mani being his most well-known work.
Near
the turning at Km. 265 on Highway No. 3 is Wat
Saranat Thamaram built in 1945. lt features a
beautiful Ubosot housing a replica of the Highly
revered Phutthachinnarat statue of major Buddhist
monuments from Thailand's four regions.
Ban Chang District
Hat Phayun and Hat Phala, 32 kilometers and 34
kilometers respectively from the provincial town,
offer Ban Chang's own lovely beaches. Shaded by pine
trees, it has both hotels and bungalows for
visitors.
Ban Khai District
Thirty kilometers from town is Suphattraland,
an extensive orchard open to the public. It grows
succulent mangosteen, durian and rambutan. They
generally mature in late April-June. Visitors can
enjoy not only the pleasant surroundings but also
taste for themselves freshly-picked fruits form the
trees.
Khao Cha-mao Sub District
About
7 kilometres from town the Khao Cha-Mao National
Park covers a vast area extending into both
Rayong and Chanthaburi. The park headquarters can be
reached by proceeding on highway no. 3 to km. 274
where a left turn leads to the headquarters some 17
kilometres further on. The forest is in almost
perfect condition with a profusion of different
plantlife. A not-to-be-missed attraction is the
multi-tiered Khao Cha-Mao waterfall cascading down
from the mountain-top carving out hollow basins
where visitors can splash around and where many fish
live. There are also food shops and bungalows.
Camping is possible within the park.
Other
interesting sites in the park include Pha Sawan, the
Heavenly Cliff, about 1.5 kilometres from the park
headquarters serving as a vantage point for viewing;
the Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall 3 kilometres away and
the Khlong Hing Phloeng Waterfall 10 kilometres from
the office. All these sites can be reached only on
foot. But the route offer stunning natural scenery
of plant life.
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden
is located within the grounds of the Petroleum
Authority of Thailand, about 25 kilometres from town
on Highways No. 36 and No. 3191 in Nikhom Phatthana
sub-district. It is a center of various herbal
research. Open daily form 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Tel:
(038) 6818147-30.
Festivals and Fairs :
Rayong Fruit Fair held around May-June is
designed to promote and market fruits and seafood of
the province. Colorful fruit-decorated floats vie
for prizes. There are fruit contests and
agricultural exhibitions.
The Robing Of The Phra Chedi Klang Nam is a
traditional fair held annually during The full-moon
period of the 12th lunar month coinciding with Loi
Krathong festival in November. Held at Wat Pak Nam
in Muang district there are religious rites, long
boat races, a delightful Loi Krathong and other
Pleasant entertainment.
Local Products and Souvenirs:
Well-known and highly popular items are products
from the sea including shrimp paste, fish sauce,
dried shrimp, salted fish and squid. All at
reasonable prices. They are available at Ban Phe
Market and the market within town limit.
Fruits in season during May to June include
durian, rambutan and mangosteen which are also
marketed nationwide. Visitors to Rayong during this
period unfailingly take advantage of the abundance
and the low prices of these succulent tropical
fruits. Some fruit orchards are also open to
visitors.
A
cottage industry production, Kok Weed Products
are made mainly by the people of Tambon Kram in
Klaeng district. They come in the shape of caps,
handbags and souvenirs and can be purchased at a
shop near the Sunthorn Phu Memorial.
Crystal Products made in Rayong are of
comparable quality to those from abroad. The items
are intended for both practical use and as
souvenirs. The Lotus Crystal plant is open to allow
visitors to view the production process and buy
finished products daily except Sunday. It is located
at 161, Mu 6, Nikhom Soi 4, on Highway No. 3375 at
Nikhom Phatthana sub-district, Tel: (038) 636372.
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