Rayong, Thailand

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 :

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.