Rayong

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Rayong General Information

Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast – Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.

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. Administratively, the province is divided into Mueang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana Sub-districts.

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.

The Past

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.

Rayong Festival Information

- Rayong Fruit Fair

Rayong Fruit Fair, held around May-June, is designed to promote and market fruits and other products made from fruits and seafood of the province. Colorful fruit-decorated floats vie for prizes. There are fruit contests and agricultural exhibitions.

- Sunthon Phu Day

Sunthon Phu Day is held annually on 26 June, the date of his birth. Sunthon Phu was the early Rattanakosin Period’s foremost poet, and his poems are widely acclaimed for their lyrical verse and pictorial language. The best of his poems is the epic romance Phra Aphai Mani. In 1986, he was listed as a person of international literary distinction by UNESCO. Activities include a procession of cars featuring Sunthon Phu’s literary works, competitions on poetry writing and painting of scenes from Sunthon Phu’s poetry.

- The Robing of the Phra Chedi Klang Nam

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 Mueang district, there are religious rites, long boat races, a delightful Loi Krathong and other pleasant entertainment.

Rayong Attactions Information

- Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park

Namtok Khao Chamao is situated approximately 17 kilometers off of the main highway at Km. marker 274. The main attraction and landmark of the 8-tiered waterfall is "Wang Mutcha” a large pond on the second level which is the habitat of Pluang fish. Reaching the top is easy and visitors can enjoy the refreshing scenery all the way up to the highest level of the waterfall.

- Pha Sawan (Heaven Cliff)

Pha Sawan is situated about 1,500 meters from the Park’s Office. The cliff is famous for its scenic lookout point which offers an intriguing panoramic view of the pristine forests. Various types of plants can be found along the way up to the cliff and are ideal for nature studies.

- Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden

The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden is located within the grounds of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, about 25 kilometers from town on Highways No. 36 and No. 3191 in Nikhom Phatthana sub-district. It is not only a center where various herbal plants are put on display, the place as well engages in herbal research.

- Ko Man Nai

This small island located approximately 5 kilometers off shore from Laem Mae Phim has been developed into a Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen. The place is open to the public from Monday to Sunday. Nearby are Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok which are famous for their immaculate white sandy beaches and hip boutique resorts.

- Laem Mae Phim

This cape can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road by taking a right turn at km. markers 259.5, 263 or 268, or proceeding further for another 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road. This is a perfect spot either for relaxation and swimming or sampling local foods. To the north of the cape is a small off-shore isle named Ko Khi Pla.

- Sunthon Phu Memorial

Five kilometers further on from Laem Mae Phim on the beach road (Highway No. 3145) is the Sunthorn Phu Memorial. The place was built to commemorate one of Thailand’s most famous poets. Sunthon Phu, a Rayong native, had written his literary works during the early part of the Ratanakosin era (some two hundred years ago), with Phra Aphai Mani being his most well-known work.

- Hat Mae Ramphueng

This 12-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery while swimming. The beach trails along the way to meet Ban Kon Ao, where a small fishing community can be found. Accommodations and restaurants are available.

- Hat Saeng Chan

Situated approximately 7 kilometers from the city, this beach is connected to Laem Charoen beach and is also suitable for swimming. Accommodations and restaurants are available.

- Ko Samet

A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks. A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand and sea. The climate is always pleasantly cool with an abundance of rain in August and windy monsoons in May.

There are a wide range of accommodations on the island with prices at the low-end starting from 200 baht for a bungalow with basic amenities, while bungalows with furniture and air-conditioning may start at the rate of 600 baht. Mid-range hotels and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are also available. Reservations for accommodations should be made in advance as the place gets crowded especially during the festive season.

- Hat Sai Kaeo

One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.

- Ao Wong Deuan

Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On top of this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.

- Ao Karang

The best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet is at Ao Karang where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.

- Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam)

Built at the center of the isle at the mouth of the Rayong River, the pagoda is located about 2 kilometers from town. The origin of the pagoda, which stands about 10 meters high, is still unknown. Sailors once used it as the sign of arrival in Rayong. An annual celebration held during November, features an exciting boat and Loy Krathong Festival.

- Suan Son

This beach is located approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Phe. Travel along the beach-front road and visitors will find a place that offers true relaxation under the shade of pine trees. The scenic beach is eminently suited to relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.

- The Sopha Arboretum

The extensive grounds located near the entrance to Ban Phe, just about 200 meters off Highway No.3 at Km. marker 238 are home to various flowering plants. A 100-year-old Thai-style wooden structure houses porcelain ware from various periods, in particular the Ban Chiang style. The place is open daily except Thursdays from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. Contact Tel: 0-3865-1688 for more information.

- Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon

Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market” by the locals, the temple is located next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food.

Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the market can inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles of the past.

- Wat Pa Pradu

Believed to be constructed during the Ayutthaya era, the temple houses a 12-meter-long Reclining Buddha which measures 11.95 meters long and 3.60 meters high. Unlike other reclining statues, the image lies on the left, instead of the right. The viharn was later built over the image in 1981.

**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org