The
province of Rayong is known for its fine beaches, testy food and delectable
durians.About 220 kilometers from Bangkok on Highway No. 3 or 179 Kilometers
on Highway No.36 with its new short-cut,Rayong offers some interesting
sight-seeing and pleasure.
How to get there
Both air and non air-conditioned buses leave from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal(Ekamai)
Non air-conditioned buses leave every 30 minutes, starting from 04.30-22.30 hrs. Fare is $ 38 (Tel.391-2504).
Air-conditioned buses leave every 40 minutes, starting from 04.00-22.00 hrs. Fare is $ 69. (Tel.391-4990).
Attraction Within town limit
The King Taksin Shrine located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon commemorates the occasion when he was ralling Thai fighters to liberate the country from Burmese occupation. It is hightly revered by the people, particularly those of Chinese ancestry, and draws large worshipping crowds during the chinese New Year celebrations.
A large reclining Buddha, measuring 11.95 meters long and 3.60 meters high, is located in the main chapel of Wat pa Pradu The image reclines on its left instead of the traditional right.
About two kilometers south of town center at the end of Taksin Maharaj Road is the Phra Chedi Klang Nam a pagoda erected on an islet of the Rayong River. It is not known who constructed the pagoda, although it has been there for countless years. The pagoda itself is held in November, with boat races and other folk plays and performances.
The Rayong City Pillar highly respected by town people, is located at the lak Muang Road. Originally the shrine housing the pillar was made of wood but subsequently reconstructed in brick and mortar.
The Phra Buddha Angkirotthe principal Buddha image of Rayong, is enshrined in a Thai- style pavilion at Suan Si Muang located behind the city hall.
Outside the City
A small off-shore island, Ko Saket can be reached by embarking on a boat at Hat Sai Thong. The trip takes about fifteen minutes. A few bungalows are available for rent and fresh water is transported to the island for drinking and washing. There is also a modest restaurant. The scenery is beautiful, with long white beaches crystal clear water allow a fascinating view of the underwater coral formations. Ferry starts operating from nine in the morning and the latest return trip is five in the afternoon. Each ferry can accommodate up to 30 persons.
Reservation can be made at Tel.2712750 in Bangkok, Tel.(038) 611042 in Rayong. And advance booking of 3-7 day in advisable, with 50% deposit:
The Sobha Botanical Gardens possess one of the most numerous varieties of trees and plants in Thailand. Located on the Phe Road, Amphoe Muang, Rayong, the Gardens are only 68 Km. from Pattaya, not far from the ferry to Samet Island. In the Gardens, one sees also a Thai Sala and a group of three utensils traditionally used by the Thai people. There are also a number of antique objects and other objects dart on display in the houses. For more detail, please contact Tel. 2241373, 2241388.
Along the Sukhumvit Highway at Km.231, take a left turn and proceed on for about five kilometers. This is the small hamlet of Ban Phe where local products such as fish sauce, cuttle-fish, dried shrimp and shrimp paste, are on sale. Further from Ban Phe to Amphoe Klaeng is the village of Ban Khram, the birthplace of Sunthon Phu. There is a beautiful kept memorial park at the place where his house was sited.
Only about 30 minutes away by boat (6.5 kms. from Ban Phe), is Ko Samet or Ko Kaeo Phitsadan on which Sunthon Phu Thailand's great poet of the early 19th century based the story of Phra Apaimani.
Since October 1, 1981, the Forestry Department has proclaimed the Khao Laem Ya-Samet Island Group as a national park, which includes the island of Kudi Kruai Kham and Plai Tin.
Samet Island offers beautiful beaches and fascinating spots for skin divers who want to get away from it all and enjoy the underwater life along the picturesque coral reefs.
Camping is possible provided that campers must bring their own tent and camping equipment. Contact National Park Division Tel. 5790529, 5794842.
The Suan Son Pine Park five kilometers from Ban Phe on the beach road, is a popular picnic place, with shady areas, white clean sand and a number of sea-food cateries.
Resonable accommodation is also available. Reservation can be made in Bangkok by calling 289-2253 (N.S.Land), 465-0054 (Jirawan Resort).
About eleven kilometers further along the beach road is Suan Wang Kaeo which can also be reached by way of the Sukhumvit Highway at Km. 248. Tastefully landscaped and with several beaches and bays, Suan Wang Kaeo also manages the off-shore isle of Ko Thalu popular for camping, skin-diving and under-water exploits.
More information can be obtained by calling 2510836 and 2525053.
With entries at Km. 259, 263 and 268, Laem Mae Phim (cape) is suitable for swimming as waves are not too strong and the sea is clean and clear.
Accommodation may be booked by calling 2801820 (Ban Phe Cabana) 2156600 (Suan Thip Wari), 3900741-2 (Sinsamut Village) 3144382 (Phat Lodge), 390-2132 (Phimnipha Villa) 3902146 (Ban Sai Kaeo). To the north of the cape is a small off-shore isle, Ko Khi Pla which for some unexplained reasons, can be reached someday by walking as the tide goes down to the extent that a "road" appears.
Wat Saranat Thamaram Located at the entrance to Amphoe Klaeng at Km. 265 on Sukhumvit Highway and built in 1944, has as its principal image a replica of the highly venerated Phra Buddha Chinarat of Phitsanulok. At the four corners of the temple are also replicas of four major Buddhist monuments, namely, Phra Pathom Chedi, Phra That Panom, Buddha Gaya and Phra That Chaiya.
The Khao Cha-mao National Park which is about 17 kilometers off the main highway at Km. 274, abounds with various types of trees and plants, as well as those species highly valued as decorative plants. Namtok Khao Cha-mao has 8 levels and is not too difficult to reach the top. Bungalows are provided by National Park by calling Tel. 5794842 for reservation.
About 77 kilometers from town and another 12 kilometers from a left turn at Km. 286 Sukhumvit Highway is Tham Khao Wong (Cave) Accessibility during rainy season is rather difficult along the laterite road. There are about 80 big and small connecting chambers, all of which are richly and beautifully decorated with natural stalactites and stalagmites.
Ko Man which consists of three islands namely Ko Man Nai,Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok, located 5 kms. from Laem Mae Phim. It takes about 30 minutes by boat. The islands are good for coral reefs, and are going to be developed into Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary. Accommodation on Ko Man Nok, contacts Tel. 574-5557 and Ko Man Klang calling 319-6717.
About 8 Kms. from Ban Phe is Ban Kon Ao, a small fishing village with long beautiful beach. The beach road proceeds on to another beach "Hat Mae Ramphung"
Lots of bungalows can be found here such as Wangthong (279-3753), Chanphen Villa (253-8445), Ban Hin Khao (234-1513), Ban Chonnikan (277-2767), Ban Near Seaside (420-2194) and Premwadi Sea View (423-0349).