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.
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
8
11
22
17
23
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
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
Chanthaburi Province
Trat Province
U Taphao Airport
Ban Chang District
38
38
48
71
78
19
12
65
98
110
180
35
28
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
kms.
:: Festivals
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.
:: Local Products
Crystal products
Handmade products of Thailand that come with high, internationally accepted quality. Visit Lotus Crystal Factory in Pluak Daeng District to see how good they are.
Fried Durian
A popular product among Thai and foreign tourists alike. With its delicious taste, travelers just can’t help sampling one and buying two packs to take home. Fried Durian can be purchased at Ban Phe market and the Fruit market at Tapong.
Fruits
Fruits are famous in Rayong, particularly from May until the middle of July, when durian, rambutans and mangosteen are available.
Reed Mats
Reet mats and other beautiful reed products, such as purses, handbags and hats, are a local cottage industry in the villages of Kram and Klaeng Districts. One of the best places to buy this gift is from the women’s charity group located near themonument of Sunthorn Phu.
Seafood Products
Seafood Products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried prawns, squid and other dried seafood are important and well known local products, due to their high quality and moderate prices. The best places to buy these products are in Ban Phe market or in any of Rayong's markets.
Wong Duan Villa Ao Wong Duean, Ko Samet, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong
Tel :: 0 3865 2300
Website :: -
Email :: -
:: How to get there
By Car
Route No.1
Sukhumvit Road (Highway No.3): Starting from Bangkok passes Bangpu District, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha District, Pattaya, Hat Jomtien, Sattahip District, Ban Chang District to arrive in the center of Rayong Province. The total distance is 220 kilometers.
Route No.2
The most popular route, starting from Bangna-Trat Road (Highway No.34) via Bang Phli and Bang Bo District (Samut Prakan Province) and Highway No.3 at km. 70. The total distance is 220.
Route No.3
Drive along Highway No.3 to Bang Lamung, then turn off of Highway No.3 at Km.140 and continue on Highway No.36 to Rayong. Total distance is 210 kilometers.
Route No.4
Taking Highway No.344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) at Chonburi town, passing Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and finishing at Klaeng District, Rayong Province. The total distance is 100 kilometers. (Bangkok-Chonburi is 80 kilometers)
This route is suitable for those who like to go sightseeing in Klaeng District and Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park or passing through Chanthaburi Province.
Route No.5
Use the Motorway, starting from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet District, Bangkok and drive all the way up to Pattaya (120 kilometers), then switch to use Highway No.36 and proceed for another 50 kilometers to Rayong.
By Air
Bangkok Airways operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Ko Samui 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 the gateway from the east to the north and northeast. As such, there are many regular bus services connecting Rayong and Bangkok and other province such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.
Getting around Rayong
Local Bus Schedule:
Bus Station - Assumption School (Red) via Laemtong Department Store
The busses run daily from 5.00 a.m. until 9.00 p.m.(Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare : 5 baht
Bus Station - Paknam (Dark Blue) via Wat Pa Pradu, Wat Lum, Laem Charoen
The busses run daily from 5.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare: 5-10 baht
Big C - Nicom Pattana (White) via Big C, Makro
The busses run daily from 6.30 a.m. until 18.00 p.m. (Every 15-20 minutes)
Fare : 12 baht
Post Office - Map Ta Phut (Red) via Laemtong Department Store
The busses run daily from 5.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare : 7 baht
Post Office - Ban Chang (Red) via Century Golf
The busses run daily from 4.30 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. (Every 10-15 minutes)
Fare : 10 baht
Bus Station - Tapong (White) via Wat Pa Pradu, Tapong Fruit Market
The busses run daily from 05.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare : 5-7 baht
Bus Station - Nai Rai (Sky Blue) via Hat Mae Ramphueng, Ban Kon Ao
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 15 minutes)
Fare : 15 baht
Bus Station - Wang Kaew (White) via Rayong Chalet, Novotel
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.(Every 15 minutes)
Fare : 15 baht
Bus Station - Laem Mae Phim (Dark Blue) via Ban Phe, Suan Son, Rayong Chalet, Novotel, Laem Mae Phim
The busses run daily from 06.15 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 15 minutes)
Fare : 15-25 baht
Laem Mae Phim - Klaeng (Green) via Laem Mae Phim, Sunthorn Phu Monument
The busses run daily from 05.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. (Every 10-15 minutes)
Fare : 20 baht
Bus Station - Klaeng (Yellow) via Wat Saranat
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 10 minutes)
Fare : 20 baht
Khao Din - Khao Chamao (Green) via Khao Chamao & Klong Pla Gang Water Fall
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Every 20 minutes)
Fare : 20 baht
By Boat (to Ko Samet)
Ferry Timetables (from Ban Phe) :
Destination: Nadarn Pier (Saikaeo / Ao Phai / Ao Thapthim)
Departure from Ban Phe : Every hour
Fare/Trip : 50 baht
Departure from Destination : Every hour
Destination: Ao Wong Duen (Ao Nuan / Ao Saengthian)
Departure from Ban Phe : 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 1.30 p.m., 5.00 p.m.