Rayong

Rayong is famous for beautiful islands and fruit orchards. With a 100 kilometre-long coastline, it boasts several wonderful beaches and scenic waterfalls amid natural surroundings. Rayong is also rich in sea-life resources and considered a major agricultural and industrial province.

Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok, Rayong is a delightful seaside province on Thailand’s eastern Gulf coast. Most of the province is marked by mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of fruit plantations and forests. However, the province is most well known for its pristine beaches stretching along its 100-kilometer coastline and its scenic waterfalls set amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from these natural attractions, Rayong produces an abundance of seafood products, such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, and dried seafood, and grows a number of tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.

Historically, in the late Ayutthaya period following the razing of the capital city by the invading Burmese, General Tak (Phaya Tak) led a troop of patriots who broke through the cordon of besieging troops and marched to Rayong in order to build up his navy before proceeding onto 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, King Taksin returned to Ayutthaya, routed the Burmese and set up a new capital in Thonburi, across the river from modern-day Bangkok.

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 lifestyles of the locals. Most renowned for its quiet and unspoiled beaches, including Mu Koh Samet National Park, Rayong is a popular beach getaway destination for Bangkok residents and a renowned producer of seafood related goods.

Samed Island (Koh Samet)

Samed Island, Rayong Province, is a popular attraction for sea lovers because it is not far from Bangkok and the transportation links are quite easy. This island is about 6.5 kilometers from Ban Phe. Travelling to Samed Island is quite convenient. Tourists can experience a diverse atmosphere and activities.

The shape of the island is triangular with the base of the triangle is on the north. There are various beautiful bays, mountains, a flat area along the beach and a village of on the north east of the island. The reason why this island is called Samed Island, is there are a lot of white and red Eugenia (Samed trees) here. If you like quiet and uncrowded places, Samed Island is a good choice. Sai Kaew Beach is very famous with both Thai and foreign tourists because there are various stylish resorts, restaurants, and bars. Tourists who like plenty of entertainment will enjoy Sai Kaew Beach because it offers all-day activities.

Daily passenger boats are available from 8am to 4pm. The journey will start when there are 20 passengers on board. The fee is 100 baht for the return trip to Ban Phe-Sai Keaw Beach. It takes about 40 minutes to get there. For people who want to go to Wong Duen Bay, the fee is 120 baht for the return trip. Tourists should contact the operators for more information about the departure time of boats.

Baan Pae Market, Rayong

Baan Pae market is a great place to find fresh and dried seafood especially shrimp paste. It is the center for seafood because it is where the fishing boats land their catches. There are also many local items, which make this market a combination of both regional and marine products. It is situated at Tambol Baan Pae, Amphur Muang, Rayong.

The market is at the main road of Rayong province, which makes this street the best shopping spot in the region. There are many attractions for visitors to chose such as restaurants, souvenir shops and museums. Also do not forget to try the delicious food at Tamnan Paa, a restaurant in the forest.

U-tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport (UTP)

U-tapao airport is expanding operations to accept more domestic and international flights. The airport can already handle most large passenger jets.