Besides Pattaya, on the East Coast such as Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat, are gaining popularity with visitors. Located some 180 km. southeast of Bangkok, Rayong is easily accessible from Pattaya. The 80 km. journey along Highway 36 takes approximately one hour.
It is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty including its 100 km. stretch of coastline, a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and forested land, and rubber and fruit plantations.
Being on a seaside location, Rayong is famed for its seafood products and is also well known for its tropical fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen and durian.
Rayong is known for its fishing villages that are far less developed than the coastal villages near Pattaya, it is truly a haven for visitors seeking rest and relaxation.
Noteworthy seaside spots include Ban Kon Ao, Hat Sai Thong and Suan Wang Kaeo. Koh Samet, which boasts beautiful white sand beaches and coral reefs ideal for scuba diving is gaining popularity as a side-trip from Pattaya.
As national parks go the island has very little vegetation. Most of the trees were cut down or burned, but over the last 10 years secondary growth has taken place giving the island shrubs and bushes and plenty of coconut trees along its coast to provide shelter.
The climate in Rayong is tropical, generally warm and humid with abundant rainfall, average temperature is around 28 degrees C. Best months to visit are from November through February.
Finding your way around Rayong
Famous for its fruits and quiet beaches, the first stop is usually a visit to Koh Samet (Samet Island), Rayong premier destination.
Aside from its 100 km. coastline of prime beaches along the Gulf of Thailand and 10 islands with abundant marine resources, Rayong is also with both domestic and international tourists. There are almost as many fruit lovers in the province as those who seek the solace of quiet beaches.
Popular among visitors from Southeast Asia, the largest island, Koh Samet is only a 40 minutes ferry ride from the mainland. It is often mentioned as the site of the mythical crystal island portrayed in classical Thai literature composed by famous poet, Sunthon Phu (1786 - 1855).
Transfer to Koh Samet
Take a ferry from Ban Phe district, Rayong province on the mainland to landing points on popular beaches - Ao Klang, Ao Phrao, Ao Wong Duen, Ao Thian and Ao Wai. Ao Klang Pier is main disembarkation port where other services such as taxies converted from pick-up trucks, ATM, tours and restaurants are available. The other beaches have simple piers used for diving and boat excursions. On Koh Samet island, travelling around is made easy by a fleet of passenger pick-up vehicles called "Songtaew". An alternative is to walk between beaches.
The most famous and largest beach of Koh Samet is Had Sai Kaew (Crystal Sand Beach), about 800 meter long and popular with sunbathers and water sport lovers. The options include jet skiing, circuits on banana boats, and windsurfing.
The second largest beach of Koh Samet, Ao Wong Deun, is situated in the middle of the eastern side of Koh Samet. It attracts tourist groups and has good quality accommodation. There are also seafood restaurants with excellent sea views.
For those who have tried the popular areas and want a more peaceful environment of Koh Samet, then Ao Hin Kok and Ao Thapthim, Ao Put Sa, and Ao Kiu Nok fit the bill.
Besides Koh Samet, this renowned island, Rayong also proves that it has a big future in the competitive niche markets such as scuba diving. The scuba diving at nearby resorts is of good quality but there are also tour programmes that take divers to east coast sites to see marine life as well. Rates depend on the dive spots and accommodation.
Rayong also has scenic locations such as waterfalls and sunset viewpoints at Khao Laem Ya an area covered in scrub forest. From the cape there are scenic views of Mae Ramphueng Beach and Koh Samet island.
Each year during May, fruit orchards deliver an amazing harvest that makes Rayong province famous for its fruit festivals. The venue the main festival switches between Mueang and Klaeng districts of Rayong.
Tourists can enjoy watching floats decorated with fruits, fruit contests, beauty contests, as well as a fruit and seafood fair.
Seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood are sold alongside tropical fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen and durian.
Finding your way around Rayong
Famous for its fruits and quiet beaches, the first stop is usually a visit to Koh Samet (Samet Island), Rayong premier destination.
Aside from its 100 km. coastline of prime beaches along the Gulf of Thailand and 10 islands with abundant marine resources, Rayong is also with both domestic and international tourists. There are almost as many fruit lovers in the province as those who seek the solace of quiet beaches.
Popular among visitors from Southeast Asia, the largest island, Koh Samet is only a 40 minutes ferry ride from the mainland. It is often mentioned as the site of the mythical crystal island portrayed in classical Thai literature composed by famous poet, Sunthon Phu (1786 - 1855).
Transfer to Koh Samet
Take a ferry from Ban Phe district, Rayong province on the mainland to landing points on popular beaches - Ao Klang, Ao Phrao, Ao Wong Duen, Ao Thian and Ao Wai. Ao Klang Pier is main disembarkation port where other services such as taxies converted from pick-up trucks, ATM, tours and restaurants are available. The other beaches have simple piers used for diving and boat excursions. On Koh Samet island, travelling around is made easy by a fleet of passenger pick-up vehicles called "Songtaew". An alternative is to walk between beaches.
For those who have tried the popular areas and want a more peaceful environment of Koh Samet, then Ao Hin Kok and Ao Thapthim, Ao Put Sa, and Ao Kiu Nok fit the bill.
Besides Koh Samet, this renowned island, Rayong also proves that it has a big future in the competitive niche markets such as scuba diving. The scuba diving at nearby resorts is of good quality but there are also tour programmes that take divers to east coast sites to see marine life as well. Rates depend on the dive spots and accommodation.
Rayong also has scenic locations such as waterfalls and sunset viewpoints at Khao Laem Ya an area covered in scrub forest. From the cape there are scenic views of Mae Ramphueng Beach and Koh Samet island.
Tourists can enjoy watching floats decorated with fruits, fruit contests, beauty contests, as well as a fruit and seafood fair.
Seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood are sold alongside tropical fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen and durian.
