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Golden
Town of The East
Coast
Rayong
is located in the east coast of Thailand on the northern shoreline of
the Gulf of Thailand, some 179 kilometres from Bangkok.
Rayong
has an extensive coastline stretching for approximately 100 kilometres,
is some 3,552 square kilometres in area, and is divided into 6 administrative
districts. To the north and west it is bordered by the province of Chonburi,
east by Chanthaburi Province and south by the Gulf of Thailand. The
total population of the province is about 437,552 persons.
In general
the geography of Rayong is marked by a series of mountains interspersed
by flat plains and large tracts of land under forest, rubber and fruit
plantation. Offshore there are many islands which are wellknown by the
tourist, such as Ko Samet and Ko Man.
Rayong
was mentioned in the Thai history during the late Ayuttaya period, when
the former capital was razed to the ground by the invading Burmese.
At this time Phaya Tak, later to become King Taksin of Thonburi, led
a band of patriots and broke out through the cordon of besieging troops
who had surrounded the capital. He then made the cast stopping in Rayong
to build up his navy before proceeding on to Chantaburi. 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 Taksin returned to Ayuttaya and routed the Burmese and set up
a new capital in Thonburi.
Rayong
is blessed with its abundance of nature beauty, It has a well deserved
reputation for producing seafood poducts such as shrimp paste, fish
sauce and dried seafoods, and tropical fruits of which Rambutan, Mangosteen
and Durian are the most famous.\par The climate is tropical, generally
warm and humid with abundant rainfall, average temperature is around
28 C. The best months are November through February.
Attractions
& Places Of Interest
CITY
ATTRACTIONS:
The
King Taksin Shrine
The shrine
is located of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon which commemorates King Taksin
the Great's brief sojourn in Rayong. In front of the shrine is a large
tree of the genus Parkia, where according to local legend, his elephant
was believed to be stabled. It is highly revered by the people, particularly
those of Chinese ancestry, and attracts large crowds during Chinese
New year celebrations.
Wat
Pa Pradu
This temple
was constructed during the Ayuttaya period. Enshrined in the temple
is a large reclining Buddha, measuring 11.95 metres long by 3.60 metres
high. This differs from other similar images, in that it reclines on
its left side.
City
Pillar Shirne
Located
in Lak Muang Road. Originally it was made from wood, but was later restored,
using mortar, as a Chinese-style pavilion.
Phra
Chedi Kiang Nam
The Chedi
(Pagoda) is located about 2 kilometres from town centre and is Sited
on an islet at the mouth of the Rayong River. The Chedi, stands about
10 metres high, and is an ancient structure, though there is no evidence
of when it was built and by whom. An annual celebration is, held during
the twelfth lunar month (November) featuring exciting boat races.
Sri
Muang Park
The park
is located in the centre of town behind the city hall. The most prominent
feature is a Buddhist Shrine called Ho Phra Budda Ang Khee Rot which
is built over an artificial lake, and in Traditional Thai architectural
style.
Out-Of
City Attractions
Sai
Thong Beach
This peaceful
secluded setting has, as the name implies, a fine sandy beach, Along
the beachfront there are bungalows for rent as well as a restaurant
serving fresh seafood. To reach Hat Sai Thong drive about 12 kilometres
along highway 3 in the direction of Sattahip and turn off between kilometre
posts 207-208 opposite the Maptaphut Market. Approximately 5.5 kilometres
along this road is the beach.
Ko Saket
A small
island about 10 minutes journey from Sai Thong Beach. The water around
the island is clear and allow a fascination view of the underwater coral
formations. There are bungalows for rent on the island.
Payoon
and Pala Beach
Located
in Ban Chang District about 33 and 36 kilometres respectively from Rayong
Town. Both .beaches are connected, peaceful and eminently suitable for
swimming. Here visitors have choice of accommodation from luxury hotel
to economy bungalows.
Dok
Krai Reservoir
Located
in Pluak Daeng District, 35 kilometres from Rayong Town. This is the
centre of development projects under the advice of H.M.King Bhumipol
Adulyadej on agriculture, fishery, irrigation, land and farm animals.
The reservoir covers 20,000 rais of land, is surrounded by the natural
beauty ideal for relaxing, camping and educational tour.
Mae
Rumphueng Beach
The beach,
some 10 kilometres long is located between Ban Tapong and Ban Kon Aow,
11 kilometres from town, and sited within the Khao Laem Yah-Ko Samet
Group National Park. This is a particularly beautiful spot with a headland
forming a magnificent backdrop to a crescent shaped bay with broad sandy
beaches which are ideal for swimming.
Ban
Kon Ao
This is
a typical fishing village, some 22 kilometres from town, which is dominated
by a temple with seats a top a hill overlooking the snoreline. The area
is subject to wind and sea erosing. The palm trees appear to be standing
on sand pedestals, which appear to be help together only by the roots
of the trees.
The
Sobha Botanical Gardens
These possess
one of the greatest varieties of trees and plants in Thailand. Located
on the Phe road, Muang District. Rayong , 17 kilometres from town, the
Gardens are only 3 kilometres from the ferry to Samet island. In' the
Gardens, one sees also a Thai Sala and a group of three classical Thai
houses, each of which is more than a hundred years old. The houses are
completely furnished and have utensils traditionally used by the people.
There are also a number of antique objects and other objects d'art on
display in the houses.
Khao
Laem Ya-Ko Samet Group National Park
In 1981
the area known as Khao Laem Yah and the island of Ko samet was designated
as a nature reserve. It is an area of great natural beauty which is
enhanced by the tranquility of the surroundings. Khao Laem Ya is located
about 6.4 kms from the fishing village of Ban Phe. Ko Samet, on which
Sunthorn Phu, Thailand 's greatest poet based his most famous work,
the story of Pra Apaimanee, lies about 40 minutes boat journey offshore.
The park also covers Mae Rumphueng Beach, Ban Kon Ao and some islands
near Ko Samet such as Ko Kudee, Ko Kruai, Ko Khangkhao and Ko Platin.
Ban
Phe
Ban Phe,
22 Kilometres from town, is a busy fishing port and the centre of local
marine produce. The town of Ban Phe is characterised by narrow streets
of shops and houses, It is a stopping off points for tourists en route
to the island of Ko Samet. Boats leave regularly for the island from
the piers. shop in the main street stock a wide variety of marine produce
and many souvenirs and trinkets fashioned from shells of different shades
and sizes.
 Ko Samet or Ko Kaew Phisadan
It is the
most well-known attraction of Rayong offers beautiful beaches with charming
white sand, strange-shape rocks, suitable relaxation, water sporting,
exploring the coral reefs beneath the sea. Ko Samet is located some
6.5 kilometres from ban Phe. There are boat services available all day
and many kinds of accommodation there.
Ko Kudee
It lies
approximately 6 kilometres offshore. Besides Ko Kudee there are two
smaller islands, one is Ko Khangkhao and another is Ko Rusee Cave. All
three islands lie a little to the east of Ko Samet. The islands have
beautiful natural landscapes and ringed by fine beaches which are ideal
for swimming and camping on.
Suan
Son Park
It is 1
kilometre from Ban Phe and also known as the Casuarina (pine) gardens:
These splendid tress line both verges of the road for a distance of
1 kilomertre. It is a popular picnic place with shady areas.
Wang
Kaew
This is
agreeably one of the most picturesque part of the east coast and used
to be the most famous tourist spot. Wang Kaew is a beautifully landscaped
headland with a fine beach and accommodation available in cottages and
bungalows. It is 38 kilometres from town.
Laem
Mae Phim
At km 26
on the coastal road between Ban Phe and Klaeng, 48 kilometres from town,
is Laem Mae Phim. This is a popular beach attracts Thai tourists. There
are many bungalows for r6nt at the site and along the roadside there
are vendors selling a wide range of produce. Such as fruits, coconuts,
fried squid and skeweres oysters. Boats can be hired to visit the nearby
Ko Mun island group.
Mun
Islands
Lying off
-the coast near Kram is the Ko Mun island group which consists of three
islands, namely Ko Man Nai, Ko Mun Kiang and Ko Mun Nok which mean inner,
middle and outer Mun islands. These islands are located about 5 kilometres
off Laem Mae Phim and take about 50 minutes to reach by boat, The cost
is about 500 baht per round trip. The islands are worth while exploring,
each one having fine sandy beaches which offer secluded sports for sunbathing
or swimming. Accommodations are available on Ko Mun Klang and Ko Mun
Nok.
The
Statue of Sunthorn Phu
Being further
down the beautiful road going towards Kaeng district, 53 kilometres
from town, the great poet of the Ratanakosin Era has been desig nated
by UNESCO as an eminent classical poet The statue is located in the
village of Ban Kram, the birthplace of Sunthorn Phu's father. There
is a wellkept memorial park at the house site. A statue of the poet
in a seated position is placed on a hilllock overlooking an ornamental
pond. Characters from his most famous work can be seen below him. His
beloved hero, Phra Aphaimanee, is playing a flute at the foot of the
hill. The graceful mermaid rests on a rock in the pond as a giant ogress
rises out of the water.
Wat
Saranat Thammaram
This temple
is located at the market in Klaeng town and was constructed in 1945.
This very imposing structure boasts one of the, most beautiful Ubosots
in the East. Replicas of many well-known Buddhist chedis are erected
around the compound.
Somdet
Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine
Near the
mouth of the river Prasair is the district of Klaeng is the Somdet Krommaluang
Chumphon shrine, which honours the "Father of the Royal Thai Navy "
To reach the site turn off the Sukhumvit Road at km. 278 and travel
a distance of 9 kms.
The
Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park
It is about
17 kilometres off the main highway at km. 274, 76 kilometres from Rayong
and abounds with various types of trees and plants, as well as. species
highly valued as decorative plants. The Khao Chamao waterfall has eight
levels. It is not too difficult to reach the top.
Khao
Wong Caves
To reach
Khao Wong take the turning at km 288 on the Sukhumvit Road and travel
a distance of 12 kms to find the caves. At Khao Wong there are about
60 caves around the base of the mountain. Many of the caves are occupied
by Buddhist monks, and one has been turned into a shrine with a replica
of the Buddha 's footprint.
Transportation
HOW
TO GET TO RAYONG :
By Bus
Rayong
is connected by regular bus services with Bangkok and other towns and
provinces such as Pattaya, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen,
Nong Khai, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani.
Air conditiones
and regular buses leave Bangkok to Rayong from Eastern Bus Terminal
on Sukhumvit Road, Ekamai, Tel : 3914900 (air) and Tel : 3912504 (non-air).
Airconditioned buses leaving Bangkok every 30-40 minutes from 05.00
hrs. until 22.00 hrs. One way fare is 85 baht. Non-airconditioned buses
leaving Bangkok every 30 minutes from 04.30 hrs. until 20.00 hrs. One
way fare is 47 baht. The trip takes about 3 hours.
Airconditioned
buses leaving Bangkok for Ban Phe every 1 hour from 07.00 hrs. until
20,30 hrs. and non- airconditioned buses every 1 hour from 05.15 hrs.
until 18.30 hrs. One way fare is 90 baht for airconclitioned bus and
50 baht for non-airconditioned bus.
By Air
Bangkok
Airways operates regular scheduled flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai,
Phuket and Samui Island to Rayong-Utapao International Airport. For
information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel; (02) 2538942- 6,2559915-20
and Rayong, Tel : (038) 603063
Local
Transportation
Public
urban transportation within Rayong is in the form of minibuses. Local
buses leave the Rayong Bus Terminal at Rayong Trade Centre for various
destinations throughout the day. depend on the distances. Fares are
about 5-15 baht depand on the distances.
Boat
to Ko Samet
Ko Samet
can be reached by boat frorn Ban Phe. Boats leaving Ban Phe for Ko Samet
through the day from 06.00 hrs. until 17.00 hrs. Fare is 30 baht for
one way trip. The trip takes about 40 minutes.
Major
Events & Festivals
New
Year and Red Cross Fair
This fair
is held from December 28 until January 3 with a board range of entertainment
spectacles and special exhibitions of government and private agencies.
Fruit
Fair
 This annual fair, usually during the middle of may, celebrates
the abundance of local fruits and products. Besides stalls selling local
fruits and products, there are colourful floats decorated with fruits,
parades, musical and dance processions, beauty pageants, fruits contests
and exhibitions of local products.
Phra
Chedi Kiang Nam Fair
This annual
celebration is held in the twelveth lunar month during Loi Krathong
festival, to pay h the Chedi. The fair also features exciting boat races.
Shopping
Seafood
Products
such as
shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried prawns, squid and other dried seafoods
are important and well know local products, due to their high quality
and moderate prices. The best places to buy are in Ban Phe market or
in any of Rayong's market.
Reed
mats
and other
beautiful products from the same material, such as purses, handbags
and hats, are a local cottage industry in the village of Kram and Klaeng
district. One of the best places to buy these gifts is from the woman
' s charity group located near the monument of Sunthorn Phu.
Fruits
are famous
in Rayong particularly from end of May until the middle of July, when
Durian, Rambutan, Mangosteen are available. During this time many Thai
make a special trip to Rayong to buy such fruits which are reasonably
priced and of excellent quality.
Dining
In Rayong
there are numerous restaurants offering Thai, Chinese and European Cuisines.
Seafood restaurants can be found throughout seaside areas and town.
Sports
Apart from
tennis at major hotels, fishing in the sea and snorkelling or scuba
diving around off-shore islands, visitors can enjoy many challenging
golf courses in Rayong and nearby areas. There is also a bowling alley
in Rayong town.
Recommended
Golf Courses
Rayong
Green Valley Country Club
Ban Chang-Yai
Ra Road, Amphoe Ban Chang, Rayong.
Tel: (038) 60300-5 Fax: (036) 614916
| Green fees : |
Weekdays 600 Baht
Weekends 900 Baht |
Eastern
Star country Club
Ban Chang-Pala
Road, Amphoe Ban Chang, Rayong.
Tel : (01) 9162524, (038) 602500 Fax: (038) 602754
| Green fees : |
Weekdays 600 Baht
Weekends 900 Baht |
Phlu
Ta Luang Golf Course
Sattahip,
Chonburi.
Tel : (038) 602185-6 Ext. 067-4321 or Golf Course
| Green fees : |
Weekdays 250 Baht
Weekends 400 Baht |
 
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