FESTIVALS
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
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
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.
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Welcome to Rayong
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Rayong Province is famous among tourists for its interesting destinations and exciting activities. There are three distinct attractions on this coastal province, the first is beautiful white sandy beaches both on the mainland and islands. The second is the variety of delicious seafood at reasonable prices, and the last but not least is regional fruit such as pineapples, durians, rambutans.
Moreover, long traditions and customs including the way of the local people's life are also attractive. Don't let the chance pass by without going inside the heart of Rayong and you will find it is a very wonderful trip. Many experiences and impressive moment will happen here, at Rayong Province.
Rayong is located at the east coast of Thailand, about 220 kilometres from Bangkok on Highway No.3 or 179 kilometres on Highway No.36. The total area is 3,552 square kilometers. Most of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantation. Administrative, it is divided into Muang Rayong, Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana sub-districts.
Attractions
Ban Kon Ao
Ban Kon Ao A little fisherman's village located at the one end of Hat Mae Ramphung can still be in the traditional way of life although therer are many bunglows scattered among the houses. Swimming is also possible.
Ban Phe
A turn at between Km. 231 and Km. 238 leads to Ban Phe which is about 19 kilometres from the township. A Major fishing community of the province, it is also the main embarkation point for ferry to Ko Samet. On sale are popular fresh and dried seafood as well as other local products.
Hat Laem Charoen
Five kilometers from town at Tambon Pak Nam, Hat Laem Charoen is a seaside area popular with townspeople who come to enjoy the scene and the seafood. Hat Saeng Chan , seven kilometers from town at Tambon Pak Nam, is connected to Laem Charoen beach and also suitable for swimming. Food shops and accommodation facitlities available.
Hat Mae Ramphung
About 12 kilometres from town with a right turn Km. 229 of Sukumvit Road is Hat Mae Ramphung , a 12-kilometre long beach on the way to Ban Kon Ao, a small fishing village. The beach is clean with gentle slope suitable for swimming. On the shore are several bungalows.
Khao Laem Ya
A little further from Ban Kon Ao on the beach road to Khao Laem Ya and Mu Ko Samet National Park coverd with small shrubs and with a cape jutting into the sea. Along one side of the hill is along stretch of beach where the headquarters of the Khao Laem Ya-Samet Islands National Park is located. For more information, contact Khao Laem Ya and Mu Ko Samet Nation Park office : 08.30-16.30 Tel : (66 38)653 034
Payoon,Pla and Hat Namrin
Payoon,Pla and Hat Namrin Located Ban Chang District, These three connected beaches are peaceful and suitable for swimming. Dense pine trees at Pla Beach make it very charming. The choice of accommodation offered ranges from luxury hotels to economy complexes, including restaurants.
Phra Chedi Klang Nam
Phra Chedi Klang Nam This is a pagoda erected at the centre of the islet on the Rayong River, about 2 kilometres from town. This pagoda has been there for a long period, and it is not known who constructed it. Sailors once used it as the sign of arriving Rayong Province. An annual celebration is held during November, featuring an exciting boat and Loy Krathong Festival.
Suan Si Muang
Suan Si MuangSuan Si Muang Local people call it " Ko Klang". It is a public and health Park, located behind the former city hall. In front of the park is Phra Buddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine) placed in traditional Thai architectural style shrine.
Suan Son
Suan Son , about 4 kilometres further from Ban Phe along the beach-front road, offers areas shaded by verdant pinetrees. The scenic beach is eminently suited for relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.
The City Pillar Shrine
The City Pillar Shrine This is a Chinese-style pavilion on Lak Muang Road, which townspeople pay respect. Every year on Song Kran Festival period, celebration is held here. The original pavilion was made from wood, but later was restored by using mortar.
The Fisherman's village
The Fisherman's village The typical fisherman's village set around Laem Charoen, the mouth of Rayong River, is attractive for someone interested in people's way of life. You can also see how they catch fish and make seafood products. The old church established over 100 years ago nearby the village has symbolic statues of Chistian religion, is worth to visit.
The King Taksin Shrine
The King Taksin Shrine The shrine is located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon, on Taksin Road. King Taksin is highly revered by Thai people as one of the great kings, so many people come here to make a pilgrimage to him everyday. Celebrations are held here every year on Chinese New Year Day and December 28th, for recalling his kindness.
The Sopha Arboretum
The Sopha Arboretum is located near the entrance into Ban Phe about 200 meters off Highway No.3 at Km. 238. The extensive grounds are home to various flowering plants. A 100-year-old Thai-style wooden structure houses porcelain ware form various eras, particular of the Ban Chiang style. Open daily except Thursdays between 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Tel: 0-3865-1688.
Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon
Nearby, the local market called " Wat Lum Market " is interesting. Local Thai or Chinese foods such as noodle, and desserts can be found. Seeing the old houses lay down on both sides of the street behind the market, makes you think and imagine how the local people lived in the past.
Located on the grounds of Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon , The King Taksin Shrine marks the site where he and his follower once made camp. Within the shrine is a standing statue of the great king. The 300-year-old Satu tree (genus Parkia) is believed to be the very tree he once tethered his elephant.
Wat Pa Pradu
The City itself has no interest for tourists, except for someone, who is interested in customs, traditions and life style of local people.
The ancient Wat Pa Pradu on Sukhumvit road houses a 12-meter-long Reclining Buddha. Unlike other reclining statues, it lies on the left instead of the usual right. Originally unsheltered, a viharn was built over it in 1981.
Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam
At the end of Taksin Maharat Road and with a right turn into Samut Khongkha Road, Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam is about two kilometres south of town. It features an ancient 10-meter-high white Chedi on an isle in mid-Rayong River. No one khow who built it. But during the olden days when waterway was the main mode of transportation, the chedi served as a symbol of Rayong signifying to the boatsmen that they had arrived at the town. Celebrations are held in the full-moon day of the 12th lunar month with ceremony, boat races and other entertainment.
Transportation
Bus
Rayong is gateway from the easthern to the north and the north-easthern. Therefore, there are many regular buses service to Bangkok and other province such as Chiang Mai. Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai. For more information, refer to the bus Schedules Leaflet.
Local Buses Schedule :
Bus Station - Assumption School (Red) via Laemtong Department Store
05.00 a.m. - 21.00 p.m.(Every 5-10 Mins.)
Fare : 5 Baht
Bus Station - Paknam (Dark Blue) via Wat Pa Pradu, Wat Lum, Laem Charoen
05.00 a.m.- 18.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 Mins)
Fare: 5-10 Baht
Big C - Nicom Pattana (White) via Big C, Makro
06.30 a.m. - 18.00 p.m.(Every 15-20 Mins.)
Fare : 12 Baht
Post Office - Map Ta Phut (Red) via Laemtong Department Store
05.00 a.m.-20.00 p.m.(Every 5-10 Mins.)
Fare : 7 Baht
Post Office - Ban Chang (Red) via Century Golf
04.30 a.m.- 20.00 p.m. (Every 10-15 Mins.)
Fare : 10 Baht
Bus Station - Tapong (White) via Wat Pa Pradu, Tapong Fruit Market
05.00 a.m.-18.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 Mins.)
Fare : 5-7 Baht
Bus Station - Nai Rai (Sky Blue) via Hat Mae Ramphung, Ban Kon Ao
06.00 a.m.- 18.00 p.m. (Every 15 Mins.)
Fare : 15 Baht
Bus Station - Wang Kaew (White) via Rayong Chalet, Novotel
06.00 a.m.-18.00 p.m.(Every 15 Mins.)
Fare : 15 Baht
Bus Station - Laem Mae Phim (Dark Blue) via Ban Phe, Suan Son, Rayong Chalet, Novotel, Laem Mae Phim
06.15 a.m.-18.00 p.m. (Every 15 Mins.)
Fare : 15-25 Baht
Laem Mae Phim - Klaeng (Green) via Laem Mae Phim, Sunthorn Phu Monument
05.30 a.m.-17.00 p.m.(Every 10-15 Mins.)
Fare : 20 Baht
Bus Station - Klaeng (Yellow) via Wat Saranat
06.00 a.m.-18.00 p.m. (Every 10 Mins.)
Fare : 20 Baht
Khao Din - Khao Chamao (Green) via Khao Chamao & Klong Pla Gang Water Fall
06.00 a.m.-16.00 p.m. (Every 20 Mins.)
Fare : 20 Baht
Car
Route No.1
Sukhumvit Road (Highway No.3) : Starting from Bangkok pass Bangpu District, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha District, Pattaya, Hat Jomtien, Sattahip District, Ban Chang District then arrive in the centre of Rayong Province. The total distance is 220 kilometres.
Route No.2
The main and popular route, Bangna-Trat Road (Highway No.34) : Turning off Highway No.3 at Chaloem Nakorn Toll Plaza, pass Bang Phli and Bang Bo District of Samut Prakan Province and join again with Highway No.3 at km.70. The total distance is 220 kilometres to arrive Rayong Province.
Route No.3
Start from Bangkok and go along Highway No.3 to Banglamung. Then turn off Highway No.3 at km.140 and start on Highway No.36 to Rayong, a distance of 70 kilometres.
Route No.4
Taking Highway No.344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) at Chonburi town, pass Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and finish at Klaeng District, Rayong Province. The total distance (Ban Bung-Klaeng) is 100 kilometres. (Bangkok-Chonburi 80 kilometres)
This route is suitable for those who like to go sightseeing in Klaeng District and Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park or pass through Chanthaburi Province.
Route No.5
Go along the Motorway from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet District, Bangkok to Pattaya (120 kilometres) and then take Highway No.36 for about 50 kilometres to Rayong.
Train
Regular trains depart from both Hua Lamphong Railway Station and Bangkok Noi Railway Station daily. Travelling time is 2 hours. Call 1690 for more information.
Air
As a new destination for tourist, Bangkok Airways operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Samui island to Rayong-U ta pao international Airport. For more information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel :(662) 265 5555 or travel agencies in Rayong.
Boat
Ferry Timetables (from Ban Phe) :
Destination : Nadarn Pier (Saikaew / Ao Phai / Ao Tabtim)
Departure from Phe : Every hour
Fare/Trip : 50 Baht
Departure from Destination : Every hour
Destination : Ao Wongduen (Ao Nuan / Ao Saengtien)
Departure from Phe : 09.00, 12.00, 13.30, 17.00
Fare/Trip : 60 Baht
Departure from Destination : 08.30, 12.00, 15.30, 16.00
Destination : Ao Whai
Departure from Phe : 11.30, 14.00
Fare/Trip : 100 Baht
Departure from Destination : 14.00
Destination : Ao Kui
Departure from Phe : 10.00
Fare/Trip : 120 Baht
Departure from Destination : 10.00, 12.30, 15.00, 17.00
Take as a whole (15-60 person) from Phe Pier contact directly with :
1. Nuan Tip Pier Tel : (66 38) 651 956, 651 508 or
2. Sribanphe Pier Tel : (66 38) 651 902, 652 054
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