RAYONG
Location : Eastern, Thailand
Area : 3,552.0 sq. km
Population : 573,785
Distance from Bangkok : 220 Kilometers
Transportation
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 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.
www.transport.co.th
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.
Fare/Trip : 60 baht
Departure from Destination : 8.30 a.m., 12.00 p.m., 3.30 p.m., 4.00 p.m.
Destination: Ao Wai
Departure from Ban Phe : 11.30 a.m., 2.00 p.m.
Fare/Trip : 100 baht
Departure from Destination : 2.00 p.m.
Destination: Ao Kui
Departure from Ban Phe : 10.00 a.m.
Fare/Trip : 120 baht
Departure from Destination : 10.00 a.m., 12.30 p.m., 3.00 p.m., 5.00 p.m.
For charters (15-60 persons) from Ban Phe Pier contact
More information : www.tourismthailand.org
About Rayong
oasting 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.
Place attraction
Amphoe Mueang
Ban Phe
A seaside town located approximately 19 kilometers southeast of the city, Ban Phe is the best place to enjoy relaxing on a long white sandy beach while sampling sumptuous seafood. Ban Phe is a major fishing community in the province, hence, the wide range of fresh and preserved seafood products or other local products. In addition, Ban Phe is also the departure point for Ko Samet.
Ko Samet
A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks. A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand and sea. The climate is always pleasantly cool with an abundance of rain in August and windy monsoons in May. There are a wide range of accommodations on the island with prices at the low-end starting from 200 baht for a bungalow with basic amenities, while bungalows with furniture and air-conditioning may start at the rate of 600 baht. Mid-range hotels and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are also available. Reservations for accommodations should be made in advance as the place gets crowded especially during the festive season.
Attractions on Ko Samet include
Hat Sai Kaeo
One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night. Accommodations provided include bungalows and villas.
Ao Noi Na
which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has different ambience. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking for a truly relaxing experience on the white, clean sandy beach.
Ao Hin Khok
Separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a mermaid statue is located. The beach, which is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is famous for its strangely shaped rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts located along the beach, and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh, quality seafood dishes.
Ao Pai
Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the ideal place as swimming is not recommended as there is whirlpool on the sea, as designated by the red flag.
Ao Phutsa
Is a small bay on Koh Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Put Sa offers a quite retreat that reunites visitors with nature in its crystal clear waters.
Ao Thapthim
Which is set in a tranquil atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.
Ao Nuan
Located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility.
Ao Wong Deuan
The second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On top of this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.
Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)
Topography is painted by rocky beach in which some nice spots for skin diving are available. This beach is very quiet and free from group tours with bungalows and resorts available around the beach area.
Ao Wai
Located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and serene spot for sea lovers.
Ao Kiu Nok
This bay is a perfect secluded den for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai which is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun rise and sun set.
Ao Karang
The best place to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet is at Ao Karang where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing fresh seafood dishes at reasonable prices.
Ao Wiang Wan
Located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place.
Ao Phrao
Is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the lively nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the deep blue sea and white sand in the sunshine. Ao Prow has a long white sandy beach which is ideal for swimming.
More information : www.tourismthailand.org
Map Of Rayong provinces
