Destinations
Bangkok March 11, 2010 07:40 AM  83°
RAYONG / KO SAMET | | The Tropical Delight Located approximately 136 miles from Bangkok is another delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast – the Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches, stretching along a 162-mile coastline, and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products and tropical fruits. | | | |

|  |  | 01 Be one with the sea at the Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park
A favorite getaway, Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand. A haven for relaxation, Ko Samet is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand, and sea. Sai Kaew is one of the most beautiful and most popular destinations, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the crystal sand beach while sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, and riding on banana boats. Fishing, snorkeling, and diving are recommended at the nearby islands such as Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, Ko Pla Tin, Ko Kudi, and Ko Thalu. |  | 02 Miles and miles of white sand in Mae Ramphueng Beach
Located within Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet Island National Park, this 7.5-mile stretch of white sandy beach is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery and go swimming. The beach trails along the way meet in Ban Kon Ao, which is the best place to discover the traditional way of life from a small but typical fisherman’s village. Accommodations and restaurants are available along the beach.
| |  |  | 03 Relax and rewind on the Ko Mun Islands
These small islands comprising of Ko Man Nai, Ko Man Klang, and Ko Man Nok are located approximately 3 miles off shore from Laem Mae Phim, and are famous for their immaculate white sandy beaches. Ko Man Nai has been developed into a Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary open to the public. Resorts on Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok offer accommodation packages that usually include boat transfer and meals. |  | 04 Spend a carefree day in Laem Mae Phim
Laem Mae Phim is a cape that is perfect for either relaxation or swimming. Accommodation and beach stalls for food and drink are available. To the north of the cape is a small offshore isle named Ko Khi Pla. |  |  |  | 05 Visit the quaint seaside town of Ban Phe
A seaside town located approximately 11 miles southeast of the Rayong city, Ban Phe is the best place to relax 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 and other local products. Ban Phe is also the departure point for Ko Samet. |  | 06 Indulge in some agrotourism
Rayong has made a name for itself as a treasure trove of exotic tropical fruits. Tour the orchards around the province to see how they grow durian, rambutan, mangosteen, starfruit, dragon fruit, and many more varieties. Enjoy a fruit buffet with pleasant surroundings, or spend an afternoon fruit picking. Fruits are available all year round, although the months of May and June are the best times to visit. Rayong also hosts an annual fruit festival in May. | |  |  | 07 The verdant Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park This lush forest, with a great variety of flora and fauna, is the watershed of the Prasae River and popular for its Khao Chamao Waterfall. The waterfall comprises seven levels that stretch for 1.8 miles. The large pond, called Wang Matcha, is a habitat of brook carps. Other attractions include the Pha Sawan viewpoint, the Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall with lush ferns and orchids, the Khlong Hin Phoeng with wild flowers, and the Khao Wong, which are amazing limestone mountains with 80 caves.
|  | 08 A golfer’s dream come true
Rayong is one of Thailand’s favorite golf destinations, where visitors can play golf all year round. Be amazed with the well-developed courses, spacious well-designed clubhouses and restaurants, and friendly caddies. Your rounds at St. Andrew 2000 Golf Country Club, Rayong Green Valley Country Club, Eastern Star Country Club Rayong, The Emerald Golf Club, Wangjuntr Golf Park, and Great Lake Golf and Country Club won’t be wasted. |  |  |  | 09 Shop for exotic wares and delicacies in Rayong
Ban Phe Village and the market in Rayong town are best for processed seafood such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, and dried seafood. Rayong is also famous for its Kok Mat and weaving products from Klang District and crystal wares.
Shopping Directory |  | 10 A whole new take on seafood
Rayong is blessed with its abundance of seafood, and prices are very affordable. Seafood can be prepared in any style. Try the various and delicious Thai ways of cooking: steamed or boiled and dipped in spicy sauce, stir fried with chili and basil, or simmered in traditional curry pudding. Seafood restaurants can be found throughout seaside areas and Rayong town. For fruit lovers, try rambutan, magosteen, and durian. Taste the fresh ones and you will never crave for the frozen and canned versions again!
Dining Directory |  | | | | |
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How to Get There 
Bangkok Airways offers flights from Phuket and Samui to U-Tapao (Pattaya). Pattaya Office Tel. 0 3841 2382, 0 3836 1542 Phuket Office Tel. 0 7622 5033-5 Samui Office Tel. 0 7742 2234 www.bangkokair.com
The journey from Bangkok can be made by either air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned bus, leaving from the Bangkok Eastern and Northern Bus Terminal. Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal Tel. 0 2391 9829, 0 2391 2504 Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal Tel. 0 2936 28526 
Route 1: From Bangkok, take Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) via Bangpu, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha, Pattaya, Jomtien Beach, Sattahip, and Banchang, a total distance of 136 miles.
Route 2: From Bangkok, take Highway 34 (Bangna-Trat Road) via Bang Phli and Bang Bo and Highway 3 to Rayong, a total distance of 136 miles.
Route 3: From Bangkok, take Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) via Banglamung and Highway 36 to Rayong, a total distance of 109 miles.
Route 4: From Bangkok, take Highway 344 via Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and Klang, a total distance of 111 miles.
Route 5: From Bangkok, take Motorway from Pattanakarn Road to Pattaya. Then take Highway 36 to Rayong, a total distance of 108 miles. Useful Links
Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park
Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park
The Emerald Golf Club
Rayong Green Valley Country Club
St. Andrew 2000 Golf Country Club
Wangjuntr Golf Park
Bangkok Airways |