This is one of the smallest provinces in the kingdom. The tourist infrastructure is poorly developed, but the best hotels in Rayong receive positive reviews from travelers. Although the region's amenities are not similar to the famous resort areas of Thailand, it is worth coming here if you appreciate a secluded holiday without excesses. The province will have something to diversify your leisure time.
✔️ A bit of chronology and facts
The formation of the province began in 1570. Later, it played an important role in the formation of the state. In 1766, the capital of the then kingdom of Ayutthaya fell under the onslaught of the Burmese. The general was able to break through the cordon and retreat with a small number of warriors. They found refuge and support in Rayong. There, the commander was made king. Having gained strength and assembled a large army, the ruler regained control of the city.
Today, this region is the residence of the prince of the kingdom and many wealthy people of Thailand. The administrative center is located in the city of the same name.
✔️ Entertainment Features
The main leisure option in this region is beach and outdoor recreation . There are many virgin landscapes and picturesque places. You will not find a lively nightlife or big shopping in this place. But the atmosphere of authenticity, immersion in Thai culture, acquaintance with local customs - it is very easy.
Here you can spend your vacation on a budget - prices for vacations in Rayong are lower than in other well-known resort regions.
✔️ Possible transfer options
The province is located 220 km from Bangkok, where some of the country's largest international airports are located. There is a bus service to this city. But a more convenient option for moving would be to rent a car if you plan to travel around the kingdom, or an individual transfer. The latter option is organized by the host company or hotel, if it has such a service.
✔️ Weather conditions
The province is located in the subequatorial climate zone. The temperature is always comfortable here. Rains can interfere with your vacation. The wet season lasts from May to October. Therefore, it is better to find and select a tour online to Rayong in the remaining months. During this period, the weather is dry and sunny. And since the region is suitable mainly only for a beach holiday, there is no point in going here during the rainy season.
✔️ What to bring back from your trip
The province is engaged in fishing, so seafood is the main product. They also sell fruits and souvenirs. But you can’t do any major shopping here. For large purchases, you should go to Pattaya, located 65 km away. In the city, you can walk around shopping centers, stores, markets. The floating market deserves special attention. It is divided into 4 zones that correspond to the regions of Thailand, and each sells the corresponding goods. These can be exotic fruits, cosmetics made from natural ingredients, various souvenirs, dried fish, crocodile meat, ceramics, clothes, balms, ointments, potions, a large number of handicrafts.
✔️ Search and selection of tours online in Rayong, reasons to buy a tour or a trip
This place is suitable for a quiet family or romantic holiday. Picturesque landscapes and an authentic atmosphere will make your stay here bright and peaceful.
▶️ Beach holidays
The coastline of the province stretches for more than 100 km. The beaches here are quiet, there are few people on them, the infrastructure is poorly developed, the entrance to the water is gentle. The width of the sand strip is small - 10-20 m, but the length can be several kilometers. The following areas are distinguished in the region:
◼️ Phala , located in the western part of the coast, 20 km from the capital of the province. It is quite long and divided into two parts. This place is popular with tourists and Thais, so it is rarely quiet and uncrowded here. There is an embankment, cafes, restaurants, and a few hotels nearby.
◼️ Laem Charoen is located in the city of Rayong. This is one of the longest beaches in the province. It stretches for 10 km. This place is interesting because the coast is divided into small 100-meter bays. They are created artificially to protect the coast from waves. It should be noted that there is a factory near the beach, so the water is not the cleanest. There are cafes, shops, and hotels nearby.
◼️ Mae Rampueng is even longer than the previous one. It occupies 12 km of the coast. It is about 13 km away from the administrative center of the region. This place attracts with its tranquility, the beauty of wild nature, fairly clean sea, and solitude. There are hotels on the coast, and there are completely deserted areas.
◼️ Suan Son is located in the east of the province, 20 km from the city of Rayong. The beach stretches for 5 km. There is a pier, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The weather in this place can be windy.
There are other beaches on the coast. You should also pay attention to the islands. There are many wild picturesque places there, and there are also equipped areas. Of all of them, Samet Island stands out , which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. It is part of the national marine reserve. Here you will find snow-white beaches, crystal clear sea, lagoons with azure sea, rainbow coral jungles, where exotic fish and other marine life live. For the sake of relaxation on the quiet beaches of the province, it is worth buying a tour to Rayong.
▶️ Ancient landmarks
The region cannot boast of outstanding ancient architectural monuments. You can visit the Wat Khodtimtaram temple, the oldest in the area. It was built in 1464. Inside, there is an exhibition of paintings by local artists.
Saranat Thammaram also attracts attention. This is a Buddhist temple, considered one of the most beautiful in the country. It was built in the recent past - in 1945. It is located in the city of Klaeng. The main feature of the complex is the copies of famous shrines of Thailand. The most revered is the replica of the Phitsanulok Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue.
▶️ Nature
The province's landscapes are made up of mountain ranges, plains, forests and fruit plantations. The region has the following national parks:
◼️ Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet - a marine reserve. It is home to the aforementioned Samet Island, where, in addition to the beach and the underwater world, you can go for a walk through the jungle and meet a variety of animals - colorful birds, bright butterflies, friendly monkeys, etc. In total, the park consists of 10 islands, Khao Laem Cape, Mae Rampueng Beach and covers an area of 131 km². Parrot fish, blue lady, cuttlefish and others live in the sea depths here. On land, you can see mouse deer, flying foxes, crab-eating macaques, reef herons, Asian owls, and several species of terns.
◼️ Khao Chamao-Khao Wong, protecting the territory of forested mountains. The highest peak reaches 1024 m above sea level. The area of 84 km² is home to a variety of fauna, some of which are rare and endemic. The list includes the Asian elephant, several local species of deer and monkeys, a wide variety of birds and some reptiles - pythons, geckos, green water dragons. The park is also famous for its picturesque waterfalls. The most popular is Khao Chamao. It has 8 cascades stretching for 3 km. At the end, the stream falls into a small lake full of fish.
Nature lovers can also go to the botanical garden, named after the Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Its collection includes a variety of flowering exotic, medicinal plants and many species of tropical trees.
Another place worth visiting is the Ban Chang Thai elephant camp. It was created for animals in need of human help. Visitors can watch the life of elephants, get trunk massages, bathe with these majestic animals, participate in traditional ceremonies, etc.
▶️ Additional entertainment
You can diversify your vacation by visiting mass events based on local traditions. These are authentic holidays and festivals dedicated to life, harvest, religion, and the like. You can relax in healing mineral and thermal springs.
Tourists with children are recommended to go to the aquarium, one of the best in the kingdom. In the Suan Sri Miang Culture and Recreation Park, you can play tennis, football, and exercise in the open-air gym. There is a playground for children.
Since the province is an important fishing region, local restaurants always have fresh seafood. Some of the best restaurants in the country specializing in seafood are located here.
If you want to take a break from the noisy city, you can safely go here to relax. There is also an option to buy a weekend tour in Rayong to reboot a little and go conquer the dance floors of that Phuket.
