11 kilometres from town turn of Sukumvit Road is Mae Ramphueng Beach, located within Khao Leam Ya-Samet Island National Park, 12 kilometres long beach on the way to Ban Kon Ao; a small fishing village with traditional way of life. The beach is clean with gentle slope which is suitable for swimming. On the shore, there are several bungalows. A little further from Ban Kon Ao on the beach front road to Khao Leam Ya is covered with small shrubs and a cape jutting into the sea. Along one side of the hill is stretch beach where the headquarters of the Khao Leam Ya-Samet Island National Park is located.

Samet Island is 6.5 kilometres from Phe with triangular-shape, most of the land area is forested with beaches dotting intermittently on the north and east sides. The south side tapers into the sea with small isles of rocky formation off-shore serving as habitat and egg-laying grounds for seagulls, located in a national park cover an area of 3,125 rai and can be visited all year round, except the monsoon season in June to October. It is recommended that you make sure of the weather before setting out. The island is well-known destination, blessed with beautiful scenery beaches with white sand and suitable or relaxation and water sports such as banana boat riding, jet skiing, diving and windsurfing. Popular places are Sai Kaew Beach, Wongduan Bay, Prow Bay. Samet Island is easily accessible and there is a considerable range of different accommodations to choose from.

Some 6 kilometres off shore is Kudi Island, which is to the east of Samet Island. There are white sandy beaches and popular viewing point. Off its northern tip are several coral-rich small islets.

Talu Island is 12 kilometres of Samet Island. The attractions of the place are white sandy beach and crystal sea.

Suan Son, about 4 kilometres further from Phe along the beach-front road, offers areas shaded by verdant pine trees. The scenic beach is eminently suited for relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.

Wang Kaew is a recreational park and resort located some 11 kilometres further from Suan Son on the beach-front road. There are accommodations are the well-landscaped park.

Laem Mae Phim can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road taking a right turn at Km. 259.5, 263, 268 or 1 kilometre more from Wang Kaew on the beach-front road. It is popular area for relaxation and swimming. Beach stalls for food and drink are available.

A small island some 5 kilometres off the shore of Laem Mae Phim is Ko Man Nai. It has been developed into the Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty The Queen and open daily to the public. Nearby are Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok with beautiful beach and private resort for relaxation.

City Attractions

Pa Pradu Temple, the ancient is located on Sukhumvit Road, has been built since the Ayutthaya period. The mosr attractive aspect is a long reclining Budha 11.95 metres long and 3.6 metres high, unlike other reclining statues, it lies on the left instead of usual right.

The City Pilla Shrine, is consisted of Thai and Chinese style pavilion on Lak Muang Road, the place for local people to pay homage. Celebration is held here every year on Songkran Festival. The original pavilion was made from wood, but restored by mortar later.

Shrine of King Taksin the Great, located in Loom Mahachai Chumpol Temple. Taksin Road, the shrine is most revered by local people. Annual celebration will be held on Chinese New Year Day.

Si Muang Park, “Ko Klang” is a public park in town center behind the City Pillar Shrine. In front is Phrabuddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine), the town’s principal statue.

Pagoda on Isle, the pagoda erected at the centre of the islet on the middle of Rayong river, about 2 kilometres from the town. The pagoda has been built since King Taksin the Great period. Once used it as the sign for arrive to Rayong province. An annual celebration is held during Loy Krathong Festival, featuring an exciting long-tail boat racing. Also, mangrove forest area for relaxation.

The fisherman’s village, the typical fisherman’s village is located at Laem Charoen, by the Rayong river, the place for tourists who are interested in fisherman’s way of life. You can also see how they do fishing and make seafood products. The old church established over 100 years nearby the village has symbolic statues of Christian religion.

Other attractions

Supattra Land Fruit Orchard, located in Bankhai district, paradise for fruit lovers; an extensive orchard opens to public. It grows succulent durian, rambutan, mangosteen, starfruit etc. They generally mature in late April to June. Visitors can enjoy the pleasant surroundings, also and fruits pick up from the trees.

Shadow Plays Museum situated in Ban Don Temple, the museum displays a large collection of over 200 years shadow plays from Phattalung province since 1888 also the show will on occasionally.

Ban Phe is about 19 kilometres from the town. A major fishing community of the province is also the main embarkation point for ferry to Samet Island. which you can enjoy shopping seafood and local products of Rayong.

Rayong Aquarium, 4 kilometres from Ban Phe, the underwater world of Rayong displays a variety of aquatic animals and exhibition of fishery development.

Sopha Botanical Garden, located near Ban Phe’s entrance. there are three 100-year old Thai-style houses on 32 rai occupied by different type of rain forest plants.

5 kilometres further from Laem Mae Phim on the beach-front road is the Sunthorn Phu Memorial commemorating Sunthorn Phu, Thai’s greatest poet who were native of Rayong. His literary works wrote during the early of Rattanakosin period more that 200 years ago. Phra Aphai Mani is his the most well-known poetry.

Wang Wah Temple in Kleang district, has played a key role in community development since Lung Pu Kram was the head master. In the monastery still has kept the body of Lung Pu Kram, one of Thai renowned meditation master.

Saranat Thammaram Temple, near the turning point at Km. 256 on Highway No. 3, built in 1945. It features a beautiful chapel which a replica of Phra Phutthachinnarat of Phitsanulok. Around the chapels are replica of Pra Pathom Chedi, Phra That Phanom, Phra That Chaiya and Phra Chedi Buddhagaya.

Shrine of Krom Luang Chumporn, erected near Pak Nam Prasae, Kleang district, Krom Luang Chumporn, the father of Thai Navy. The place for local people to pa homage.

Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park, 71 kilometres from town, the national park covers an area about 83.6 square kilometres, extending into both Rayong and Chanthaburi. The headquarter of national park can be reached on highway no.3 at km. 274. The forest is almost perfect condition with different type of plants. Attractions in the park are waterfalls, cliffs, caves and brooks. Such as Khao Chamao waterfall cascading from the mountain. It has 8 levels, at 2 levels called “Wang Mutcha” which has lots of fish. Also, food shops, bungalows are available and camping is possible within the park. Other interesting place is “Pha Sawan” the best view point, about 1.5 kilometres from the national park headquarter serving as a vantage view point area. Klong Pla Kang Waterfall 3 kilometres away and Klong Hin Phleng Waterfall 10 kilometres from the office. All these sites can be reached only on foot. But the route offers stunning natural scenery of plant life. Khao Wong is comprising limestone hill, the mountain is also blessed with natural caves with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites and high cliffs.

The Proncess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herbal Garden is located within the grounds of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, about 25 kilometres from town in Nikom Phatthana sub district. It is a centre of various herbal plants and engaged in herbal research.

Lotus Crystal Factory, crystal products are made from Rayong’s good quality sand. The items are intended for both practical use and souvenirs. The Lotus Crystal Factory is open to public.

Dok Krai Reservoir is about 35 kilometres away from town, 1,300 rai reservoir plays a key role in the agricultural development, blessed with natural beauties, it is also ideal for rest and relaxation.

Festivals and Major Events.

New Year and red Cross Festival, the festival is normally held from late December to early of January at Rayong Stadium. This festival consists of fairs, exhibitions, games and entertainments. Visitors could also purchase local and industry products at reasonable price.

Rayong Fruit Festival held around May to June at Tapong fruit market. It is designed to promote and sell fruits and products from fruit. There are fruit parade, fruit contests and agricultural exhibitions.

Sunthorn Phu’s Day, an annual celebration on June 26 of each year. It’s held in commemoration of Sunthorn Phu, one of the greatest poet, at the Sunthorn Phu memorial, Kleang district. The exhibition on the poets life and works and other activities related to Sunthorn Phy literature will be shown on that day.

The Robbing of the Pagoda on Isle, traditional festival held around annually during the full moon period, with Loy Krathong Festival in November. The festival held at Pak Nam Temple in Muang district. There are religious rites, long-tail boat racing, a delightful Loy Krathong and other pleasant entertainment.

Activities.

Golf Courses.
Rayong is one of Thailand favorite golf destination, where you can play golf all year round. The wonderful course are invariably locate close to Rayong’s major tourism destination, ensuring you can enjoy your golf and have a good holiday at the same time. So, if you want to bring your family along, they are assured of lots of activities and interesting places to visit. The are several golf courses in Rayong;

Century Golf and Country Club, Sukhumvit Rd., Banchang district, Rayong 21130 Tel: +66 3860 5054, +66 3863 5073.
Eastern Star Country Club Rayong, 214/5 Moo 3, Banchang-Had Pla Rd., Banchang district, Rayong 21130 Tel: +66 3863 0410-2, Fax: +66 3863 0418-9.
Great Lake Golf and Country Club, Tambon Mab Yang Porn, Pluakdang district, Rayong 21140
Tel: +66 3862 2630
Rayong Green Valley Counry Club, 23 Moo 8, Banchang-Yaira Rd., Banchang district, Rayong 21130
Tel: +66 3889 3838 Fax: +66 3889 3845

St.Andrews 2000 Golf Country Club, 9/36 Moo 7, Banchang-Yaira Rd., Banchang district, Rayong 21130
Tel: +66 3889 3838 Fax: +66 3889 3845
Wangchan Golf Park, 129 Moo 6, Wangchan district, Rayong 21210 Tel: +66 2276 9072-4
Fax: +66 2276 9070

Bowling

You can enjoy bowling games at Star Bowl, near Tesco Lotus Department Store, Sukhumvit Rd., Muang district. Tel: +66 3861 5901

Horse Riding

Horse riding is also available at
Orchard Park Riding Club, 99/1 Moo 7, Songsalung, Klaeng, Rayong 21190 Tel: +66 3861 7397
Slo Bunny, Mae Rumphueng Beach Rd., Muang, Rayong 21000 Tel: +66 3889 8623

Scuba Diving Service

Rayong is one of the locations to enjoy your diving, in order to experience an underwater adventure of a lifetime. There are several diving club;

Dive Club Rayong International Diving School, Chok Dee Square, Sukhumvit Rd., Muang district 21000
Tel. +66 1629 6513, +66 1611 5057 www.diveclubrayong.com

Ao Praow Resort, Samet Island, 292/2 Moo 2, Tambol Phe, Muang, Rayong 21000 Tel: +66 3865 1134-5
Fax: +66 3865 1962 Bangkok office, Tel: +66 2438 9771-2 Fax: +66 2439 0352

Mun Nok Resort, Ko Mun Nok, Klaeng district, Rayong 21190 Tel: +66 3866 1136, Bangkok office: Ko Mun Nok Resort Company Co., Ltd. Sai Chon Mansion Tower B, RN.1349/2 Charoen Nakorn Rd., Klongsan, Bangkok 10600 Tel: +66 2860 3025-7 Fax: +66 2860 3028

Ray Divers, 267/136-7 Maptapud New City, Muang, Rayong 21000 Tel: +663860 7480
Fax: +66 3860 7481

Boat Rental

Island Tour, Ko Samet 280/108 Moo 2, Ban Phe, Muang, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 3865 1999
Fax: +66 3865 2535 Email: islandtour1999@hotmail.com Service: Speed boat from Ban Phe and Samet Island to Islands
The Toy Tour, 236/4 Moo 3, Tambon Krum, Klaeng, Rayong 21190 Tel: +66 3863 8146, +66 1451 4862
Service: Speed boat from Mae Phim Beach to Islands

Chok Mana Tour, Tambon Phe, Muang, Rayong 21000 Tel: +66 3865 1531
Sai Kaew Villa, Ko Samet, Muang, Rayong 21000 Tel/Fax: +66 3861 5852-3