Accommodation Rayong.

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Restuarant Rayong

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	Laem Charoen Seafood Address : 1 Liap Chai Fang Road, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong Telephone : 0 3861 3492, 0 3861 3757

	Hat Saeng Chan Seafood Address : 78/6 Hat Saeng Chan, Tambon Noen Phra, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong Telephone : 0 3861 6357, 0 3862 0585

Tamnanpar Address : 167/6 Mu 7 Telephone : 0 3865 2884. 0 3865 2879 Fax : 0-3865-2882 E-mail: tamnanpar@hotmail.com Website : http://www.tamnanpar.net/about.html

Taphong bike route in Rayong

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Bikers can explore agro-tourism in Tambon Taphong with a homestay service. The Subdistrict Administration Organisation of Tambon Taphong, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong offers a tour package including accommodation and meals at 400 baht per person/night. Call 0 3866 4053 for more information.

Golf Courses in Rayong

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Rayong is one of Thailand favorite golf destination, where you can play golf all year round. The wonderful courses are invariably located 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. There are several golf courses in Rayong.

Amphoe Banchang
- Century Golf and Country Club Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 3860 5054, 0 3863 5073
- Easter Star Country Rayong 214/5 Moo 3 Banchang–Had Pala Road Tel: 0 3863 0410-2 Fax: 0 3863 0418-9
- Rayong Green Valley Country Club 23 Moo 8 Ban Chang-Yaira Road Tel: 0 3889 3845
- St.Andrews 2000 Golf Country Club 9/36 Moo 7 Ban Chang-Yaira Road Tel: 0 3889 3838 Fax: 0 3889 3845

Amphoe Pluak Dang
- Great Lake Golf and Country Club Tambon Mab yang pom Tel: 0 3862 2630

Amphoe Wangchan
- Wangchan Golf Park 129 Moo 6 Tel: 0 2276 9072-4 Fax: 0 2276 9070

Driving Rang
Amphoe Mueang
- Amazing Rayong Driving 528/4 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Nuen Phra Tel: 0 3861 8643, 0 1313 5668
- Vac-Vac Driving Range 65/5 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Noenpra Tel: 0 3860 8008 Fax: 0 3880 7090
- V.J. Star Dust Driving Range 385/3 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Noenpra Tel: 0 3880 7090
- Mab Kha Golf Mab Kha-Mabtapud Industrial Estate Road , Tambon Mabtapud Tel: 0 3868 1573
- Poly Golf 2/15 Sukhumvit Road, Tambon Ta Pradu Tel: 0 3865 5055
- Sri Mueang Golf Near Sri Mueang Park, Adulyathamprapat Road Tel: 0 3861 1934

Horse Riding Rayong

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Horse Riding

- Slo Bunny Mae Rumphung Beach Road Tel: 0 3889 8623 Amphoe Klaeng
- Orchard Park Riding Club 99/1 Moo 7, Songsalung Tel: 0 3861 7397

Scuba Diving Service

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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:

Amphoe Mueang
- Dive Club Rayong International Diving School Chok Dee Square, Sukhumvit Road Tel: 0 1629 6513, 0 1611 5057 www.diveclubrayong.com
- Ao Prow Resort 292/2 Moo 2 Tambon Phe, Samet Island Tel: 0 3865 1134-5 Fax: 0 3865 1962 Bangkok Office: 0 2438 9771-2 Fax: 0 2439 0352

Amphoe Klaeng
- Ko Nok Resort Ko Mun Nok Tel: 0 3866 1136
- Ray Divers 267/136-7 Maptaput New City Tel: 0 3860 7480 Fax: 0 3860 7481

RAYONG : Activities

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Scuba Diving Service
Rayong is one of the locations to enjoy your diving, in order to experience an underwater adventure ...

Horse Riding
Enjoy horse riding in the beautiful scenery of Rayong

Golf Courses in Rayong
Rayong is one of Thailand favorite golf destination, where you can play golf all year round. The won...

Taphong bike route in Rayong
Bikers can explore agro-tourism in Tambon Taphong with a homestay service. The Subdistrict Administr...

Map Rayong

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RAYONG TOURIST MAP


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How to get there RAYONG

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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 Air

Bangkok Airways operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Ko Samui to Rayong-U Ta Pao International Airport. For more information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel :(662) 265 5555 or travel agencies in 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.

Getting around Rayong

Local Bus Schedule:

Bus Station - Assumption School (Red) via Laemtong Department Store
The busses run daily from 5.00 a.m. until 9.00 p.m.(Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare : 5 baht

Bus Station - Paknam (Dark Blue) via Wat Pa Pradu, Wat Lum, Laem Charoen
The busses run daily from 5.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare: 5-10 baht

Big C - Nicom Pattana (White) via Big C, Makro
The busses run daily from 6.30 a.m. until 18.00 p.m. (Every 15-20 minutes)
Fare : 12 baht

Post Office - Map Ta Phut (Red) via Laemtong Department Store
The busses run daily from 5.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare : 7 baht

Post Office - Ban Chang (Red) via Century Golf
The busses run daily from 4.30 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. (Every 10-15 minutes)
Fare : 10 baht

Bus Station - Tapong (White) via Wat Pa Pradu, Tapong Fruit Market
The busses run daily from 05.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 5-10 minutes)
Fare : 5-7 baht

Bus Station - Nai Rai (Sky Blue) via Hat Mae Ramphueng, Ban Kon Ao
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 15 minutes)
Fare : 15 baht

Bus Station - Wang Kaew (White) via Rayong Chalet, Novotel
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.(Every 15 minutes)
Fare : 15 baht

Bus Station - Laem Mae Phim (Dark Blue) via Ban Phe, Suan Son, Rayong Chalet, Novotel, Laem Mae Phim

The busses run daily from 06.15 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 15 minutes)
Fare : 15-25 baht

Laem Mae Phim - Klaeng (Green) via Laem Mae Phim, Sunthorn Phu Monument
The busses run daily from 05.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. (Every 10-15 minutes)
Fare : 20 baht

Bus Station - Klaeng (Yellow) via Wat Saranat
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. (Every 10 minutes)
Fare : 20 baht

Khao Din - Khao Chamao (Green) via Khao Chamao & Klong Pla Gang Water Fall
The busses run daily from 06.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Every 20 minutes)
Fare : 20 baht



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:

Nuan Tip Pier Tel: 0 3865 1956, 651 508 or
Sri Ban Phe Pier Tel: 0 3865 1902

Interesting Rayong

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The Beaches on Koh Samet

The Beaches on Koh Samet
By Richard Barrow



I recently spent some time exploring the beaches along the coastline of Rayong. This area is only two-three hours from Bangkok and counts as some of the most beautiful and exotic locations in Thailand. I spent the first two days on the mainland and you will find that the beautiful beaches there are often deserted during the week. However, if you want the white sand and crystal clear water then you need to take a boat to nearby Koh Samet. The island is only 40 minutes away and is a popular tourist destination for both Thais and foreigners.

We caught a ferry from Ban Phe on the mainland to the main pier on the island at Na Darn Pier. The pier is at the top of the northeast corner. Most of the beaches are then situated down the east coast. From the pier you can either catch a songtaew for about 10 baht to the nearest beach or walk. The walking option will take you only 10 minutes and is worth it to stretch your legs and to see what some of the facilities are on offer.



The first beach we reached was Hat Sai Kaew. It is about 800 metres long and is the most popular. The top of the beach has white powdery sand that was so bright that you had to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. It was already hot by the time we arrived so that the only people in the water were foreigners and other sunbathers.



Hat Sai Kaew has the advantage of everything you would need and better prices for food and water. However, it suffers from over-population. To get some more peace and quiet you only have to walk 10 minutes or so to neighbouring beaches such as Ao Hin Kok and Ao Phai. The border between these beaches is an outcrop of rocks. We clambered over the first group of rocks and that was when we spotted a group of topless ladies walking up the beach after a swim in the sea. There are a few bungalows here which are closer to the beach. On our beach, the hotel rooms are behind the restaurants.
A short walk up this beach and we soon found us at Ao Phai. This is as good as Hat Sai Kaew but doesn’t have so many people only a couple of boats in the water. If you don’t want to use jet skis and don’t need a wide choice of restaurants then I would suggest that you should choose one of these quiter beaches

By the time we had walked back, we had a quick lunch and then planned what we would do for the next two days. Our options included boat rides, trips into the interior and of course swimming. I will tell you about activities you can do on the island in the final part of this series.

My Blog: http://www.thai-blogs.com/index.php?blog=5

LOCAL PRODUCT Rayong

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	Seafood Products Seafood Products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce, dried prawns, squid and other dried seafood are important and well known local products, due to their high quality and moderate prices. The best places to buy these products are in Ban Phe market or in any of Rayong's markets.
	Reed Mats RReet mats and other beautiful reed products, such as purses, handbags and hats, are a local cottage industry in the villages of Kram and Klaeng Districts. One of the best places to buy this gift is from the women’s charity group located near the monument of Sunthorn Phu.
	Fruits Fruits are famous in Rayong, particularly from May until the middle of July, when durian, rambutans and mangosteen are available.
	Fried Durian A popular product among Thai and foreign tourists alike. With its delicious taste, travelers just can’t help sampling one and buying two packs to take home. Fried Durian can be purchased at Ban Phe market and the Fruit market at Tapong.
	Crystal products Handmade products of Thailand that come with high, internationally accepted quality. Visit Lotus Crystal Factory in Pluak Daeng District to see how good they are.

Ao Kai-Laem Tan

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Attraction

This little cape located beyond Laem Mae Phim in Klaeng District is located near a small fishing village, where the main occupation is to pickle jellyfish. Set in tranquil ambience the place is marvelous for seafood lovers with seafood restaurants providing reasonably priced seafood dishes of good quality. Traveling to Ko Man Klang can be done by taking a speedboat from here.

Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Shrine

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This shrine, which was built to honor Somdej Krommaluang Chumphon, "Father of the Royal Thai Navy”, who is highly revered by the locals is situated near the Prasair River in Klaeng District.

Wang Kaeo

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A recreational park and resort located approximately 11 kilometers from Suan Son on the beach road, Wang Kaew provides accommodations and other tourist facilities. For more information, call 0-3863-8067-8 or 0-2259-4150-1 (Bangkok).

Ban Kon Ao (The Fisherman's village)

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Attraction

The best place in town to discover the traditional way of life is from a small but typical fisherman’s village located at the end of Hat Mae Ramphueng. Visitors can also see how they catch fish and process seafood. An additional attraction worth visiting is the Catholic Church established near the village over 100 years ago.

Hat Saeng Chan

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Situated approximately 7 kilometers from the city, this beach is connected to Laem Charoen beach and is also suitable for swimming. Accommodations and restaurants are available.

Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam)

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Built at the center of the isle at the mouth of the Rayong River, the pagoda is located about 2 kilometers from town. The origin of the pagoda, which stands about 10 meters high, is still unknown. Sailors once used it as the sign of arrival in Rayong. An annual celebration held during November, features an exciting boat and Loy Krathong Festival.

Suan Son

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This beach is located approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Phe. Travel along the beach-front road and visitors will find a place that offers true relaxation under the shade of pine trees. The scenic beach is eminently suited to relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and food shops are also available.

The King Taksin Shrine

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Attraction

Located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon on Taksin Road, the shrine was built to commemorate King Taksin the Great's brief stopover in Rayong to mobilize his troops and liberate the Kingdom of Ayutthaya from the Burmese. Legend has it that King Taksin the Great’s elephant was believed to be stabled at a large Parkia tree (in front of the shrine). A well-regarded place by the locals, especially the Sino-Thais, the shrine attracts big crowds during Chinese New Year and on December 28th.

Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon

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Attraction

Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market” by the locals, the temple is located next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food.

Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the market can inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles of the past.

Ban Phe

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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.

City Pillar Shrine

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Attraction

Located on Lak Mueang Road, this shrine was first built of wood. Then it was replaced by a concrete construction with Chinese characteristics. The old city pillar was formerly in front of the shrine. A new one was later set up with a four-porched shelter. A celebration is held annually during the Songkran festival in mid - April.

Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum

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The museum is located in Wat Ban Don, exhibiting a hundred Nang Yai shadow play characters. The Shadow Play character, or Nang Yai, is a large piece of leather carved and painted into different characters. Aged over 200 years, these characters were brought from Phatthalung in 1988. For the Nang Yai performance, please contact 3 days in advance. Tel. 0 5087 0235, 0 9831 6053.

Khao Laem Ya

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Attraction

Follow the beach road, a bit beyond Ban Kon Ao, to reach the seaside hill. From this sunset viewpoint, comprising scrub forest and cape, it is possible to see Mae Ramphueng Beach and Ko Samet. The 670 rai area is headquarters of the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park. Administration is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Accomodation is available. Camping is allowed. Tents are available for rent at 300-400 baht per person/night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. Admission is Adult 200 baht Child 100 baht. For more information, call the National Parks Headquarters at Tel. 0 3865 3034, the National Park Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760, www.dnp.go.th.

Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park

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Attraction

It is located in Ban Phe, 20 kilometres from Rayong town, the park totals an area of 81,875 rai comprising land, sea and islands. Its major attractions include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and Samet Archipelago. The most famous island is Samet where many private-owned bungalows are available. The park has three nature trails; namely, Ko Samet, Ko Kudi, and Khao Laem Ya. On each route, visitors can enjoy nature as well as beautiful view points. Admission fee: adults 200 baht, children 100 baht each. The national park offers houses and tents. Pitching your own tent costs 20 baht per person/night. For more information, call Tel. 0 3865 3034 and 0 3865 2136 or the National Park Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760.

Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park

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This national park was established in 1975, covering an area of 52,300 rai. This lush forest with a great variety of flora and fauna is the watershed of the Prasae River. The national park has two nature trails for tourists to explore herbs and animal behaviour. The trails are two kilometres and three kilometres long, respectively. To explore the trail, registration at the tourist centre is required in advance. Amission is 200 baht for adults and 100 baht for children. Houses and tents are available for tourists. Pitching a private tent costs 30 baht per person/night. For more information, please call the park at Tel. 0 3889 4378 or National Park Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dup.go.th

How to get there: The national park is 71 kilometres from Rayong town. Follow Sukhumvit Road and turn right at the Khao Din Intersection, kilometre 274. The national park is 17 kilometres away.

Attractions in the national park

Namtok Khao Chamao or Namtok Khlong Nam Sai This crystal clear waterfall is one kilometre before the national park. The waterfall comprises seven levels, stretching for three kilometres. The large pond called Wang Matcha, is a habitat of brook carp.

Pha Sawan The viewpoint is 1.5 kilometres from the national park headquarters. On the way, visitors can explore nature. Contact the national park staff first.

Namtok Khlong Pla Kang The waterfalls is three kilometres from the headquarters. Ferns and orchids grow well in this lush forest.

Namtok Khlong Hin Phoeng The small waterfall is actually in Chanthaburi province, ten kilometers from the headquarters. Water runs all year round. Nature lovers can enjoy wild flowers around the waterfall. Khao Wong (เขาวง) Many limestone mountains surround a flat plain in the middle. The amazing mountains have a total of 80 caves inside. This is also a habitat of mountain goat.

Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine The shrine houses the statue of Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, founder of Thailand's modern navy. He is much honoured by the people of Rayong. Turn right at kilometre 274 off Sukhumvit Road, the shrine is 10 kilometres away.

Namtok Klong Pla Kang

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The last piece of virgin forest in Rayong, the park is located in Klaeng District, 71 kilometers from the city. Declared as a National Park in December 31, 1975, Khao Chamao – Khao Wong covers an area of 83.6 square meters, which is home to tigers, wild elephants and bears. The park is famous for its limestone mountains, caves, high cliffs, verdant forests and waterfalls. Khao Chamao –Khao Wong National Park offers the following attractions:

Namtok Khao Chamao
Namtok Khao Chamao is situated approximately 17 kilometers off of the main highway at Km. marker 274. The main attraction and landmark of the 8-tiered waterfall is "Wang Mutcha” a large pond on the second level which is the habitat of Pluang fish. Reaching the top is easy and visitors can enjoy the refreshing scenery all the way up to the highest level of the waterfall.

Namtok Klong Pla Kang
Located some 3 kilometers from the National Park Office is this 7-tiered waterfall. Reaching the top of the waterfall is not quite an easy task as visitors have to walk through the verdant forest and also climb up the mountains. Plant lovers should not miss this opportunity to see several kinds of plants such as ferns, orchids, mushrooms, etc., while walking along the trails.

Pha Sawan (Heaven Cliff)
Pha Sawan is situated about 1,500 meters from the Park’s Office. The cliff is famous for its scenic lookout point which offers an intriguing panoramic view of the pristine forests. Various types of plants can be found along the way up to the cliff and are ideal for nature studies.

Camping sites are available at the price of 10 baht to pitch personal tents. Bungalows are also available (8 all together), at the cost of 800 baht/bungalow and have to be reserved well in advance. For more information, call 038 894378.

Hat Phayun and Hat Phala

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Hat Phayun and Hat Phala are located approximately 32 and 34 kilometers respectively from the town of Rayong. Shaded by pine trees, the beaches offer unique opportunities for tourists to unwind in tranquility. Hotels and bungalows are available as perfect hideaways.

Suphattraland

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Thirty kilometres from town is Suphattraland, an extensive orchard open to the public. It grows succulent mangosteen, durian and rambutan. They generally mature in late April-June. Visitors can enjoy not only the pleasant surroundings but also taste for themselves freshly-picked fruits from the trees.

Open daily from 08.00-18.00 hrs. Admission is 200 baht per person. Admission including a meal is 350 baht. Ask for more information at Supattraland Office Tel : 0 3889 2048-9 Fax : 0 3889 2255.

Ko Man Nai

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Attraction

This small island located approximately 5 kilometers off shore from Laem Mae Phim has been developed into a Sea Turtle Preservation Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen. The place is open to the public from Monday to Sunday. Nearby are Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok which are famous for their immaculate white sandy beaches and hip boutique resorts.

Resorts on Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok offer accommodation packages that include boat transfer from the Rayong pier and three meals / day. Call to book your place in advance at 02 860 3025-6. The boat trip takes only 30 minutes from the pier.

Laem Mae Phim

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Attraction

This cape can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road by taking a right turn at km. markers 259.5, 263 or 268, or proceeding further for another 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road. This is a perfect spot either for relaxation and swimming or sampling local foods. To the north of the cape is a small off-shore isle named Ko Khi Pla.

Sunthon Phu Monument

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Attraction

Five kilometers further on from Laem Mae Phim on the beach road (Highway No. 3145) is the Sunthorn Phu Monumentl. The place was built to commemorate one of Thailand’s most famous poets in the early Rattanakosin era, two centuries ago. Sunthon Phu, a Rayong native, had written his literary works as Phra Aphai Mani being his most well-known work. There are statues of Sunthon Phu and characters from his famous literature.

Wat Saranat Thammaram Near the turning point at km. marker 265 on Highway No. 3 is Wat Saranat Thammaram,

Wat Saranat Thammaram

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Wat Saranat Thammaram Near the turning point at km. marker 265 on Highway No. 3 is Wat Saranat Thammaram,

Near the turning point at km. marker 265 on Highway No. 3 is Wat Saranat Thammaram, which was built in 1945. The main attraction of this temple is a beautiful ubosot and a replica of the highly revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue of Phitsanulok. Around the ubosot are also replicas of major Buddhist monuments from Thailand’s four regions.

Hat Laem Charoen

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Attraction

This beach is located 5 kilometers from the city and is a popular area among the locals and tourists as it is the location of many great seafood restaurants.

Hat Mae Ramphueng

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Attraction

This 12-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach is a perfect place to enjoy the scenery while swimming. The beach trails along the way to meet Ban Kon Ao, where a small fishing community can be found. Accommodations and restaurants are available.

Suan Si Mueang

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Attraction

Dubbed as "Ko Klang" by the locals, Suan Sri Muang is a public park and health center. Located behind the former city hall, the park is well known for its landmark – the Phra Buddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine) housed in a traditional Thai style shrine.

Wat Pa Pradu

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Attraction

Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market” by the locals, the temple is located next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese food.

Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the market can inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles of the past.

Ko Samet A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks.

Ko Samet

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Ko Samet A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks.

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

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

Ao Hin Khok is 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

Ao Put Sa 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

Ao Tub Tim, 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

Ao Nuan is located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway for holidaymakers in search of tranquility.

Ao Wong Deuan

Ao Wong Deuan is 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)

Ao Thian’s 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

Ao Wai is 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

Ao Wiang Wan is located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place.

Ao Phrao

Ao Prow 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.

How to get there: Four operators; namely, Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week.

For groups of at least 7 persons, Nuanthip Boat (0 3865 1508) offers a shuttle boat service to other bays as well, such as Ao Wong Duean (120 baht each) and to the last bay Ao Pakarang (200 baht each). Si Ban Phe Boat (0 3865 1902) also runs a scheduled boat service during weekends between Ban Phe and the main port of Samet. The hourly boat service from Ban Phe runs from 8.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the return trip from Samet, the boat leaves at 10.00 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The company also offers a speed boat service at 1,000 baht a trip for 12 people to the main port, or higher rates for other routes. A parking service on the main land is available.

Getting around on Ko Samet: The island has only a single road. Some parts are concrete and some parts are only a dirt trail. A pick up truck offers a passenger service to the desired beach. The fee depends on negotiation, ranging from 20-100 baht each. Chartered service to get around the island costs between 200-1,500 baht.

Attractions on Ko Samet and Nearby:
Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.

Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin

These islands are some 600 metres north of Ko Kudi. With coral reefs, tourists can enjoy fishing here. A rental boat service is available at the port in Ban Phe.

Ko Kudi or Ko Kut

The island is on the east of Ko Samet, six kilometres from the mainland. Ko Kudi totals an area of 63 rai. A nice beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khangkhao and Ko Tham Ruesi. Without accommodation, the national park office on the island offers a tent for rent at 200 baht per person/ night. Pitching a private tent requires paying a fee of 20 baht per person/night. For more information, call Tel. 0 3865 3034, or in Bangkok at Tel.0 2561 2919 and 0 2561 2921.

Ko Thalu

Some 6 kilometres east of Ko Kudi, the island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island. Ko Thalu is a habitat of seagulls, flying fox, and turtles.

Tourists visiting Ko Kudi, Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, Ko PlaTin and Ko Thalu should rent a boat from Ban Phe or Ko Samet. They should prepare food and water, as there is neither facilities nor food supplies available on such islands.For more information, please contact Ireland Tour co.,Ltd., Tel. 0 3865 3055-9