Rayong is a popular beach destination for Thais, which is hasn’t yet been subjected to the same foreign tourist traffic as Hua Hin or Pattaya.
Just 120 miles southeast of Bangkok on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Rayong province boasts an impressive 60 mile long coastline littered with glorious, peaceful palm fringed beaches and scattered with idyllic islands, and all with a magnificent mountainous backdrop.
Rayong city is the major draw of the province, and makes for a great base for eating amazing seafood and exploring all the nearby attractions that Rayong has to offer.
Let’s find out more…
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Rayong Weather
The best time to visit Rayong is during the months of November to February when temperatures average between 27°C and 29°C and rainfall is at a minimum — although the climate is more or less agreeable all year round.
The rest of the year sees slightly higher temperatures, peaking at around a 31°C average during the hot season between the end of February and the beginning of June.
Due to its tropical climate, all of Thailand has an annual monsoon season. In the case of Rayong it occurs from June to October, when you can expect daily thunderstorms to punctuate the sunshine and hot weather.
By Андрей Бобровский (CC BY 3.0 licence)
Bangkok to Rayong
Being only around 3 hours drive distant, the best way to travel from Bangkok to Rayong is by road.
The most popular mode of transport is bus, and first class, air conditioned buses make daily departures every 40 minutes from 4 am to 10 pm at night from Bangkok’s Ekamai bus terminal, with additional bus and minibus departures leaving regularly throughout the day from Mochit terminal. Bus tickets are cheap, with ticket prices starting at just 160 THB.
By Stilgherrian (CC BY 2.0 licence)
Another option is to rent your own transport, or hire a taxi.
A taxi will set you back around 1500 to 2000 THB, but the journey time is cut down to just 2 hours, and you have the added convenience of door to door transport, comfort and not having to lug your baggage around.
Things to do in Rayong
Koh Samet
By sasikan (CC BY 3.0 licence)
Accessible by ferry from Rayong, the beautiful island of Koh Samet is a popular destination for beach lovers and thrill seekers, featuring 14 soft white sand beaches and colourful coral reefs, a plethora of water sports such as catamaran sailing, scuba diving, canoeing and fishing, and fantastic restaurants.
The west side of the island is isolated and more peaceful and rugged than elsewhere, but if you’re in the mood to party the northern tip of the island where the ferries dock is bursting with friendly beachfront bars all vying for your attention with bargain booze and mesmerizing fire shows.
Laem Charoen Beach
The nearest beach from Rayong city, popular Laem Charoen Beach is 2 and a half miles of wide sands and sheltered bays bordered by a wealth of fabulous seafood restaurants and beach bars.
The restaurants get their fish fresh from the sea thanks to the busy fishing fleet that operate from the harbour here, and it’s fun to watch the teams of fishermen on the colourful boats as you indulge in some delicious Thai seafood cuisine.
Take a look at this video if you’re interested in seeing more Rayong beaches:
Park Adventure Land
Looking for adventure?
This huge 2000 acre natural park filled with mountains, lakes, jungles, orchards, waterfalls and wildlife, offers visitors the chance to explore the terrain either on mountain bike, motorbike, or quad bike.
Alternatively take a kayak or boat out on the vast lake or visit the deer farm where you can feed the animals. Park Adventure Land also offers vacation homes for singles, couples or families within the forest, or by the lake, as well as an open air restaurant serving Thai and international dishes.
Khao Wong National Park
A Lycodon laoensis (By Rushen CC BY-SA 2.0 licence)
This small but diverse national park bridges Rayong and Chanthaburi Provinces, and is extremely popular with weekend visitors.
Two forested mountains are the heart of the park, giving way to waterfalls, deep evergreen jungle, stunning viewpoints, imposing limestone cliffs and formations, and intriguing caves.
Come to Khao Wong National Park for the breathtaking natural beauty and some excellent hiking — if you’re lucky you may even spot an elephant, bear, or leopard.
Laem Mae Phim Beach
This long and peaceful beach not far from Rayong City is clean, calm, and ideal for safe swimming, cycling, and kayaking.
The shores of the eastern end of Laem Mae Phim Beach have many upscale resorts, as well as numerous beachfront restaurants to tempt you with tasty seafood and Thai delicacies.
The western end of the beach is much quieter, with fewer beach bars and restaurants dotted along its length.
Koh Kudi
This small, pretty island can be found in the national marine park just a mile or so east from Koh Samet.
There’s little on the island aside from a ranger’s station and a small number of tents that can be rented for overnight stays, but underwater it’s a whole different story.
The azure waters are clear to a depth of 12 metres, offering a unique view to the rich and beautiful coral reefs below which are home to many diverse species of fish and other marine life.
As you would expect this is a popular location for diving and snorkelling for all levels of experience, and it’s possible to take a day trip here with one of the many our operators on the mainland.
Wat Pa Pradu
By Damdramatic (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
First constructed during Thailand’s Ayutthaya period, Wat Pa Pradu is an historic temple in Rayong City with some unusual features.
Perhaps the most unique of these is the 12 metre long and 3 metre high reclining Buddha. Many Thai temples feature reclining Buddha images, but Wat Pa Pradu is purportedly the only one that reclines on its left side rather than its right.
The temple also houses several other interesting Buddha images, including one in European posture, and a Chinese style Buddha in the temple’s Chinese shrine.
Rayong Aquarium
Located not far from Rayong’s Ban Phe Pier, Rayong Aquarium is well worth visiting for its extensive collection of marine life.
An outdoor aquarium houses many different species of turtle and a special pond reserved for weird and wonderful anemones, crabs, starfish, and sea cucumbers.
Inside, a large viewing tunnel offers visitors the chance to sea many different colourful fish species, and other huge tanks are home to sharks, gargantuan fish, and cuttlefish, turtles, and more.
Suan Wang Kaew Nature Reserve
This beautifully landscaped headland just a few few miles out from Rayong City on the east coast touts stunning, pristine white sand beaches, verdant natural forest, and plenty of nature trails to hike or bike.
It also offers the chance to stay in this natural paradise in style in one of the many luxurious beachfront or jungle bungalows.
Koh Kloi Market
Although recent in construction, Koh Khloi Market offers a glimpse into Thailand’s past with its reproduction antique wooden buildings selling handicrafts, jewellery and accessories, clothes, home decor, toys, and souvenirs.
The ambiance is warm and friendly, and as well as shopping it’s a great place to try out traditional Thai snacks, noodle dishes, ice creams and more at the expansive food court.
Rayong Hotels
D Varee Diva Central Rayong
In the vibrant centre of Rayong City, 4 star D Varee Diva Central Rayong is ideally located for easy access to beaches, shopping malls, and nearby attractions.
Chic deluxe rooms feature city views, en suite bathrooms, and 40-inch high-definition flat-screen TV with cable channels. Suites benefit from floor to ceiling windows and balconies to make the most of the city vistas.
Accommodations are arranged around the hotel’s large saltwater swimming pool with sundeck, and the contemporary restaurant and bar serves Thai and International cuisines as well as a wide selection of beers, fine wines, and craft cocktails.
- Convenient location
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Restaurant
- Bar
Tamarind Garden Hotel
Top class facilities and impeccable service are on offer at the 4 star Tamarind Garden Hotel in the heart of downtown Rayong.
Modern, highly appointed accommodations feature mini bar, LCD TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, and en suite bathroom with bathtub and shower.
The hotel’s Rice Mill Restaurant serves a daily breakfast and delicious Thai cuisine, and there’s a fitness centre if you wish to keep yourself trim during your stay.
- Central location
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Fitness centre
Holiday Inn & Suites Rayong City Centre
The only international brand hotel in Rayong, the 4 star Holiday Inn & Suites Rayong City Centre is located right in the middle of the Rayong City action and offers well equipped, spacious and modern rooms and suites with en suite bathroom with shower, refrigerator, mini bar, and flat screen TV with satellite channels.
Suites benefit from en suite bathroom with both shower and bathtub, and separate living and dining areas.
There are 3 restaurants on site, including The Brasserie Global Dining serving tastes from around the world, the Elementi Rooftop Grill and Bar with panoramic views of the city, and the CU Lounge and Bar serving afternoon tea, light snacks and bites, cocktails, wines and beer, and featuring live music every evening.
Holiday Inn & Suites Rayong City Centre also boasts a stunning rooftop pool and outdoor whirlpool tub.
- City centre location
- Choice of 3 restaurants
- Rooftop bar
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Outdoor Jacuzzi
- Fitness centre
Have you visited Rayong yet?
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