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23 interesting places to visit in Rayong

Rayong is a province in Thailand that is known for its beautiful seas and also offers a variety of tourist attractions. The province is home to famous places such as Koh Samet, Koh Talu, Khao Laem Ya National Park, Tung Prong Thong, and orchards. With so many places to visit, there is always something to do in Rayong all year round. Additionally, it is located close to the city making it easy to travel to, allowing visitors to take day trips or stay overnight by the sea. The province’s proximity to the city and diverse range of tourist attractions make it an ideal destination for those looking for a mix of relaxation by the sea and exploring various sights.


Mueang District

Yomjinda Road

Yomjinda Road is an old road that runs parallel to the Rayong River, it was the first commercial and economic source of Rayong Chuan Chim. It is a great place to try the original gourmet food, see interesting ancient houses, and learn about the history of Rayong. Walking around the old market in Rayong at night is a great way to experience the charming atmosphere and hidden gems of the area. Visitors can enjoy food and drink while taking in the old atmosphere that is steeped in history and charm.


Phra Chedi Klang Nam

Phra Chedi Klang Nam, also known as the Pagoda in the middle of the water, is a symbol of the Rayong Province that is highly respected by the local people. The pagoda is located in the middle of the water and is the site of an annual Kathin ceremony, where a red cloth is draped over the pagoda during the flood season. The cloth must be 6 meters in length and it takes two people to climb up and cover the upper part of the pagoda. The area surrounding the pagoda is planted with a pine forest, providing shade and beauty, making it a peaceful and relaxing place to visit.


Koh Kloi Floating Market

Koh Kloi Market is a small and quaint market located in downtown Rayong. The market features a row of wooden houses built in an ancient style, decorated to match the atmosphere of the old market. These houses are located in the middle of a pond and create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of the past. It is considered a must-visit spot for those visiting Rayong city and is a great place for a stroll and to take pictures.


Brookside Valley Resort & Strawberry Town

Brookside Valley Resort & Strawberry Town is located in Brookside Valley, and features a distinctive sweet-colored architecture that mimics the atmosphere of the Netherlands. The resort offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including the Holland Village, Town Center, Amazon Trail, and a multi-purpose courtyard for music performances. The resort also features shops, restaurants, and coffee shops, making it an ideal destination for those looking to take pictures and have fun.


Saeng Chan Beach

Saeng Chan Beach is a peaceful and serene beach that is ideal for relaxing. The beach features a rock formation built to prevent erosion caused by the strong wind waves along the coastline. This creates a T-shaped beach with a horseshoe-like curve, providing a unique and beautiful sight. Visitors can take a walk or bike ride to see the view, and drive to experience the atmosphere by the sea, especially in the evening when the beach is bustling with seafood restaurants. These restaurants offer seating on mats with Japanese-style tables, inexpensive canvas umbrellas, or visitors can bring their own mat and order food from the restaurants to enjoy on the beach.


Khao Laem Ya

When it comes to taking cool pictures in Rayong, Khao Laem Ya is a must-visit destination. It is a low mountain located next to the sea, in the Khao Laem Ya – Mu Koh Samet National Park. It is a popular attraction, featuring a white tower with a black background that offers views of the sea, a wooden bridge extending into the sea, and beautiful golden fields in the evening. The area is also a great spot for camping, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of camping by the sea to the fullest.


Mae Ram Phueng Beach

Mae Ram Phueng Beach is a beautiful and popular beach located in Rayong, about 11 kilometers from the city. It is part of the Khao Laem Ya National Park and is situated 500 meters from the park office and about 6 kilometers from Ban Phe. The beach is considered to be the longest on the eastern seaboard with a length of 12 kilometers. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sightseeing, relaxing on the beach chairs, and dining at restaurants by the sea. There are also plenty of accommodation options including resorts and beachfront hotels for those looking to stay overnight.


Ban Phe Botanical Garden

Ban Phe Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction located near Suan Son Beach in Mueang Rayong District. The garden is a place to exhibit various plants and serves as a center for breeding plants from all over Thailand. It is open to those who are interested in learning about natural plants and combine it with tourism. The garden is situated near Suan Son Beach, which is suitable for swimming and there are also nearby restaurants for tourists. The road leading to the garden is lined with pine trees on both sides, creating a tree tunnel-like atmosphere.


Bang Phae District

Koh Samet

Koh Samet, also known as Koh Kaew Phitsadan, is a famous tourist destination in the Rayong Province. It is mentioned in the literature of Sunthorn Phu’s Phra Aphai Mani and is a popular destination among both Thai and foreign visitors. The island features a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from, such as Sai Kaew Beach, Ao Vong Duean, which are known as the tourist center of Koh Samet, Haad Tian with its clean white beaches and clear water, Ao Lung Dam, Ao Nuan, and Ao Prao. With so many options, visitors can pick and choose the beach that best suits their preference.


Koh Talu

Koh Talu is a beautiful island located in the sea waters of Rayong, known for its white sand beaches and clear sea, which can easily compete with the southern sea. It is a convenient and cost-effective destination for those who want to experience a beautiful and clear sea near Bangkok, but don’t have the time or budget for a longer trip. In addition to Koh Samet and Koh Man Nok, which are known for their beauty, Koh Talu is another hot island that should not be missed. Visitors should take the opportunity to walk on its soft white sandy beaches.


Ko Ku Dee

Ko Ku Dee is a small island located not far from Suan Son Beach, about 6-7 kilometers away. Visitors can purchase a day trip package from a tour company or charter a boat from Suan Son Beach to reach the island, which takes about 15-20 minutes. The island is full of nature and offers snorkeling opportunities in its shallow waters, and a path to walk around the island that is about 1.1 kilometers and takes around 45-60 minutes. There is also a path leading to the viewpoint “Pha Nil Mangkon” located in the south of the island, which is not steep and goes through an arch of trees. The viewpoint offers views of the coral reefs around the island, Hu Kwang Bay and the gorge between Tham Bat Island and Ko Ku Dee. At low tide, visitors can also walk to the bat cave. There is also an option to stay overnight on the island by booking a house in advance through the National Park or by bringing a tent to set up in the park area.


Koh Kham, Koh Kruai, and Koh Plai Tin

Koh Kham, Koh Kruai, and Koh Plai Tin are three islands located in the northern part of Ko Kudi. Koh Kruai and Koh Makham are located close to each other, connected by a sandbar. The islands have coral reefs around them and are suitable for diving and shallow water activities to see the corals. The islands can be clearly seen from Duangtawan Beach and the mouth of Khlong Klaeng. Visitors can go on a day trip by purchasing a travel package from a tour company, which often include a trip to Koh Talu as well.


Klaeng District

Koh Mun Nork

Koh Mun Nork is one of the small islands in the Koh Man archipelago, which includes Koh Man Nai, Koh Man Klang, and Koh Man Nok. It is known for its crystal clear water, fine white sandy beaches, and peaceful atmosphere with plenty of shade from trees. It is an ideal destination for those who want to truly relax. Visitors can only access the island by purchasing a package from the resort, as it is not open to tourists who do not have a package. There is only one resort on the island, Munnork Island Resort, which offers activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and coral reef viewing. Tourists can also indulge in personal leisure activities at their own pace.


Koh Mun Klang

Koh Mun Klang is located near Koh Mun Nai and is known for its long stretch of white sandy beach, clear water, and a secluded area for tourists to enjoy the natural scenery. The beach in front of the resort is a small curved sandy beach in a natural setting. It is an ideal destination for those who prefer a peaceful and uncrowded sea. There is only one resort on Koh Mun Klang, Mantakiri Island Resort, which is a dream destination for many sea enthusiasts. Visitors can stay overnight to fully experience the beauty of nature.


Koh Man Nai

Koh Man Nai is an island that is home to a sea turtle breeding station maintained by the Department of Fisheries. Visitors can tour the station from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and learn about sea turtle breeding and conservation. There is also a sea turtle museum and knowledgeable staff who can provide information about the breeding process. Tourists can also see the turtles up close and admire the cuteness of different species like hawksbill and green turtles. The island is also a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming, but it is not available for overnight stays. Visitors must plan to visit the island during the morning or evening only.


Pak Nam Prasae

Pak Nam Prasae is a historic riverside community located in the Ayutthaya period. The Prasae River runs through the area, with canals leading out to the sea where shrimp farming is practiced. Along the banks of the river, locals raise brackish water fish and there is a large fishing port. The mouth of the river is home to a tight-knit community that primarily engages in agriculture, such as planting mangoes, coconuts, and fishing. The fishery products of the area are being developed as a community tourist attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the seaside atmosphere and local way of life, stay in homestays, and enjoy fresh seafood. Tourist attractions in the area include Krom Luang Chumphon Shrine, Khet Udomsak HTMS Prasae Battleship, Prasae Beach, and Tung Prong Thong which can be visited all year round.


Thung Prong Thong

Thung Prong Thong is a unique tourist destination that combines education and conservation. Visitors can explore the area by walking along a bridge that winds through the mangrove forest. This attraction offers an opportunity to learn about the ecosystem of mangrove forests, while also admiring the natural beauty of the bamboo and coastal trees. The highlight of Thung Prong Thong is its dense bamboo forest, which creates a stunning light green glow in the evening sun. This makes for a truly beautiful and memorable experience.


Kru Kang House Museum

Ban Kru Kang Museum is a unique learning destination that showcases a wide collection of collectibles, toys, and antiques. Many of which may be unfamiliar to younger generations, such as vintage tools, cars, currency, lanterns, carriages, kitchenware, and musical instruments. These items were carefully gathered over 40 years by “Kru Kung“, the museum’s owner, who decided to open it up to the public after his retirement. The museum is housed in a large 2-rai property, built by the owner himself and is designed to provide visitors with a glimpse into the past and history.


Raksame Bridge

Raksame Bridge is a unique conservation-focused tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of the mangrove forest ecosystem. The bridge is a 100-meter long wooden suspension bridge that spans the Khlong Tha Ta Boi in the Noen Kho Subdistrict of Klaeng District. Visitors can walk along the bridge and take in the natural surroundings, including the habitat of crabs and the peaceful atmosphere of the mangrove forest. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and anyone looking for a peaceful escape.


Laem Mae Phim Beach

Laem Mae Phim Beach, located in Rayong, is a popular destination known for its natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by Malabar pine ridges, providing plenty of shade, and features a wide sandy beach with a slight slope and fine sand. The waves are not very strong during the non-monsoon season, making it a perfect spot for swimming. Visitors can park and relax at various points along the beach and take advantage of the nearby shops offering food, fresh water baths, accommodation, resorts, souvenirs and other services. The end of the beach is home to many seafood restaurants, where visitors can dine while enjoying the sound of the waves and ocean views. Canvas beds are also available for those who want to relax and enjoy a meal by the sea.


Khao Chamao District

Wat Tham Khao Pratun

Wat Tham Khao Pratun is a Buddhist temple built within a limestone mountain range, providing a secluded area for spiritual practice and serving as a natural tourist attraction. The temple features a large cave with three smaller caves, as well as a cliff path leading to Laplae Cave. During the rainy season, visitors can explore the cave by boat and admire its natural beauty from a distance of around 300 meters. Inside Laplae Cave, there is a spacious courtyard surrounded by mountains, with a grand statue of Buddha enshrined within.


Khao Chamao Waterfall

Khao Chamao Waterfall is located on Khao Chamao Mountain and is known for its clear stream, cascading down from the mountain for a distance of 3 kilometers. The waterfall has 8 levels, including Wang Nueng, a stream with large and small rocks that resemble rapids. Visitors can find water basins at various points along the waterfall, including a large and deep basin home to many fish. On the northern side of the basin, there is a picturesque cascading waterfall. The Emerald Palace, which is characterized by its emerald-green pool resembling a natural swimming pool, is also found at the bottom of the waterfall, with a large rock slope leading to a pool for visitors to play in.


Wang Chan District

Lamai Garden

Lamai Garden is a fruit paradise nestled among the mountains. Visitors can indulge in an array of fruits such as durian, rambutan, mangosteen, and pineapple, and also admire the lush greenery of the garden. Additionally, there is a sheep farm on the property where visitors can take pictures and feed the animals. The garden is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during June and July when a wide variety of fruits, particularly durian, are in season.