Rayong Travel Guide: Rayong is primarily an important starting point for trips to other destinations, most notably Koh Samet (boats depart from Ban Phe). However, the old town, especially its most famous street, and one of the temples, particularly the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, are also worth a day trip. The province's interior, often overlooked by international tourists in favor of Koh Samet, offers some interesting places for those willing to venture off the beaten path. The coastline boasts several beautiful beaches that are rarely crowded, except on weekends. The most famous is probably Mae Ramphung Beach, about 15 km from the city. Other lovely beaches include Suan Son Beach, Laem Mae Phim Beach, and the somewhat quieter Ao Kai Beach. Between unique temples, the tradition of shadow puppetry, pristine nature, national parks, and mangrove forests, Rayong province – apart from Koh Samet – may not be a typical tourist destination in Thailand, but it's worth setting aside a few days to explore. All the information you need about getting around in Rayong can be found in our section "Getting Around in Rayong".

Accommodation in Rayong: In Rayong City, you'll find accommodations scattered throughout the city, some near the bus station. There are several hotels between Rajbamrung Road (also known as Pojnakorn Road) and Sukhumvit Road. If you'd like to stay in Ban Phe, the departure point for boats to Koh Samet, you'll find some accommodations and guesthouses opposite the pontoons and in the small alleyways. There are also many resorts along the provincial coast, some of them quite luxurious. In my opinion, these are a better option for exploring the hinterland and enjoying the beaches than staying in the city. However, you'll then have to arrange your own transportation. The advantage of a hotel in Rayong City is the wider selection of public transportation. However, this isn't sufficient for many attractions. Find accommodation in Rayong. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories less than 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // grey Less prices not available in the city selection ("All prices are available at any time") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Rayong. Banyan Residence Hotel in Rayong, Rayong City (9/10) Book now More details Crystal Jade Rayong Hotel in Rayong, Rayong City (8.2/10) Book now More details Tamarind Garden Hotel in Rayong, Rayong City (8/10) Book now More details View all accommodations in Rayong

Practical information about Rayong: There's already a page about Koh Samet on the website, so I'll focus here on the rest of Rayong province. To explore the islands, I recommend choosing a hotel near the beach rather than staying in Rayong town. Three days is ideal for discovering the main sights. However, you'll need transportation, otherwise your excursions will be very limited.

How do you get to Rayong? From Bangkok, Rayong can only be reached by bus or minivan. Buses depart at least hourly from the Mo Chit and Ekkamai bus stations. Minivans and minibuses also run regularly from the Chatuchak minibus station, directly opposite the Mo Chit bus station. Buses from Nakhon Ratchasima and other cities to Rayong (and Ban Phe) also run directly, bypassing Bangkok. Since Rayong doesn't have a train station, direct travel by train is not possible. Alternatively, there is U-Tapao Airport, often called Pattaya Airport, which is only 30 kilometers from Rayong (the last 30 kilometers must be covered by bus, minivan, or taxi). Thanks to the expansion of domestic flights, for example from Chiang Mai or Udon Thani, and some international flights, traveling by airport is very convenient. View all travel options to Rayong

What's the best way to get around Rayong? The city itself is easy to explore on foot or by tuk-tuk. However, getting to the rest of Rayong province without your own transport is quite complicated. You can either rent a car (I recommend this over a scooter, as the accident and fatality rate for two-wheelers in Thailand is quite high; also note that to legally drive a scooter in Thailand – regardless of its engine size – you need a motorcycle license and an international driving permit) or use the services of a driver or travel agency (hotels often offer tours).

Rayong Fruit Festival: This festival usually takes place in May. More about the Rayong Fruit Festival

Other sights in Rayong: Wat Namtok Thammarot (★★★★) This little-known forest temple, located over sixty kilometers north of Rayong, is truly enchanting and unique, especially thanks to its pink ordination hall on stilts, built over a pond. Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Samut Chedi) (★★★) This chedi on the banks of the Rayong River has a fascinating history but impresses with its classical architecture. Enjoy a stroll on the elevated wooden walkways amidst the surrounding mangroves.

How do you ask for directions to Rayong in Thai? I want to go to Rayong / Yak pai thi Rayong. Where is Rayong? / Rayong yu thi nai?