Sights and activities in Rayong: Besides Koh Samet, which has its own page on this website, Rayong province offers many other interesting and beautiful places. These include unusual temples with unique architecture, such as the completely pink Wat Namtok Thammarot, Wat Pra Padu with its reclining Buddha in a rare position, impressive natural wonders like the Botanical Garden, the mangroves, or the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park, which extends partly into the neighboring province of Chanthaburi, a museum dedicated to Nang Yai, a traditional art form of shadow puppetry, a small floating market, and a historic district. Although Rayong is not frequently mentioned in guidebooks and on Thailand websites, there is much to discover here while enjoying the sea and the beach restaurants and bars with sunset views.

Sights in Rayong: Yomjinda Road (Old Town) My rating: 3/5 stars. Rayong's Old Town is very well-known, especially Yomjinda Road, the most beautiful street in the area and probably the most interesting. There are also some nice and tasty little restaurants with local cuisine. Wat Pa Pradu (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) My rating: 5/5 stars. This is the most visited and revered temple in Rayong. Its long reclining Buddha, unique in its position, is very famous and makes it an absolute must-see in Rayong. Rayong Botanical Garden (สวนพฤกษศาสตร์ระยอง) My rating: 4/5 stars. Although the name "Botanical Garden" might not appeal to everyone, it's a beautiful natural paradise consisting mainly of wetlands and ideal for exploring by boat or mountain bike. Very nice! Prasae Estuary and Tung Prong Thong (ทุ่งโปรงทอง) My rating: 5/5 stars. This is the most famous natural area and the largest mangrove forest in Rayong Province. Whether it's the so-called "Golden Meadow" or the path across the wooden boardwalks in the shade of the mangroves – a wonderful place for a walk! Koh Samet Island My opinion: 4/5 stars. Located in Rayong Province, Koh Samet is the main tourist attraction. As one of the closest islands to Bangkok, it's also very popular with Thais on weekends and holidays. Its pretty beaches make it a pleasant destination, even if it's not the most beautiful island in Thailand. Khao Laem Ya National Park My opinion: 4/5 This is the Khao Laem Ya headland section of the park I'm referring to, with its pretty little stretch of coastline featuring a boardwalk that allows you to enjoy the blues of the sea and the browns of the rocks. A pleasant seaside walk! Rayong Walking Street My opinion: 5/5 stars This large weekly night market, held in Rayong's most historic and charming street, allows you to experience the atmosphere of Thai night markets, sample local street food at the many stalls, and buy handicrafts and souvenirs.

Other places worth seeing 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 walk on the elevated wooden walkways through the surrounding mangroves.

Other excursion tips in Rayong: Khao Khao Wong Chamao National Park (20 km from Rayong) with its many caves and a large waterfall; Ban Kon Ao (20 km from Rayong) – a small fishing village that has retained its authentic charm; Sopha Botanical Garden (approx. 15 km from Rayong, near the pier) with a wide variety of trees and plants; Temple of King Taksin (built to commemorate King Taksin's stay in the city, opposite Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon); Koh Samet Island (a few kilometers from the city) – a major reason for tourists to visit Rayong; Ko Mun Islands – small islands with white sand beaches. One of them, Ko Man Nai, is a sea turtle sanctuary. Ko Man Nok offers several resorts for those wishing to stay overnight.

Other sights in Thailand: Koh Ngai Island The small island of Koh Ngai has a fairly long white sandy beach with turquoise waters and a somewhat smaller, more mysterious sea. Snorkeling is easy here. arrow_circle_right Show details about Koh Ngai Old Town This historic quarter includes many houses in the Sino-Portuguese style. A unique architectural style in Thailand with many vibrant colors. An interesting and easy visit to see something different from the usual tourist attractions… arrow_circle_right Show details about the Old Town Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Probably the most famous and most visited floating market, especially worth a visit early in the morning. arrow_circle_right Show details about the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Ban Sao Luang Weavers' Village This small village, 20 kilometers from Nan, is home to several weaving workshops, including a large one that can be visited to observe the laborious work at the looms. And of course, you can also buy local handicrafts here… arrow_circle_right Show details about the weaving village of Ban Sao Luang