Rayong Hotels

Rayong Province, a lush entryway to the natural wonders of the Gulf of Thailand, has plenty of innate charm. Rayong, the small eponymous capital of 55,000 people, is a popular gateway to Ko Samet (Koh Samed), the incomparable island home of Diamond Beach (Hat Sai Kaeo) and the white sands of Ao Phutsa and Ao Wong Duean. Though the vast majority of visitors pass by Rayong to fulfill beach bliss on the shores of the gulf, the province delivers enough telltale beauty to linger for a spell. Consider, for one, a parade of venerable temples, endless orchards of aromatic tropical fruit and the caves and exotic fauna and flora of Khao Chamao/Khao Wong National Park. All this within three hours of Bangkok.

Rayong's Top 10

Rayong History

• Wat Nam Tok Tamros - This large temple houses important historical Buddhist relics.
• Wat Saranat Thammaram - Built at the end of WWII, this temple houses many important replicas of Buddhist chedis.
• Somdet Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine - This shrine honours the founder of the Thai Navy.
• King Taksin Shrine - This shrine commemorates the king’s brief stay in the area.
• Wat Khodtimtaram - This 15th-century temple is the oldest in Rayong and houses many historically significant paintings.

Rayong Art & Culture

• Wat Pa Pradu - This temple is known for its nearly 12m-long reclining Buddha statue, which is the main attraction.
• Wat Khodtimtaram - This 15th-century temple is the oldest in Rayong and houses many historically significant paintings revealing the religious culture of the area.
• Song Kran - This festival celebrates the traditional Thai New Year each April.
• Rayong Fruit Festival - This annual festival celebrates all things fruit with fruit floats, a beauty pageant, water sports and delicious treats.
• Sunthon Phu Monument - This monument honours the birthplace of the great Thai poet.

Rayong Shopping

• Ban Phe Market-The narrow aisles of this market are a great place to find local seafood and tasty snacks.
• Yom Jinda Road Market - This market has everything old and new, making it a favourite among Rayong locals.
• Tapong Fruit Market - A great place to try exotic local fruits at a very cheap price.
• Kram - This small village known for its handmade crafts makes it worth the short trip.
• Laem Thong Shopping Centre - This contemporary mall is the best place to shop for name brands.

Gay & Lesbian Rayong

• Laemya Inn - This small gay- and lesbian-friendly hotel is a great place for a romantic getaway.
• Baan Siri on Sea Resort - The beautiful views from this Rayong resort make it a popular destination for gay and lesbian travellers.
• Nimmanoradee Boutique Resort - Catering to the gay and lesbian traveller, this resort is known for its great views of the beach.
• X2 Rayong Resort - This hip Rayong resort is a favourite among trendy gay tourists.
• High Society - A more sophisticated gay crowd goes to this small bar.

Rayong Events

The Amphoe Pluak Daeng crystal factory offers tours throughout the year.

Loy Krathong is a national holiday in Thailand that takes place sometime in November. In Rayong Province the festival includes a venerable Thot Pha Pa Klang Nam (Waterborne Robe Offering Ceremony) at the mouth of the Prasae River.

Sunthon Phu Day, on June 26, pays homage to the foremost Thai poet.

When To Go

While Rayong enjoys a similar tropical climate to Bangkok, the province swelters less than the linchpin capital metropolis. A mild wet season sweeps in from May to October and temperatures hold between 70°F (21°C) and 90°F (32°C) for the year, on average.

Like clockwork, the minute the monsoon rains peter out in October swarms of domestic tourists rush south from Bangkok to the low coastal plains of Rayong. As such, visitors who desire some peace may want to time a foray to coincide with the start or tail end of the wet season and risk a deluge or two. Weekdays tend to be much less chaotic.

Getting Around

Rayong is approximately 110 mi (177 km) south of Bangkok. The journey takes about three hours, either by taxi, private car or bus. Traffic in the vicinity of the city may precipitate significant delays, however.

One alternative is to fly in to Utapao International Airport in Sattahip on the Gulf of Thailand. The hub serves Rayong and Pattaya and connects with the likes of Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket, in addition to charters from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, Taipei and Tokyo.

Motorcycle rental is a popular mode of transport for intrepid tourists in Thailand and Rayong is no exception. Taxis, more affordable on weekdays, ply the province at large and public bus service is dependable in the city.

Rayong General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate