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 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.

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