Excursions to Rayong Thailand mangrove forests. Rayong province is a promising resort in thailand

V last years Russians are increasingly preferring holidays in Thailand. Tours to this country are popular in Moscow and other cities. The country has a wonderful atmosphere thanks to the hospitality and friendliness of the people. Tours to Bangkok are more often chosen, and others famous resorts With good hotels and other infrastructure. However, there are many others in Thailand. wonderful places... For example, Rayong. People who have been here leave good feedback about the resort, hotels and ready to return.

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general information

The province with the center of Rayong on the map can be found in the southeast. She located along the Gulf of Thailand, therefore, the main entertainment here is associated with water. We can say that Rayong is one large, almost uninterrupted beach. You can swim almost anywhere for hundreds of kilometers. There is good sand on the shore. Located close to small islets and the Moon archipelago. If you look at the map again, you can see that Rayong is well adjacent to Bangkok (220 km), as well as Pattaya.

The Thai people regard this place with special respect. Rayong is famous for his military exploits. During the war with Burma () detachment local residents heroically broke through here and created a fleet.

As it should be good resort, it is very beautiful here and, judging by the reviews, there are decent hotels. Nature has its own characteristics, some of which can be seen in the photo. However, it will truly open only when you visit this place.

The province is a match for the rest of Thailand and has many faces. Here you can find a large natural diversity:

The province is divided into 6 parts. They all live off:

  • Agriculture;
  • fishing.

A little time has passed since Rayong was an ordinary village of fishermen on the map of the country. Tourism began to develop only at the end of the last century. Now it is also one of the income items of the local population and the state. You can already find a lot in the vicinity:

  • decent restaurants;
  • hotels in Rayong Thailand;
  • bungalow;
  • large stores, etc.

Holidays in Rayong, reviews indicate that there is a lot of entertainment here... Perhaps - no less than in Pattaya. However, the general mood and atmosphere of Rayong is completely different. Tours here are usually chosen by those that are more suitable quiet rest in the lap of nature. And she, according to reviews, is almost pristine. Great for families with children.

During the tour, you can buy and taste unusual fruits and dishes in hotels and markets. Rambutan, mangosteen are unusual and very tasty fruits. You can often hear about them from tourists who have returned to our other cities. Durian is also exotic, but this food, according to reviews, is not for everybody. You should definitely try the Nam Pla sauce. He is sure to be found in the kitchen in any hotel. This is pride and business card Thai cooking.

Local climate

Climatic conditions make it possible to come here on vacation throughout the year. When, for example, there is slush or snow in Moscow, it is warm, sunny and great beach... In Rayong, as in other tropical regions, there are two main seasons:

Dry falls in November-April - the time when in most of our regions the weather is completely different. Some people especially like such contrasts, changes: quickly transfer from gloomy bad weather to almost another world.

You can buy tickets for the tour in the summer. The rainy season is from May to October. However, such a name should not be confusing. Rest, according to reviews, will be complete:

  1. Showers usually last for several hours, the rest of the time is free. According to the description of tourists from Moscow, there are even advantages. It is interesting to watch the real tropical rain. After it, the air is fresher and more comfortable, not so hot.
  2. Strong storms, such as in other parts of the tropics, for example, in some provinces of the same Thailand, are not here. You can safely swim. By the way, for the duration of the tour, vacationers have at their disposal not only the mainland, but also the picturesque nearby islands. For example, the island of Sammet is popular.

How to get there and where to stay?

You can buy tours to Rayong from Moscow or other cities. It should be immediately noted that direct flight no. However, due to his position, getting there is easy:

  1. You can fly to Bangkok first. From there, take a taxi, train or plane. In the latter case, the flight takes about forty minutes. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there by train.
  2. Planes fly here also from Koh Samui. Fly about an hour.
  3. Buses run from neighboring Pattaya. The ride is also about an hour.

You can stay during the tour at one of the local hotels... Usually they have 3 or 4 stars, the service, judging by the reviews, is very decent. There are world-famous hotels, for example, Palmeraie Beach Resort, there are also more modest ones. Some hotels have spas, such as Phala Cliff Beach Resort & SPA. If you want to spend time in romantic conditions, there is a bungalow right on the bay.

Beaches

Tours here, according to reviews, are mainly purchased for the sake of relaxing on the beaches. They are not crowded and well-groomed. Around the picturesque landscape and quiet relaxing atmosphere of cozy coves or lagoons. The beaches are very diverse and each is good in its own way:



sights

It is not enough for curious people to just lie on the beach. Many tourists need excursions to get to know the culture and better understand the country. It is interesting to learn new, unusual, and then talk about what you saw in a friendly company. The photo in this case is almost like a hunter's trophy. There are few places in Rayong where you can go on an excursion. However, what is there is worth a visit:

  • City temple- a rebuilt building. It was originally made of wood, but in order to maintain the strength of the structure, it had to be made practically from scratch. Moreover, the characteristic elements appearance remained the same. The temple is snow-white with a golden dome and the same hieroglyphs.

Wat Pa Pradu is one of the finest examples of local architecture from the ancient period. Inside there is a giant statue of Buddha: 12 × 4 m. It is believed that those who visit this place with pure thoughts will have great success in any business in the future. The temple is well located, there is a lot of greenery on the territory and around.

Compared to the popular resorts of Thailand, Rayong is not so well known yet, but every year it becomes more and more attractive for tourists. There are many unique natural attractions, such as thermal springs, spacious beaches, coral reefs, mountain ranges, picturesque waterfalls, virgin rainforests.

Well-preserved nature, no noise, reasonable prices make Rayong province ideal place for a calm family vacation... Although evening entertainment can be found here, the nightlife is not as vibrant as in Bangkok or nearby Pattaya.

brief information

Rayong is a province located in the southeastern part of Thailand a. From the capital of the country, Bangkok, it is only 220 km away, so you can get there quickly and inexpensively. The province is divided into seven districts, the administrative center is Rayong City. In addition to the mainland, the structure includes several nearby islands. The development of the resort began in the 80s of the XX century and proceeded at a rapid pace. Currently, the tourist infrastructure is well developed.

The pride of the province - sandy beaches, stretching for 100 km along the Gulf of Thailand. There are bungalows and hotels near the beaches, with a tropical forest close to them. Nice beaches many resorts in Thailand are famous, but the highlight of Rayong is the thermal springs, the waters of which are widely used for spa treatments.

The resort is surrounded by agricultural land. Rayong is one of the main agricultural producers in Thailand. Near the hotels there are fishermen villages built on stilts. Fresh seafood is supplied to nearby markets as well as to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. Various fairs are often held in local markets; fresh catch, local fruits and vegetables are sold.

There are coral reefs in the sea not far from the coast, which attract diving enthusiasts. Rayong Resort is known for both natural and man-made attractions - ancient Buddhist temples. According to reviews, tourists are attracted by the local flavor, low population and developed infrastructure with hotels, markets, shopping centers.

How to get there

Rayong can be reached both by land and by air. U-Tapao Airport is located 60 km from the administrative center, 43 km from Pattaya and 190 km from Bangkok. This small airport accepts both local and international flights... In season they arrive charter aircraft From Russia. There are daily flights from Phuket, Bangkok and Koh Samui. From the airport to the hotel, tourists have to take a taxi.

It is much cheaper to get from Bangkok by bus, paying only 180 baht. Buses leave every half hour from Ekkamai - the eastern bus station of the capital. Arriving at the place, it is better to get to the hotel by songteo for 15-20 baht. From Suvarnabhumi airport it is faster to get to the resort by taxi in two hours, the price is about 1500 baht.

From Pattaya can be reached for 200 baht buses, making excursions to about. Samet. These excursions are organized by Bangkok travel agencies. Buses pass through Rayong following the Sukhumvit Highway.

Who May Like The Resort

Reviews about the resort are both positive and negative. Holidays in Rayong province are more suitable for those who prefer urban comfortable conditions residence. There are many beaches and hotels, restaurants and attractions. People are friendly and do not try to cheat tourists for money.

The resort is attractive for both pensioners and families with children - it is quiet and uncrowded, with an abundance of cheap fruits, vegetables and fish. According to reviews, tourists who prefer the golden mean between the neighboring Thai towns of Chonburi, Siracha, Sattahil with underdeveloped infrastructure and well-maintained Pattaya with its rich nightlife are worth going to here.

In the reviews of those who did not like the resort, it is said about the not too clean sea. The water here is really worse than on the islands, because there are many factories in these parts. They are located right on the coast and often production wastes are discharged into the sea. In the reviews, some tourists categorically claim that they cannot be found in Rayong clean beaches, the only exception is about. Samet. There is also little entertainment here.

Feedback from fans of noisy parties is also negative. There are many complaints about city transport, which is not at all suited for tourists - there are no routes between the beaches. It is difficult to get to markets and shops without a rented bike or car.

Beaches

A common feature of the local beaches is the relative lack of people. A significant influx of locals is observed in the evenings and on weekends. Thais come to relax in beach cafes. Some parts of the vast coastline, stretching for tens of kilometers, lack any infrastructure. Closer to administrative center province cleanliness sea ​​water and the sand is poor. There are two beaches here - Hat Laem Charoen, which stretches for 10 km, and Hat Saeng Chan. The first was chosen by the locals for picnics, the second industrial - dirty, deserted and wild.

Much cleaner on the beaches located away from the provincial capital - Mae Rampueng, Phala Beach, Hat Suan Son. At a distance of 10 km from the city, there is a 12-kilometer Mae Ramphueng. Although this beach is very long, the description of its sections is no different - 10-20 meters of fine sand, then several rows of trees along which a deserted road runs. Behind the expensive hotels and restaurants, or just a forest. The shade can be found under the trees, an alternative is the installed umbrellas and sun loungers in some places.

Mae Rampueng beach

Suan Son Beach

The most beautiful East End Mae Rampueng, adjacent to the National Park. The coast expands 2-3 times and ends with a green hill. Here is the largest concentration of hotels. Near them, the coastline is regularly cleaned, and the water in the sea is much cleaner than in the city. There are no shopping and entertainment centers nearby, but there is an opportunity to relax on the beautiful coast in silence and solitude. On one of the most beautiful islands Thailand - about. Samet, you can find such important attributes of a beach holiday as the purest White sand and a transparent sea.

What to see

The province is famous natural resources, the main attractions here are thermal springs, National parks, Botanical Garden.

Suphattraland Orchard is one of the largest parks in Thailand. Many tropical plants grow here, the fruits of which can be enjoyed in the pavilions located here. You can see how exotic mangosteen, durians, rambutans grow. Tourists travel along the alleys of the park on a special tram, admiring the beautiful landscape: compositions of flowers, trees, trimmed in the form of animals.

Rayong Aquarium is an oceanarium consisting of 43 aquariums connected by transparent tunnels. Moving through these tunnels, visitors can closely observe marine life such as shellfish, cuttlefish, crabs, starfish, and many different types of fish.

Khao Chamao-Khao Wong - National park, known for its caves, of which there are more than eighty, multi-level waterfalls and lakes.

The botanical garden, named after the Thai princess Maha Chakri, was founded in 1984 by the largest oil and gas company in Thailand and presented to the princess. Many plants grow here, among which there are more than 250 varieties of medicinal herbs. The gift shop sells dried herbs and herbal medicines.

There are several thermal pools in the province. The most accessible are the springs located right within the city, in the Raksavarin park. Here you can swim in the pool for free, take a healing bath and shower. The temperature in the pool is 40 ° C, in the hot springs it is 65 ° C. In addition, you can warm up in a gazebo with a hot floor. There is another hot spring park in the vicinity of the city - Namtok Ngao.

There are many other attractions in Rayong province, which will diversify beach vacation.

Experienced tourists dubbed it the land of eternal smiles. And indeed it is. The locals are so cordial and hospitable that in this country you feel as if you are visiting a good friend. Most often, popular destinations are chosen for travel: Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya. Would you like to visit Rayong? Reviews of those who have been there eloquently hint that better place for recreation, especially with children, perhaps not to find.

Rayong (Thailand) on the map

If you open the atlas, you will notice this amazing place in the south of the country. It is comfortably located on the coast, so you won't have any problems with swimming.

In fact, Rayong is a solid beach with amazing sand, stretching for hundreds of kilometers. It is adjacent to the Mun archipelogo and islets such as Ko Samet, Ko Man, Ko Kodi. Only 220 km separates this province from Bangkok. Pattaya is also close at hand. It is advisable to find Rayong (Thailand) on the map in advance in order to plan sightseeing routes in

A bit of history

Once upon a time, during the war with the Burmese army, Rayong became famous for his courage. A detachment of patriots led by commander Paya Tak broke through the enemy's barrier, reached a quiet province and created a fleet here. Thais still remember this ancient feat. Perhaps that is why they treat Rayong with special trepidation.

Rayong today

It is probably useless to talk about the beauty of this amazing place. This must be seen in person. But one cannot fail to note the cozy charm that Rayong (Thailand) possesses. Photos of tourists eloquently demonstrate this feature.

The province, like the rest of Thailand, is made up of contrasts. Majestic mountain landscapes adjoin gentle valleys, where rubber groves also grow. Huge waterfalls, talkative and sparkling, and quiet, cozy bays complement each other. Small but diverse Thailand. Rayong district is administratively divided into 6 parts:

  1. Pluak Deng.
  2. Mueang Rayong.
  3. Bang Kai.
  4. Klang.
  5. Bang Chang.
  6. Wang Chan.

In all these areas, the main occupation is agriculture and fishing. It is here that such exotic fruits as durian, mangosteen, rambutan grow. And if the first of them causes ambiguous sensations, then the last 2 are very tasty. Almost all tourists like them. Enjoy the Asian delicacy too. Then there will be something to tell friends at home.

In addition, the national Thai brand, Nam Pla sauce, is prepared only here. It is one of the most important dishes in the cuisine of this country.

To Rayong for warmth and sun

Excellent weather attract tourists to Rayong (Thailand). Traveler reviews indicate that you can relax there all year round... There is no reason to disbelieve these statements. After all, a tropical climate reigns here, and it has 2 seasons: rainy and dry.

Do you know when is the best time to go to Rayong (Thailand)? Feedback from tourists will help you choose the perfect time to travel. Those who have visited Tae claim that the season here lasts from November to April. It is a worthy alternative to Moscow, which is slushy in the off-season and snowy in the winter months. You can easily be transported into a fairy tale. Just imagine: in the homeland there is a gray gloom or huge snowdrifts, but here is the beach, turquoise waves, the gentle sun leaving a chocolate tan.

However, if your vacation falls into the summer months, you too can indulge in getting to know Rayong. The period from May to October is called the rainy season here, but this does not interfere with rest. Rayong is famous for its short showers that last only a few hours. They just freshen the air, knocking down the heat. In addition, there are no strong storms, which are characteristic of other provinces of Thailand, so nothing will interfere with your swimming in the sea. Moreover, you can splash in the azure waves not only on the metric, but also on the islands. The island of Sammet is especially attractive for tourists.

Planning a route: how to get to the resort?

So, you have chosen Rayong (Thailand) as the final destination of your trip? Reviews tell in sufficient detail how you can get there. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to this area. But you shouldn't despair. Thanks to the convenient location, you can easily find yourself in a beautiful, modern province.

  1. You can get from Bangkok by plane, bus or taxi. The flight will take 45 minutes, but you will spend about 2.5 hours on the train.
  2. Buses run from Pattaya to Rayong. The trip will last no more than an hour.
  3. Airplanes fly from Koh Samui and Phuket. You will spend approximately 1 hour in the air.

As you can see, there are many ways to get to Rayong.

Features of rest in the Thai province

Vacationers from all over the world are attracted here primarily by the clean and uncrowded beaches of Rayong. This place is famous for its magnificent landscapes, a huge number of national parks and attractions. Rayong (Thailand) is amazing and mysterious. Photos of tourists give us the opportunity to virtually travel around a pretty town. But still, it is better to comprehend its beauty and secrets in a living form.

Not so long ago, Rayong was an ordinary fishing village. The tourist infrastructure began to develop here in the late 80s of the last century. Cozy bungalows, trendy hotels, colorful restaurants and supermarkets sprang up like mushrooms.

However, despite the developed tourism business, Rayong has retained some pristine charm. You will find entertainment here no less than in the noisy, sparkling neighbor Pattaya, but the aura of the resort town is completely different. That is why it is chosen by those who yearn for a calm rest, peace and tranquility. Rayong is also suitable for traveling with children. The noisy nightlife here is kept to a minimum, so your sleep won't be disturbed by the chords of music from nearby bars.

Vacation motivation: why do you need to go to Thailand?

Do you still doubt: is it worth going to Rayong (Thailand)? Reviews of experienced travelers say: you just need to go there in order to:

  1. Enjoy a picnic in the Casuarine Gardens.
  2. See a copy of the Enlightened One's footprint in the cave temple.
  3. Admire the Chinese New Year celebrations and touch the Thaksin the Great tree.
  4. Pay tribute to the creativity of Sunthon Phu by attending a performance based on his works. Noisy and vibrant performances are held on his birthday - June 26.
  5. Visit the fishing village of Ban Phe for local seafood and delicious sauce.

Quite compelling and interesting arguments in favor of a trip to Rayong, isn't it?

Choosing a place of residence

Where to stay during your stay at the resort? Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is hotels. Rayong (Thailand) is famous for its hotel complexes.

Despite the fact that they mostly wear 3 or 4 stars, the service is excellent. Here you will find world-famous hotels (for example, Palmeraie Beach Resort) and hotels with spa salons (Phala Cliff Beach Resort & SPA). If you want something romantic, then choose cozy bungalows located right on the coast.

The beaches of Rayong (Thailand): the kingdom of sand and the proximity to the sea

Tourists are attracted to this wonderful place by the opportunity to lie on the shore and swim in the gentle waves of the bay. Rayong's beaches are unique and varied. And most importantly, they are clean and calm. You can easily find a place to be alone with your thoughts.

Which one to choose is up to you. However, tourists are welcome at any beach.

  1. Hatsaitong Beach... The most popular place with the romantic name "Golden Sand Beach". There are hotels, restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity. So, in between lazy meditation on the sand, you will have something to do.
  2. Hat Laem Charoen... If you want not only to sunbathe, but also to taste delicacies from seafood, then this is the right place for you. The beach is famous for its fish restaurants.
  3. Suan Son... It is better to get to it from the village of Ban Phe. This is just the place where you can lie in silence on the white sand. Picnics are often held here.
  4. Islands Beaches... They have retained their intact appearance. It seems that a person's foot has not yet set foot here. Nevertheless, many of them boast a well-developed infrastructure. You will have to get to the island beaches by boat.

These are the different beaches of Rayong. Every year they lure tourists from the bustling Pattaya, because the atmosphere of peace, cleanliness and tidiness reigns here.

Rayong landmarks

However, here you will find more than just a beach holiday. Curious, inquisitive tourists can easily find food for their minds.

Naturalists will not stand aside either. After all, a varied kaleidoscope is at your service historical monuments, national parks and gardens.

Take a look at the photo of Rayong. Thailand is justly proud of its province. A place like this won't disappoint. You will see for yourself by visiting:

  1. Aquarium... It consists of 3 rooms. One of them is represented by exhibitions. In the second, you can get acquainted with the marine life underwater. And the third is a museum of seashells.
  2. Wat Pa Pradu... Thais cross the threshold of this temple in awe. It is famous for the fact that there is an image of Buddha in a pose unusual for local residents. He lies on his left side.
  3. City tomb... She will introduce you to the features of traditional Thai style. Columns are the main decoration of the buildings.

Among the oases with green delights, the following are especially popular:

  1. Princess Mahi Chakri Sirindhom Herb Park... There is a huge variety of herbaceous plants.
  2. Khao Chamao-Khao... The park is famous for its amazing waterfalls, amazing mountains from limestone and virgin, untouched forests.
  3. Suppatraland Garden... It is here that exotic local fruits are grown. You can even take part in the harvest.

Traditional thai holidays

Who knows if the date of your stay in this friendly Asian country will coincide with the festivities. Thais love holidays, arrange them in various cities. In Rayong, you can witness events such as:

  • Fruit fair... The time of its holding is considered to be May-June. At this time, a variety of fruits are presented on the trays in abundance. The market squares and rafts are decorated with flowers, exhibitions are held, and fun is everywhere.
  • Costume carnival... If you want to get on it, come in November. The monastery Wat Pak Nam was chosen as the venue. Rowing competitions, religious observances and a host of other activities await you at this time.

Rayong appears before us as a wonderful, revived fairy tale. Photos of the province convey only part of its charm, capturing finally and irrevocably.

Here you will not be bored, you will not have time for sadness and vanity. You will be in a different reality. In a reality that is mesmerizing and soothing. It has its own name - the country of eternal summer and bliss.

Travelers make many discoveries for themselves in Thailand, but for me the discovery was the province of Rayong with its villages. This is a fairly new place in the plan. mass tourism, and in my review I will try to tell the maximum of useful information about this beautiful corner.

Rayong Province is located 200 km from Bangkok, 65 km from Pattaya. Tourists usually arrive at Bangkok Airport. Rayong itself is a small village with a developed infrastructure - markets, a bus station, restaurants and shopping centers. Russian tour operators on this moment offer a small number of hotels to choose from in this region. Yes, there are not many of them. However, most of the hotels are not located in Rayong itself, but on the coast - on the first coastline, the sea across the street from the hotels. As a result, you remain cut off from civilization. There are plenty of cafes and shops near the hotels, street food vendors periodically go, but you will have to get to the center of Rayong by transport - local tuk-tuk or pickup buses. Travel time is 10-15 minutes.

Another point where you often have to go for everything you need is the village of Ban Phe. You can also get there by bus or by renting a scooter. To Ban Phe - 4-7 km of the way. That is, the concentration of hotels is somewhere in the middle between Rayong and Ban Phe. Is it a minus or a plus - you decide. In my case, the most important were the silence, clean air, lack of people and, most importantly, the proximity of the sea.

We stayed at the Nice Beach 2 * hotel (a separate review about it).

During a holiday in February, the sea here looked more like a lake in calm weather - not a single ripple. The bottom is sandy, nice white sand on the beach. The beach itself is slightly hidden from the road by palm trees.

Why choose Rayong?

If we compare Rayong, Pattaya and Phuket, then Rayong is best suited for people who need relaxation, clean sea nearby (you will not find this in Pattaya), service not spoiled by tourists (prices in cafes are cheaper than in Pattaya and Phuket), free exotic a stone's throw. Pricing policy: tours to this resort are relatively cheaper than to Phuket, often even cheaper than to Pattaya. Lunch or dinner is significantly cheaper than the other two resorts, there is Asian and European cuisine. No noise and dirt (compared to Walking Street). Here you will not see erotic shows, drag shows and other entertainment activities that Pattaya abounds in. Therefore, a green light for families with small children.

The sea is really clean, but the beach is a little littered, although it is swept from time to time. For sun loungers they charge a fee of 20 baht for the whole day, you can take it, you can lie down with your rugs. There are practically no people, I'm talking about the sea, the beach and the cafe. A sense of privacy is provided. There is one annoying moment - if you go a little deeper into the sea, something starts pinching your legs, no more painful than stinging nettles, but still unpleasant. There is no itching after, the pain lasts only a couple of minutes, if you can call it pain. This is plankton - it is not contagious, not dangerous, and therefore you should not panic and run to the doctor. And on the beach at night there are a lot of small ants, so they can paint a leg in a red speck! During the day they are not. And where would you like to spend time after dinner, if the hotel does not have a territory, but you are already tired of walking along the shore?

Visit the massage parlor in the building next to the Nice beach hotel. It costs about 200 baht for the whole body. Very affordable prices, it makes no sense to look for cheaper. Most likely there are such salons in other hotels, but I'm not sure. Generally this hotel is a landmark, everyone knows it, including taxi drivers.

Go to the Ban Phe Oceanarium (4-6 km from the hotel). Entrance - 30 baht per adult, impressions from the seen outlandish fish - a lot. The oceanarium is rather big, the territory is also very beautiful, so a visit is a must!


Oceanarium "Rayong" (located in Ban Phe)


Fruit market with very affordable prices. The market is non-touristy, for locals, so it will be difficult to find it the first time. But ask any tuk-tuk driver and he will take you there, wait and bring you back for a reasonable fee. Just ask: fruit market. The market is open on certain days, 2 times a week. Exactly what days - I will not lie, the schedule could have changed. The market is very interestingly located on the territory of the school, right there you can look at the pagodas. All kinds of fruits are sold on the market, from mangoes to mangosteen and others (you can't remember all the names). Half of the market is filled with seafood and ... even frogs - alive and smoked.


Including ready-made food sold - for example, grilled fish or octopus, hot and hot with a spicy sauce. One grilled fish cost us about 50 baht.


In addition, there is a lot of all sorts of things on the market - clothes, accessories, toys. It was interesting for me to see what the locals were buying, so it was also a kind of excursion. The market is located a little inland, if you look from the beach - do not risk it on foot: there are snakes far away and along the way.

A little further from the fruit market is a wonderful park. It seems to be called Nature Park. It would be better if you ask the local Park with black swan. The fact is that black swans do live in the park, and they are the identification mark of the park. The park has: a large body of water where you can go boating, water slide, which crawls right out of the tree, exotic trees, plants, waterfalls, restaurants, as well as black swans, ducks, fish in the pond (you can feed), peacock, toucan and more. Worth seeing. The entrance is free. Themed shows are also held there on certain days. Do not confuse this park with the National Park. And bring your swimwear just in case.




The national reserve is located almost at the entrance to Ban Phe, the entrance is paid.

The embankment towards the center of Rayong is incredibly beautiful, there is also something like a square with columns and gazebos. Perfect place for a photo session.


To the left of the Nice beach hotel (if you face the sea) there is a small fishing village on the rocks, it is very interesting to see or even participate in fishing for crabs and fish.


In the evening, a couple of times while walking, we came across animation shows from other hotels, no one chased us away. Mostly singing songs or dancing. In general, Thais love karaoke. More than once they saw a family gathering in the yard, and bawling in all ways like March cats.

Ships leave from any pier in Ban Phe to the island of Samet. Check the timetable for your return flight. The entrance to the island is paid, but it is easy to get around it if you are not a group of tourists (hello from the Russian mentality). From Pattaya they take there on excursions. But to be honest, I still did not understand what this island is remarkable for. Is that white sand. And so - there are a lot of people, prices are high and there are no attractions.

The rest of the excursions are only from Pattaya. Among other things, we went from Pattaya to Cambodia. How to get to Pattaya? From the bus station in Rayong. All buses passing along the sea reach the bus station, but just in case, clarify that Thais are unpredictable people. We got back from Pattaya to our hotel in the middle of the night by taxi - it turned out about 1600 baht, it took about 2 hours.

So, Rayong is the sea, relaxation, exoticism, cheapness, the opportunity to observe the life of the locals and boredom in the evenings.

Shopping, food, currency exchange

As I wrote above, there is no shortage of small shops and small shops. But not all of them work late. The shops traditionally have water, alcohol, gum chocolates, household chemicals, tanning products, shorts, T-shirts. Fruits are in trouble. For fruit, go either to the fruit market (see above), or to Ban Phe or Rayong. To Ban Phe it was closer and easier for us to ride a scooter - there is not such frantic traffic as in Rayong.


In Rayong or Ban Phe, you will also find whole markets with souvenirs, seafood, local clothing and cosmetics. By the way, I have already sung odes about Thai cosmetics in other reviews. Creams, dental care products, coconut oil, hair masks - I still can't forgive myself for not buying more of them.


Rayong province risks becoming in the near future no less a tourist destination than the notorious Pattaya. This will entail all the joys and vices, including the high cost of everything. Therefore: a lot of housing is sold here for "inexpensive". What if you dream of giving up everything and becoming a downshifter or even the owner of a small guest house? There are already a lot of people willing and watching. Hurry up!

Cafe for every taste. There is a purely European cafe, where the owner, it seems, is an Israeli. You will not pass by it - this is the only cafe where European music is played in the evenings.

These are the pigs running next to the cafe

There is no currency exchange near the hotels. Only in Ban Phe or Rayong. Dollars for baht are exchanged only in banks - in any bank, the difference in the rate is insignificant. You can get by in dollars, but with the current exchange rate there is a risk of overpaying.

If you have already seen Pattaya, and you don’t want to overpay for Phuket, if you are a family with young children and are worried about their physical and mental health, then Rayong is for you. This resort won me over with its serenity and unspoiledness, its true originality, and not a show for tourists. They will not try to rip you off or invite you to dubious shows. Earning much less than us Russians, they are ready to treat you: we noticed that all Thais drink some kind of potion, or alcoholic beverage from small brown bottles. They could not resist, went up to the police to ask what they all drink? Instead of answering, they gave us as many as 3 of these bottles to sample. Is free. It turned out to be a sweet, sweet and rich energy drink. In another case, the owner of one of our favorite cafes ran to the store for a drink that was not on his menu. Although we did not even think to ask him about it. How can you not love them? And in Ban Phe, we took part in a very interesting lesson- helped a family from Bangkok (mother and little son) to collect shells from the bottom of the sea at low tide, for which they were rewarded short story how to cook them.


Come here, relax in body and soul, communicate with Thais and feed them with spiritual purity, love of life.

The review turned out to be detailed, but if you still have questions - write, I like to talk about travel. And if you have mastered reading my review to the end, then I have a small request for you - write down in the comments: write me and other reviews about non-proliferated resorts in other countries, or is there all the necessary information and so on the Runet?

Rayong is a fairly well-known province and place. It stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand for 110 km and has a total area of ​​3500 sq. km. The capital is the city of the same name, located 190 km from and 65 km from. The closest regions to the province are Chantaburi and Chon Buri.

The nature of Rayong is a mixture of forested mountains, waterfalls, numerous fruit and rubber plantations and countless beaches. The province is one of the most important agricultural producers in Thailand, with large plantations growing vegetables and fruits all year round. The region is the main supplier of seafood - numerous fishing vessels bring rich catch to Bangkok and the provinces every day. Prices for fruits and seafood in local markets are also not high.

You can get to Rayong from Bangkok by bus, the journey takes 2.5 hours.

The main thing that attracts foreigners here is the local Thai flavor, uncrowded beaches, lack of crowds of tourists, developed infrastructure with hotels, shopping centers, shops, markets. In Rayong, the beaches stretch for tens of kilometers, so everyone will find a place to their liking. The most famous are located near the city, these are: Laem Charoen, Saeng Chan, Mae Ramphueng. Phayun and Phala beaches are located a little further.

The development of Rayong began in the late 80s of the last century, when the first tourists appeared here. Since the beginning of the 90s, the city has developed at a gigantic pace, and today this region is a fairly developed industrial center with hotels, supermarkets, shops, banks and restaurants.

But despite this, Rayong is very different from its closest neighbor - Pattaya, with its turbulent, discos and affordable girls. He is quiet place, and is more suitable for couples and those who like a relaxing holiday. However, if you wish, you can have a fun evening here, just the nightlife is not so noticeable, it is not paraded like in Pattaya or Bangkok.

Rayong city on the map of Thailand

Who should go

Going to Rayong is for those who like city rest, but who want to find a middle ground. Those. those who do not want a too fast rhythm and nightlife Pattaya, but at the same time does not want to live in purely Thai towns that are located in the neighborhood (Siracha, Sattahip, Chonburi) and where the tourist infrastructure is not so developed.

Rayong, on the other hand, offers a fairly large selection of beaches and hotels near them. There are massage parlors, restaurants (including Western food), shopping centers (Tesco Lotus, Central Plaza), shops, markets, attractions (National Park, temples, etc.), entertainment (Aquarium, cinemas). The city has a large selection of fresh seafood and fruits, prices are quite low and are designed for locals, not tourists.

It is worth going to Rayong for those who do not want to live in tourist spot where most Thais are trying to cheat you for money. Here people are not spoiled by foreigners and are still very welcoming.

And now about who will not like this resort. First of all, it will be boring for lovers of nightlife, discos, bars and hot spots with affordable girls. Also, the city will not be liked by those who like to swim in the clear sea and generally love bounty. Such people should go to the islands, where there is complete relaxation and clear sea (the nearest ones are Ko Lan, Ko Samet and Ko Chang). And in Rayong, there are quite a few factories located right on the coast next to the beaches. Naturally, everything merges into the water and it cannot be as clean as on the islands.

Also in Rayong, public transport is not very developed. Rather, it is, but the routes are laid in the interests of the local population, and not tourists who want to move between the beaches. Without your own motorbike or car, it will be difficult here to go to markets, shops, beaches and attractions. And almost all city transport is labeled in Thai, and the drivers hardly speak English.

So, let's summarize. Rayong is worth going to those who like city rest, and not an island one. Who wants to be able to buy inexpensive food, fruits, etc. at Thai prices, not tourist prices.

The resort has enough condominiums in which foreigners buy apartments and live for several months. Some even moved to Thailand, but do not want to live in the noisy Pattaya.

For retirees or couples with children, Rayong is more suitable than Pattaya. The only thing is that there will be less entertainment for the child. But he will not constantly see transvestites, drunk tourists and girls of easy virtue.

In our opinion, the resort is more suitable for a long stay (from a month) than for a short week-long vacation.

How to get to Rayong

You can get to Rayong by air and land. 30 km from the city center is located, where planes arrive daily from Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and some others. From there to the hotel you will have to take a taxi or.

Cheap flights to Bangkok

You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible with the help of special search engines that collect data from all airlines.

The easiest way to get from Bangkok is by bus, which leaves every half hour from - from 04:00 to 22:00. The fare is about 180 baht, the travel time is 2.5 hours. Buses arrive at the bus station in Rayong, from where you can get to the coast on a public songteo for 15-20 baht.

Directly from international airport Suvarnabhumi can only be reached by taxi. The fare is from 1,500 baht, the journey time is a little more than 2 hours. You can order a taxi at the Public Taxi counter in the arrivals area or. The return cost is about 2500 baht. Therefore, as an option, you can get to the bus station, from there for 180 baht to Ekkamai, and upon arrival take a taxi and take the meter to Suvarnabhumi for about 200-250 baht. Or from Ekkamai to Phaya Thai station, and then change to the metro line to the airport (Airport Rail Link) for 45 baht.

Buses from Pattaya go to Rayong, you need to catch those that pass along the Sukhumvit highway from Bangkok. Or contact local travel agencies that organize minivans to Koh Samet. They pass Rayong along the way. The fare is about 200 baht. One of these carriers is 35 Group Pattaya.

Tickets are sold at bus stations, in travel agencies resorts and cities or they can.

Transport

Urban transport in Rayong is represented by songteo and motorcycle taxis. The songthaew cost 10 baht, but it is not clear which route goes where. everything is written in Thai and the drivers often don't understand English. The author of the article only once saw the inscription in English Mae Ramphueng (this is a beach) on a songteo. But this is more the exception than the rule. Some songteos stand next to the beaches, but it is also not clear where they go from them.

In short, if you want to live in Rayong or come here for a day, then you should forget about public transport... The best solution would be either a motorbike from where you are going to this resort. There are almost no rentals here, but if you are staying at a hotel, you can ask the reception about renting.

Moto taxis can only be found near popular Thai destinations, such as shopping centers and markets. They are not on the beaches.

Rayong beaches

The common thing that distinguishes the beaches in Rayong is the lack of people. Only in the evenings and on weekends can you see local residents on the beaches closest to the city. They come here not only to swim, but also to sit in one of the coastal cafes.

The coast stretches for several tens of kilometers, there are many places where there are no people at all, or any infrastructure in the form of hotels, restaurants and cafes. Since the place is not very touristy, you will not see vendors with food and trinkets on the beach, as in neighboring Pattaya. Nobody pesters here, and almost no one speaks English outside the territory of the hotels.

But it should be understood that the beaches of Rayong, located in the center of the provincial capital and near it, are not very good due to the fact that there are many factories on the coast. Accordingly, the purity of the water also leaves much to be desired. Yes, and they are not removed from the garbage every day.

One of nearest beaches bathing is located within the city and is called. There are many Thai seafood cafes along the coast. On weekends, it is chosen by the locals who come to rest. There is a wild and dirty one nearby.

The 10-kilometer Mae Ramphueng beach is very beautiful, located 12 km from the city center.

Hat Suan Son attracts with pine trees, in the shade of which you can hide from the sultry rainforest. Located a few kilometers from the town of Ban Pe.

Finally, near Rayong, there is a popular National Reserve... This status guarantees crystal clear clean water ideal for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

Pillar of the City

Located on Lak Muang Rd. This is a symbol of Rayong, at first the pillar was wooden, and then it was replaced by a brick one. In mid-April, the main celebrations dedicated to.