Ban Phe
Tambon Pae, Amphor Muang, Rayong: a fishing boat pier, fish market, ferry pier to Samet island, local products market place, a big sea food product of Rayong, for example; shrimp paste, fish sauce, died shrimp, dried squid, sea shell mobile.

Khao Chamao waterfall
Khao Chamao waterfall cascading form the mountain. It has 8 levels, at 2 levels called "Wang Mutcha" which has lots of fishes. Also food shops, bungalowa are available and camping is possible within the park.

Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park
Kao Chamao-Kao Wong National Park has 83.68 sq.km., covers area of two provinces, Amphor Klang, Rayong and Amphor Thamai, Chantaburi. It is a rich forest with water resources of Rayong. Wildlife animals, waterfall, cliff and beautiful scenary are attractive to tourists. Legend: A Royal decree enforcing for land of Kao Chamao, tambon Toong Kwaikin, Kao Wong, tambon Kongdin, amphor Klang, Rayong province and tambon Kaeng-hangmaew, tambon Nayaiarm, amphor Tarmai, Chantaburi province became National Park. It was announced in the Royal Record Bulletin Vol.92, section 267, dated 31th December B.E.2518, and became 13th National Park of the country. Topography: Climate: Heavy rain during May-October, average 3000 millilitres. Cool during Novenmer- February and summertime during March-April, average temperature 26-27 degree celcius. Plant and wildlife: There are many economic trees; such as red woods, hardwoods, sandal woods and wild orchids. Ground covers are rattan, bamboo, herbs and varieties of ferns. Wilds animal found in the area are tigers, wild elephants, bulls, red bull, mountain goat, bear, deer, monkey, gibbon, rooster, pheasant and birds. Highlights: Kao Chamao- Kao Wong waterfall or Tarn Namsai waterfall is closing to the National Park office, 1 km. from main road. It is big, 3kms. long and has many tiers namely; Wang Majsha, Wang Morakot, Paa Kluaymai, Chongkab, Hoksai waterfall, and steeple cliffs At Wang Mujsha, fresh water fish called cave- fishes are plentiful and attractive. Paa-sawan: a parnoramic view point that you will never forget. Klong Plakang waterfall: 4 kms. from the National Park office. It is big and beautiful, 4kms. long and has 7 tiers namely Wang Changparn, Larn-peesua, Ang-krua-saba, Larn pratupar, Tarn koh-klang, Wang krachay, Tarn sai-mok. Along both sides you will find wild orchids, ground cover and ferns. Kao wong cave or local name is Kao wongkot, 18 kms. from down town Nar yai-arm market, cover 4040 sq. kms. It looked like a maze with overhanging cliffs and more than 80 caves, only 20 caves opened for publics. For example; diamond cave, theatre cave, lion cave, bats cave, casino cave, tortoise cave. Outside the cave, mountain goats live there and they are rare species. More information: contact National Park office, P.O.Box 11, Amphor Klang, Rayong 21110. tel. 0 3889 4378.

Khao Laem Ya-Samet Island National Park
11 kilometres form town turn of Sukhumvit Road is Mae Ramphuent beach, located within Khao Laem Ya-Samet Island National Park, 12 kilometres long beach on the way to Ban Kon Ao; a small fishing village with traditional way of life. The beach is clean with gentle slope which is suitable for swimming. On the shore there are several bungalows. A little further from Ban Kon Ao on the beach-front road to Khao Leam ya is covered with small shrubs and a cape jutting into the sea. Along one side of the hill is stretch beach where the headquarters of the Khao Leam Ya-Samet Island National Park is located.

Khao Wong
Khao Wong is comprising limestone hill, the mountain is also blessed with natural caves with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites and high cliffs.

King Taksin Shrine
King Taksin Shrine is in a temple called Wat Loom Mahachai Chumpon, on Taksin road. A big Satue tree (300 years old) believed that King Taksin tied his elephant around it, when he was on his mission from Rayong to Chantaburi gathering the braves to fight for independence. The shrine housed two statues of his standing and sitting. Royal Biography: King Taksin the Great was born on full moon the fifth Lunar month, year 1096 according to Thai calendar, year of the tiger, or Sunday, 17th April B.E.2277. King Boromkot of Sri Ayutthaya. His birth name was Sin, his Chinese father named Haihong, Thai mother named Nok-eang . Seven years later after Ayutthaya city was destroyed, he fought the Burmese and gained independence. He became King of Thonburi, named Somdej Praboromraja III, on 28th December B.E.2310. He remained on the throne for 15 years and died on 6th April B.E.2325, aged 48.

Laem Mae Pim
It is 48kms. from downtown Rayong, turn right off Sukumvit , 5kms from Soontornpoo Memorial or 11kms. from Wangkao. The beach is beautiful, swimming is fun, picnic and accommodation available.

Mun Nai Island
Mun Nai islands were given by Queen Sirikit on 1st August B.E.2522,as a sea turtle preservation sanctuary, under the responsible of Fisheries Department and the Royal Navy. Since 1st October B.E.2545, became East Seashore Research Center, First step on the island, you are impressed by fresh air, smiling face of hosts. You can stroll around looking at trees and birds on the way leading to sea tortoise ponds. There are also beautiful lines of coconut trees and agaves. There are two steps for nursing: first period, bringing in eggs from Koh Kram for hatching until they reach the age of one year or they are ready to go back to sea, second period is keeping some of them for research. The sicks will be nursing in a fiber glass tank. An exhibition hall is next to the nursery, display about Koh Mun Nai and live of sea turtle. A big sea turtle weighs 500kgs. and replicas are on display. Corals and Tiger claw King scallop from Mun Nai stand beside king scallop pond. Souvenir and gift shop is available. Sea tortoise stable is 200m. away, covers area of 30 rai and looks very natural with sea water flows in ond out. Adult male and female aged 10 years and over are kept here for breeding. There is a beach for laying eggs Information center is on the beach, selling souvenirs, polo shirt, t-shirt, caps, glasses, key rings. Profit gives to sea turtle activity. Swimming, coral snorkeling, leisure, no food and drink for sale. For more information: East Seashore Research Center, moo 6, tambon Klum, Amphor Klang, Rayong. Tel. 0 3861 6096, 0 3865 7446.

Pra Buddha Angkeeros
The casting ceremony arranged by Rayong Governor (Mr. Dumrong Soontornsartoon) and presided by Deputy Minister of Interior (H.E.Tawin Soontorn sartoon, former Rayong Governor B.E.2486) on 17-18 April B.E.2508, 20.53.45 o’clock. Department of Fine Arts was responsibled for polishing work and entered a religious ceremony at Wat Borvonnives in Bangkok before brought back to Rayong and place them in ubosot of Wat Pa Pradoo. Another religious ceremony and celebration during 27th December B.E.2508 to 3rd January B.E.2509 was magnificent. It was called New Year and Pra Buddha Sihingsa celebrations The official of the Buddha image is Pra Buddha Angkeeros Sihingaboromnad Rayongprajaraj Boromborpit.

Pra Chedi Klang Nam
A bell shape pagoda, 10 m. high, stands on an island in the middle of Rayong river. It is situate in tambon Pak-nam, amphor muang, Rayong. The site is 52 rai and accessible by a concrete bridge built by Rayong municipality. The pagoda was built in the year B.E. 2416 by Phya Sri-samut (Kate Yomjinda) the governor of Rayong. It is a landmark for seamen, sea travelers knew Rayong, their destination. In the old day water way is the only mean to travel and it is presumed that it was built here in concurrent to the one built in Samutprakarn , Prasamut Chedi, another landmark leading the way to Bangkok. Chedi-klang-nam considered a sacred symbolic for local people. In the middle of twelve lunar month every year, water overflow the river bank, celebrations and festivals started. Katin festival, Chedi robe offering, loy kratong and boat races. Chedi robe must be red and 6 m .long. carry by two men to cover the bell shape part of the pagoda. Pine trees are planted and they give shade for people to spend their leisure time. A renovation of Chedi and the surrounding was done by Rayong municipality and people can visit the mangrove plantation on both sides of the river bank and strolling along the bridge.

Princess Sirindhorn Herbal Garden
For more information, please contact: Princess Sirindhorn Herbal Garden. Tambon Mab ka, King amphor Nikompattana, Rayong. Tel. 66 3891 5213-5 Travel tip: From Bangkok, Highway no. 7(motorway) to end road, turn left to no.36 until Mab-ka cross road, Rayong. Turn right under flyover to no.3191, follow the sign and it is on your right.

Koh Samet Island
The Island is well know destination, blessed with beautiful scenery beaches with white sand and suitable for relaxation and water sports such as banana boat riding, jet skiing, diving and windsurfing. Popular places are Sai Kaew Baech, Wongduan bay, Prow bay...more »

Shadow Puppets Museum at Wat Bandon
An investigation on the Shadow Puppet from former abbot Prakru Panyawutikorn, and other descendants concluded that: The shadow puppets are about 200 years old. Phya Sri-samut (Kate Yomchinda), former Rayong governer bought them from Pattalung, 200 puppets, while they were very popular and still on the show. He hired the puppet master to teach his people. While traveling from Pattalung to Rayong, the ship faced severe storm across the gulf of Siam. Some puppets slipped and fell into the sea and they survived except “Sita” the main character. Finally, they found she struck to the rudder of the ship after storm. No record for the craftsmanship and period of construction. They used to be on show at Wat Chanta-udom (Wat Keng). Now the site of Rayong Hospital (only one Chedi existing on the east side nowadays and was registered a historic building by Department of Fine Arts) All the puppets are kept there after the shows. In B.E.2430, Wat Bandon was built, all performers were trained by Kru Pradit from Ban Sag Yai, closed to the temple. The orchestra are from Toong Po. They can access easily, both for rehearse and perform. They felt more convenience to keep all the puppets at Wat Bandon, Amphor Muang, Rayong. Nai Ruang and Nang Cham Ruenreng both are puppet masters have trained children and neighbors to perform the puppets show. The orchestra is by Nai Tua Dontree. Voice impersonate are by Nai Suam Pentham, Nai Cham Kumwon, Apornrat, Suksa Keo Sopon. When Nai Ruang Ruenreng became very old, Nai See Ruenreng took responsible as performer and voice impersonate together with Nai Cherm Kobaran. When Nai Chalerm Maneesang died,Nai Toi Wanrudee became puppet master. On the orchestra side, Nai Tua Dontri, Nai sai,and Nai Foong Chaodon passed away, Nai Chalom Putmee took their place and brought in students to join the group. These puppets are long descending heritage. Their beautiful patterns are considered classic craftsmanship, sacred and be respected.They must be stored in high place and safe. They are rottening due to materials themselves and lack of care after long period of no performing to public. Restoration and preservation needed immediately to keep them alive. People of Ban Sag-yai brought back the performing arts to live again in B.E.2523. It was led by Nai Si Ruenreng, Nai Chalerm Maneesang and Nai Jerm Kobkwan. The shows to public were on the 200th anniversary of Rattanakosin (Rattanakosin Bicentennial), Songkran festival, TV5 show. In B.E.2524, Wat Bandon established a project to build a storage and restore the puppets. On 16 November 2534, the inaugulation of the storage building headed by Prakru Panya and accompanied by the Petro-Chemical Industrial Thai Company brought a Katin to Wat Bandon. It was very much admired for the conservation of the shadow puppets. Restoration and duplicate works are proceeding under the commissioning of Nai Chalerm Maneesang, puppet master. New puppets were crafted according to the text and original pattern under Nai Amnaj Maneesang and partners, Nai Pratuang Ketsamut, Lt Col. Payub Pentum, Nai Udom Nutipratuum, and Miss Usa Jotikul. Duplicate pattern work and crafting arranged by the National Museum (Nakorn Ratsima) officers. Fund seeking by Wat Nandon and 77 new puppets completed.

Si Muang Park "Koh Klang" is a public park in town center behind the City Pillar Shrine. In front is Phrabuddha Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine), the town's principal statue.

Soontorn Poo Memorial
5 kms. from Laem Mae-pim to Klang. Soontorn Poo was the great poet of early Rattanakosin. It was unveiled on 25th May 2513. The memorial featuring Pra Apaimanee, mermaid, female-demon his main characters from his poems and 26th June is Soontornpoo Day. Biography: Soontornpoo was born on Monday of eighth lunar month, first day to full moon, year of the horse, year 1148 according to Thai calendar., or 26th June B.E.2329. His mother was a nanny of a daughter of the Regent to King Rama I, Rattanakosin period. His father was became a monk at Wat Ban Klum, amphor Klang in Rayong. He started school at Wat Cheepakao (now Wat Srisudaram). His mother took him to the Regent office, soon he left and became a clerk. He did not work well because of his fond of poetry. He was granted by King Rama II as Kun Soontornvoharn (Poo) or Soontornpoo. King Rama IV granted him as Pra Soontornvoharn. He died at the age of 70, in year of the hare, B.E.2398. On 26th June B.E.2529, UNESCO declared him a world class personality with best cultural works on his 200th birthday anniversary...Photo »

Wat Pa Pradoo
Wat Pa Pradoo,is the third-class royal temple, sited on Sukumvit road, Tambon Ta Pradoo, Amphor Muang, Rayong. Former Wat Pa Laylai named after the village. A monk named Pra Tien arrived at the ruin where big trees existed (3-4 m. diameter) and found it peaceful for meditation. He resided in an old ubosot and beloved by the villagers. They came to renovate the place and built a hut for him. In the main shrine, housed a buddha image in Pa Laylai style and four sitting buddha images in viharn on four directions of ubosot. A reclined Buddha, 12m. long, is 30m. away to the east What’s interesting: - Reclined Buddha, an unusual laying on his left, 11.95m. long, 3.60m. high, built in brick and stucco in B.E.2478. Prakru Samut (Aew) restored and put new gold leaves. A new viharn was constructed in B.E.2523. - The old ubosot was built in B.E.2449 (King Rama V) by Prakru Samut and his followers, Rattanakosin architectural style. Double roofs with Chofah-bai-raga at the gable and Chinese influence on the pediment stucco decoration. There is a tunnel under the old ubosot, believing that passer through will be very happy the rest of their lives. - Viharn Pra Palaylai: Pra Palaylai is 6.02m. high, once a principle image in the temple. Now sits in the viharn, built in B.E.2501.

Rayong Festivals and Major Events

New Year and Red Cross Festival
The festival is normally held from late December to early of January at Rayong Stadium, This festival consist fairs, exhibitions, games and entertainments. Visitors could also purchase local and industry products at reasonable price.

Rayong Fruit Festival
Held around May to June at Tapong fruit Market, is designed to promote and sell fruits and products form fruits. there are fruit parade, fruit contests and agricultural exhibitions.

Sunthorn Phu's Day
Annual celebration on June 26, of each year held in commemoration of Sunthorn Phu, one of the greatest poet, at the Suthorn Phu memorial, Klaeng district. The exhibition on the poets life and works and other activities related to Sunthorn Phu literature will be shown on that day.

The Robbing of the Pagoda on Isle
Traditional festival held around annually during the full-moon period, with Loy Krathong Festival in November. The festival held at Pak Nam Temple in Muang district, there are religious rites, longtail boat racing, a delightful Loy Krathong and other pleasant entertainment.

How To Get To Rayong - Koh Samet

HOW TO GET TO RAYONG

By Bus Rayong is connected by regular bus services with Bangkok and other towns and provinces such as Pattaya, Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani.

Air conditioned and regular buses leave Bangkok to Rayong from Eastern Bus Terminal on Sukhumvit Road, Ekamai, Tel : 3914900 (air) and Tel : 3912504 (non-air). Air conditioned buses leaving Bangkok every 30-40 minutes from 05.00 hrs. until 22.00 hrs. One way fare is 85 baht. Non-airconditioned buses leaving Bangkok every 30 minutes from 04.30 hrs. until 20.00 hrs. One way fare is 47 Baht. The trip takes about 3 hours.

Airconditioned buses leaving Bangkok for Ban Phe every 1 hour from 07.00 hrs. until 20,30 hrs. and non- airconditioned buses every 1 hour from 05.15 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. One way fare is 90 baht for airconclitioned bus and 50 baht for non-air conditioned bus.

By Air Bangkok Airways operates regular scheduled flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Samui Island to Rayong-Utapao International Airport. For information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel; (02) 2538942- 6,2559915-20 and Rayong, Tel : (038) 603063

Local Transportation
Public urban transportation within Rayong is in the form of minibuses. Local buses leave the Rayong Bus Terminal at Rayong Trade Centre for various destinations throughout the day. depend on the distances. Fares are about 5-15 baht depend on the distances.

Boat to Koh Samet
Koh Samet can be reached by boat frorn Ban Phe. Boats leaving Ban Phe for Ko Samet through the day from 06.00 hrs. until 17.00 hrs. Fare is 30 baht for one way trip. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

More Rayong Information...»
Transport Station go to Eastern (Ekamai)...»