Visit Rayong - Rayong is located in the east coast of Thailand on the northern shoreline of the Gulf of Thailand, some 179 kilometres from Bangkok. Rayong has an extensive coastline stretching for approximately 100 kilometres, is some 3,552 square kilometres in area, and is divided into 6 administrative districts. To the north and west it is bordered by the province of Chonburi, east by Chanthaburi Province and south by the Gulf of Thailand. The total population of the province is about half million persons. In general the geography of Rayong is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by flat plains and large tracts of land under forest, rubber and fruit plantation. Offshore there are many islands which are well-known by the tourist, such as Ko Samet and Ko Man.

Rayong was mentioned in the Thai history during the late Ayuttaya period, when the former capital was razed to the ground by the invading Burmese.

Rayong is blessed with its abundance of nature beauty, It has a well deserved reputation for producing seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which Rambutan, Mangosteen and Durian are the most famous. The climate is tropical, generally warm and humid with abundant rainfall, average temperature is around 28 C. The best months are November through February. (see here about the climate in Thailand)

Tourist Attractions

The King Taksin Shrine - The shrine is located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon which commemorates King Taksin the Great's brief sojourn in Rayong. In front of the shrine is a large tree of the genus Parkia, where according to local legend, his elephant was believed to be stabled. It is highly revered by the people, particularly those of Chinese ancestry, and attracts large crowds during Chinese New year celebrations.

Koh Samet - It is the most well-known attraction of Rayong offers beautiful beaches with charming white sand, strange-shape rocks, suitable relaxation, water sporting, exploring the coral reefs beneath the sea. Ko Samet is located some 6.5 kilometres from Ban Phae. There are boat services available all day and many kinds of accommodation there.

The Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park. It is about 17 kilometres off the main highway at km. 274, 76 kilometres from Rayong and abounds with various types of trees and plants, as well as. species highly valued as decorative plants. The Khao Chamao waterfall has eight levels. It is not too difficult to reach the top.

Fruit Fair - This annual fair, usually during the middle of May, celebrates the abundance of local fruits and products. Besides stalls selling local fruits and products, there are colourful floats decorated with fruits, parades, musical and dance processions, beauty pageants, fruits contests and exhibitions of local products.

Sports

Apart from tennis at major hotels, fishing in the sea and snorkeling or scuba diving around off-shore islands, visitors can enjoy many challenging golf courses in Rayong and nearby areas. There is also a bowling alley in Rayong town.

Recommended Golf Courses

Rayong Green Valley Country Club - Located on route three between Sattahip and Rayong near Ban Chang town, this intelligent, beautifully landscaped course is lodged on the side of a hill and thus takes its features from the large rocky outcrops, boulders and native fauna that are featured in the local terrain.

Eastern Star Golf Resort - This is a local favorite and plays host to several area competitions. The course can play quite long, particularly from the championship blue tees, where the distance is more than 7,100 yards.

Plutaluang Royal Thai Navy Golf Course - Built by the Royal Thai Navy and opened in 1968, Plutaluang is a real character course set in some of Thailand's loveliest natural surroundings.