Rayong province (Thai: ระยอง) is a province (changwat) of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from west clockwise) Chon Buri and Chanthaburi. To the south is the Gulf of Thailand.
History
King Taksin (of Thailand) came to Rayong after the fall of Ayutthaya. During a short stay in Rayong he built a navy, and then went on to Chantaburi to collect his arms to fight back against the Burmese. There is a shrine in Rayong where local people pay respects to Taksin.
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided in 8 districts (amphoe). These are further subdivided into 58 subdistricts (tambon) and 388 villages (muban).
1. Mueang Rayong
2. Ban Chang
3. Klaeng
4. Wang Chan
5. Ban Khai
6. Pluak Daeng
7. Khao Chamao
8. Nikhom Phatthana
Tourism
The Shrine of King Taksin the Great (ศาลสมเด็จพระเจ้าตากสิน) Folklore says that King Taksin the Great tied his elephant to the tree while leading the troops to Chanthaburi for retrieving the Kingdom of Siam from Burmese occupation. The shrine houses a statue of the king.
Wat Pa Pradu (วัดป่าประดู่) This ancient temple dates back to the Ayutthaya period. The wihan houses a large reclining Buddha image, 11.95 metres long and 3.60 metres high. Unusually, the reclining Buddha image lies on its left-hand side.
City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมือง) This shrine was first built of wood. Then it was replaced by a concrete building with Chinese characteristics. The old city pillar was formerly in front of the shrine. A new one was later set up with a four-porched shelter.
Wat Ban Don Shadow Play Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์หนังใหญ่วัดบ้านดอน) exhibits one hundred Nang Yai shadow-play characters, or Nang Yai, which is a large piece of leather carved and painted into different characters.
Phra Chedi Klang Nam (พระเจดีย์กลางน้ำ) In the middle of the Rayong River, two kilometres south of downtown near the mouth of the river, there is a pagoda on an island. It is a landmark for the crews sailing in the river to indicate that they are reaching Rayong province. On the full moon day of the twelfth lunar month, a celebration is held to change the robe covering the pagoda.
Si Mueang Park (สวนศรีเมือง) This place was once used for the execution of prisoners. Now it has been rebuilt as a public park. At the front of the park is a famous Buddha image of Rayong, Phra Phuttha Angkhirot.
Hat Laem Charoen (หาดแหลมเจริญ) Near the mouth of the Rayong River, five kilometres south of downtown, is the nearest beach from Rayong.
Hat Saeng Chan (หาดแสงจันทร์) Some seven kilometres from Rayong town, connecting to Laem Charoen Beach, the Saeng Chan Beach is a sandy beach.
Hat Mae Ramphueng - Ban Kon Ao (หาดแม่รำพึง – บ้านก้นอ่าว) Some 11 kilometres from Rayong town.
Khao Laem Ya (เขาแหลมหญ้า) From this sunset viewpoint, comprising scrub forest and cape, it is possible to see Mae Ramphueng Beach and Ko Samet.
Rayong Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธ์สัตว์น้ำระยอง), Located in the Eastern Marine Fisheries Research and Development Centre (ศูนย์วิจัยและพัฒนาประมงไทยฝั่งตะวันออก), it houses various kinds of beautiful fish and sea plants. The centre conducts study, research, and testing regarding marine biology and behaviors of marine life.
Sopha Botanical Park (สวนพฤกษชาติโสภา) This 32-rai park is lush with many kinds of trees, particularly Thai flora. In the compound, three traditional Thai houses on stilts, nearly 100 year old, exhibit ceramics from various periods as well as prehistoric pottery from Ban Chiang World Heritage Site.
Suan Son (สวนสน) Just four kilometres from Ban Phe, 29 kilometres from Rayong town, many kinds of pine along with local trees provide shade for the visitors.
Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาแหลมหญ้า-หมู่เกาะเสม็ด) The park totals an area of 81,875 rai comprising land, sea and islands. Its major attractions include Mae Ramphueng Beach, Khao Laem Ya, and Samet Archipelago.
Ko Samet (เกาะเสม็ด) Some people believe that this is the miracle island in Thai classical literature by Sunthon Phu. Ko Samet is a famous beach attraction of Rayong. One of the beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost-complete circle.
Ko Kruai, Ko Kham, and Ko Pla Tin (เกาะกรวย เกาะขาม และเกาะปลาตีน) These islands are approximately 600 metres north of Ko Kudi.
Ko Kudi or Ko Kut (เกาะกุฎี หรือเกาะกุด) The beach and coral reefs make it a nice place for a hideaway. Nearby islands are Ko Thai Khangkhao and Ko Tham Ruesi.
Ko Thalu (เกาะทะลุ) The island is another scuba diving site among coral reefs. The island totals an area of 69 rai, and most remains lush forest. While high cliffs occupy the west, white sandy beaches occupy the east and south of the island.
Suan Wang Kaeo (สวนวังแก้ว) Forest and garden, beach and beautiful bay characterize the park.
Laem Mae Phim (แหลมแม่พิมพ์) Without large waves, the beach is nice for swimming. Restaurants and bungalows are available along the beach. Laem Mae Phim is 48 kilometres from Rayong town.
Sunthon Phu Monument (อนุสาวรีย์สุนทรภู่) The monument was built to commemorate Sunthon Phu, a leading poet in the early Rattanakosin era, two centuries ago. There are statues of Sunthon Phu and characters from his famous literature.
Wat Saranat Thammaram (วัดสารนารถธรรมาราม) houses a main Buddha image imitated from the famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat in Phitsanulok province. Four major pagodas surround the Ubosot. They include Phra Pathom Chedi, Phrathat Phanom, replica of Bodh Gaya, and Phrathat Chaiya. Mu Ko Man (หมู่เกาะมัน) Mu Ko Man comprises three islands: Man Nai, Man Klang, and Man Nok. Ko Man Nai (เกาะมันใน) This island is the location of the turtle conservation station initiated by Her Majesty the Queen. The project conserves the breeding of hawksbill and olive turtles.
Hat Phayun and Hat Phla (หาดพยูนและหาดพลา) The beautiful Phayun Beach is 32 kilometres from Rayong town. Phla Beach, only three kilometres from Phayun Beach, is a quiet beach with a shady sea pine forest.
Supattra Land Orchard (สวนสุภัทรา) The orchard is open for the public to witness its fruit varieties such as durian, rambutan, mango, grape, star fruit and longan.
Khao Chamao - Khao Wong National Park: (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาชะเมา – เขาวง) This lush forest with a great variety of flora and fauna is the watershed of the Prasae River. Attractions in the national park
Namtok Khao Chamao or Namtok Khlong Nam Sai (น้ำตกเขาชะเมา หรือน้ำตกคลองน้ำใส) The waterfall comprises seven levels, stretching for three kilometres. The large pond called Wang Matcha, is a habitat of brook carp.
Pha Sawan (ผาสวรรค์) The viewpoint is 1.5 kilometres from the national park headquarters.
Namtok Khlong Pla Kang (น้ำตกคลองปลาก้าง) The waterfalls are three kilometres from the headquarters. Ferns and orchids grow well in this lush forest.
Namtok Khlong Hin Phoeng (น้ำตกคลองหินเพิง) The small waterfall is actually in Chanthaburi province, ten kilometers from the headquarters. Water runs all year round. Khao Wong (เขาวง) Many limestone mountains surround a flat plain. The mountains have a total of 80 caves inside.
Krommaluang Chumphon Shrine (ศาลสมเด็จกรมหลวงชุมพร) The shrine houses the statue of Krommaluang Chumphonkhetudomsak, founder of Thailand's modern navy. He is honoured by the people of Rayong.
Activities
Taphong bike route (เส้นทางจักรยานท่องเที่ยวตะพง) Golf Driving Rang Amphoe Mueang Horse Riding Thai Massage Spa
Ko Samet
Ko Samet (Thai: เกาะเสม็ด) [1], is one of the Eastern Seaboard Islands of Thailand. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coastline of the Thai province of Rayong, approximately 220 kilometres (140 mi) southeast of Bangkok. Ko Samet is part of the Phe (Thai: เพ) District of the Amphoe Mueang Rayong (Thai: เมืองระยอง, the capital district, or Amphoe Mueang), of Rayong province. Ko Samet is the largest and westernmost of a cluster of islands not far from the coast.[2]
The island derives its name from the cajeput tree found throughout the island, as the Thai language word for cajeput is samet (the cajeput tree is formally known in Thai ต้นเสม็ดขาว). In the past, this island has also been referred to by its colloquial name, Ko Kaew Phitsadan (Thai: เกาะแก้วพิศดาร), or the "Magic Crystal Island".
The Island
Popular with foreign tourists and as a weekend getaway for residents of nearby Bangkok, most of the island (excluding the Na Dan area) belongs to the Khao Laem Ya - Mu Ko Samet National Park. In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Samet, along with nine other small islands, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and the 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) Mae Rampeung Beach to be a National Park, and is thus Ko Samet is under the protection of the National Parks Division of the Thai Government.
Samet
Travel to and from Ko Samet is typically via the small local port at Ban Phe (Thai: บ้านเพ) on the coast. Travelers from Bangkok frequently travel by bus, with departures to Ban Phe from Bangkok's Eastern Bus terminal, the Ekamai bus station, and travel time from Bangkok to Ban Phe of approximately 3-1/2 hours. Owing to the island's close proximity to the coast, just 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) offshore, boats travel casually from Ban Phe to Ko Samet in approximately 30 minutes.
Tourism
Most beaches are on the eastern side of the island. The beaches hide in small bays and stretch some 200 metres. From the north, there are Hat Sai Kaeo, Hat Hin Khrong, Hat Khlong Phai, Ao Phutsa, Ao Thapthim, Ao Naun, Ao Cho, Ao Thian, Ao Wai, Ao Kio Na Yok and Ao Karang. The only beach on the western side is Ao Phrao. One of the famous beaches is Ao Wong Duean in the middle of the eastern side. This beach stretches in the shape of an almost complete circle. Both Ao Wong Duean and Hat Sai Kaeo have very fine white sand.
* Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, it is the place for sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.
* Ao Noi Na Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has a different ambience to Hat Sai Kaew. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking to relax on the white, sandy beach.
* Ao Pai Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded. For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the good place.
* Ao Phutsa Ao Put Sa is a small bay on Koh Samet which draws repeat visitors intent on relaxing. Suitable for those who are tired of crowded beaches and nightlife activities, Ao Put Sa offers a quiet natural retreat.
* Ao Thapthim Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a peaceful atmosphere, is located near Ao Put Sa and is well known for its white sand and clear water. Ao Tub Tim has a small, cozy resort, which provides nice services in a well decorated compound.
* Ao Wong Deuan Ao Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beach and good accommodation. On top of this, seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.
* Ao Wai Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is quite and scenic.
* Ao Kiu Nok This bay is decent for those planning to keep their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and nightlife. From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai is the ideal spot on the island to see the sun rise and sun set.
* Ao Karang This is the best place on the island to experience the traditional lifestyle of the residents of Koh Samet, is at Ao Karang, where there also are a number of seafood restaurants providing seafood dishes.
* Ao Phrao Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located quite far away from the nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the sea, swimming and sand.
Activities
Snorkeling / Diving
The Ko Samet area is a popular for divers and snorkelers due its close proximity to Bangkok and abundance of clear water, colorful coral and diversity of marine life such as: turtles, tiger sharks and manta rays. Two of the most favoured locations for diving around Ko Samet are Ko Talu and Ko Kud. Tourists can take a tour around the island and go snorkeling off the rocky uninhabited western side, or around the reefs at the southern tip. Scuba diving excursions can be arranged at Vong Duang.
Volleyball / Frisbee
Tourists enjoy playing volleyball and Frisbee on the beach.
Fishing
Night fishing trips for squid are usually arranged.
Boat Trips
These are arranged to take tourists (either by slow boat or speedboat) around the island to snorkeling and diving spots.
Windsurfing
With its rocky coastline and offshore winds, north of Hat Sai Kaew is a good location for windsurfing.
Massage On the beach there are countless masseurs offering their massage service. Of the beach on the main roads are massage shops.
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