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Tourist
Attractions
The palm-fringed tropical island of Koh Samet
is Rayong’s major attraction. The eastern
side of this triangular-shaped island has fine,
sandy beaches while the rocky headlands are on
the west. Large choice of accommodations, especially
bungalows, gives the island a rustic feel. Indulge
in a number of beach activities. To the east are
the smaller islands of Koh Kudi, Koh Khangkhao
and Ko Rusi.
The fishing village of Ban Kon Ao is constantly
subjected to wind and sea erosion, causing the
beachside palm trees to appear to rise from sand
pedestals bound together by tree roots.
Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park in
Talang District is comprised of two mountains
(khao) which loom above the farming lowlands of
the Eastern Seaboard. The evergreen forests are
home to many mammals (tigers, elephants, bears)
and has few developed trails. Park highlights
include the Khao Chamao Waterfall and the 80 plus
Khao Wong caves, including Tham Phet (diamond
cave) and Tham Lakhon (theater cave).
During mid-May to the end of June, excellent
quality and reasonably priced rambutans, durians,
and mangosteens are widely abundant. Several fruit
orchards provide a tour of their plantations
and a chance to taste the delicious tropical fruits.
The busy and prosperous fishing community of
Ban Phe is the main ferry embarkation point
for Koh Samet and neighboring islands. It is also
a popular market place for dried and fresh seafood
products. A 20-km coastal road winds along from
here to Laem Mae Phim, with a good stretch of
crystal white sandy beach. Local tourists frequent
the roadside vendors selling fruits, fried squid,
and other local delicacies.
Five km past Ban Phe is the Suan Son (Pine
Park) which is a favorite picnic area by the
beach shaded by pine trees. Aside from eating
seafood and other local delicacies while lounging
on deck chairs, there are a couple of sports activities
to enjoy.
The Sunthon Phu Memorial Park is a quiet,
well-manicured garden in Kram village, the birthplace
of Thailand’s most famous poet’s father.
Recognized by UNESCO as an eminent classical poet,
Sunthon Phu (1786-1855) composed his famous Thai
epic poem Phra Aphai Manee on Koh Samet. Statues
of the poem’s characters and famous scenes
are scattered around the park.
Within town, the King Taksin Shrine commemorates
King Taksin’s brief stay in Rayong following
the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767. Formerly a Thai
nobleman, he managed to escape before the fall
and acclaimed king in Rayong. He is remembered
as the monarch who rallied the Thais and successfully
expelled Burmese invaders before establishing
a new capital in Thonburi, the western bank opposite
Bangkok. The shrine is highly revered by Thais
of Chinese ancestry and attracts large crowds
during Chinese New Year.
The Ayutthaya-style (1350-1767) Wat Pa Pradu
enshrines a large 12-meter long Reclining Buddha
image that lies on its left side rather than the
conventional right side.
The 10-meter high Phra Chedi Klang Nam
(pagoda in the middle of water) is located on
an islet at the estuary of the Rayong River.
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Rayong
