Rayong Travel

Best time to visit

Because Rayong is mostly a beach destination, it’s best to visit Rayong during the dry and cool season from November to February. But, if you want to sample tropical fruit as well, the early part of the rainy season (June and July) sees some of the heat disappear and it will most likely only rain for a few hours, and not every day.

Check the below table for the general idea of Rayong weather throughout the year.

Rayong’s current weather and 7-day forecast

RAYONG WEATHER

Rayong boasts a charming historic quarter and the city’s beauty has been immortalized in one of Thailand’s all-time famous epics, Phra Abhai Mani. Time to immerse yourself in some Thai-style fantasy while uncovering the local stories hidden within.

Check out these top things to do in Rayong, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

1. Get your dose of vitamin sea on Koh Samet

Just about 2-3 hours’ drive from Bangkok and another 40 minutes’ ferry ride, Koh Samet is truly a paradise within reach. It has always been a favorite getaway among Thai locals and is therefore well-developed. You can expect fantastic fire shows and some party scene, especially in Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai (Phai Bay) areas. Thankfully, the island remains well-preserved after all this time. There are also quiet beaches and bays, such as Ao Wai and Ao Pakarang.
Other than enjoying banana boat and other water sports, snorkeling, fishing (including squid) and turtle and shark spotting (if you’re lucky), Koh Samet is an interesting location for Thai literature fans. Koh Kaew Pisadan in the all-time famous Thai epic poem Phra Abhai Mani is inspired by Koh Samet. Penned by the UNESCO-honored bard Sunthorn Phu, Phra Abhai Mani features not only human characters but also mythical creatures like mermaid, sea ogress and dragon horse. Don’t be surprised when you find their life-size statues scattered around Koh Samet.

2. Wonder about nature in Koh Talu area

Talu means pierced and it’s obvious where the name of the island comes from. Hop on a ferry from Koh Samet for not only the hole in the rock wall but also turquoise water, powdery white sand and the most beautiful coral reef in Rayong.

3. Indulge with the ultimate beauty and serenity on Koh Mannork

Part of the Man islands, which consists of Koh Mannork, Manklang and Mannai. The three islands are all beautiful, but Koh Mannork is no. 1 and is also the biggest. Owned by the Thai Navy, the island is private. Come enjoy stunning natural scenery in peace and quiet and meet the gorgeous local residents: peacocks. You can start your journey from either Koh Samet or Rayong city.

Nearby is Koh Mannai and the island is home to a Sea Turtle Conservation Project.

4. Get your seafood supply at Ban Phe Market

If you’re going to Koh Samet, you have to start from Ban Phe Pier. After leaving the island, don’t forget to shop for fresh seafood or seafood snacks at Ban Phe Market. From dried squid to shrimp paste, you can surely find a taste of Rayong to take home.

5. Feast on the king and the queen of fruits and more at Rayong Fruit Festival

Every May, June and July Rayong is overflowing with the freshest, best fruits from orchards around the city. Durians, mangosteens, rambutans and many more. The variety is deliciously dizzying.

Tapong Fruit Market near the downtown area hosts Rayong Fruit Festival annually for a week in May, June or July, so enjoy your all-you-can-eat fruit feast. The festival also features live music, fruit eating competition and other fun activities.
Many orchards are in fact in Tapong, so go there for freshly picked fruits (by yourself!) and learn more about local agriculture. Khun Sirapatsorn, our Local Expert in Rayong is always ready to take you for an all-you-can-eat tropical fruit tour at a fruit farm. This is an opportunity not to be missed! 

6. Enjoy a history walk on Yomjinda Road

The most important and most beautiful road in the old town area, Yomjinda Road is a strip of quaint century-old houses. Some of them are refurbished into local museums, art galleries and cafés. Said art includes photography by famous Thai photographer, Niwat Pao-in, at DaVinci Studio. You’ll also find his collection of retro stuff and works by his artist friends.   

7. Pay respect to the floating pagoda, Phra Chedi Klang Nam

Back when boat was the most important mean of transportation, like a lighthouse, Phra Chedi Klang Nam signaled arrival in Rayong. Part of Wat Pak Nam, the white pagoda was built on an isle in the river and it’s one of the city’s most sacred site. Today you can easily cross the road that connects to mainland to the pagoda.

8. Watch the sunset at Khao Laem Ya

Part of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park, Khao Laem Ya is the most stunning viewpoint in Rayong. There you can see the eastern city’s vast blue sea and even Koh Samet.

Apart from the view, the hill itself is beautiful. Khao Laem Ya is both rocky and grassy, so you’ll find plenty of photo ops.

You can even camp there.

9. Relax by the sea in Phe Arboretum (Suan Son Beach)

If you don’t have enough time for Koh Samet, Suan Son Beach is a good option for relaxation. It’s swimmable and has good seafood restaurants and picnic spots. It also has a unique charm: tunnel-like rows of tall casuarina trees.

10. Marvel at the golden mangrove and live like a fisherman in Prasae

Thailand has a lot of lush mangrove forests, but it’s not every day you get to see a golden one like Thung Prong Thong in Prasae. A wooden walkway cuts through the vast yellow-green field and when sunlight catches it in the morning, it seems to turn gold. Before you reach Thung Prong Thong, you’ll have to walk through the classic green mangrove forest, so there are different kinds of beauty to behold. At the end of the trail is the 1943-built frigate HTMS Prasae Memorial and you can get onto the deck.

Forests aside, Prasae is where you can enjoy homestay. More than fresh seafood, you can get a taste of the life of local fishermen in the area.

Most of the accommodation in Rayong along the coast is in the form of midrange and luxury resorts. For budget accommodation, it’s best to stay in Ban Phe, which is home to several cheap guesthouses focused on attracting the backpacking crowd heading onwards to Koh Samet. In Rayong town, the accommodation isn’t particularly impressive, but there are several comfortable options, conveniently located close by to the bus terminal and old town.

Budget options

Hop Inn Rayong 

Add: 355/3 Sukhumvit Rd., Neanpra, Muang Rayong, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Set in Rayong, less than 1 km from Passione Shopping Destination, Hop Inn Rayong features rooms with air conditioning. The property is situated 3.1 km from Phra Samut Chedi Klang Nam, 5 km from Yomjinda Walking Street and 6 km from Central Plaza Rayong. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk as well as free WiFi throughout the property.

At the hotel, the rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge.

OYO 290 Dd Residence Hotel 

Add: 11/1 Soi 6 Radbumrung Rd., Neonpra, Muang, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Located in Rayong, 1.8 km from Passione Shopping Destination, OYO 290 Dd Residence Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms and a terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Local points of interest like Central Plaza Rayong and Ko Kloy Floating Market are reachable within 4.2 km and 5 km, respectively.

At the hotel, rooms come with a wardrobe. At OYO 290 Dd Residence Hotel every room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Mid-range options

Tamarind Garden Hotel 

Add: 30/1 Soi Ruenkwan Sukhumvit Rd, T. Nuenphra A. Mung, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Centrally located in Rayong, Tamarind Garden Hotel offers modern air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. For extra convenience, there is a 24-hour front desk.

The hotel is a 15-minute drive to Sang Chan Beach. Samed Island is a 30-minute taxi plus boat ride away, while it takes 1.30 hours to drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Featuring wooden flooring, each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, fridge and minibar. Shower facilities are included in an en suite bathroom.

Guests can benefit from a fitness centre or take a stroll in the garden. Meeting facilities are provided.

Rice Mill Restaurant serves a variety of Thai cuisine. It is available in the morning.

Caza V1 Serviced Apartment 

Add: 8 Klongkhood Rd., Tambol Tarpraoo, Ampur Maung,, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Situated in Rayong’s centre, Caza V1 Serviced Apartment offers modern rooms with 32-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. It provides a daily international breakfast in its stylish restaurant, fitness facilities and free parking.

The air-conditioned rooms feature a private balcony overlooking the surrounding neighbourhood or gardens. They offer spacious interiors, bright colours and a mini-fridge.

Situated just off Sukhumvit Road, Caza V1 is a 5-minute drive from Sri Muang Golf Course and a 10-minute drive from Sang Chan Beach. It is a 2-hour drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

For leisure, guests may exercise in the well-equipped gym or head to the nearby golf course. Staff can provide concierge and laundry services.

Hearty Thai and international meals are served in the restaurant’s trendy setting or in the privacy of guest rooms.

Star 3 Residence 

Add: 111,113 Soi Rayong Trade Center Road No.4, Sukhumvit Road, Tumbon Tha Pradu, Amphoe Mueang, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Set in Rayong, 1.9 km from Central Plaza Rayong, Star 3 Residence offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a shared lounge and a garden. A sauna and a car rental service are available for guests. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, an ATM and free WiFi.

The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a microwave, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. At the hotel all rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.

Star 3 Residence offers a terrace.

Izen Budget Hotel & Residence 

Add: 47/15 Raat Bam Rung Road, T.Nuen Phra, A. Muang, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Izen Budget Hotel & Residence is a 5-minute drive from the centre of Rayong. It offers modern air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.

The hotel is a 5-mintue drive from Laemtong Shopping Plaza. It is a 1-hr drive from Pattaya.

Rooms are furnished with contemporary décor. They come with a flat-screen cable TV, refrigerator and telephone.

Shower facilities are included in an en suite bathroom.

For guests’ convenience, the hotel provides laundry and shuttle services. Free public parking is possible on site.

Local restaurants can be found within 10 m from the hotel.

Plaai Play Hotel 

Add: 78/1 Langwatpa rd. T.Thapradu A.Muang, Rayong 21000, Thailand, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Situated in Rayong, within 800 m of Yomjinda Walking Street and 2.5 km of Central Plaza Rayong, Plaai Play Hotel features accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is set 2.8 km from Ko Kloy Floating Market, 4 km from Passione Shopping Destination and 6 km from Phra Samut Chedi Klang Nam.

At the hotel, rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV.

Deluxe options

Star Convention Hotel (Star Hotel) 

Add: 109 Soi. Rayong Trade Center No.4, Sukumvit Road., Tha Pradu, Muang, Rayong, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Star Convention Hotel (Star Hotel) features a sauna, pool and fitness centre. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi in public areas. The hotel also has a nightclub, karaoke facilities and business centre.

The hotel is 27 km from U-Tapao International Airport.

Rooms come with a TV, refrigerator and safety deposit box. A bathtub is included in an en suite bathroom

Staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist guests with luggage storage and airport shuttle. Meeting facilities are available.

Guests can enjoy Thai dishes at the restaurant.

Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartment, Rayong 

Add: 11 Soi 6, Ratbumrung Rd., T.Nernpra,Muang,, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Located in Rayong, Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartment is a 10-minute drive from Sang Chan Beach. It offers stylish accommodation with a kitchenette and a bathtub. Guests enjoy access to executive lounge with complimentary tea, coffee and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.

The property is a 5-minute drive to Laem Thong Plaza and Tesco Lotus Shopping Centre.

Non-smoking rooms at Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartment, Rayong are adorned with modern decor and neutral tone interiors. Each room comes with a flat-screen cable TV, a seating area and a safety deposit box. Shower facilities are included in an en suite bathroom.

Guests can lounge by the pool or stay active at the fitness centre. The hotel is also equipped with a 24-hour front desk, a business centre and meeting facilities. Free private parking is possible on site.

Terrazzo Restaurant specialises in Chinese cuisine and Dim Sum. This all-day-dining venue also serves Thai and international dishes.

Kameo Grand Hotel & Serviced Apartment, Rayong 

Add: 305/14 Sukhumvit Road, Muang, Rayong, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Kameo House offers 4-star apartments with well-equipped kitchenettes and dining areas in Rayong’s town centre. Boasting a rooftop pool, gym and 2 restaurants, it also offers free Wi-Fi and parking.

Featuring classic furnishings, Rayong Kameo’s apartments have comfortable seating areas with sofa sets and DVD players. For convenience, kitchenettes are furnished with a fridge and microwave oven. Bathrooms have a bathtub and toiletries.

Guests can relax in the outdoor spa pool or take a dip in the large outdoor pool. There is an Executive Lounge and a 24-hour front desk that attends to guest needs throughout the day.

Rayong’s premier rooftop steak restaurant, California Steak also offers a range of seafood, international and Thai dishes.

Restaurant Il Terrazzo serves Chinese dishes and Dim Sum specialities. Guests can also enjoy coffee and treats at Cafe Kantary.

D Varee Diva Central Rayong 

Add: 590 Sukhumvit Rd., Nuenphra, Mueng, 21000 Rayong, Thailand

Set in Rayong, 1.6 km from Passione Shopping Destination, D Varee Diva Central Rayong offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation provides an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk, where staff can assist guests, as well as free WiFi throughout the property.

The units come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, bathrobes and a desk. All units feature a wardrobe.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.

Although Rayong is not popular with foreign visitors, this has not affected the culinary scene, which boasts a variety of cuisines including Korean, Indian, German and American. Rayong is also famous for its delicious seafood and tropical fruit, so despite there not being many tourist attractions here, you can spend your time sampling lots of great food! If you decide to skip the town itself, and just head to the coast, there are some good restaurants at the more developed beaches (Mae Rumphueng, Suan Son and Mae Phim), and most of the resorts have their own restaurants or cafes too.

Western and International Food

Starting with the international scene, your first stop should definitely be Yurak Rayong (17/7 Khlonhkhut Rd), a traditional Korean restaurant that serves a good variety of dishes. If you’ve never had Korean food before, this is the perfect opportunity, and I would list it as one of our favourite cuisines! There’s something to suit everyone, from barbequed meats to kimchi (spiced cabbage) stews.

Alternatively, you can enjoy some German comfort food and some imported beers at the German Bierhaus (Rajbamrung Soi 6 Rd). The food is authentic (as is the beer!) and they also offer a good variety of Thai dishes, pasta and pizza.

Close by to the Bierhaus, there are several nice cafes, Cake House and Happy Camper (109 Rajbamrung Rd), which are the best places to get coffee, cake and other sweet treats. There’s also Odile Steak House (Choeng Noen) for more Western food, and meat lovers will be impressed by the quality of their steaks.

Finally, if you love spicy food and curries, there’s an Indian restaurant a bit further out of town called Spices (Thanon Sukhumvit 38). As with anywhere in Thailand, international cuisine costs more than local food, so the above are probably not suitable choices if you are on a budget.

Local Food

Of course, if you are visiting Thailand it’s likely you want to try the local cuisine, and Rayong has plenty of Thai restaurants to choose from. The best venues are those that are popular with the locals, such as Naidol Makham Thao (16 Khlong Khut, off Sukhumvit Road), which is very centrally located too. The food is well priced, and the menu has an excellent selection of Thai dishes, including everyone’s favourite, tom yum soup.

Or, if you want to eat somewhere a bit trendier, you should try Terra Cotta (109 Moo 2). In addition to delicious Thai food, they also prepare their own mouthwatering selection of cakes and pastries, perfect for an after lunch or dinner treat.

Seafood

If you aren’t going to the coast, but looking to try some seafood, Laem Cha Reon (Riepjaifang Rd) is right by the waterfront, but very close to the town. The restaurant has a huge terrace overlooking the ocean, and guests can enjoy a wide range of dishes, from fresh crab to deep fried seabass.

That said, the coast is where to go for the freshest and most delicious seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. The more developed areas of Mae Rumphueng, Ban Phe (Suan Son beach) and Mae Phim also have several Western style restaurants too.

Around Mae Rumphueng Beach

At Mae Rumphueng beach, it’s essential that you visit the famous Tamnanpar Restaurant (167/6 Moo 7 Sukhumvit Rd), aka The Classic Forest Restaurant, where visitors can enjoy a jungle setting, complete with streams, tropical flowers, and even a small water park. The food is quite good, but most people visit for the ambience and to enjoy some beautiful nature whilst they dine. Several times it was voted the best local restaurant in Thailand and if you can, do pay them a visit. Prices are surprisingly acceptable, so there is no reason not to go.

For Western food, Mae Rumphueng is also home to Pizza Sofia (Hat Mae Rumphueng Rd), which serves good quality thin-crust pizza. It’s possible to get take-away here, so you can take it to the beach which is just across the road!

Around Ban Phe Town

In Ban Phe town, which is where to go to catch the ferry to Koh Samet and a good base for Suan Son beach, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. There are several good seafood restaurants with views over the ocean; Talay Rayong is reasonably priced, whilst Baan Rabeang Mai is a bit pricier but closer to the water (both just west of Seree Pier).

Suan Son beach has lots of smaller seafood restaurants too. Ban Phe also has a handful of cheap Thai eateries serving pad thai and kaprao gai, close to Nuan Thip and Phe Pier.

For Western food, the best spots are either Christie’s (280/92 Liap Chai Fang Rd) or O’Leary’s (157/8 Moo 2), both of which serve various comfort food dishes, plus a good selection of cocktails and wine.

Laem Mae Phim

Further east at Laem Mae Phim beach, there are lots of seafood eateries and a couple of Western-style restaurants too. Tequila Sunrise (opposite Pimpimarn Beach Hotel, Laem Mae Phim Beach Road) has gorgeous views of the ocean, and serves both Western and Thai dishes. They also have a good cocktail selection, and the bar often has live acoustic music. Alternatively, you can head to Villa Bali (308 Moo 3 Tambon Kram) for some delicious wood-fired pizzas, live music and great atmosphere.
 

Get in

By bus

Buses leave the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekamai to Rayong and its districts via many routes. You can select to go to Rayong, Ban Phe, Klaeng, Laem Mae Phim, Map Ta Phut, or Prasae. For more information, Tel. 0 2391 2504, Rayong Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3861 1379. Rayong Tour Co,Ltd., privately-owned bus, operates a faster bus service via Hwy 7. For more information, Tel. 0 2712 3662 or Rayong branch at Tel. 0 3886 1354 – 5, Cherdchai Tour Co.,Ltd., Bangkok, Tel. 0 2391 2237, Rayong branch, Tel. 0 3867 4144. Buses serving Rayong are also available from the Northern Bus Terminal Tel. 0 2936 1216, 0 2936 0199

Rayong is the gateway from the east to the north and northeast of Thailand. As such, there are many regular bus services connecting Rayong, Bangkok, and other provinces such as Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is east of Bangkok, 150 km from Rayong. Transport by car / taxi or bus takes about 2 hours.
Intercity Bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Rayong, service hours from 06:00-21:00. Take a shuttle bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport at Level 2 or 4, Entrances 3, 6 and 9 to the Public Transportation Centre, free of charge, go to the Intercity Bus Counter and buy your ticket to Rayong.

There is also a minibus that leaves from Victory Monument. It leaves approximately every 45 minutes. The minivans are parked at the Century Mall and you can buy a ticket in the basement of the mall. The minivan will drop you off by the Clock Tower in Rayong.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By car or taxi

From Bangkok, driving to Rayong is very easy.

• By Sukhumvit Rd, Hwy 3, you can drive via Bang Pu, Bang Pakong, Bang Saen, Si Racha, Pattaya, Sattahip, Ban Chang to Rayong. This route totals 220 km.
• By Bang Na-Trat Rd, Hwy 34, you can drive through Bang Phli and Bang Bo districts of Samut Prakan province before entering Hwy 3 at km70 in Bang Pakong. Then continue the same direction as the first route. The route is a total of 220 km.
• By Hwy 36, you can drive on the second route till km140, in Bang Lamung, and turn left to Hwy 36. Rayong is 70 km away. This route totals 210 km.
• By Hwy 344, from Chonburi, you can drive through Ban Bueng, Nong Yai, Wang Chan, to Klaeng district of Rayong. This route is 180 km in distance, and suits those who are going to visit attractions in Klaeng or continue their journey to Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. Rayong is 42 kilometres away via Hwy 3.
• By Hwy 7, from Phattanakan Rd, you can drive to Chonburi then use Hwy 36 to reach Rayong. This route is a distance of 175 km.

From Bangkok City by main road Hwy 3, Sukhumvit Rd, in 3 hours.

You can hire a taxi from the Bangkok area to Rayong for about 3,000 baht.

By plane

U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP IATA, often known somewhat inaccurately as "Pattaya Airport"), Western Rayong (just off the main Sattahip-Chanthaburi (Sukhumvit) Highway, 30 km south of Pattaya), ☏ +66 38 245295. Primarily a military facility, it's the closest airport fielding commercial passenger flights, but only to a handful of destinations. There are no commercial passenger flights connecting U-Tapao directly with Bangkok. Flights to U-Tapao are covered in Pattaya Get in by plane section.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

Get around

Getting around Rayong town is pretty simple, as you can easily walk around the main downtown area where the majority of restaurants, cafes and accommodations are located.

If you want to do a bit more exploring, Caza V1 hotel rents both bicycles and motorbikes, or you can hail a motorbike taxi or songthaew. Both of these are also useful for reaching the coastal areas of Mae Rumphueng and Ban Phe. Laem Mae Phim is a fairly long journey, so it would be better to hire a motorbike or take a minibus.