General
Information
Located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another
delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast – Rayong province.
A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine
beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic
waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong
is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp
paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of
which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.
Covering a total area of 3,552 square kilometers, Rayong borders
Chonburi Province on the north and the west, the Gulf of
Thailand on the south, and Chantaburi Province on the east. Most
of the land is marked by a series of mountains interspersed by
flat plains and large tracts of forest and fruit plantations.
Administratively, the province is divided into Mueang Rayong,
Klaeng, Ban Khai, Bang Chang, Pluak Daeng and Wang Chan
districts and Khao Chamao and Nikhom Phatthana Sub-districts.
Boasting indispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the
country’s major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the
other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and
customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to
visit Rayong are from November to February.
The Past
During the late Ayutthaya period, when the former capital was
being razed to the ground by the invading Burmese, Phaya Tak led
a troop of patriots, broke through the cordon of besieging
troops and marched to Rayong in order to build up his navy
before proceeding on to Chanthaburi. Because of his courage and
bravery, the soldiers and local population anointed him as
"King" in Rayong. Once he had built up sufficient troop
strength, Phaya Tak who later became King Taksin of the Kingdom
of Thonburi returned to Ayutthaya, routed the Burmese and set up
a new capital in Thonburi.
How to
get there By Car Route No.1
Sukhumvit Road (Highway No.3): Starting from Bangkok passes
Bangpu District, Chonburi town, Bangsaen, Sri Racha District,
Pattaya, Hat Jomtien, Sattahip District, Ban Chang District to
arrive in the center of Rayong Province. The total distance is
220 kilometers.
Route No.2
The most popular route, starting from Bangna-Trat Road (Highway
No.34) via Bang Phli and Bang Bo District (Samut Prakan
Province) and Highway No.3 at km. 70. The total distance is 220.
Route No.3
Drive along Highway No.3 to Bang Lamung, then turn off of
Highway No.3 at Km.140 and continue on Highway No.36 to Rayong.
Total distance is 210 kilometers.
Route No.4
Taking Highway No.344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) at Chonburi town,
passing Ban Bung, Nong Yai, Wang Chan and finishing at Klaeng
District, Rayong Province. The total distance is 100 kilometers.
(Bangkok-Chonburi is 80 kilometers)
This route is suitable for those who like to go sightseeing in
Klaeng District and Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park or
passing through Chanthaburi Province.
Route No.5
Use the Motorway, starting from Phatthanakarn Road, Prawet
District, Bangkok and drive all the way up to Pattaya (120
kilometers), then switch to use Highway No.36 and proceed for
another 50 kilometers to Rayong. By Air
Bangkok Airways operates one flight everyday from Phuket via Ko
Samui to Rayong-U Ta Pao International Airport. For more
information contact Bangkok Airways in Bangkok, Tel :(662) 265
5555 or travel agencies in Rayong.
By Bus Rayong is the gateway from the east to the north and
northeast. As such, there are many regular bus services
connecting Rayong and Bangkok and other province such as Chiang
Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.
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