|
AMPHOE KHAO CHA-MAO
 Khao
Chamao – Khao Wong National Park
The last piece of virgin forest in Rayong, the park is located in
Klaeng District, 71 kilometers from the city. Declared as a National
Park in December 31, 1975, Khao Chamao – Khao Wong covers an area
of 83.6 square meters, which is home to tigers, wild elephants and
bears. The park is famous for its limestone mountains, caves, high
cliffs, verdant forests and waterfalls. Khao Chamao –Khao Wong National
Park offers the following attractions:
Namtok Khao Chamao
Namtok Khao Chamao is situated approximately 17 kilometers off of
the main highway at Km. marker 274. The main attraction and landmark
of the 8-tiered waterfall is "Wang Mutcha” a large pond on
the second level which is the habitat of Pluang fish. Reaching the
top is easy and visitors can enjoy the refreshing scenery all the
way up to the highest level of the waterfall.
 Namtok
Klong Pla Kang
Located some 3 kilometers from the National Park Office is this
7-tiered waterfall. Reaching the top of the waterfall is not quite
an easy task as visitors have to walk through the verdant forest
and also climb up the mountains. Plant lovers should not miss this
opportunity to see several kinds of plants such as ferns, orchids,
mushrooms, etc., while walking along the trails.
Pha Sawan (Heaven Cliff)
Pha Sawan is situated about 1,500 meters from the Park’s Office.
The cliff is famous for its scenic lookout point which offers an
intriguing panoramic view of the pristine forests. Various types
of plants can be found along the way up to the cliff and are ideal
for nature studies.
Camping sites are available at the price of 10 baht to pitch personal
tents. Bungalows are also available (8 all together), at the cost
of 800 baht/bungalow and have to be reserved well in advance. For
more information, call 038 894378.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden
The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhon Herbal Garden is located within
the grounds of the Petroleum Authority of Thailand, about 25 kilometers
from town on Highways No. 36 and No. 3191 in Nikhom Phatthana sub-district.
It is not only a center where various herbal plants are put on display,
the place as well engages in herbal research. Open daily from 8.30
a.m.-4.30 p.m. Tel: 0-3868-1817-30.
AMPHOE BAN CHANG
Hat Phayun and Hat Phala
Hat Phayun and Hat Phala are located approximately 32 and 34 kilometers
respectively from the town of Rayong. Shaded by pine trees, the
beaches offer unique opportunities for tourists to unwind in tranquility.
Hotels and bungalows are available as perfect hideaways.
AMPHOE BAN KHAI
Suphattraland
Thirty kilometres from town is Suphattraland, an extensive orchard
open to the public. It grows succulent mangosteen, durian and rambutan.
They generally mature in late April-June. Visitors can enjoy not
only the pleasant surroundings but also taste for themselves freshly-picked
fruits from the trees.
Opend daily : 08.00-18.00 Ask for more information at Supattra
Land Garden Office Tel : 0 3889 2048-9 Fax : 0 3889 2255
AMPHOE KLAENG
Ao Kai-Laem Tan
This little cape located beyond Laem Mae Phim in Klaeng District
is located near a small fishing village, where the main occupation
is to pickle jellyfish. Set in tranquil ambience the place is marvelous
for seafood lovers with seafood restaurants providing reasonably
priced seafood dishes of good quality. Traveling to Ko Man Klang
can be done by taking a speedboat from here.
Ko Man Nai
This small island located approximately 5 kilometers off shore from
Laem Mae Phim has been developed into a Sea Turtle Preservation
Sanctuary under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen. The
place is open to the public from Monday to Sunday. Nearby are Ko
Man Klang and Ko Man Nok which are famous for their immaculate white
sandy beaches and hip boutique resorts.
Resorts on Ko Man Klang and Ko Man Nok offer accommodation packages
that include boat transfer from the Rayong pier and three meals
/ day. Call to book your place in advance at 02 860 3025-6. The
boat trip takes only 30 minutes from the pier.
 Laem
Mae Phim
This cape can be reach either from Sukhumvit Road by taking a right
turn at km. markers 259.5, 263 or 268, or proceeding further for
another 1 kilometre from Wang Kaew on the beach road. This is a
perfect spot either for relaxation and swimming or sampling local
foods. To the north of the cape is a small off-shore isle named
Ko Khi Pla.
Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Shrine
This shrine, which was built to honor Somdej Krommaluang Chumphon,
"Father of the Royal Thai Navy”, who is highly revered by the
locals is situated near the Prasair River in Klaeng District.
Sunthon Phu Memorial
Five kilometers further on from Laem Mae Phim on the beach road
(Highway No. 3145) is the Sunthorn Phu Memorial. The place was built
to commemorate one of Thailand’s most famous poets. Sunthon Phu,
a Rayong native, had written his literary works during the early
part of the Ratanakosin era (some two hundred years ago), with Phra
Aphai Mani being his most well-known work.
Wang Kaeo
A recreational park and resort located approximately 11 kilometers
from Suan Son on the beach road, Wang Kaew provides accommodations
and other tourist facilities. For more information, call 0-3863-8067-8
or 0-2259-4150-1 (Bangkok).
Wat Saranat Thammaram
Near the turning point at km. marker 265 on Highway No. 3 is Wat
Saranat Thammaram, which was built in 1945. The main attraction
of this temple is a beautiful ubosot and a replica of the highly
revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat statue of Phitsanulok. Around the
ubosot are also replicas of major Buddhist monuments from Thailand’s
four regions.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Ban Kon Ao (The Fisherman's village)
The best place in town to discover the traditional way of life is
from a small but typical fisherman’s village located at the end
of Hat Mae Ramphueng. Visitors can also see how they catch fish
and process seafood. An additional attraction worth visiting is
the Catholic Church established near the village over 100 years
ago.
Ban Phe
A seaside town located approximately 19 kilometers southeast of
the city, Ban Phe is the best place to enjoy relaxing on a long
white sandy beach while sampling sumptuous seafood. Ban Phe is a
major fishing community in the province, hence, the wide range of
fresh and preserved seafood products or other local products. In
addition, Ban Phe is also the departure point for Ko Samet.
Hat Laem Charoen
This beach is located 5 kilometers from the city and is a popular
area among the locals and tourists as it is the location of many
great seafood restaurants.
Hat Mae Ramphueng
This 12-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach is a perfect place
to enjoy the scenery while swimming. The beach trails along the
way to meet Ban Kon Ao, where a small fishing community can be found.
Accommodations and restaurants are available.
Hat Saeng Chan
Situated approximately 7 kilometers from the city, this beach is
connected to Laem Charoen beach and is also suitable for swimming.
Accommodations and restaurants are available.
Khao Laem Ya
Travel a little further from Ban Kon Ao on the beach road and visitors
will reach Khao Laem Ya and Mu Ko Samet National Park which are
shaded with small shrubs and has a cape jutting into the sea. Along
one side of the hill is a long stretch of beach where the headquarters
of the Khao Laem Ya-Samet Islands National Park is located. For
more information, contact Khao Laem Ya and Mu Ko Samet Nation Park
Office: Tel: (66 38)653 034, from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Ko Samet
A favorite get-away island for Bangkokians, Ko Samet offers extensive
pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks.
A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat
for those looking for sun, sand and sea. The climate is always pleasantly
cool with an abundance of rain in August and windy monsoons in May.
There are a wide range of accommodations on the island with prices
at the low-end starting from 200 baht for a bungalow with basic
amenities, while bungalows with furniture and air-conditioning may
start at the rate of 600 baht. Mid-range hotels and resorts mostly
located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are also available. Reservations
for accommodations should be made in advance as the place gets crowded
especially during the festive season.
Attractions on Ko Samet include:
Hat Sai Kaeo
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,
visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing,
riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.
Accommodations provided include bungalows and villas.
Ao Noi Na
Ao Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has different
ambience. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking
for a truly relaxing experience on the white, clean sandy beach.
Ao Hin Khok
Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky
sea point where a mermaid statue is located. The beach, which is
half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is famous for its strangely shaped
rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts located along the beach,
and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh, quality seafood
dishes.
Ao Pai
Located close to Hat Sai Kaew, Ao Pai is therefore quite crowded.
For visitors interested in sunbathing, this is the ideal place as
swimming is not recommended as there is whirlpool on the sea, as
designated by the red flag.
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 quite retreat
that reunites visitors with nature in its crystal clear waters.
Ao Thapthim
Ao Tub Tim, which is set in a tranquil 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 Nuan
Ao Nuan is located near Ao Put Sa and is a perfect hideaway
for holidaymakers in search of tranquility.
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 beautiful white sandy beach
and good accommodations. On top of this, good seafood restaurants
with nice views are also available.
Ao Thian (Candlelight Beach)
Ao Thian’s topography is painted by rocky beach in which some
nice spots for skin diving are available. This beach is very quiet
and free from group tours with bungalows and resorts available around
the beach area.
Ao Wai
Ao Wai is located within a short walking distance of Candlelight
Beach. Shaded by coconut trees, the beach is a quite, scenic and
serene spot for sea lovers.
Ao Kiu Nok
This bay is a perfect secluded den for those planning to keep
their distance from the busy, crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife.
From Aow Kiew Nok, visitors can actually walk to Aow Kiew Nai which
is the ideal spot to see the spectacular sun rise and sun set.
Ao Karang
The best place 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 fresh seafood dishes at reasonable
prices.
Ao Wiang Wan
Ao Wiang Wan is located on the west of Na Dan Pier, a large
bay where lots of sport activities such as fishing, etc. take place.
Ao Phrao
Ao Prow is one of the quietest beaches of Ko Samet. Located
quite far away from the lively nightlife of Ko Samet; Ao Prow is
preferred by travelers who quietly enjoy the deep blue sea and white
sand in the sunshine. Ao Prow has a long white sandy beach which
is ideal for swimming.
Phra Chedi Klang Nam (Wat Samut Khongkha or Wat Pak Nam)
Built at the center of the isle at the mouth of the Rayong River,
the pagoda is located about 2 kilometers from town. The origin of
the pagoda, which stands about 10 meters high, is still unknown.
Sailors once used it as the sign of arrival in Rayong. An annual
celebration held during November, features an exciting boat and
Loy Krathong Festival.
Suan Si Mueang
Dubbed as "Ko Klang" by the locals, Suan Sri Muang is
a public park and health center. Located behind the former city
hall, the park is well known for its landmark – the Phra Buddha
Angkhirot (Buddhist Shrine) housed in a traditional Thai style shrine.
Suan Son
This beach is located approximately 4 kilometers from Ban Phe. Travel
along the beach-front road and visitors will find a place that offers
true relaxation under the shade of pine trees. The scenic beach
is eminently suited to relaxation and swimming. Accommodations and
food shops are also available.
The City Pillar Shrine
A pavilion located on Lak Muang Road, the shrine was previously
made from wood, and later was restored, using brick and mortar,
as a Chinese-style pavilion. Highly revered by the locals, the shrine
is usually crowded especially during the Song Kran Festival.
The King Taksin Shrine
Located at Wat Lum Mahachai Chumpon on Taksin Road, the shrine was
built to commemorate King Taksin the Great's brief stopover in Rayong
to mobilize his troops and liberate the Kingdom of Ayutthaya from
the Burmese. Legend has it that King Taksin the Great’s elephant
was believed to be stabled at a large Parkia tree (in front of the
shrine). A well-regarded place by the locals, especially the Sino-Thais,
the shrine attracts big crowds during Chinese New Year and on December
28th.
The Sopha Arboretum
The extensive grounds located near the entrance to Ban Phe, just
about 200 meters off Highway No.3 at Km. marker 238 are home to
various flowering plants. A 100-year-old Thai-style wooden structure
houses porcelain ware from various periods, in particular the Ban
Chiang style. The place is open daily except Thursdays from 8.00
a.m. until 5.00 p.m. Contact Tel: 0-3865-1688 for more information.
Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon
Also dubbed "Wat Lum Market” by the locals, the temple is located
next to a market which offers interesting local Thai and Chinese
food.
Just watching the old houses located along the street behind the
market can inspire your imagination on daily activities and lifestyles
of the past.
Wat Pa Pradu
Believed to be constructed during the Ayutthaya era, the temple
houses a 12-meter-long Reclining Buddha which measures 11.95 meters
long and 3.60 meters high. Unlike other reclining statues, the image
lies on the left, instead of the right. The viharn was later built
over the image in 1981.
|
