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 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.
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