About Ban Phe
Ban Phe is a coastal town in Rayong province on the Gulf of Thailand. It is best known as the departure point for the islands of Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, but it is also a fish-processing town with racks of dried seafood. At the harbour lie speedboats and wooden ferries, and among the sheds you find small eateries with fresh fish. The pine-lined beach of Suan Son is close by. The atmosphere is local and working, without the scale of Pattaya. For travellers visiting the island Ban Phe is a short stop; anyone seeking a quiet evening by the water can also stay a night. Allow enough time for the ferry and keep an eye on weather conditions in the rainy season.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to February: drier and less hot, with calmer seas for beaches and boats. May to October is the rainy season, though showers are often short; March to May is very hot. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus from Ekkamai (about 3.5 to 4 hours); from Rayong songthaews run to the pier. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Ban Phe
- Harbour for Ko Samet Speedboats and ferries leave the pier for the national park.
- Dried seafood Fish and squid are dried and sold along the harbour.
- Suan Son beach A pine-lined beach close to Ban Phe.
- Fresh fish meals Simple eateries by the harbour serve freshly caught fish.
